The team, 25 of us in total, arrived in Cusco after 24 hours of travelling and we had some time to get used to the altitude at 3,500m above sea level.
The following day we took the early train to Machu Picchu which climbed out of the Cusco valley, passing through the spectacular plains around Izcuchaca before dropping down to the famous scared valley of the Incas. We had a guided tour of the ruins at Machu Picchu and experienced the breath taking natural wonder of the world.
Macchu Picchu
An intrepid few of us walked up to the Sun Gate to view Machu Picchu in its full glory. Hard work and very hot, but totally worth it.
The team at Machu Picchu (spot Sonia..?)
On Machu Pichu with the “Cares4Kids” mascot
Macchu Picchu from Sun Gate
The first day of cycling was upon us and after a revealing briefing about lorry drivers and rabid dogs my excitement was dampened and we set off at an impressively slow 10mph! We stopped to meet children at a local school which was a welcomed break from the lorries rattling past us.
Children at school
It was our only day of cycling on the flat, and on tarmac before heading into the wilderness. At this stage I was blissfully unaware of the terrain that was ahead…..
Cycling on tarmac
Ready to cycle
We experienced how much dogs really do like to chase cyclists and our brave guide, Carlos, took a bite on the foot but luckily it was just minimal damage to his shoe.
A sandstorm then sent two of us off track and into each other, luckily neither of us were injured. I was quite pleased to have had a fall and considered that to be my only one for the week out of the way.
Day two of cycling and the Sacred Valley was breath-taking. We climbed for 20km and the altitude was 3000m but we were pretty much used to it by now. It was at this point we lost all mobile phone signal for four days which was mortifying but on reflection an educational break from the real world.
Cycling along Sacred Valley to Pisac
Day three was the big mountain climb in the Andes. It was 18km climbing 2700ft on rough terrain and it took it out of most of us. I stopped regularly to take pictures, truly mesmerised by the scenery and grateful of a breather.
We reached 4230m high and the temperature soared to 35°C, but at the top of the mountain the rain started and as we cycled downhill to 1400m the temperature fell to 4°C. We arrived at the campsite very wet and cold, all 25 of us huddled in the kitchen tent for warmth.
The following day started brighter and spirits were lifted. I had discovered dry shampoo so was feeling less distraught about no showers. Today we had to climb 3700ft over 33km, reaching our highest point. This was the hardest day of cycling for most with about 8 hours in the saddle but the views climbing away from Paucartambo were stunning.
Cycling to Tres Cruces
We arrived at the second camping destination, Tres Cruces within Manu National Park, exhausted and in desperate need of a shower. Camping above the clouds was such an amazing experience and because we were now used to getting up at 4am the sunrise was seen by all. We were at 4,000m overlooking the rainforest.
Camping in the clouds
The next day of cycling started quite hard, on rough terrain out of the Park. We then started a decent of 2,700m into the glorious rainforest. The terrain was punishing so the pain transferred from my legs to my arms. The climate changed again and the temperature soared. I had an unfortunate scrape inside a tunnel after missing the instruction ‘remove sunglasses’. I thought the scrapes would be bad but the medics in the team revealed it was only mud.
A rustic nature lodge was expecting our arrival and the showers were very welcome. A few brave cyclists bathed in the river with beautiful butterflies surrounding.
Hut in the rain forest
The final day of cycling was upon us and it was to be the hardest yet. We started a long downhill over rough terrain, with sore arms screaming with pain. After much discussion about a snake that crossed the path, we reached a small town and experienced mobile phone signal very briefly, for the first time in a few days. The temperature was unbearable at 50c and a few of us stopped to visit a local rescue animal zoo.
Parrots in the tree (spot the snake)
As we climbed away from the town the views were yet again breath taking. This was the final climb of the trip and it was punishing.
Cycling in the rain forest with views of the Amazon basin
A few of us hoped to race the final mountain climb but the temperature prevented any such behaviour. We discovered a waterfall not strong enough to sweep you away and we sat at the bottom of it, an amazing experience.
Waterfall
As we descended to the finish line, arms again screaming with pain due to the terrain, it was an emotional finish. Not quite as smooth as hoped as we had to cycle through mud and after someone stopped a few of us had to dismount.
So, we had completed the challenge, too exhausted to take photographs sadly but after a hearty lunch of soup, we were on board a boat to our jungle lodge.
On route to jungle lodge
We stayed amongst the Amazon nature and woke again at 4am with the birds singing.
The final day was an 8 hour bus trip back to Cusco. I was astonished to discover that the route we cycled was the only route and the memories flooded my mind.
We were very lucky to visit the Amantari project on the way home. This is a boarding school to whom the Openwork Foundation donated £10,000 so that the children could stay at school during the week and avoid their 8 hour daily walking commute. The children were so excited and gave us bracelets that they had made and put on a show.
Visit to The Amantari Project