Tour Info
- Origin: Arequipa, Peru (AQP airport)
- Destination: Arequipa, Peru
- Total driving distance: Approximately 1,306 miles (2,371 kilometers)
- Duration: 12 Days (2 Arrival/Departure Days, 8 Driving Days and 2 Days of Sightseeing Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, or Floating Islands of the Uros)
- Average driving time per day: 7-9 hours (including lunches, photos, etc.)
- Average distance per driving day: 182 miles (298 kilometers)
- Terrain: Approximately 95% pavement, and 5% hard packed gravel/dirt (NOTE: You can skip this gravel section in the Colca Canyon. Please contact us about customizing your trip if you aren't comfortable with non-paved terrain.)
Included:
- 11 Nights in nice 3* tourist class hotels with private shower and toilet, with breakfast included
- Rental 4x4 truck with unlimited kilometers / miles
- Car insurance, with a deductible/excess of max. $1,000
- Detailed Road Book for directions, sites, fuel, etc.
- Garmin GPS
- Extensive briefing by a RIDE Adventures representative
- Day-trip to Machu Picchu (Train, bus and entrance tickets + guide)
- Boat Cruise on Lake Titicaca to the "Floating Island of the Uros"
- Airport transfers in Arequipa (Peru)
- Flight to Arequipa (Peru)
- Any non-mentioned entrance fees for side trips, museums, parks, etc.
- Entrance Fee at Colca Canyon - $25 per person
- Fuel and tolls (Estimated at $350)
- Any non-included meals
- Rental Car Security Deposit: $1,000 (Cash or MasterCard/Visa credit card)
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
Pricing: (In USD, per person)
- 1 Hotel room / 1 Car:
1 Guest: $3,680
2 Guests: $2,575
3 Guests: $2,350 - 2 Hotel rooms / 1 Car:
3 Guests: $2,495
4 Guests: $2,235
- Single room: $500
- Toyota LandCruiser (or similar model): $725 per car
- Luxury Hotel package (4 and 5* Hotels): $495 per person
- (Luxury Single Room $975 per person)
- Guided version with private driver/guide: $2,245 per tour
- (Luxury: $3,195)
- Flight over the Nazca lines: $120
- Chauchilla Cemetery: $5
- City tour Cusco: $20
- Sacred Valley Tour Cusco: $30
*Please keep in mind, spots on these tours can be sold out 6-8 months in advance! Reservations are only confirmed after receipt of the deposit as indicated in our Terms & Conditions.
Interested in This Tour?
Contact Lars About the Machu Picchu Express 4x4 Tour!
Tour Specs
Basic
Peru
- DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE for multiple occupants and multiple rooms
- City of Arequipa - The "White City" of southern Peru
- The Atacama Desert - Driest desert in the world
- The Nazca lines - World-famous ancient and mysterious figures drawn into the pampas
- Altiplano of the Andes - The "High Plains" of the world's largest mountain range - Ride up to an altitude of 16,500 feet, or 5,000 meters
- City of Cusco - The Incan Empire's ancient capital
- Machu Picchu - The lost city of the Incas, and perhaps South America's most famous site
- Lake Titicaca - Highest navigable lake in the world crossing the border of Peru and Bolivia
- The Colca Canyon - Home of the Andean Condor and the deepest canyon in the world
Tour Video
Testimonials
"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!
"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!
The Machu Picchu Express - Self-Guided 4x4 Adventures!
If you're not a motorcycle Rider, or if you RIDE and your partner doesn't, no need to feel left out! With our rugged 4x4 adventure travel packages, you can visit all of the incredible places on our Peru trips whether you do it on two wheels or four.
Reserve your "Fly & DRIVE" trip package with us, see the absolutely stunning sites of Peru from the safety and comfort of a 4x4 pickup or SUV. With our seamless rental processes, we'll have a vehicle waiting for you, all your hotels pre-reserved, along with GPS, maps, and notes that make your adventurous itinerary an easy one to follow. While this trip may be slightly shorter, which is perfect if you're pressed for time, you'll still be able to experience the beauty and wonder of South America.
The costs associated with guided tours aren't for everyone, and neither is the challenge of riding a motorcycle, so contact us to arrange your self-guided 4x4 adventure through Peru today!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Arequipa
Welcome to PERU! After picking you up from the airport, your hotel room will be waiting for you, along with a detailed orientation about your trip and 4x4 rental; all part of having a safe and enjoyable adventure! Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the charming "White City" of southern Peru.
Day 2 - Arequipa to Puerto Inca - 255 miles (410km)
Once your rental vehicle is delivered to the hotel, you'll get an early start on this extended driving day that will take you along the Peruvian/Pacific Coast, all the way to Puerto Inca, passing villages and enjoying 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 - Puerto Inca to Nazca - 112 miles (180km)
A short drive through the desert delivers you to the town of Nazca, home of the famous Nazca Lines where you'll have the opportnity to see the historical remnants. Enjoy a flight over the mysterious lines, or visit the fascinating Chauchilla Cemetery nearby, and then take some time to relax by the pool.
Day 4 - Nazca to Chalhuanca - 225 miles (361km)
After Nazca, get ready to be humbled by the staggering sights of the Andes, where you'll 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 stunning sightseeing drive. Along the way, you'll pass the tourist-free town of Puquio, a beautiful village in the Andes. Your drive takes you high over the Andes to Chalhuanca, where you'll reach your hotel.
Day 5 and 6 - Chalhuanca to Cusco - 190 miles (300km)
Enjoy the awe-inspiring 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.
Day 7 - 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. You may have heard of some, but not the others, and yet they're all extremely fascinating. The end of the day brings you to Ollantaytambo and a visit to an impressive, ancient Incan fortress.
Day 8 - Machu Picchu....FINALLY!
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, your only option is to take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (all arranged as part of this package,) then another thirty minute bus ride to the citadel entrace. A 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. Those up to the physical challenge should plan on climbing the peak of Wayna Picchu, which makes the backdrop of this incredible site. If you can tear yourself away from this enchantment, the return to Ollantaytambo by train awaits you.
Day 9 - Ollantaytambo to Puno - 280 miles (450km)
Day 9 offers a longer connection day, but the views of the Andes on this trip are outstanding! Passing the highest point in this leg of the journey (14,100ft or 4300m), enjoy the grandeur of the Altiplano region. Now you're on your way to Puno, the highest navigable lake in the world is in your sites: Lake Titicaca.
Day 10 - Puno to Colca Canyon - 205 miles (330km)
After enjoying a morning cruise on Lake Titicaca to witness the Floating Islands of the Uros people up close (all included in this package) are you ready to journey to the deepest canyon in the world? The Colca Canyon, home of the Andean Condor, is a ripe opportunity for photography and a jaw-dropping visual experience. This medium-length drive takes you across the highest point of your entire Peruvian 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 day of travel, take some time to relax in one of the local natural hot springs.
Day 11 - 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," one of the best locations to see the flight of the magnificent and enormous Andean Condors. After which, hit the road again through winding rural roads back to where this adventure began in Arequipa.
Your drive through this area will also give insight as to the type of terrain that competitors of the Dakar Rally have been dealing with since 2009. On the northern edges of the Atacama desert, barreling over sand dunes and the like, overland truck, motorcycle, and ATV racers have been conquering the landscapes surrounding you!
Day 12 - Arequipa to Home
The people of Peru and our Staff will be sad to see you go, but arrangements will be made to deliver you to the airport. If you're heading home to share your favorite moments and memories with friends and family, great, but please keep in mind that other adventures like this one in the Andes Mountains await you!
Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training
If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.
Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure.
4x4's Available
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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