Ride quiet Andean trails, paddle a glassy highland lake and sleep in Aguas Calientes before a guided sunrise at Machu Picchu. This private overnight blends easy adventure with cultural stops in Chinchero and Maras.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The day begins before dawn in Cusco, when a private van slips out of the city and climbs into the thinning air of the Sacred Valley. You feel altitude in the first pedal stroke—breath a touch shorter, the light sharper—while river valleys and snowcapped peaks slide by like a changing map.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Reasonable cardiovascular fitness recommended; able to cycle on flat-to-rolling trails, paddle on calm water, and walk on uneven, high-altitude terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Sacred Valley was a core agricultural region for the Inca, who engineered terraces and irrigation systems that still shape local farming and salt production at Maras.
Conservation
Machu Picchu restricts visitor routes and numbers to limit wear; stay on marked paths, pack out trash and avoid single-use plastics to protect fragile highland ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Kayak & Bike Tour: Overnight in Sacred Valley Including Machu Picchu from Cusco today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude effects; avoid heavy exertion the first day and hydrate well.
Pack a compact rain shell
Afternoon showers are common, especially Dec–Mar; a lightweight waterproof keeps you dry during lake and ridge sections.
Wear grippy, comfortable footwear
Trails include gravel, cobbles and wet banks—shoes with good tread and ankle support help on bike-to-hike transitions.
Reserve Wayna Picchu in advance
If you want the Wayna Picchu summit, book the limited permit separately—the tour’s Machu Picchu entry won’t guarantee it.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on cobblestones, wet lake banks and ruin steps.
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Protects against common afternoon rains during the austral summer.
summer
Hydration system (1–2 L)
Maintains hydration in dry, high-altitude air and during activity.
Sun hat and SPF sunscreen
High-altitude sun is strong—protect skin and eyes during midday exposures.