"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!
A trip best described as a "non-stop fun reel!"
Discover the ultimate highlights of Northern Thailand with our perfectly crafted 13-day itinerary, designed for maximum enjoyment in minimal time. Choose between our Self-Guided or Guided Group tour packages, both offering an unforgettable experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear and wondering why you haven't embarked on this adventure sooner.
Begin and end your journey in the historic Old City of Chiang Mai, as you traverse a breathtaking route filled with unparalleled highlights. Ride through stunning valleys and mountains, follow the scenic Mekong River, and explore the legendary Golden Triangle, all while being greeted by the warm smiles of the friendly Thai people. This is the adventure you've been waiting for.
This trip offers the absolute best experiences within its duration. From quaint dirt road villages to awe-inspiring Buddhist temples, there are countless adventures for Riders to enjoy. If you visit in April, you'll get to partake in Songkran, the New Year celebration, featuring a lively, nationwide water fight with the cheerful locals.
Throughout the year, the cuisine is exceptional, and the people of Thailand greet adventure bike riders with warm smiles. You'll be as amazed as we were by the fantastic, winding roads perfect for riding in Thailand!
👉 Read more about "what it's really like" to ride the Northern Thailand Experience here.
👉 Learn about our motorcycle riding and research in Thailand, Laos, and Southeast Asia here.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Thailand!
This wonderful country, steeped in history and brimming with friendly, smiling faces, is ready to offer you a motorcycle journey you’ll always remember.
A quick 15-minute transfer to your hotel in the Old City of Chiang Mai will remind everyone of how welcoming this country is to motorcyclists, and you’ll certainly be riding a much “larger than average” bike throughout the area.
Settle in, and our staff will go over the details about check-in, bike papers, and more.
Day 2 – Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang
The eagerly awaited ride kicks off! But first, you'll need to get properly fitted and acquainted with the motorcycle set aside for your journey.
As you depart Chiang Mai and travel southwest, feel free to indulge in a second cup of coffee if it's part of your daily ritual, because even in rural areas, you'll notice how much the Thai people adore having coffee readily accessible.
As you venture off the beaten path towards the Vachiratharn Waterfall and ascend to the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest peak at 2,565 meters, the journey is crafted to immerse you in the rural charm while still capturing key urban highlights.
Winding your way to Mae Sariang along the Yuam River, close to the Myanmar border, take a moment to reflect on your first day's ride and anticipate the exciting adventures that lie ahead!
Day 3 – Mae Sariang to Mae Sot
As you head towards a gateway city to Myanmar, the tiniest backroads we know will lead to the biggest smiles we know.
Small villages, welcoming people, and a simple lifestyle will continue to be a “theme” for the remainder of this journey, so get ready for some “travel bliss,” all with a twist of your wrist. Have you noticed how delicious the food is here yet?
Day 4 – Mae Sot to Sukhothai
Riding near the Friendship Bridge connecting Myanmar and Thailand, it’s possible to walk across to the local markets (if time allows.)
Then eastbound through the countryside, long sweeping turns along Route 12 give way to more of an urban setting, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Heritage Park that Sukhothai is partly famous for.
A sunset stroll through the park gives great photo opportunities for the 26 Buddhist temples that remain with stories of the “whispering Buddha” taking our minds away from the modern world. Relax for an evening in excellent accommodations, and ready yourself for more great riding ahead.
Day 5 – Sukhothai to Nan
A traditional Thai breakfast paves the way for more great coffee stops nestled amongst more twisting and winding roads. By this time in the trip, Riders may actually miss the opportunity to ride on a straight section of road!
Witness the largest teak tree in the world in Ton Sak Yai National Park (estimated to be over 1,500 years old with nearly a 10m base circumference) en route to a lunch spot near the Sirikit Dam on the Nan River.
A brief ferry crossing adds even more variety to this motorcycle adventure, as more tiny villages, smiling faces, and great twisting roads lead you to Nan for a little relaxation.
Day 6 – REST DAY in Nan, Thailand
That’s right. Although some local riding amongst the mountains around Nan is possible today, it’s a good idea to rest as well to remain sharp and fresh for the ride ahead.
Relax, soak up, and soak in all the sites and scenery thus far, while enjoying shopping opportunities for local crafts here in Nan. Speaking of “soaking,” did you choose our April trip date because of what we said about Songkran?
If so, prepare for a day like no other in this world. Walk through a fun small city in Thailand, connecting with relaxed, fun, and warm people in this hottest month of the year. Belief is that by keeping a cool body, we keep a cool mind; therefore we remain peaceful and calm in our demeanor.
Enjoy as virtually everyone in your part of the world strives to “keep you cool” in a time-honored tradition like no other!
Day 7 – Nan to Chiang Rai
Writhing your way toward the Golden Triangle and fun town of Chiang Rai, a few route options may exist, but we'll make sure you enjoy the best.
Settle down into Thailand's northernmost city for the night, and charge up for the days ahead.
Day 8 – Chiang Rai to Thaton
With the Mekong River just in the distance, the ride heads further inland while remaining in these northernmost spaces of Thailand.
With the newly paved “Paradise Road” as part of today's journey (and redefining the meaning of “sweepers"), today’s ride is yet another that has Riders celebrating the fact that they ride!
Day 9 – Thaton to Pai
This celebration begins once again as both paved and dirt riding options lie ahead of you on the front wheel of the motorcycle rental included in your package.
Choosing a town like Pai gives way to “international encounters,” as the overnight plans in this fun town are an attraction to travelers from all around the world.
Day 10 – REST DAY – Pai, Thailand
We choose the best locations for these much-needed rest days, noting that if the itch to twist your wrist still exists, just exploring the area around Pai will be a welcome experience.
Just within this bouncing town though, there will be plenty to keep people busy with shopping, dining, and international faces. Short excursions to nearby caves and geological features are also available, but don’t forget to rest up for the big finish ahead!
Day 11 – Pai to Mae Hong Son
With 1864 curves spread out over the Mae Hong Son Loop, notice on some of the popular travel forums that even non-motorcycle riders recognize that this ride is one of the most exciting riding opportunities in the world.
Pick your rhythm, find the apex, and challenge yourself to achieve riding perfection, all while trying to focus on the path ahead instead of the surrounding scenery.
With the end of the day bringing the opportunity for a boat ride to see one of a few Longneck people’s villages out in the remote countryside, perhaps even near the end of this trip, you’re still amazed at the wide variety of experiences and joys this riding experience puts before us.
Day 12 – Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai
Weather permitting, a wild 80km ride nicknamed “The Elephant Track” over a wide variety of mixed and challenging terrains will make an incredible start to the riding day.
Through very remote and isolated villages in mountain settings west of Chiang Mai, not every trip itinerary can be so perfect as this one, finishing with some of the greatest scenery and what is seemingly a “composite” of all the types of riding challenges you’ve bested up to this point.
Pull into the Old City of Chiang Mai once again, raise your helmet to reveal smile wrinkles like no other, and congratulate yourself for having now ridden some of the very best routes in Northern Thailand, or perhaps anywhere in the world!
Day 13 – Departure Day
Stay if you can or leave if you must, but we understand if you’re already thinking about a return to Thailand or what other incredibly fun experiences can be had in Southeast Asia on 2 wheels.
We congratulate you sincerely on a safe finish, and hope you’ll share your thoughts, photos, and videos on what it was like for you, riding this Northern Thailand Experience!
BMW F750GS
X
32.1 in
493lb / 223kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW F850GS
X
33.9 in
504lb / 229kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc