"It was the trip of a lifetime! I had to pinch myself several times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I think the highlight was the Uyuni Salt Flats, surreal landscape. My favorite place we stayed had no electricity or hot water in La Higuera Bolivia but I give it a five star! Just riding through the small villages of Peru and Bolivia was great. Looking forward to another trip."
-That's the Adventure Riding spirit we love and hope to bring out of more Riders! Karl Arceneaux's Andes & Altiplano Guided Group Tour was clearly a success, and a real Adventure Rider understands that sometimes "things don't work" in places like Bolivia. We make the best of each situation, and have fun with the memories on all of these trips. So glad you enjoyed, Karl!
| "Just to let you know that we had a fabulous time in Peru! Excellent people, excellent route and excellent hotels!
I guess I didn't really know what to expect from Peru - but it surpassed any expectations I had many times over. It really is a sensational trip and both Helen and I loved the riding and the few bits of 'adventure' that we had!"
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-Michael Potter and his wife, Helen must have enjoyed themselves, as so many of us do when riding and exploring the incredible land of Peru. They were part of our Guided Group "Machu Picchu Express" tour, and we look forward to riding with them again in the Andes, soon.
"Just finished the Machu Picchu express tour. The tour was absolutely brilliant! It was very well organised, driving was fantastic. Food and accommodation great ! I will be recommending to my friends when I get home! Thanks very much! - Patrick Fives"
-Patrick and another group of Riders all enjoyed what the Andes Mountains of Peru had in store for them on the Machu Picchu Express Guided Group Motorcycle Tour. Patrick, if this just razzled up some curiosity about what the rest of the Andes may be like, please keep us in mind!
"My dad and I had the best time of our lives! Diederik and Edi were excellent, really help made it a great tour. - If anyone would like to contact me to ask questions about the or tour around Peru, please feel free to pass them my email and Cc; yourself."
-Alexandra Carroll from Australia, having given us exactly what we're after in this business: Great feedback about motorcycle trips! Alexandra and her father joined one of our "7 Highlights of Southern Peru" tours in early 2015.
"Javier was a great guide and a very fun and good person. We are making a movie of the trip (Javier was the main cameras man) and will share that with you. Here are a couple of photos from the trip. Thank you very much for an incredible journey in a wonderful country. Next year we are off to Russia for our annual cruise. We had an AWESOME trip. A big special thanks to Javier...he was extremely special."
-Charles Davidson, Brandon Batagol, and Bruce Syme from Australia after their private motorcycle tour of Peru. Glad you guys enjoyed so much, let's do those "hot springs" tours!
"Fantastic tour on the Machu Picchu Express. Good route with a mix of desert, mountains and rainforest. Some excellent riding and a good crew. Top marks to Geert and eddy who kept us entertained in the evenings and informed during the tour plus on the road whatever the problems that came up."
-David Kellaway from the U.K. after what was a successful first experience riding a motorcycle in the Andes Mountains of Peru on theMachu Picchu Express tour package
-Gustavo Priyoltensky from Massachusetts after what was clearly a great self-guided motorcycle trip in Peru with his father in early 2015. Come back again, guys!
- Mark Larson from Arizona in the U.S. after he and his wife, Melanie enjoyed exploring Peru on one of our BMW R1200GS rentals. Mark had done Patagonia a few years ago with us, and appears to be "conquering Lost Andes!"
"Guys had a great time, despite Phil almost being arrested LOL. He left his ID and money etc. under a mattress at one of the hotels a maid found it and turned it in but not before they were stopped at a checkpoint along the route. Phil had no idea he had forgotten it.
Your staff was wonderful in assisting them. Phil took like 1600 photo’s. Next time they want another motorcycle trip, I will definitely keep you guys in mind. Thank you so much for all your assistance."
-Written by Brandi who assisted in setting up a self-guided Peru motorcycle trip package for the Nelson brothers from the U.S. Worth noting here is that, while we don't recommend leaving things behind in hotels, there are definitely good people all over the world, including beautiful Peru!
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"Wow! Wow! WOW!!! The three principal environments in Peru are coastal desert, high mountains (and here I mean HIGH, as in really, really HUGE!), and jungle. But there is also everything in between from pine forests at 2000m to the incredible expanses of golden Pampas grasses on the "Altiplano", way above the tree line, starting at 3,000m and up for there. Our highest point was 4,900m, and still we were dwarfed by the giant peaks all around. Amazing is too weak a word for it. AWESOME is often a word that is over-used. This was truly that. |
- Rory Aitken from the U.K. after clearly enjoying his exploration of Peru on one of our BMW R1200GS rentals. With sentiments like this, perhaps more people will finally venture into the Andes Mountains of Peru on one of our motorcycle rentals!
"Just got back from a great ride in Peru...RIDE Adventures helped nine of us to build and ride a personalized tour of Peru...the ninth person was a Peruvian that lives here in the States. Having a Spanish speaking guy with you really makes the trip
-Ted Beck - Montana - If you want more particulars - email me! (Ted and his group did a self-guided motorcycle trip of Peru with motorcycles we provided, and hotels and maps we arranged for them.)
"All around, a great trip. Your entire organization is totally professional. Your email responses were always prompt and accurate. Like I said, Lars was very honest in his assessment of my trip and he was right. It's obvious that all of you actually ride and you know the routes.
-Terry Banen from the U.S, after what was clearly a great self-guided motorcyle trip in Peru, including Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu.
