Machu Picchu Epic XCM 2023, the route of the gods

From September 14 to 18, 2023, we celebrate with great enthusiasm the third edition of this event, marked by a successful collaboration with various government entities, including the regional government, the Ministry of Culture, the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP) , the municipality of Ollantaytambo and the Municipality of Machu Picchu, with the valuable support of private companies, especially Specialized Perú and Gloria SA through the PRO brand.

In this edition, we had the participation of a total of 70 athletes from various nationalities, including Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Chile, France and more, who gathered to face this exciting challenge.

Each of the Machu Picchu Epic XCM routes has been meticulously designed to merge the excitement of mountain biking with the exploration of the main archaeological points of tourist interest.

The first day took participants from the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park, touring the impressive Qoricocha lagoon before concluding in the town of Taray and subsequent transfer to Pisac for lunch.

The second day, starting and finishing at the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park, took the cyclists along an internal route within Cusco, passing through the Devil’s Balcony, Zone X and the Kenko Forest.

The third day, departing from Saqsayhuaman, took the cyclists to discover the beauty of the Piuray lagoon, Huaypo, Maras and the Urubamba river, culminating in the same plaza of Ollantaytambo.

The fourth day focused on Ollantaytambo, starting and finishing in the square, on an incredible route that included Markaqocha and the ruins of Pumamarka.

The fifth day involved an amazing train ride that took us from the mountains to the edge of the jungle, taking us to Machu Picchu Pueblo. There, the participants assembled the previously transported bicycles and later began the race in the afternoon, touring the town and culminating at the Machu Picchu ticket office, where the athletes made the change and accessed the majestic archaeological park.

The organization, in its desire to generate a greater economic impact in the Cusco region and provide support to small suppliers, offers transfer, lodging and food services contracted directly with the suppliers, eliminating intermediaries. In addition, it coordinates directly with the various communities through which the route passes, strengthening the social and economic fabric of the region.

In this edition, Marcelo Gutiérrez from Colombia and Ana Isabel Idrovo from Ecuador stood out, obtaining first place in the male and female categories respectively.

In the IV edition scheduled for September 19 to 23, 2024, it is expected to generate an even greater impact by incorporating social benefits, such as the delivery of bicycles to local communities, craft fairs at arrivals and cultural shows. All this with the aim of further strengthening the commitment to the sustainable development of the region and collaborating with brands that share the passion for sports, health and social development.