Tour Info
- Origin: Arequipa, Peru (AQP airport)
- Destination: Arequipa, Peru
- Total driving distance: Approximately 1,452 miles (2,331 kilometers)
- Duration: 16 Days (2 Arrival/Departure Days, 10 Driving Days and 4 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: 291 kilometers (182 miles)
- 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:
- 13 Nights in nice 3* tourist class hotels with private shower and toilet, including standard breakfast
- 2 Nights in an Eco Resort in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, all meals and excursions included
- Rental car for the whole tour, unlimited kilometers / miles
- Car insurance, with a deductible/excess of max. US$ 1,000
- Domestic flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (round trip)
- Detailed Road Book
- Garmin GPS
- Extensive briefing by a RIDE Adventures representative
- Day-trip to Machu Picchu (Train, bus and entrance tickets + guide)
- Airport transfers in Arequipa (Peru)
- Flight to Arequipa (Peru)
- Any non-mentioned entrance fees for side trips, museums, parks, etc.
- Fuel and tolls (Estimated at US$ 350)
- Any non-included meals
- Rental Car Security Deposit: US$ 1,000 (Cash or MasterCard/Visa credit card)
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
Pricing: (In USD, per person)
- 1 Hotel room / 1 Car:
1 Guest: US$ 5,375
2 Guests: US$ 3,895
3 Guests: US$ 3,595 - 2 Hotel rooms / 1 Car:
3 Guests: US$ 3,765
4 Guests: US$ 3,450
- Single room: US$ 705
- Toyota LandCruiser (or similar model): US$ 995 per car
- Luxury Hotel package (4 and 5* Hotels): US$ 600 per person
- (Luxury Single Room US$ 1,335)
- Guided version with private driver/guide: US$ 3,095 per tour
- (Luxury: US$ 4,425)
- Flight over Nazca Lines: $120
- Chauchilla Cemetery: US$ 5
- City tour Cusco: US$ 20
- Sacred Valley Tour Cusco: US$ 30
- Boat Cruise on Lake Titicaca: Half day US$ 25 / Whole day US$: 45
*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 Your Top 7 Highlights of Peru Adventure Travel Package!
Tour Specs
Basic
Peru
- DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE for multiple occupants and multiple rooms
- Coastal Desert
- Amazon Jungle
- High Andes
- Lake Titicaca
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Nazca Lines
- Cusco
- the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- and of course, Machu Picchu!
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!
Self-Guided "Top 7 Highlights of Peru" - 4x4 Adventure Travel
Want to take an amazing, unforgettable journey through Peru, using something other than a motorcycle? Maybe you RIDE and your partner doesn't, or vice versa, and you still want to take an adventure trip together? We have the answer.
Reserve your "Top 7 Highlights of Peru" trip package with us, and we'll have a 4x4 pickup waiting for you (or upgrade to an SUV), all your hotels pre-reserved, and maps and notes that make your itinerary easy to follow.
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 driving adventure through Peru!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Arequipa
After picking you up at 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 "White City" of southern Peru.
Day 2 - Arequipa to Puerto Inca - 255 miles (410km)
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 over the mountains to Chalhuanca, where you'll reach your hotel.
Day 5 - Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo - 200 miles (320km)
Fill up with an early breakfast because you're back on the road today, driving through unforgettable scenery, arriving at the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" in the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Visit an impressive, ancient Incan fortress!
Day 6 - 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, your only option is to take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, 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. If you can tear yourself away, you'll return to Ollantaytambo by train.
Day 7 and 8 - Ollantaytambo to Cusco - 50 miles (80km)
Leaving from Ollantaytambo offers you the choice of two different routes to one of the most beautiful cities of South America: Cusco, the ancient Incan capital. Both routes are worth every minute, so it's up to you. Take your pick!
Spend the next day exploring Cusco. Hike up and down the steep streets, browse around the Plaza de Armas, dip in and out of shops and local markets, take in the the cathedral, museums, ruins of Sacsayhuaman and anything else you're able to fit in. Experience tells us that one day in Cusco will never be enough!
Day 9 and 10 - Cusco to Puerto Maldonado - 290 miles (470km)
As if you hadn't been on an amazing adventure already, leave your rental vehicle behind at the hotel in Cusco and catch a ride to the airport where you'll take your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Forty-five minutes in the air will take you to the Amazon jungle. The Eco Lodge crew will pick you up and deliver you to the river docks, where you'll travel by longboat roughly 19 miles (30km) downstream. Your two-night stay begins with all meals and excursions included.
Day 11 - Puerto Maldonado to Cusco - 290 miles (470km)
The morning of Day 11 finds you back on the boat, arriving in Puerto Maldonado for your flight back to Cusco. Once you arrive back in this remarkable city, this is your chance! The rest of the day is yours to explore anything you may have missed before.
Day 12 and 13 - Cusco to Puno - 250 miles (400km)
Day 12 offers a longer connection day, but the views of the Andes on this trip are outstanding! After you pass the highest point in this leg of the journey (14,100ft or 4300m), you'll reach the world's largest high plains of Altiplano. Crossing Altiplano finds you on your way to Puno, where you'll reach the shore of the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca.
Rest up because the next day provides you with your choice of either a half-day or full-day boat cruise on Lake Titicaca, exploring the "Floating Islands of the Uros." Depending on your cruise choice and your available time, take the opportunity to explore the town and its interesting surroundings.
Day 14 - Puno to Colca Canyon - 200 miles (320km)
Ready to journey to the deepest canyon in the world? Colca Canyon, the home of the Andean Condor. This medium-length drive takes you across 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 15 - Colca Canyon to Arequipa - 160 miles (260km)
Before beginning the final leg of your trip, be sure to visit the "Cruz del Condor," one of the best locations to see the flight of the magnificent Andean Condor during their morning feeding sessions. While passing through this region on the way back to Arequipa, keep in mind that these northern edges of the Atacama Desert have been home to the Dakar Rally since the competition first arrived in South America in 2009. Barreling through wide open landscapes and rugged sand dunes, imagine all the racing cars, overland trucks, and motorcycles converging on the next bivouac!
Day 16 - Arequipa to Home
We'll be sad to see you go, but arrangements have been made to deliver you to the airport. You're heading home to share your favorite moments and memories with friends and family.
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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