Biking in the Cordillera Negra & Blanca
BIKING
With great access to many hidden singletrack paths and gravel roads, Churup Mountain Lodge offers bike excursions and tours in the Peruvian Andes. Varying in length, difficulty and distance there are several options for different levels of fitness and capabilities.
PITEC INTRO CIRCUIT (HD)
Pick-Up Time: 09:00 / Drop-Off Time: Aprox 13:30 / Max Altitude: 3850m
Difficulty: Beginner / Distance: 25K / Duration: Aprox 4hrs 30mins
This half-day bike excursion is ideal for intermediate or novice bikers or those looking to acclimatise gradually to the area. You will be collected at the lodge at 09:00 and leave Churup Mountain Hotel with your guide and head up on the gravel wide, through the surrounding fields gaining impressive views of the surrounding countryside and mountains, before arriving at Pitec. Enjoy a well deserved break, before letting go of the brakes on the downhill return to the lodge.
- ATB Bike SPECIALIZED Rockhopper FSR full suspension with mechanical disc brakes;
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- Qualified bike guide (speaks English and Spanish
- Snacks + extra water
CORDILLERA NEGRA LOOP (HD)
Pick-Up Time: 08:00 / Drop-Off Time: Aprox 13:30 / Max Altitude: 4000m
Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced / Distance: 27K / Duration: Aprox 5hrs 30mins
This half-day bike excursion is ideal for intermediate or advanced riders who are well acclimatised and want to head into the Cordillera Negra to explore the trails and soak up the impressive views of the Cordillera Blanca peaks. You will be collected in private transport at Churup Mountain Hotel at 08:00 and be drive high up into the hills, from where you will descend through varied terrains finishing back at the valley floor.
- ATB Bike SPECIALIZED Rockhopper FSR full suspension with mechanical disc brakes;
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- Qualified bike guide (speaks English and Spanish
- Snacks + extra water
BIKING RECOMMENDATIONS
Riding in the Cordillera Blanca is a very different experience from that at sea level, and requires a good level of fitness to adjust and deal with the altitude. There are many incredible routes to be explored for different levels and capabilities. Below are some acclimatisation tips and a recommended kit list for your excursion.
- If arriving directly from sea level & have not been to altitude in the last 2 weeks, it is recommended that you do very light or no physical exercise on your first day.
- If you have ever experienced problems at altitude before or have a relevant medical condition, we strongly recommend that you seek medical advice before arriving.
- It is vital that before traveling you have insurance that covers you for your activities, the hotel takes no responsibility for ill effects from altitude.
- Whilst at the hotel it is imperative that you are fully hydrated. Plenty of liquid consumption is necessary at all times, ideally 4-5 litres daily. Symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, dizziness & low/coloured urine output. Thirst is often the last symptom noticed. Caffeine & alcohol are diuretics & should be avoided.
- To help with altitude sickness you can ask your doctor to prescribe you Diamox pills. If in Peru you can buy Sorochi pills, which are sold over the counter in any pharmacy. These pills often only help to mask the symptoms of altitude sickness, they are not a cure. We prefer to see/feel the symptoms.
- It is best to eat your main meal only after reaching the last highest point of your trek, blood going to your guts to aid the digestion process adversely effects cerebral capacity & physical output.
- In the case of emergency we do have bottled oxygen at the hotel.
1 x Cycling shorts
1 x Light weight fleece
1 x Waterproof jacket & trousers (depending on season
1 x Wide brimmed hat
1 x Sunglasses
1 x Day rucksack
1 x Camelbak
1 x Sun cream
