Mountain Bike Challenge

Spectacular MTB trip around a unique National Park

This 8 day trip will take you mountain biking through an impressive part of the 2 billion old Serra da Canastra Mountain Range, in the heart of Minas Gerais.

During 8 days of carefully chosen place-to-place biking, you will see and enjoy the wide open spaces, rugged ranges and beautiful waterfalls of Serra da Canastra and of course, enjoy great mountain biking! While riding from village to village on dirt track roads and single tracks, you will soak up the contrasts of this fascinating landscape: from the open Cerrado grasslands to the lush valley forests, and from breathtaking pools and waterfalls to the heights of one of the mountains.

Listen to the music of the varied and colourful birds of the area and delight in sightings the particular animals of the Cerrado. Sampling the beauty of Serra da Canastra and the hospitality and food of the local culture in this peaceful and remote area, you will have the chance to explore and challenge yourself on your bike as well as unwind and open up to the tranquil way of life of this place.

You will be discovering an area well off-the-beaten track, yet renowned for its warm welcome, delicious food and time-honoured way of life.

+44 151 638 1515 / +44 7900 642 276

Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1: Transfer & Arrival at Hotel in Araxá. Rest and relax a bit in pleasant hotel set in parkland. Dinner at local restaurant in evening (optional).

DAY 2: Free morning with a chance to explore and try out the bikes and the opportunity to try the latest track of the International MTB competition (XCO) near the hotel. Complimentary Hotel Spa treatment. Briefing early afternoon and transfer to Serra da Canastra.

DAY 3: The riding starts - we cycle 55Km at the foot of the north face of Serra da Canastra and through rural areas. The ride will consist of some technical parts and challenging hills and downhills, with a chance to swim in a river and waterfall before the end of the day.

DAY 4: Wake up in the morning in our lodge to the chance to ride a horse or milk your own milk! Today we cycle 35Km and it is going to be the physically the easiest day of our tour. We will stop and swim in the famous River São Francisco and arrive in good time to enjoy the views of the range from our next stay.

DAY 5: Today will be a multi-sport day with 40km of riding. We will mountain bike, walk and swim! It will also be one of the best days of riding, with enough beauty, novelty and adrenaline to give you memorable memories. We will visit the impressive 182 metres fall of Casca D’Anta Waterfall and walk up next to it to its wonderful pools at the top. We finished our day at Fundão Waterfall, another striking fall of Serra da Canastra. We will have dinner at the local farm and camp next to the fall and its sounds!

DAY 6: Our ride today starts with a challenging 8Km hill! We will then ride mostly through Serra da Canastra National Park until we go down for aprox. 10 Km until we reach a local farm where we will spend the night. Tonight we will be immersed into the local culture of the hospitable farmers and their simple great style.

DAY 7: Today will be a short riding day, but a day of great leisure at the local waterfalls. Mid afternoon we head back to Araxá where we will go to a restaurant/bar to celebrate our experience of mountain biking in Serra da Canastra. A fairly demanding day, we will cycle 70km, with a strenuous 2.5km climb to reach the top of the Babilônia plateau. One of the greatest cycling days; there will be plenty of technical paths, challenging ascents, great descents, and all that surrounded by magnificent views of mountains, valleys, streams and lakes. We stay at a pousada located near to a concentrated reserve area of waterfalls.

DAY 8: Free morning. Transfer to airport.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

2 nights hotel accommodation (double/twin rooms)
5 nights pousada (local guesthouse) accommodation (rooms vary between sleeping 2-4 people)
1 night farmhouse accommodation (rooms vary between sleeping 2-4 people)
1 night camping (2 men tent shared)

Breakfast provided at all accommodation.
Dinner will be out at a restaurant when staying at the hotel, and on one night at a pousada, so not included. All other nights pousadas/farmhouse have dinner included.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

23 – 1 April (Incl. CI Int’l MTB Comp. 24-25 March. This tour is slightly longer and has a different price. If you are interested in this tour, please consult us for further info.)
21-28 April - £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)
19-26 May - £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)
16-23 June £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)
21 – 28 July £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)
26 Aug – 2 Sep £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)
22 – 29 September £1190 per person (based upon 3-6 people)

SPECIAL OFFER: £200 off 2012 bookings for groups of 6

+44 151 638 1515 / +44 7900 642 276