An epic two-wheeled adventure taking you from 4,316 m (14,160 ft) above sea level in the high Andes down to the Amazonian cloud forest, culminating at the foot of one of the Wonders of the World.
Route Overview
- Total Distance: 420 km / 261 mi (Round trip).
- Terrain: 80% high-mountain winding asphalt | 20% dirt/gravel road (earth & mud track).
- Highest Point: Abra Málaga Pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft ASL).
- Lowest Point: Santa Teresa / Hidroeléctrica (~1,500 m / 4,920 ft ASL).
- Technical Difficulty: Medium – High (drastic weather changes, high-altitude fog, and tight hairpin bends).
Itinerary
Day 1: The Descent (Cusco ➔ Abra Málaga ➔ Santa María ➔ Hidroeléctrica ➔ Aguas Calientes)
- Motorcycle Distance: 210 km (130 mi) | Riding Time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
- 06:30 AM – Departure from Cusco: Start engines early from Cusco (3,399 m / 11,150 ft ASL) heading toward the Sacred Valley.
- 08:30 AM – Ascent & Conquest of Abra Málaga (4,316 m / 14,160 ft ASL): A spectacular stretch of twisty paved curves. Use extreme caution with fog, snow, or drizzle near the pass summit.
- 11:00 AM – Descent to Santa María (1,430 m / 4,690 ft ASL): A direct drop of over 2,800 vertical meters (9,180 ft). You will feel the immediate transition from freezing Andean cold to the humid heat of the cloud forest.
- 12:30 PM – Dirt Section (Santa María ➔ Santa Teresa): The unpaved dirt and mud section (~30 km / 18.6 mi) begins here, tracing along the Vilcanota River bed.
- 01:30 PM – Pit Stop & Lunch in Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft ASL): Refuel, rest, and complete a visual bike inspection.
- 02:30 PM – Santa Teresa ➔ Hidroeléctrica Station (13 km / 8 mi): Narrow dirt trail bordered by cliffs and lush jungle vegetation.
- 03:30 PM – Motorcycle Storage at Hidroeléctrica: Park and secure your motorcycle in one of the private parking lots at the end of the road.
- 04:00 PM – Hike or Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo):
- Option A (On Foot): A flat 10 km (6.2 mi) walk taking 2.5 to 3 hours alongside the train tracks.
- Option B (Train): A 30-minute train ride.
- Night: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Citadel & Relaxation in Santa Teresa
- Morning (06:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Exploration of the pre-Hispanic citadel of Machu Picchu according to your entry time slot.
- 12:30 PM – Return to Hidroeléctrica: Walk or take the train back to the Hidroeléctrica Station.
- 03:30 PM – Reconnecting with the Bike & Ride back to Santa Teresa: 13 km (8 mi) back on the dirt trail to the town of Santa Teresa.
- 04:30 PM – Biker Spa Afternoon at Cocalmayo: Complete relaxation in the natural thermal hot springs along the riverbanks.
- Night: Overnight stay and dinner in Santa Teresa.
Day 3: Returning via Sacred Valley Twisty Roads
- Motorcycle Distance: 195 km (121 mi) | Riding Time: 5 to 6 hours.
- 08:30 AM – Departure from Santa Teresa: Return journey on dirt tracks up to the Santa María junction.
- 10:00 AM – Great Ascent to Abra Málaga: Pure riding joy through continuous climbing curves from 1,200 m (3,935 ft) to back over 4,300 m (14,100 ft) ASL.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch in Ollantaytambo: Rest stop in the living Inca town.
- 03:30 PM – Final Stretch (Sacred Valley ➔ Cusco): Return route via Chinchero or Pisac.
- 05:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco.
Recommended Accommodations with Secure Motorcycle Garages
1. In Santa Teresa (Night 2)
- Ecological Inn Santa Teresa
- Highlights: Private, covered garage on-site, 24/7 hot water, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Yacumama Santa Teresa
- Highlights: 100% rider-friendly atmosphere, spacious enclosed courtyard for parking, and basic motorcycle maintenance space.
2. In Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo (Night 1)
(Note: No motor vehicles or motorcycles are allowed in Aguas Calientes; your bike stays secured at the Hidroeléctrica parking lot).
