Hey everyone,
My partner and I are planning a 2-week bikepacking trip to Peru in May 2025. Specifically, we’re looking at the 213-mile portion outlined on bikepacking.com (https://bikepacking.com/routes/cycling-peru-great-divide/) and would love some input from folks who have experience with this route or bikepacking in Peru more generally.
A few specific questions we have:
1. Where to Stay/storage for bike boxes in Lima: We’re flying into Lima and looking for recommendations on where to stay before we start the route. Any suggestions? Also, we plan to travel with bike boxes. Does anyone know of places in Lima that can hold onto these items while we’re out on the route? Bike shops, hotels, or storage facilities?
2. Transportation to/from the Route: What’s the best way to get from Lima to the start of the route we’re looking at with fully loaded bikes? Similarly for getting back to Lima at the end of the route?
3. Acclimatization to Elevation: We’re from Wisconsin, so we're a bit concerned about acclimatization and the elevation gains. We want to be smart about managing the altitude. Has anyone used acetazolamide to help with altitude sickness? (I’m a doctor and familiar with the side effects and contraindications, but would love to hear personal experiences.) Any other tips?
4. Mileage Per Day: We easily biked 50 miles/day on a trip in northern Minnesota a few months ago but we know that doesn’t compare to what we’ll face in Peru. Given the altitude, what’s a reasonable daily mileage to expect on this route, especially at higher elevations?
5. Resupply Points: We plan on carrying most of our food from the start, but we’d love to know if there are any resupply points along the way if necessary. Are there towns or villages where we could pick up additional food, water, or supplies?
6. Extending the Route: We’re considering possibly extending the route—either starting further north or ending further south. Has anyone done this or have insights into the logistics or additional sections we could explore? We’re open to suggestions.
by dossua