-
Is my departure guaranteed?
No, KB Tambo must reach a minimum number of guests (3) to operate each trip, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from KB Tambo.
-
Is airfare included?
No, airfare is not included in this package.please be sure to wait for confirmation from KB Tambo Tours before you make travel arrangements.
-
Where does the trip begin and how do I get there?
This trip begins and ends at the Cusco, Peru airport (CUZ). You should aim to arrive between 8am to 10am on Day 1 (Sunday), and depart between 3pm - 5pm on Day 7 (Saturday). A representative from KB Tambo Tours will pick you up at the airport in Cusco and drop you off there at the end of the trip; you have constant (optional) support and guide throughout the trip. Upon booking, KB Tambo will send you a complete packet which goes into this, and all other aspects of your trip, in great detail.
-
Can I bring a friend or significant other who doesn’t ride?
Yes, absolutely. KB Tambo allows others to buy the trip, spend a great deal of shared time with you, and at the same time participating in nearby side hikes or cultural experiences. Contact us for more details.
-
How difficult is the mountain biking?
This trip is rated intermediate skill level and above. That means a solid comfort level while riding a mountain bike off road on singletrack, and a fair amount of experience doing so.
It is not an expert rated trip. There are no mandatory jumps or drops, or extreme steeps.
There are, however, a lot of rocks in the trails, and exposure (riding near the edge of a long fall or dropoff) is definitely part of the trip. Our guides are experts and trained to warn of these ahead of time, prepare, etc. Walking around obstacles is totally okay too, so someone with the right attitude of patience and common sense can overcome skill level to a certain extent. If you have any further questions about if your skill level is appropriate, just let us know.
-
Do I need to be in good shape?
A common concern for people doing a group mountain bike trip is whether they will be able to “keep up”. We want to stress that will not be an issue. First of all, the vast majority of the riding is, well, going downhill. Gravity fed so to speak by our shuttles. That is because the mountains are so big it would take all day to climb up them, so we don’t. This also means the group stays together much easier. No one is in a hurry and the scenery and culture tends to shock even the most jaded of travelers, meaning that frequent stops for photos, talk to a local farmer, etc are common and enable us to move around each day without any stress.
-
Will I have to be with the group the whole time?
KB Tambo is well known for a laid-back organizational style that often lets you feel you are on your own trip. Many people may be reluctant to take a "group tour". Trust us, we understand! We think that the combination of traveling with like-minded other folks, along with not being treated like a tourist at all, makes for a great time. But yes, you can always do a part of a day on your own schedule or go out on your own for dinner, etc.
-
Can I extend my trip?
Yes. Many people do, and KB Tambo can either give you some informal pointers, or play a more substantial part of your trip planning, whatever you prefer. The treks here are incredible and would be one such recommendation. Other common add-ons include the Amazon Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon in Arequipa, etc
-
Do I need to bring my own bike?
It is highly recommended you bring your own bike. This is a specialty, boutique mountain bike trip with a focus on a high quality riding experience. There are limited mountain bike rentals available in the area, and they are not high quality mountain bikes like those that most people ride at home. A common concern for people is the logistics and cost of flying a bike. KB Tour operators are black belt experts on flying internationally with a bike and they are happy to give you personal assistance in doing so. The cost will still be less than renting a bike in Peru, while also giving you the advantage of riding your bike which you are already familiar with and likely much higher quality than a rental. If you still wish to rent a bike, they are happy to help and can find you a solution. Please contact us for details.
-
What are the accommodations like?
In Ollantaytambo, we stay in our favorite hotel, Tunupa Lodge (www.TunupaLodge.com)
We like it for the clean and bright rooms, the green open areas (rare), views of the mountains and ruins, and especially the resident llama!
-
How many travelers are in the group?
Maximum of 10, average of 6.
-
Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
-
Do I need any special shots or vaccinations?
Breakfast is included each day in your hotel. Peruvian breakfasts are simple but plentiful and nourishing, usually including local fresh fruit, optional scrambled eggs or omelette, fresh local bread, and coffee or juice. Food in Peru is very good and has a great international reputation; There are options of either 'local' or 'tourist' restaurants.
-
What is the food like?
Our team would love to help answer any additional questions you have! We are available every day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (PST) From the US and Canada, dial: 1.866.386.1590 // Worldwide: Dial Country Exit Code + 1.206.632.7598
Or send us an email at: evo.com/contact
-
How do lunches and dinners work?
Most days are spent in and around Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, where there are several good restaurants serving local fresh fare, but catering to a variety of international tastes. Lunches average $7 to $10, dinners $10 to $15. You will usually eat together as a group (the guides really do know the best places to eat) but you are always welcome to go off on your own culinary adventure.
-
How much extra money should I budget?
Figure on $25 a day to eat lunch and dinner at the local restaurants, not including alcoholic beverages, which tend to greatly increase costs so factor that into your budget based on your preferences. Most people like to spend $50 to $100 on gifts for friends and family - textiles, ceramics, paintings, etc. And maybe a few hundred dollars for discretionary / emergency spending.
-
What if I’m a solo traveler, is there a single supplement to have my own room?
Yes, if you are a solo traveler and want your own room, there is a $295 per trip charge for single supplement in hotel. Alternatively, we can match you with another traveler of the same gender and you can avoid that cost (we do not spend much time in the rooms anyway).
-
Do you have a packing list?
Yes, please see above and a complete packing list will be provided to you after booking.
-
What is the cancellation and change policy for this trip?
evo upholds KB Tambo’s policies regarding cancellation, which have been modified to be flexible due to Covid-19. If you need to cancel or change your trip dates, you may do so up to 14 days before your departure date without penalty.
For Peru, you must choose *at time of trip purchase* whether you wish to opt in to this policy or not. If you wish to have last minute change flexibility, we cannot buy your Machu Picchu ticket or train ticket before your trip. Those tickets are difficult and expensive to change dates, and they do not allow refunds. So we would buy your tickets 14 days before your trip date, when you are committed to coming. This may mean not getting the ticket, or train time, that you prefer. The other option is you can DECLINE the option to change dates last minute, and in that case we will immediately buy your entrance and train tickets for your chosen date. To repeat, under that scenario the tickets are nonrefundable or changeable.
-
What about Covid-19?
We are optimistic that travel will continue to become more plausible with Covid-19 vaccinations well under way in the US and elsewhere. We strongly suggest checking the CDC and WHO for the latest public health guidelines, and if you choose to travel while the pandemic is still underway, that you adhere to recommended health & safety measures before, during, and after your trip. Please note that the US currently requires proof of negative Covid-19 test result (within 24 hours of return) in order to re-enter the country.