This motorcycle tour through southern Peru is an epic loop through incredible mountains and coast. Visit the mysterious lines of Nazca. Take a tour to Machu Picchu (included in the tour price), and marvel at one of the seven wonders of the world. Ride through the Andes, to heights of 15,600 ft! Ride the unbelievable Pan American Highway along the rugged Pacific Coast. This tour features some of the best paved riding in the world!
Tour Details
Road Conditions
All paved with extraordinary sections with curves and altitude change.
Lodgings
Average to excellent. One night we stay at a rustic farm setting in the middle of a working agricultural valley, off the tourist track. The rest of the nights are in comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels with all the amenities.
Tour Difficulty
Average
Highlights for this motorcycle tour
- Machu Picchu
- Nazca Lines
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Arica, Chile
- Cross the Andes Mountain Range
- Puerto Inca, Peru
- Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca
- Pisco
- Ceviche
Peru Machu Picchu Adventure Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
*Meals Included in package: (D) = Dinner (B) = Breakfast
Friday, May 16th:
Arrive in Arica, Chile
Welcome to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest inhabited places on Earth. The tour begins in Arica, located in northern Chile and is known as “The Town of Eternal Spring”. This port city, with its tropical latitude, mild climate, miles of seashore, golden sand dunes, duty-free shopping, and lively nightlife has become a popular tourist destination. Welcome dinner in the evening. Stay in Arica. (B/D)
Saturday, May 17th:
Bike pick-up and day ride in Arica, Chile - up to 200 miles
Get ready for the adventure! Imagine climbing 14,000 feet in 70 miles! We’ll pick up the bikes, go through orientation, convert money, check out the town, and take a half-day ride into the Andes. Stay in Arica. (B)
Sunday, May 18th:
Arica, Chile, to Moquegua, Peru - 135 miles
Leaving Arica, we’ll head to the border of Peru. Here we’ll discover the many intricacies of border crossings in South America. You’ll also get a chance to sample “Pisco,” the national grape drink coveted by locals. Our route follows the Pan-American Highway on magnificently manicured roads through the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth (100 times more arid than Death Valley), to the lush oasis valley town of Moquegua. Surreal riding. Stay in Moquegua. (B)
Monday, May 19th:
Moquegua to La Central - 135 miles
Enjoy world-class twisties and descend into one of the deepest canyons in the world today. Desert scenery, clear water rivers and looming Andes Volcanoes...experience the variety of Peru. Stay in La Central. (B)
Tuesday, May 20th:
La Central to Puerto Inca - 215 miles
Ride to Puerto Inca on the Pan American Highway along the rugged Pacific Coast. This day is truly a riders’ dream come true: no traffic, epic ocean views, and great winding roads! We’ll have the road to ourselves, with no motorcyclists and very few cars. The scenery along this stretch is amazing. We might even get a glimpse of some sea lions! Stay in Puerto Inca. (B)
Wednesday, May 21st:
Puerto Inca to Nazca - 105 miles
Continue along the Pacific Coast to Nazca, a dusty outpost in the San José desert. Nazca is home to one of the most mysterious archeological sites in the world, the Nazca Lines. Hundreds of huge figures – ranging in complexity from hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards – are etched into the dry desert. If enough are interested, we’ll do a fly-over or walk up man-made scaffoldings to get a better view. Stay in Nazca. (B)
Thursday, May 22nd:
Nazca to Chalhuanca - 225 miles
Climb into the Andes on incredibly twisty roads and ascend and descend over 20,000 feet before lunch. Witness superb mountain views. We’ll also ride by tiny indigenous towns and see herds of llamas on bright green pastures. One of the best days of riding – anywhere. We’ll stay overnight near a pristine trout river. Stay in Chalhuanca. (B)
Friday, May 23rd:
Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo - 210 miles
“Amazing” doesn’t do this area justice. Today we’ll ride along the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a town rich in Incan history. Ollantaytambo is the location where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cuzco, and much of the town is a showcase of Incan architecture. We’ll also be riding on a brand new road, freshly paved by order of the Peru’s past president. Truly, one of the best riding days anywhere! Stay in Ollataytambo. (B)
Saturday, May 24th:
Machu Picchu Tour
No visit to Peru would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. We’ll ride the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and explore the ruins of this ancient Incan city. Recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, these remarkable ruins, hidden high up in the mountains of Peru, were missed by the Spanish conquistadors and rediscovered in 1911. (Entrance fees are included in the price of the tour.) Stay in Ollataytambo. (B)
Ollataytambo. (B)
Sunday, May 25th:
Free Day, Ollantaytambo
