This Peru motorcycle tour combines spectacular scenery with one of South America's most fascinating cultures. Riding through constantly changing landscapes, we travel from the colonial city of Arequipa along the Pacific coast and through the Nazca Desert, high into the Andes, deep into the Amazon rainforest and to some of Peru's most important landmarks.
Along the way, we ride winding mountain roads, pass traditional villages and discover the legacy of the ancient Inca civilisation. Highlights of this motorcycle adventure include the Nazca Lines, Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the impressive Colca Canyon, where Andean condors can often be seen soaring above the cliffs.
This is a motorcycle journey that brings together many of Peru's best known highlights on a single route. From desert landscapes and the Pacific coast to high mountain passes, remote Andean communities and the edge of the Amazon Basin, every riding day offers something different.
The motorcycle routes primarily follow paved roads, with only 40 kilometers on gravel. Riding is extremely diverse, adventurous, and exciting. And remember, in the end, we only regret the things we didn't do. So come join us – your adventure awaits! This tour is also available as a self guided tour.
Everything you need to know about this tour. Do you have any further questions? Please contact us!
After arriving in Lima, you continue with a domestic flight to Arequipa, the starting point of our Peru motorcycle tour. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel near the historic city centre. Here you will meet the tour leader and the other participants. Depending on your arrival time, there may still be an opportunity to explore Arequipa on your own. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its colonial architecture, the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery and the traditional San Camilo Market. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and a briefing about the journey ahead.
Today our motorcycle journey through Peru begins. Leaving Arequipa behind, we first ride through the foothills of the Andes before reaching the Pan-American Highway. The landscape changes quickly. The mountains gradually disappear behind us as the dry coastal region of Peru takes over. In the afternoon we reach the Pacific Ocean and follow the coastline to Puerto Inka. Our hotel is located directly by the sea. This small settlement was once an important port of the Inca Empire. Next to the hotel are the remains of a former Inca settlement, which can be visited.
We follow the Pan-American Highway through Peru’s coastal desert. The route passes through a dry and sparsely populated region that ranks among the driest places on earth. In the afternoon we arrive in Nazca. The town is famous for the Nazca Lines, enormous geoglyphs drawn into the desert floor more than 1,500 years ago. Those interested can book an optional scenic flight. From the air, the lines and animal figures can be seen particularly well.
Today we leave the Nazca Desert behind and head directly into the Peruvian Andes. Within a short time we reach altitudes of over 4,200 metres. The dry coastal desert gradually gives way to green valleys before we enter the barren high Andes with their vast plains and rugged mountain peaks. On the high plateaus we encounter llamas, alpacas and vicuñas roaming freely. The route offers countless bends, little traffic and constantly changing views. Along the way we pass small Andean villages such as Puquio before reaching our destination for the day, Chalhuanca.
After breakfast we leave Chalhuanca and continue our ride through the Andes. The route passes through Abancay and offers varied mountain scenery, high passes and countless bends throughout the day. The road winds through deep valleys, along steep mountain slopes and past small Andean villages. In the afternoon we arrive in Cusco at an altitude of 3,500 metres. The former capital of the Inca Empire is one of the most important historic cities in South America and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Inca architecture and colonial buildings stand side by side. We spend the next two nights in a centrally located hotel in Cusco’s historic centre.
Today the motorcycles remain parked. In the morning we join the tour leader for a guided city walk of approximately two and a half hours through Cusco. During the tour we visit the main sights of the former Inca capital. In many places the original Inca stone walls are still visible. The Spanish later built churches, monasteries and houses on these foundations. This combination of Inca and colonial architecture continues to define the city today. After the tour there is plenty of time to explore Cusco independently. Visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the local markets or the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán above the city, which offers fine views over Cusco and the surrounding mountains.
Today we ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most historically significant regions of Peru. Along the way there is an opportunity to visit the salt terraces of Maras, which have been in use for centuries. The route climbs over a pass at approximately 4,750 metres before descending towards Urubamba, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we reach Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. The town was an important stronghold of the Inca Empire and is known for its impressive Inca fortress, where the Incas inflicted one of the few defeats suffered by the Spanish conquistadors. We spend the night in Ollantaytambo and prepare for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
"The contact with Motor2Travel was very good and reliable. The trip was beautiful, a bit adventurous and sometimes exhausting. The highlights of the trip were the landscape, country, people and driving routes. I am not only very satisfied with Geert as a tour guide he is also a great guy!"
Early in the morning we board the train and travel through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. This small town at the foot of Machu Picchu can still only be reached by train or on foot. From here, a shuttle bus takes us up to the famous Inca citadel in around 30 minutes. Machu Picchu is one of South America's most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors and remained hidden for centuries before gaining international recognition in the early 20th century. After visiting Machu Picchu, we return by train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
In the morning we get back on our motorcycles. Today's route takes us from the Andes down into the Amazon lowlands. Over many kilometres we gradually lose altitude and experience a noticeable change in climate and vegetation. The mountain landscapes slowly give way to tropical rainforest and the air becomes warmer and more humid with every hour. Our destination is Quincemil, a small town on the edge of the Amazon region. We spend the night in a family-run hotel and experience a completely different side of Peru from the Andes or the Pacific coast.
