DRRT PERU ADVENTURE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How fit do I need to be? A good start is be comfortable with 3 or 4 hours of saddle time while riding on technical trails with moderate amounts of climbing. Long ascents of up to 7000+ feet are aided by vehicle. The Cordillera Blanca is very large plus accessible, so if you want to push yourself the possibilities for long trail descents off high passes are many - let us know.
How will altitude affect me? Huaraz is at 10,000 feet so you will feel the altitude especially for the first few days while your body adjusts. You will be able to ride your bike just not very fast uphill but that is what a shuttle is for. Typically, in the first few days people experience hyperventilation, shortness of breath with exertion, trouble sleeping through the night, and more frequent urination. For more information click here or here.
What is the weather like? The weather is a predictable sunny 70’s during the day and freezing at night. Sunrise is at 6 am and sunset is at 6pm so allow a couple hours for the day to warm or dress appropriately. Weather on high passes can be blustery with wind and snow. Snow is rare below 15,000 feet and does not linger. The combination of equatorial sun and high altitude makes for intense sunshine so wear dark glasses and high SPF sunblock.
How technical are the trails? Trails range from dirt and paved roads to single track.
Ride clothes? Temperatures can vary during long rides depending on your exposure to the sun and altitude so layers help. Traditional arm warmers and leg warmers are very handy, easy to carry, and offer nice sun protection. Hat, gloves, and shell are essential for the high mountains. Riding around Huaraz wear shorts and a jersey with a windbreaker stashed in a pocket.
Armor and a full face? A full face would be inconvenient for trail riding and it is a lot to carry. However, you want a helmet offering good coverage and goggles will be nice. Armor to some degree is not inappropriate.
What type of bike do i need? Generally, a four to six inch trail bike is going to serve you well and be an enjoyable combination of pedaling and descending abilities. Riding is extremely varied from buff singletrack to chunky drops down long sets of steps. Give your bike a tune up as it gets packed up and bring any spares parts specific to your bike, like a derailleur hanger and brake pads. A dropper style seatpost can make the riding even more enjoyable
Should I bring my bike or rent one? This is entirely your choice. You can bring your own bike in good working condition with you. If after inspection we determine that your bike is not in good working condition, you will need to pay to have a mechanic bring it up to par or rent a bike. Rental bikes are available and cost between $35 and $55 per day depending on the model.
Will anyone speak English? Yes - in Lima and Huaraz but otherwise most Peruvians in the Andes are bilingual Spanish/ Quechua. Quechua typically being their first language. Huaraz caters to climbers and trekkers from all over the globe and English is spoken as a common language.
Are their financial services in Huaraz? Yes, Huaraz has many banks and money is easy to access at ATM’s.
What else do I need to bring? In addition to your regular travel clothes you should bring the following with you:
Small backpack
Rain jacket
Windproof/warm jacket
Heavier jacket for cold evenings and mornings
Sneakers
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolates, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
Sunglasses
Spare parts for your bike (tubes, chain, etc.)
Hydration pack
Cycling clothes, shoes and helmet
Cycling gloves
What type of accommodations can I expect? We will be based out of Olaza’s in Hauraz. They offer private rooms with comfortable single, double and queen-size beds, spacious bathrooms and high pressured, hot showers. Additionally, there is all day dining and kitchen facilities, an upstairs lounge with music, TV, DVDs books and games, free internet ( DSL Wireless Internet), laundry service, free storage and a safe-deposit for valuables, equipment rental. cool t-shirts for sale.
What is the food like? What if I have special dietary needs? Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the original fusion cuisines combining influences from indigenous Peru, Spain, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and West Africa. Peru's diversity of climates, combined with one of the richest fisheries in the world, can make for a selection of fresh food in markets that you will not experience in the United States. Huaraz offers everything from French crepes to Thai to Peruvian chifa (Chinese). And don't get me started on all the bakeries and street food! Not to be missed dishes include Ceviche, Papas a la Huancaina, Cuy, Lomo Saltado, Recoto Relleno, Aija de Galina - all to be washed down with chicha morada, Inca Kola or an excellent Peruvian beer. The dishes above all cost under five dollars (drink included).
What is the group size? This tour is intended for 6-12 people. We have 3 experienced guides that allow us to separate the group if necessary based on ability in order for everyone to have the optimal Peru experience
What’s included in the trip
Expert leadership for the entire trip
Roundtrip ground transportation from Lima to Huaraz
Comfortable lodging in Huaraz with double occupancy rooms with private baths
All breakfasts and some lunches as indicated in itinerary detail, Drinking water and snacks for the rides.
Experienced bike tour guides
Transportation to/from all trailheads
Roundtrip transportation from Lima to Huaraz
Bike support for rides
What is not included in the trip
Airfare
Personal travel and medical insurance
Airport taxes and baggage charges
Your bike and related equipment needed to ride such as helmet, body armor, spare bike parts, etc.
Dinners and alcoholic beverages
Personal items and expenses
excursions on alternate activity days
Tipping to leaders and local staff
Can you help me arrange travel to extend my trip, i.e., Machu Pichu
