E-Bike Peru From Cusco to Machu Picchu

Our e-biking adventures allow you to experience the beauty of nature and uncover hidden gems of a destination. An e-bike isn't just a fitness shortcut – it's your gateway to exploring further, reaching more remote and wild places. Rather than seeing e-bikes as an 'easy option,' we see them as a powerful enabler, giving you the freedom to discover areas that would otherwise be difficult to access – unlocking a whole new level of adventure.

Riding an ebike feels similar to riding a regular bike, but with a little extra oomph from the electric motor, providing a smooth, effortless boost on tough climbs or rough terrain. This allows you to focus on the journey and soak up the surroundings, without getting overly fatigued. You’ll still need to pedal, but you can easily adjust the level of assistance to match your preferences. Essentially, it’s great fun and a fantastic way to explore further.

On all of our cycling trips, we’ve found a local host who has put together a perfect route, and has expert guides to navigate for you all the way. We also send a van that transports your overnight luggage, provide high-quality bikes, and supply you with delicious snacks to keep you going.

Your e-bike will assist with about 25% of the effort on an average ride, meaning you'll provide about 75% of the effort. There will be moments when you'll need to switch to Boost mode for short bursts of power, especially on challenging terrain or steep sections. However, most of your ride will be in Eco and Trail modes, with Eco mode often being your go-to on climbs to conserve battery life throughout the day. This balance ensures a smooth, enjoyable ride while still giving you the thrill of exploration on two wheels.

In terms of speed, the power assistance on e-bikes is typically capped at around 25kph (15mph). If you want to go faster, you'll need to pedal harder! You can adjust the power levels to match your pace and terrain. Your cycling guide will brief you on how to use the different modes to optimise your ride and make the battery last:

Eco Mode: Low power for energy efficiency, giving you longer battery life on flat terrain.
Auto Mode: Automatically adjusts the power based on terrain and your pedalling effort for a more balanced ride.
Sport Mode: Provides mid-range power, ideal for moderate hills and faster cruising. Turbo Mode: Delivers maximum power, perfect for steep hills or when you want to ride fast.

When it comes to battery power, the e-bike batteries are typically charged overnight, usually at your accommodation. There will be a couple of spare batteries in the support vehicle just in case. However, if you manage your battery usage throughout the day (for example, by avoiding using turbo mode all the time), you’ll find that the battery lasts long enough for most rides without any issues.

Please check that e-biking is covered under your travel insurance. Our e-bikes are pedal-assist and comply with UK/EU regulations on power limits (unless stated otherwise for specific destinations).

You’ll be riding a Haibike S'Duro Full Seven E-bike (or similar) – a high-performance, aluminium-framed, full suspension e-bike designed for a variety of terrains, from smooth roads to trails. These bikes are equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor for excellent power on climbs and descents, and a Yamaha Lithium Ionen 36 Volt (500w/h) battery for long-lasting rides. Each bike comes with a mounted LCD digital display for easy tracking of speed, distance, and battery status.

Before your trip, your host will ask for your height to ensure the correct frame size is provided. Each bike is equipped with standard flat pedals, and male/standard saddles. If you prefer to use your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), feel free to bring them, and they’ll be fitted for you.

Can I bring my own bike? Bringing your own bike is discouraged. This is due to a lack of storage for bike boxes/bags, and also, the support trailers are tailored to fit the bikes the host provides, which means safe carriage of your personal bike cannot be guaranteed. In addition, your own bike may require special parts for maintenance which may not be locally available, nor possible for the support vehicle mechanics to repair, so the use of the bikes provided by your host is recommended.

On some days, you'll cycle point to point; on others, there'll be a short transfer of less than an hour to get you between locations. This helps keep you off busy roads and on the best cycling routes. The backroads of the Sacred Valley take a bit of piecing together to ensure the riding will be fun and stress-free, and the van will provide some time to kick back and take it all in.

The ratio on this is trip is one guide per seven customers; this means that for groups of eight or more people, there will be two cycling guides. Throughout, you will be accompanied by a support vehicle driven by a bike mechanic.

