Haku Expeditions is based in Cusco, which is the point. The trails start close to town and run through the Andes into the Sacred Valley, and the company has been building routes on them long enough to know which descents work for which rider. Each trip on the list carries a fitness rating out of six and a biking level, from Beginner (smooth singletrack and forgiving doubletrack, no jumps or rock gardens) through Intermediate and Intermediate Tech (three-plus years of singletrack, rock gardens, drops, roots, small jumps) up to Advanced.

The short options are day rides out of Cusco from $215, including a downhill singletrack day and a cross/gravel day called Inca Legends. The three-day Enduro MTB Holiday in Ausangate ($690) adds thermal hot springs and a local homestay. The five-day trips split between a Weekend Warrior vacation ($1,250) and an Ausangate trip ($1,195) that mixes riding with hiking, hot springs, homestays and camping.

At seven days there are two very different weeks. The Peru MTB Vacation ($1,895) stays in Cusco and the Sacred Valley on downhill and enduro terrain. The Andes to Amazon Cycling Adventure ($2,295) is a cross/gravel ride from the sierra down into the Amazon rainforest, suited to beginner and intermediate riders with good fitness. Both run seven days.

The longer trips are where the expedition side shows. The 11-day Cusco MTB Adventure ($2,195) is enduro and downhill riding in the Andes. The 11-day multi-sport package ($2,690) combines riding the Sacred Valley with trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and time in the Amazon. The 12-day Ultimate Peru MTB Tour ($2,495) adds Ausangate's hot springs and terrain. The 13-day Crossing the Andes ($3,350) covers 450 km from Lake Titicaca through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, rated 4/6 for fitness.

Guides rate riders honestly, and the trip pages spell out what each level means so you can place yourself before you book. The company also runs custom trips — if you want a singletrack-focused cross country route rather than the standard cross/gravel itinerary, you can ask for one. Off the bike, the trips build in Incan ruins, Machu Picchu, hot springs and meals cooked in local homes.

What's included

- Guided mountain bike riding as described for your chosen trip - Local homestay accommodation on the Ausangate trips - Camping with cooks and porters on expedition routes - Thermal hot springs visits where the trip lists them - Meals cooked in Peruvian homes where homestays are included - Support from a Cusco-based operator that hires local drivers and staff

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Bikes and riding equipment, unless confirmed with the operator - Accommodation on the one-day Cusco tours - Personal expenses - Anything not listed for your specific trip