Cusipata

May 1, 2025

Another short day but the about 530 meters of climbing it was still a challenge for us at this altitude. Thankfully the biggest climb was right at the start of the day and the rest was mostly very pleasant cycling.

Looking up the valley at the top of the first climb, 120 meters over less than 3 kilometers meant deep breaths and low gears were needed.

We have been riding the 3S since leaving Cusco. This is the main road to Bolivia so it carries quite a bit of traffic. The good shoulder makes it relatively stress free.

At Urcos we crossed the Urubamba River, the same one that flows through Machu Picchu Pueblo and eventually joins the Amazon, and we will follow it all the way to Sicuani which we should reach in a few days time.

The quieter sections of the river hold flocks of Andean Gulls (Chroicocephalus serranus), the breeding adults sporting handsome black hoods with white eye rings.

Juveniles and non breeding adults lack the black hood.

Fields of maize of the sort we ate for lunch yesterday.

We had almost perfect cycling weather, bright blue skies and temperatures in the upper teens, and along with the beautiful valley we had a really enjoyable day.

We arrived in Cusipata in time to check in at the very good Hotel Montana Vinincunca and then fill up with a big lunch at the restaurant just a couple of doors down the street. We are spending two nights here because tomorrow we have a taxi booked to take us up to the trail head of the famous Rainbow Mountain or Montana Vinicuña also known as El Montana de Seite Colores.

Today's ride: 36 km (22 miles)
Total: 95 km (59 miles)

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