Today is the longest riding day of the tour. From the foothills of the Amazon we climb back into the Andes. The road rises steadily through remote mountain regions with wide views of the surrounding peaks. After a lunch stop in Macusani, we continue towards Lake Titicaca. Along the way we pass through Juliaca, a busy Andean city, before reaching Puno in the late afternoon. Located directly on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Puno will be our base for the next two nights.
Today is free to spend as you wish. Those interested can join a boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Situated at an altitude of around 3,800 metres on the border between Peru and Bolivia, the lake is one of the most important cultural regions of the Andes. During the excursion you can visit the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros have lived for centuries on artificial islands made from totora reeds and still maintain many of their traditional customs. In the afternoon there is time to explore Puno at your own pace.
From Puno we cross the Andes once more, travelling from east to west. The route follows the Altiplano through remote highland landscapes with wide views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we arrive in a small village near Chivay. Those who wish can visit the natural hot springs and enjoy a relaxing end to the day.
Early in the morning we ride to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint in the Colca Canyon. With a bit of luck, we may spot the Andean condor in its natural habitat. These impressive birds use the rising thermal currents to soar high above the canyon. Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. As we continue towards Arequipa, we pass traditional Andean villages, ancient Inca terraces and the vast landscapes of the Peruvian highlands. In the afternoon we arrive in Arequipa, where our Peru motorcycle tour comes to an end. During our farewell dinner we look back on the experiences of the past two weeks.
Our motorcycle tour through Peru ends today. After saying goodbye to the group, you will be transferred to Arequipa Airport. From there you fly via Lima for your onward journey home.
MOTORCYCLE RENTAL OPTIONS For this Peru motorcycle tour, the CFMOTO 450 MT or Honda NX500 are available as standard motorcycles. Comparable models may be provided depending on availability. Upgrades to other models are available at an additional cost. Upgrades CFMOTO 700MT: €220.00 CFMOTO 800MT (-X): €650.00 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: €820.00 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE: €1,050.00 BMW F 750 GS: €650.00 BMW R 1250 GS: €1,490.00 BMW R 1300 GS: €1,750.00
All rental motorcycles are insured in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Peruvian authorities (SOAT). This insurance provides limited medical cover for the rider, passenger and third parties. However, all participants are required to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the duration of the tour. Please note that the rental motorcycles are not insured against damage to the motorcycle itself or to third-party property. To cover this risk, the rental company offers an optional damage waiver insurance with a maximum excess of US$700. This amount also serves as the security deposit and represents your maximum liability. The deposit can be paid by cash or credit card. The insurance premium for this tour is US$240 per motorcycle. Without this insurance, the rider is fully liable for any damage to the motorcycle and for any third-party claims. In this case, a security deposit of US$2,500 is required. Please note that total liability may exceed this amount.
During this motorcycle tour in Peru, we ride through a wide variety of landscapes and climate zones. Part of the route follows the Pacific coast and crosses the desert regions on the western side of the Andes. Temperatures in these areas can become quite high during the day. Some riding days are also relatively long, with considerable distances to cover. Once we reach the Andes, altitude becomes an important factor. On several occasions we stay at high elevations, including Puno at 3,800 metres above sea level. Temperatures decrease significantly with increasing altitude. In the desert regions and valleys, daytime temperatures are often between 20°C and 30°C. In the high Andes, temperatures can drop to around 10°C or lower. Early mornings and late afternoons can be particularly cool. Approximately 98% of the route is on paved roads.
A helmet, motorcycle jacket and trousers with protectors, gloves and motorcycle boots or sturdy high-cut hiking boots are mandatory. Temperatures can be very warm in the lower regions, particularly during spring and autumn. At the same time, conditions in the high mountains can be considerably colder. A motorcycle jacket with a removable thermal liner is highly recommended. Additional layers can easily be worn underneath in colder areas. A good pair of sunglasses and a full-face helmet with visor are also useful for protection against dust. Peru's rainy season generally runs from December to February. Our tours take place during spring or autumn, when little rainfall is normally expected. However, weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable, so waterproof riding gear is strongly recommended.
Upon arrival in Peru at Lima Airport, you will receive a free tourist visa valid for up to four weeks. Important information regarding your onward flight to Arequipa: always collect all checked luggage from the baggage carousel in Lima. Even if your airline advises otherwise at your departure airport, luggage is generally not checked through directly to Arequipa. You must collect your baggage in Lima and check it in again for your domestic flight.
Price rider starting at: €4950,-
Price pillion: €3450,-
Singleroom surcharge: €675,-
Pocketmoney to bring: €500,-*
Minimum number of riding participants: 4**
Maximum number of riding participants: 12
Maximum number of pillion riders: 2
Visa (Exclusive): check if you need one
** If there are less than 5 riders, the tour guide will lead the tour from the support vehicle.
This tour is available on these dates:
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