Guidebook to hiking and mountain biking in the Sacred Valley of Peru,
including the Inca Trail. 40 routes (7 to Machu Picchu) visiting all
major Incan sites discovered from Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo,
Vilcabamba and in the remote region around Mount Ausangate. The routes
are graded for difficulty, most routes can be done on foot or by
mountainbike and timings are given for each, as well as advice on
whether it is preferable to undertake a particular route with a local
guide or trekking agency, in the less well-known areas. The guidebook
includes practical information on getting to and around the area, how to
make the most out of any trip as well as plenty of background detail on
the Incan history and places of interest explored on the routes. The
Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world, after the
Himalaya, but they have the most spectacular range of altitude - from
6000m down to just above sea level - making for some thrilling MTB
descents on ancient Incan roads. The area also has a spectacular
collection of ancient Incan sites, with new sites yet to be uncovered,
and is still farmed by the direct descendants of the Incas, often seen
in their colourful traditional dress in the local villages.