Peru Introduction Peru is a country located on the western side of the South American continent. Located between the South Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range is has a unique geographic location. The country is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia in the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east and Chile to the south. Peru has a population of 29,5 million people spread over 1,285,216 km2. The official languages are Spanish and the Inca language Quechua. Although Peru has a rich natural and historical resources and tourism is coming up in Peru, around 36 % of the Peru population lives under the poverty line. Even so, Peruvians love their country and are proud on their resources. Machu Picchu is the main image of Peru, though; it has more ancient archaeological sites than any other country in South America and there is much more to Peru than Inca stones. Peru has a great diversity of wealth in terms of history, culture, nature and adventure. Peru has life zones from mangroves to cloud forest, oases in the desert and glacial lakes. The jungle covers 60 % of Peru and although only 6 % of the populations live there, the jungle provides a home for the greatest diversity of plants and wildlife on earth. As a result of the great biological diversity of Peru, it boasts desert, highland and rain forest plant and animal life. This is because of the presence of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. Peru is home to countless kind of ecosystems, each with its own unique climate, elevation, vegetation and soil type. Mountain Biking in Peru Mountain biking is a relatively new sport in Peru and it is fast gaining popularity. A great way to get off the beaten track in Peru, is by taking two wheels and explore the mule paths and dirt roads that crisscross the Andes. There are many routes to be found with amazing diversity of trails, tracks, rough roads in the southern area of Peru; extreme downhill´s, lung-bursting uphill´s and some of the best technical single tracks in the world. The incredible scenery and friendly locals are the joys of cycling in Peru. Both easy and demanding single-tracks are to be found in the regions of Arequipa and Lima and for experienced bikers, there are incredible mountain bike routes around the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Cusco region and downhill trips from Cusco to the Peruvian jungle. Easier routes are in the Colca Canyon. Cusco region Possibly the most famous ride in the Cusco region is the ride Chincheros-Moray-Maras-Urubamba, offering mainly downhill on a great mix of dirt road, single track and mule trail. Besides the stunning views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you also have the opportunity to visit the salt mines of Maras and the incredible Inca circular terraces of Moray. The dirt roads behind Ollantaytambo, Calca and Pisaq also provide a variety of single tracks and monster roads descent into the Amazon jungle, for example the Abra Malaga Downhill. Arequipa region Arequipa, in the southern part of Peru, is surrounded by the El Misti, Chachani and the Pichu Pichu Volcano. All the three volcanoes offer great opportunities for mountain bike downhill adventures. Next to the spectacular views, you will learn more about the Peruvian culture and you will feel the adrenaline.