- Hotel Hatun Samay 3* – Buffet breakfast included.
- Hotel Casa Andina 3*
- Mapawi Inn / Supertramp Hostel – Excellent choices to rest; they offer breakfast starting at 04:30 AM.
Motorcycle Parking Lots at Hidroeléctrica
Upon reaching the end of the dirt road at Hidroeléctrica Station, you will find authorized family-run parking facilities:
- “El Inti” Parking / Kenty Restaurant: Located right before the pedestrian bridge and control gate.
- Approximate Cost: 15.00 PEN to 20.00 PEN ($4.00 – $6.00 USD) per day.
- Security: Fenced property. It is recommended to attach an alarmed disc lock and leave heavy pannier keys if leaving non-essential gear behind.
Mechanical Support & Repair Points along the Route
Save this list of workshops and tire repair shops (vulcanizadoras) for any technical emergencies along the trail:
[Cusco] ➔ [Ollantaytambo] ➔ [Abra Málaga] ➔ [Santa María] ➔ [Santa Teresa] ➔ [Hidroeléctrica]
│ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
Mecánica "El Sol" "El Selvático" "Motos Santa Teresa" Patch Point
(Honda Quillabamba Hidroeléctrica
45 min away)
1. Ollantaytambo (Urubamba, Cusco)
Last technical stop before taking on the climb to Abra Málaga Pass (4,316 m asl):
- Mecánica Rápida y Vulcanizadora “El Sol”
- Address: Av. Ferrocarril s/n (exit toward the Quillabamba route).
- Service: Walk-in.
- Services: Tire patching, drive chain adjustment & tensioning, chain lubrication, and brake pad checks.
2. Santa María (Maranura, La Convención)
Strategic point where the asphalt ends and the dirt track begins:
- Mecánica y Repuestos “El Selvático”
- Address: Av. Principal s/n (opposite the entry bridge to Santa María).
- Phone: +51 984 512 890
- Services: Quick mechanical fixes, carburetor tuning, oil changes, puncture repairs, and light welding.
- Vulcanizadora y Auxilio Rápido “Santa María”
- Address: Carretera a Quillabamba km 190 (cross the bridge).
- Service: On-road emergency support.
3. Santa Teresa (La Convención, Cusco)
Town with shops capable of handling enduro and off-road motorcycles:
- Taller Mecánico y Repuestos “Motos Santa Teresa”
- Address: Jr. Unión s/n (near the main plaza / Plaza de Armas).
- Phone: +51 984 761 234
- Services: Lever replacement, clutch/throttle cable repairs, brakes, tire patching, and basic maintenance.
- Mecánica Rápida “El Machiguenga”
- Address: Av. Brasil s/n (road out toward Cocalmayo hot springs & Hidroeléctrica).
- Service: Walk-in.
4. Hidroeléctrica (End of drivable road)
Emergency support only within the parking area:
- Punto de Parche y Vulcanizado “Hidroeléctrica”
- Address: Bus and car parking area s/n (opposite the control checkpoint gate).
- Services: Express tire patching and air refill.
Nearest Official Honda Dealership & Service
If you need diagnostic scanning, 100% original OEM parts, or factory warranty support for your Honda motorcycle:
- Chamorep Honda – Quillabamba (Located 45 minutes from Santa María):
- Address: Av. Edgar de la Torre N° 198 (Int. B), Quillabamba.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +51 984 699 869
Key Tips for the Rider
- Mind Your Brakes (Abra Málaga ➔ Santa María): You descend abruptly from 4,316 m (14,160 ft) down to 1,200 m (3,935 ft) ASL. It is a continuous stretch of tight curves and moisture. Inspect your brake pads in Ollantaytambo before ascending.
- Off-Road Gear (Santa María ➔ Hidroeléctrica): Unpaved road condition with mud, dust, and loose gravel alongside the river. It is essential to carry:
- Tire patch kit or tubeless tire plugs.
- Portable 12V mini air compressor or manual pump.
- Spare clutch and brake levers.
- Chain lube spray (mud strips grease very quickly).
- Luggage Management: Leave hard panniers or heavy softbags secured on the bike at the Hidroeléctrica parking lot. Take only a small daypack to Aguas Calientes with essential items for the overnight stay and the Machu Picchu visit.
