Make this your year to Encounter Peru -- Inquire now!
Get to know a slice of Peru--its people, its culture, its history and archeology--in a unique and intimate way: bicycling in the Colca Valley and the Sacred Valley, with two days to explore Machu Picchu!
Experience a vibrant culture, history written in stone, rare animals and plants, and a magnificent landscape, while enjoying three days of easy cycling high in the Peruvian Andes, on the verge of the world’s deepest canyon. Then visit Cuzco, known to the Incas as “the navel of the world;” ride past Inca terraces and salt pans in use for centuries, before visiting Machu Picchu, a World Cultural Heritage site and a once-in-a-lifetime destination!
ENCOUNTER PERU will take you to the Colca Valley of southern Peru, in the region of Arequipa. The Colca is a remote valley where two pre-Inca cultures are integrating with the modern world. This is the realm of the Andean condor, and our route takes us from a view of 20,000’, snow-capped volcanoes, to the beginning of what, by some measures, is the deepest canyon in the world, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Our easy rides on rented mountain bikes will take us downhill from 15,800’ on paved roads (with optional intermediate gravel trails), riding past epic mountain scenery, agricultural terraces in use for 800 years, rare plants and animals, and archeological sites that put you in close touch with a rich history.
You’ll experience first-hand the world of the Collagua culture, as we visit markets and artisan workshops, and spend a night in a traditional homestay.
ENCOUNTER PERU will take you to the Colca Valley of southern Peru, in the region of Arequipa. The Colca is a remote valley where two pre-Inca cultures are integrating with the modern world. This is the realm of the Andean condor, and our route takes us from a view of 20,000’, snow-capped volcanoes, to the beginning of what, by some measures, is the deepest canyon in the world, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Our easy rides on rented mountain bikes will take us downhill from 15,800’ on paved roads (with optional intermediate gravel trails), riding past epic mountain scenery, agricultural terraces in use for 800 years, rare plants and animals, and archeological sites that put you in close touch with a rich history.
You’ll experience first-hand the world of the Collagua culture, as we visit markets and artisan workshops, and spend a night in a traditional homestay.
Attractions—Colca Valley portion of trip:
The Colca is a place like no other in which to experience Peru's cultural, spiritual, artisanal and scenic values. Encounter Peru makes it a thrilling experience!
High-altitude mountain biking in the land of the condor, without the hard breathing! Start high, and ride downhill, on the brink of the world’s deepest canyon.
Scenery: Expansive vistas including snow-capped volcanoes, astride South America’s continental divide, and giddy views from the lip of a profound chasm that reaches more than 13,600’ in depth. We’ll visit colorful markets and traditional villages, where the women still commonly dress in their traditional embroidered skirts and hats. We’ll be riding alongside the Colca river for much of our trip, past fields sown with quinoa, potatoes, and barley, and pastures where llamas and alpaca graze.
High-altitude mountain biking in the land of the condor, without the hard breathing! Start high, and ride downhill, on the brink of the world’s deepest canyon.
Scenery: Expansive vistas including snow-capped volcanoes, astride South America’s continental divide, and giddy views from the lip of a profound chasm that reaches more than 13,600’ in depth. We’ll visit colorful markets and traditional villages, where the women still commonly dress in their traditional embroidered skirts and hats. We’ll be riding alongside the Colca river for much of our trip, past fields sown with quinoa, potatoes, and barley, and pastures where llamas and alpaca graze.
the realm of the condor . . . and authentic cultures
History: This is a land of pre-Inca cultures and archeological sites, including caves sporting prehistoric rock art, colonial churches, and more than 25,000 acres of agricultural terraces, one of the most heavily-terraced landscapes on earth.
Culture: Andean culture is well-preserved in the Colca valley, and you’ll have a chance to experience it first-hand, staying a night in family homes in small villages. Quechua is still the first language of many homes, and local celebrations are authentic fiestas, not tourist events.
Flora & Fauna: You’ll have a chance to see unusual and rare species, such as the vicuña (the alpaca’s wild cousin) and vizcacha (related to the chinchilla), as well as the “Majestic Lord of the Andes,” the Andean condor. Sightings are also possible for eagles, flamingos, foxes, and more. Rare plants include Yareta, which only grows at 14,000’, quenua trees, various cacti, and many medicinal herbs.