- Valérie Julie Brousseau from Canada sent another smile across our faces when we saw this note about her motorcycle trip experience in Peru. We are so glad you enjoyed, Val!
- Todd Thorsell and his buddy Roger clearly enjoyed themselves in Peru, taking this photo near the Colca Canyon on our Guided Group "Machu Picchu Express" motorcycle tour. Glad you enjoyed, guys!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Arequipa
Welcome to Peru and the heart of the Andes Mountains! Your 4x4 adventure package starts with picking you up at the airport and taking you to the hotel already included this first night. After which, our Staff will provide a detailed orientation about your trip and 4x4 rental; all part of having a safe and enjoyable adventure! Spend the remaining downtime of your first day exploring the friendly atmosphere of Arequipa, the "White City" of southern Peru with plenty of shopping, architectural history, and culinary opportunities.
Day 2 - Arequipa to Puerto Inca - 255 miles (410km)
Upon familiarization with your rental vehicle, an early start on this adventurous driving day leads you up along the Peruvian/Pacific Coast with crashing waves to your left, all the way to Puerto Inca through small villages and breathtaking views. Situated in an amazing location that was once the Incan harbor, your hotel is on a beautiful bay with ruins nearby that are free to visit.
Day 3 and 4 - Puerto Inca to Nazca - 112 miles (180km)
A short drive through the coastal desert takes you through an opportunity to see the Chauchilla Cemetery on the way to Nazca, home of the famous Nazca Lines. Here you can enjoy a flight over the massive lines on the earth's surface below, or climb the nearby tower if flying isn't your thing. Either way, prepare to relax by the pool at the end of the day, and prepare to head into the Andes Mountains tomorrow!
Day 5 - Nazca to Chalhuanca - 225 miles (361km)
After Nazca, get ready to be humbled by the staggering sights of the Andes, where you'll gradually reach an altitude of more than 13,700 feet (4,200m) and enjoy the company of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. This is one of the most beautiful roads in South America for a spectacular sightseeing drive, often referred to as "The Tail of the Dragon" of South America. Along the way, you'll pass the tourist-free town of Puquio, a beautiful village in the Andes. Your drive takes you even higher over the mountains to Chalhuanca, where a quaint hotel awaits your evening of rest, or can serve as a launching point for more local exploration.
Day 6 and 7 - Chalhuanca to Cusco - 190 miles (300km)
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you travel the spectacular ascents and descents of this route into Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. Feel free to catch up on some rest, or spend your time exploring the shops, marketplaces, cathedrals, and museums of one of the most wonderful cities in South America. The town plaza is ripe with shopping and dining opportunities, and don't forget to sign the Guest Book at Norton Rat's Tavern if you happen to stop in for a cold one.
Day 8 - Cusco to Ollantaytambo - 50 miles (80km)
Your journey from Cusco takes you to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" where you can visit a myriad of Incan ruins and learn about the pilfering of treasure from sacred burial tombs when it was discovered that ancient Incas were buried with their gold. The end of the day brings you to Ollantaytambo and a visit to an impressive, ancient Incan fortress before another incredible day ahead.
Day 9 - Machu Picchu
Of all the major highlights on this trip, a visit to Machu Picchu is absolutely at the top of the list. With no main road to Machu Picchu, and without 3-4 days of hiking on your wish list, the only option is to take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then another thirty minute bus ride to the citadel entrace. Any visit to Peru would not be complete without an adventure to the world famous lost city of the Incas, where you'll be delighted by the stunning architecture, artifacts, and history as uncovered by Hiram Bingham's expedition in 1911. Hopefully after climbing to the top of Wayna Picchu (the backdrop mountain peak) the train awaits you for a return to Ollantaytambo.
Day 10 and 11 - Ollantaytambo to Puno - 280 miles (450km)
Day 10 offers a longer connection day, but the views of the Andes on this trip are outstanding! While passing some of the highest points in this leg of the journey (14,100ft or 4300m) the mysterious feeling and culture of the Altiplano (high plains) region surrounds you. The shores of the world's highest navigable Lake Titicaca and the charming city of Puno lie just ahead.
The next day, you can choose to take an (optional) half-day or full-day boat trip to the "Floating Islands of the Uros" or spend your time exploring all that Puno has to offer.
Day 12 - Puno to the Colca Canyon - 205 miles (330km)
Are you ready for yet another incredible site on this trip? The deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon, and home of the Andean Condor, lies just ahead. This medium-length drive traverses the highest point of your entire adventure, an incredible 16,100 feet (4910m) back up and over the Andes, where you'll enjoy the spectacular mountain views during your descent down to Chivay. After such an outstanding journey, take some time to relax in one of the natural hot springs.
Day 13 - Colca Canyon to Arequipa - 160 miles (260km)
Before beginning the final leg of your trip, take some time out to visit the "Cruz del Condor" here within the Colca Canyon, one of the best locations to see the flight of the magnificent Andean Condor. Then, you're on the road again, slithering your way back to Arequipa through more fantastic Andean scenery with small towns and villages along the way.
Day 14 - Arequipa to Home
All good trips must come to an end, but there's so much more to see in the Andes if you want to continue or return! Arrangements will be made to transfer you to the airport on this day, unless you've requested more time in Arequipa. Heading home to share your favorite moments and memories with friends and family, congratulations on having completed your journey through Peru!
Toyota HiLux Pickup
The Toyota HiLux provides all the safety, comfort, and rugged experience that you'll need on your 4x4 adventure travel in South America.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
Upgrade to a Toyota Land Cruiser so you can explore the rugged terrain of South America in style!
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