No technical skill is required, just some strong-ish legs and a sense of adventure! You should be comfortable riding back to back days covering an average of 50km a day. As this whole trip is at altitude, it has been designed to have an overall downhill bias - it's not much fun puffing up hills when your lungs have less oxygen than usual. You will need to be a cyclist and some previous riding on dirt roads, away from tarmac, would be useful but not essential - you'll soon learn that 50km on road vs on gravel and dirt tracks is quite different and a different type of cycling fun. The riding on this trip is on approx 80% dirt roads and 20% paved roads - although you will be riding mountain bikes this is not mountain biking in the standard sense - the bikes are chosen for being robust and comfy so perfect for the terrain covered.

You will be cycling at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to stop and take in the spectacular scenery. Each day is also designed so that some extra riding can be added should the group desire some more km's to get stuck into - your guides are keen cyclists so will take no persuading for some extra leg-work. You will also have a truck with you (away from the group while riding) to transport your overnight stuff and spare bike bits, so if the going gets too tough or too hot, you can always jump in for a bit of respite.

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although everyone is welcome!

You'll be riding double-suspension Specialized Cambers bikes. These are light double suspension aluminum mountain bikes - perfect for a comfortable ride on the tracks and on the paved sections. They all come with standard flat pedals and male/standard saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPD's), please do and these will be fitted for you.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

You will be provided with filtered water throughout so there is no need to purchase any single-use plastic water bottles. Bring 2 x reusable bottles instead, they will be well used.

While in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you are in the high mountains and plains. As in other alpine areas, you can expect brisk, often sunny conditions in the daytime, perfect for outdoor activities. Expect daytime temperatures in the range of 15 - 25 ̊C, and cold nights – bring a good fleece, or down jacket if you feel the cold. In the lower land, near the end of the trip and at Machu Picchu, daytime temperatures are generally in the range of 20 - 30 ̊C and it can feel hotter due to humidity and strong sun. Nights are cooler but still very mild. The trip runs in the dry season so rain is unlikely but you are in the mountains so of course should be prepared for all weathers.

The Peruvian Andes are high, no denying it. Spectacular but high. Cusco sits at 3399m so you'll be sure to feel the altitude when arriving - your host advises to not drink alcohol immediately and to walk slowly to get used to the change. As you will be spending the first two nights of the trip in Cusco there will be enough time to acclimatise before getting higher. The highest pass you will reach is 4425m but you'll be cycling downhill from here so will gradually enjoy more oxygen in your lungs. Your guides are all used to working with people at altitude so will advise you further when you arrive.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. The number of support staff varies depending on how many cyclists are in your group (5 support staff for a group of 4 cyclists, up to 8 support staff for a group of 13 cyclists), which of course impacts the suggested amount of tips. We suggest that you budget approx $80-$120 in tips for your trip - this will ensure all of the support staff (the team of guides, cooks and drivers) will have a share of tips at the end of the trip regardless of the group size on the trip. Your guide will assist with tips at the end of the trip.

Sure thing - you can leave any extra gear at the host's base in Cusco or at the guesthouse you will be staying at pre and post cycling.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Customer safety is our top priority - we monitor the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - FCDO travel advice and keep in regular contact with our host partner in Peru for the latest updates on the ground. Politically motivated protests are not uncommon in Peru and these can lead to some disruption to transport links and occasionally the closure of sites. As of 14 February protests are ongoing in Peru but Machu Picchu (which had been closed in response) has now reopened to visitors. Based on the advice of our local hosts we anticipate that the situation will settle down in the coming weeks and expect to operate the 2023 season from May onwards as planned. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your holiday in response to a change in FCDO travel advice or disruption, you will be offered the option of a full refund for your MBA booking.

Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4425m).

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.

Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.