A permit is required to visit Machu Picchu, and this is included in the price of your trip. Your host in Peru secures entry permits to fit in with your program, with each permit pre-purchased in your name and passport number. For late bookings, permits may only be available for a later time slot, meaning you could enter separately from the group. To increase your chances of securing a permit with the group, we strongly recommend booking early and providing your host with your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth as soon as possible (preferably at the time of booking). The permits are limited, and once purchased they are non-refundable and non-transferable. If your passport details change after they've been purchased then it's no problem, please just let your host know and bring your old passport with you to access Machu Picchu.

Your local host will handle the booking of your Machu Picchu permits which are booked using your passport details, so please provide your full name, nationality, passport number and date of birth at the time of booking — at time of booking or as early as possible. If these are not provided then your host is unable to book the permits once bookings are open with Peru’s Ministry of Culture and the dedicated time and circuit will be sold out quickly. Once issued, permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. You’ll need to travel with the same passport you booked with. If your passport changes after booking, just let your local host know and bring the original one with you for entry.

If you can, we would certainly recommend it! Cusco sits proudly at 3400m above sea level, so giving yourself 1–2 days before your e-bike adventure begins is the perfect way to ease into the altitude. If you'd like to arrange a private airport transfer and additional night(s) in Cusco, your host can help with the arrangements – see Optional Extras for pricing.

The support vehicle will carry large containers of purified drinking water, so you’ll be able to top up your bottles throughout the ride. While a few hotels may have water filters, sadly most don’t and prefer to sell single-use plastic bottles. To help reduce waste, we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle with an integrated filter.

In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative route or activity will be offered.

For each person on this trip in 2027, a $99 contribution to the Positive Impact Fund will go directly towards the following:

1. Fully offsetting the carbon footprint of your time in Peru, via a carbon sink project in Manu National Park run by Regenera Peru

2. Planting a guaranteed minimum of two native queuña polyepolis trees per person, per day, in the high Andes — helping to protect vital water sources, support hundreds of local farming jobs and regenerate the land

3. Supporting initiatives like Green Hero Peru, which provide sustainability education for up to 3,000 children each year, run clean-ups along riverbanks and public spaces, and aim to establish a new container library annually in a local community

Please note that for 2026 Departures this fund is not included in the cost of the trip, however if you wish to donate locally then this can be donated directly to the host in Peru.

Your local host will provide a suitable helmet that conforms to recognised safety standards. If you have sizing concerns, contact your local host in advance so they can advise on fit and availability.

If you wish to bring your own helmet it must be suitable for the activity and conform to recognised safety standards. Please see our Cycling safety guidance for further information.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Peruvian cuisine is one of the most diverse in South America, shaped by a remarkable geography that spans coastal fisheries, Andean highlands and Amazonian jun…Peruvian cuisine is one of the most diverse in South America, shaped by a remarkable geography that spans coastal fisheries, Andean highlands and Amazonian jungle, alongside centuries of influence from Indigenous, Spanish, African, Japanese and Chinese communities. The result is a varied and ingredient-rich food culture, where fresh produce, seafood, grains and tubers feature prominently across different regions. Most travellers with dietary requirements will find Peru relatively accommodating, as the breadth of the cuisine means plant-based, gluten-free and pescatarian options are commonly available. It helps to communicate requirements clearly in advance, and your guide will be well placed to assist with this throughout the trip.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Peruvian vegetarian dishes rely heavily on native Andean ingredients like quinoa, potatoes, corn, and yellow chilies.

Vegan -Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. The Host is unable to guarantee a separate, certified cooking/preparation area or the use of certified kosher products. They can, however, provide meals that exclude non-Kosher ingredients (such as pork and shellfish) and avoid mixing meat and dairy. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal -Certified Halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below) -Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Lactose Free -Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as grilled meats, rice and vegetable dishes.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

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

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 as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The one thing you can say for sure about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to accurately predict. You can have beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season, and hail storms in the dry season. In the Andes, wet and dry are the two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from May to October and you can expect clear skies, sunny days, with daytime temperatures of around 18-25ºC. The nights tend to be colder, and temperatures can drop significantly, so it's advisable to bring layers. The wet season runs from November to April and the weather can be unpredictable. Daytime temperatures are relatively mild, and it tends to be cloudier, with a higher chance of rain. Rainfall is usually heaviest from December to March.