Geography: A highlight of the trip is the chance to see wild landforms, including snow-capped volcanoes that soar to more than 20,000’, oddly-sculpted volcanic hills, a gorge twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, and to visit natural hot springs.
Culture: Andean culture is well-preserved in the Colca valley, and you’ll have a chance to experience it first-hand, staying a night in family homes in small villages. Quechua is still the first language of many homes, and local celebrations are authentic fiestas, not tourist events.
Flora & Fauna: You’ll have a chance to see unusual and rare species, such as the vicuña (the alpaca’s wild cousin) and vizcacha (related to the chinchilla), as well as the “Majestic Lord of the Andes,” the Andean condor. Sightings are also possible for eagles, flamingos, foxes, and more. Rare plants include Yareta, which only grows at 14,000’, quenua trees, various cacti, and many medicinal herbs.
Geography: A highlight of the trip is the chance to see wild landforms, including snow-capped volcanoes that soar to more than 20,000’, oddly-sculpted volcanic hills, a gorge twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, and to visit natural hot springs.
Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and . . . Machu Picchu, of course!
History: Cuzco (also sometimes spelled Cusco or Qosco) was the royal city of the Inca empire, reaching its peak in the 150 years before the Spanish conquest in the 1530’s. There are no words to describe how exquisite is the remaining stonework that they bequeathed to us, on a scale from the small to the monumental. Much more was lost in the conquest and subsequent upheaval wrought by war and colonization, but what remains is spectacular. We’ll visit sites in and around Cuzco, before bicycling down into the Sacred Valley.
We’ll see the magnificent terraces and colossal stones in Ollantaytambo before visiting Machu Picchu, one of the world’s premier archeological sites. An experienced guide, who knows the country and the culture:
"Russ & Jean - you provided a portal into Peruvian culture, customs, history, food and friends that a typical tourist could never experience. The trip was essentially flawless thanks to your connections and due diligence. I highly recommend Encounter Peru to any traveler wanting a more comprehensive and fun adventure at a 3-4 star level. The two of you are great people." Maura Schwartz
Prices not set; minimum 6, maximum 10 people. All trips guided personally by Russ Lawrence.
Includes 12 nights lodging, flights within Peru (Lima to Arequipa, Arequipa to Cuzco, Cuzco to Lima), all ground transportation, English-speaking guides, rental bikes, train to Machu Picchu, archeological site/tourist zone entrance fees, most meals (as noted in itinerary), and tips; does not include flights to/from Lima, departure taxes, etc. Dates and prices are tentative. Details on request.
To secure a place, send a $500 deposit, refundable until the trip is filled and confirmed (6-10 people). Final payment will be due 90 days prior to departure. For more details, contact Russ Lawrence, (406) 363-1279; 600 South 5th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840. Email: Russworks@outlook.com.
Participants should be fit and have basic/intermediate cycling skills.
"Russ & Jean - you provided a portal into Peruvian culture, customs, history, food and friends that a typical tourist could never experience. The trip was essentially flawless thanks to your connections and due diligence. I highly recommend Encounter Peru to any traveler wanting a more comprehensive and fun adventure at a 3-4 star level. The two of you are great people." Maura Schwartz
Prices not set; minimum 6, maximum 10 people. All trips guided personally by Russ Lawrence.
Includes 12 nights lodging, flights within Peru (Lima to Arequipa, Arequipa to Cuzco, Cuzco to Lima), all ground transportation, English-speaking guides, rental bikes, train to Machu Picchu, archeological site/tourist zone entrance fees, most meals (as noted in itinerary), and tips; does not include flights to/from Lima, departure taxes, etc. Dates and prices are tentative. Details on request.
To secure a place, send a $500 deposit, refundable until the trip is filled and confirmed (6-10 people). Final payment will be due 90 days prior to departure. For more details, contact Russ Lawrence, (406) 363-1279; 600 South 5th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840. Email: Russworks@outlook.com.
Participants should be fit and have basic/intermediate cycling skills.
