Andean Raid
ExtremeA 686km self-supported gravel ultra through the high Andes around Cusco, with roughly 16,000m of climbing at extreme altitude on remote dirt roads far above 4,000m.
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▌ A 686km self-supported gravel ultra through the high Andes around Cusco, with roughly 16,000m of climbing at extreme altitude on remote dirt roads far above 4,000m
South America ultra event organized by Andean Raid
14 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]450 km of extreme gravel through Cusco, Peru
- [+]10,000 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by Andean Raid
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Singletrack
RED FLAGS
- [!]Ultra distance — needs serious training base
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Technical terrain rewards bike-handling
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
450 km is not a race — it's an expedition. Pacing is decided by hours, not km splits, and sleep strategy matters more than power.
TIRE INTEL
Mixed gravel with no extreme demands — go for rolling speed.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Cusco, Peru in mid-winter (June): expect cold conditions, plan for rain and layering. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Resist the urge to push. Your race starts in 48 hours, not at km 0.
Eat early, eat often. Sleep matters more than watts now.
Mental low point. Stick to the plan. Most riders bonk here mentally before physically.
Save matches. The finish line will reveal itself when you stop chasing it.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Cold-weather hypothermia — wet rider + low temps = bad day
- [!02]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
- [!03]Mental low point on the long, lonely middle section
- [!04]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
INSIDER INTEL
“South American gravel is a frontier — vast, raw, and largely uncrowded. Andean Raid is the kind of event that introduces riders to that.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Multi-day stage race with full expedition support — lodging, meals, gear transport, and on-course mechanics typically included.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- +Aid station nutrition + water
- +Neutral mechanical support
- +Medical sweep + first aid
- +Daily meals
- +Gear transport between stages
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
Camping or shared accommodation at each stage town included or available as upgrade.
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
TRAVEL OPS
Andean Raid is a destination-worthy ultra event in Peru. A solid bucket-list addition.