It was nice to get back on bikes and pound out some easy but steep terrain on a tour of Pisac, Coya and Calca.  In total, the bike ride is about 100 kilometers roundtrip with vertical gains and descents of 800 meters.  

Looking down the pass from Cusco to Pisac along the Sacred Valley.   A few storm clouds threatening in the distance.

The uphill to the pass was fairly short and steep.  (About 14 kilometers)  The ride down was a bomber, reaching speeds over 40 miles per hour and lasting for 20 kilometers into the town of Pisac.  

Jorge, Janine and Andreas happily enjoying each others company in Pisac, Peru.

Upon arrival to Pisac, a colorful and tasty market welcomes the traveler.  The market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.  By walking deep into the market, one finds some great cafes and bakeries like the one above.  We were welcomed by Jorge, who shared his thoughts and great conversation with us.  We all agreed that each new culture has its ups and downs, but until people are actually there, they don't know what it is like, why the people act the way they do.  We agreed that it is easy to get caught up in the daily work of life, and often forget what truly gives the soul energy.   When one finally reaches that point of inner peace, away from home, there is a recognizable feeling is familiar.  It makes us thirst for similar times.

Off in the distance, some 100 kilometers or more away, Mountain Ausangate stands tall at 19,450 feet.

Enjoying the great Hot Springs of Machu Kancha.

After a fun bike ride from Pisac to Calca (20 kilometers) and up the dirt road in Calca, one arrives at welcome natural hot springs.  After a hard day of biking, the hot springs are perfect for the body.  The hot springs are located about 30 minutes above Calcas and are well known to the locals.

*Feature written and photographed by Phillips, May 2001, who took several trips by bike to The Sacred Valley.  Distances were provided by bike computers and local maps.  Altimeter measurements were provided by bike computers used on several different occasions and trips to The Sacred Valley.  The paved road to the Sacred Valley could be be busy with motorists and precautions should be taken. 

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There are several ways to go from Cusco to The Sacred Valley. The most popular is on the existing paved road.  There does however exist a single track difficult mountain bike trail, for those who like a challenge.  To find the paved road is easy, and this road begins in the town of Cusco.  Simply travel to the Plaza de Armas and take Procedorous Avinida heading up the hill.  This road will take one by Sagshauyman, and continue up a short but substantial pass.  This is the road one will stay on the entire way to Pisac.  It is approximately 34 kilometers to Pisac.  Once to Pisac, following the River road the only direction it allows, will lead one to the town of Coya and Calca.  It is approximately 20 kilometers from Pisac to Calca.  To find the Machu Kancha hot springs go to the town of Calcas and ask for a ride from the local taxi drivers.  The ride in taxi to the hot springs will take one about 30 minutes.