We will lead a ride into the Amazon Basin this day. Ride a precarious road through an ever changing variety of plants and animals as you wind your way east toward one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth. This ride is a real treat, and showcases the unbelievable variety Peru has to offer. For those who want, stay in Ollantaytambo, and discover a town locked in time surrounded by Inca ruins and rockwork! Stay in Ollataytambo. (B)
Monday, May 26th:
Ollantaytambo to Cusco - 40 miles
We’ll continue back through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a short ride to the historic capital of the Incan empire, Cusco. This lively town is very motorcycle friendly. Much to do and see. We’ll visit the famous Norton Rat’s Tavern, a must-stop-in for motorcyclists, where a steady stream of world travelers and locals hang out. Best burgers in town! Stay in Cuzco. (B)
Tuesday, May 27th:
Free Day in Cusco
We’ll explore Cusco with its up and down streets, beautiful stonework, and discover the juxtaposition of Incan architecture, both ancient and modern: the fabled “wall of many angles”, colonial red roofs, whitewashed walls and blue doors and windows. Take the time to see and explore the many ruins, churches and museums or ride the surrounding area through the Andes mountains past ancient Incan ceremonial sites. Or…another day ride, maybe some more dirt! Stay in Cuzco. (B)
Wednesday, May 28th:
Cusco to Puno - 240 miles
We’ll ride all day through the Andes, ending at the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Puno rests at the edge of the lake and is surrounded by over 40 floating islands. We can take a boat tour of the mystical Reed Islands, and visit a family that lives there. Stay in Puno. (B)
Thursday, May 29th:
Puno to Moquegua - 275 miles
Ride on winding roads along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water. We’ll climb to 15,600 feet, and descend into the Atacama Desert to the welcoming oasis town of Moquegua. Just another epic paved ride to never forget....Stay in Moquegua. (B)
Friday May 30th:
Moquegua, Peru, to Arica, Chile - 135 miles
Ride back across the Peruvian border to the otherworldly landscape of Arica, Chile. Farewell Dinner and a chance to reflect on our journey and say our goodbyes. Stay in Arica. (B/D)
Saturday, May 31st:
Departure day
Happy travels back home!
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Reduction of Financial Liability to the motorcycle:
It is possible to reduce your financial liability to the motorcycle if damage is incurred by purchasing additional insurance through the bike operator. The price is as follows:
BMW 650 singles: $20USD per day, $280 for whole trip, $1,500USD max deductable
BMWF650 Twin: $25USD per day, $350 for whole trip $ $2,000USD max deductable
BMWF800: $30USD per day, $420 for whole trip $2,300USD max deductable
BMW R1200GS: $35 USD per day, $490 for whole trip $2,500USD max deductable
Damages above deductable must include a police report. Insurance does not cover theft of motorcycles in Peru. We stay in secured hotels each night and theft is not a problem.
To Book This Tour:
To secure a spot for our Machu Picchu Adventure Tour, please register and send in $1,000 deposit.
Travel:
As this tour starts and ends in Arica, Chile, you’ll need a round trip ticket in and out of Arica. Most commonly, international flights are routed through Santiago, Chile followed by a domestic connection to Arica.
For assistance with travel options, please contact us at: 1-800-756-1990 or
(907) 272-2777 for advice. You may also reach our travel agent Sallyat: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, or (907) 562- 2213. Just tell her you are part of MotoQuests’ Peru Adventure.
*Send us your Travel Information so we know when and where to meet you!!
Reading:
The Lonely Planet Chile
The Lonely Planet Peru
Money:
ATM machines are the most convenient and work much better than cash or traveler’s checks. ATM are in all major towns and cities. You can also exchange US currency in all cities.
It’s a good idea to bring at least one backup card (another ATM card, debit, or credit card). Cash in clean large bills is another great backup.
Arrival Tour:
Send us your travel information so we know when and where to meet you. Please be prepared to show your current motorcycle drivers license.
Tour Size:
6 - 10 riders. We have a large staff-to-guest ratio. This way your adventure is personalized and safety is maximized.
Gear:
Bring riding gear that is warm and waterproof (a riding suit with pads is best). We recommend Olympia Moto Sports (AST Jacket Mens/Womens and Ranger 3 Pants for Men, Promax Pants for Women). Also bring: Stout water-proof boots, rain gear, a warm hat, rain-proof gloves (2 pair), hiking shoes, bug spray, lots of underwear, fleece layers, full-faced helmet, swim suit (if there are hot springs), and a good camera are the things you need on the trail.
Peru offers the best riding in the world I have seen so far. I have been to Europe, Alaska, and New Zealand, and there is nothing that even compares to the quality of roads and the dynamic geography that you see only in Peru. Add to that a flight over the Nazca lines and and a day at Machu Picchu and you have yourself a world-class experience. MotoQuest did a great job organizing the entire trip. We rode at our own pace and their crew was professional and fun to be with. All in all, a fantastic trip that will always be at the top of my list of fond memories.
John Anderson, Oregon, USA”
