Hello! Today, we will discuss the most renowned local Downhill competitions in Cusco, Peru. The origins of mountain biking here date back to the 1990s, starting with small groups who began riding the ancient Inca trails. Today, these same paths serve as the stage for prestigious national and international competitions.

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The Best Local Downhill Competitions in Cusco

Downhill racing in Cusco officially took shape in 2009. After years of grassroots local events, the sport was formalized with the inauguration of the highly anticipated “Santísimo Downhill.”

Between 2010 and 2015, the discipline consolidated its regional presence, attracting top-tier riders from across South America, including Chile, Brazil, and Ecuador. Since then, Cusco has been widely recognized as the “Mecca of Downhill.”

Top 4 Downhill Competitions in Cusco & the Sacred Valley

1. Copa Inca (Inca Cup)

Located just 30 minutes from Cusco, the race begins at the Abra Corao mountain pass. The competition is divided into four distinct categories:

Elite
Semi-Pro
Novice
Hardtail Women (Damas Rígidas)

Event Schedule: Held annually in February 2026. The tentative date is February 19th, typically falling on a Saturday or Sunday.

Technical Specifications:

Difficulty: High Technicality
Required Fitness: High
Top Completion Time: 5 minutes (Pro level)
Terrain: Singletrack
Elevation Range: 3,500m – 2,900m
Distance: 3 km
Route Type: Pure Downhill
Total Ascent: 0 meters
Location: Abra Corao, Cusco

2. Estampida de Maras (The Maras Stampede)

This iconic race takes place in the district of Maras, approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco. These MTB events are generally “Open,” welcoming local, national, and international competitors alike.

Over 200 riders participate in this mass-start event. Starting at an elevation of 3,700 meters, all racers depart simultaneously in a high-speed rush. The course features a massive initial descent followed by a short, punchy climb before diving into narrow technical lines and a series of varied ramps. The route passes through the town of Maras and continues its descent toward the world-famous Maras Salt Mines.

Event Schedule: Month: April
Confirmed Dates for 2026: April 4th and 5th (Saturday and Sunday)

Race Specifications (Estampida de Maras)

Difficulty: Technical
Physical Endurance Level: High
Estimated Downhill Time: 7 minutes (Top-tier riders)
Trail Type: Singletrack
Elevation Profile: 3,500m (Max) – 2,900m (Min)
Total Distance: 5 km
Route Discipline: Downhill (DH)
Total Ascent: 0 meters
Location: Urubamba – Sacred Valley

3. The Santísimo Downhill

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas—specifically in San Isidro de Chicón, Urubamba—this legendary course is approximately a 2-hour drive from Cusco. The trail masterfully utilizes natural mountain ridgelines, blending ancestral stone stairways with custom-built wooden ramps and technical features designed by the event organizers.

The race starts at an altitude of 3,500 meters, traversing fertile agricultural zones while offering breathtaking views of the Chicón Glacier.

Event Schedule:

Month: April
Confirmed Dates for 2026: April 23rd – 26th

Race Specifications (The Santísimo Downhill)

Difficulty: Technical
Physical Endurance Level: High
Estimated Downhill Time: 6 minutes (Top-tier riders)
Trail Type: Singletrack
Elevation Profile: 3,500m (Max) – 2,900m (Min)
Total Distance: 5 km
Route Discipline: Downhill (DH)
Total Ascent: 0 meters
Location: Urubamba – Sacred Valley

4. The Inka Avalanche – Abra Málaga

Undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating downhill competitions in Cusco. Located in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo (Phiry), the access point is along the main highway that connects the Ollantaytambo train station to the high-jungle region of Quillabamba.

The racecourse follows a pre-Hispanic ancestral trail, alternating between high-speed road crossings and technical singletrack, all while winding through breathtaking mountain valleys.

This massive event draws over 400 cyclists in a spectacular mass-start format. With everyone departing simultaneously, only one rider can seize the lead on the narrow trail and maintain peak velocity to the finish line to be crowned the “Champion of Champions.”