Experience Perú in a way few ever get to see: pedalling through the rugged mountain trails on your bike!
Not for the faint of heart, mountain biking in Perú is one of the most adventurous ways to experience this vibrant country. Epic downhills, stunning vistas, challenging trails and probably the most fun you’ll have all summer are guaranteed to make this adventure the highlight of your travels. You can mountain bike some of Perú’s most famous trails in the Cordilleras such as, Huascaran, Yerupaja, Maras, and so many more. We put together some tips to ensure your get the most from your experience and have an absolute blast.
1. Start Training Early
The Cordillera mountain range in Perú is home to some of the highest peaks in the Andes, in fact, the Cordillera Blanca features 18 peaks above 6,000m! That’s enough to make even the most experienced of bikers dizzy. Before your trip, put together a comprehensive training schedule to help keep your body in great shape and to prepare your muscles for extended bike trips. Your schedule should include cardio, long-distance bike rides and strength training. If possible, consider training at high altitude. You’ll thank yourself on that first night in Perú when your muscles take less time to recover from pedalling the high mountain passes!
2. Invest in Proper Gear
You have the option to bring your own bike or rent one, but under demanding conditions it’s usually better to bring your trusted bike. It’s highly recommended that you invest in a good helmet, gloves, water bottles, padded shorts, and clothing layers created for mountain weather. One of the most important pieces of equipment for mountain biking might be the dropper post. An automatic seat adjuster, this post can be extremely useful when navigating tricky parts of the trail where a saddle does more harm than good. The dropper post pushes your seat down five or six inches without you having to get off. Check out this one from Outside magazine.
3. Pack Your Favorite Snacks
More than likely your expedition will include a pack van or animals that will carry your heavier items while you bike the trail. Bring along your favorite refueling snacks in your day bag and leave the extras with your bigger bag. Having the right fuel for your body means you eliminate the uncertainty that can come from foreign and secluded environments. You understand your body and what it requires for optimal function. It’s important to maintain those same practices while on the trail to ensure a successful trip.
4. Make a Packing List
Planning a mountain biking trip to Perú takes time, and it also requires careful planning when it comes to packing. For the first few days of your trip you will probably be doing acclimitization rides, after that, you’ll be in the wilderness with limited access to resources, meaning you need to pack smart. Don’t forget your parka and moisture wicking layers. Look closely at your itinerary to help you determine what exactly you’ll need to pack. Most likely, you won’t have time to spend shopping for specialty gear, so bring everything you’ll need. That being said, there are plenty of outfitters in Huaraz and Lima is a very big city with a strong biking culture, just in case you do forget something.
5. Contact Your Guide Before You Go
The absolute best person to contact before you travel is your guide. Your guide is an experienced, local mountain biking professional and will be able to answer all of your questions and give you plenty of packing, travel, and training tips. Also, if you’ve already been in contact with your guide it will feel more like a trip with friends when you finally arrive!
6. ENJOY IT
Not many people get to experience the adventure of biking through the Cordilleras. Take a deep breathe and know you are in good hands with your experienced guide. We wouldn’t send you on a mountain bike adventure with just anyone, we connect you to experienced, knowledgeable and fun guides! Get in touch with us today to book your spot, it’s guaranteed to be one epic adventure.
Be sure to check out the Mountain Bike Yerupaja expedition in August. We have spots available!
