Frequently asked questions
What training do I need to do to enjoy my cycle tour?
We recommend doing some training for your tour to get maximum enjoyment.
If you are a regular on the bike you may not need to add anything to your training schedule, otherwise if you are looking to build up to the tour then we would recommend 2-3 training sessions a week of around 60 minutes and adding one longer ride (2 hours +) closer to the trip.
The focus does not need to be speed, just comfort of being on the bike and building endurance.
Please note that while being fit helps with enjoying the biking portion it offers no advantage to acclimatization.
Do I need additional time to acclimatize to the altitude?
No, our tour is designed to incorporate acclimatization, so you do not need additional time at the start. We gradually build up from a lower altitude and have planned to hotel locations to fit the "climb high, sleep low" method.
You may however prefer to have 1 or 2 additional days prior to the tour start to recover from the long flight. We are happy to help with pre-trip hotel reservations for this, and your airport transfer is still included in your cost even if you arrive prior to the tour start.
What is the currency in Peru and what is the best way to access funds on tour?
The official currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol, however the USD is an unofficial currency. Cash machines are readily available now and many larger businesses (hotels, restaurants etc) accept foreign card payment (note these do often attract additional fees). Some places also accept payment in USD but change will be given in Soles.
There are many "Casas del Cambio" to exchange USD, your guides can help you to find a secure one with a good rate, please be aware that counterfeit money circulates regularly so be vigilant.
USD is best to use for exchanging as many other currencies are not widely accepted and attract poor exchange rates.
It is recommended you keep a supply of local currency in cash as local markets and smaller shops will only deal in cash.
Do I need any vaccines prior to travel?
Please discuss this with your doctor. There are several recommended vaccines, including rabies, but these are always personal choice and depend greatly on your specific health needs.
There are no vaccines required to enter Peru.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, if you prefer, however there are some things to consider.
We will not have ready access to bike shops for most of the tour and will have spares specific to our bikes only, so you need to have spare parts with you (tubes, brake pads etc).
Please be aware if your bike has very unique or specialized parts it is unlikely they would be stocked in a local bike shop.
Please do not bring a bike with any hydraulic fluid parts (brakes need to be mechanical disc). With the changes in altitude and pressure during van travel (climbing a high pass for example) these parts require constant bleeding to dislodge air bubbles. There is not the time or facilities to do this at a ride start.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
This will depend on your country of citizenship. Most countries are eligible for a tourist visa of up to 6 months (180 days) on arrival but please check with your travel agent or local embassy if you are unsure.
Do I need to learn Spanish?
No, your tour leaders will all speak both English and Spanish and can help you to get around, however if you are able to learn a few basic phrases this will likely enhance your experience when travelling.
Why do you not have an E-Bike option?
Unfortunately, due to import restrictions and there not being a market yet for high end bikes in Peru, E-Bike options are not readily available for purchase.
Due to the restrictions of transport of the lithium batteries we are also unable to bring them in ourselves.
High altitude also affects e-bikes by impacting the motor's ability to cool down, as the air is thinner and less efficient at dissipating heat.
Here is some more information on the issues of high-altitude e-bike use
We have tried to include our most asked questions here, if you have anything else you are unsure of please don't hesitate to reach out.