"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 – Your Arrival in Arequipa, Peru
Welcome to Peru and the city of Arequipa! The home base of Peruvian touring operations just happens to be quite a charming city to visit as well, after we picked you up from the airport, the option is yours to spend the day enjoying the city of Arequipa.
Folks might want to visit local museums, the shopping and dining opportunities, and of course the historical city center which is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. – We’ll be making sure everyone in attendance gets the chance to meet, hold a briefing, and answer any questions you have prior to departure the next day.
Day 2 – The RIDE to Puerto Inka – 410km
Let’s head to the coast! Starting early, once everyone is comfortable on their rental motorcycles (that are included in the package,) we’ll make our way to the Pacific Ocean for an always pleasing sight.
Headed north then along the PanAmerican Highway, we’ll spend this long day enjoying twists and turns that might remind you of California’s Hwy 1, which is obviously the same stretch of road just thousands of miles away. With a great hotel option overlooking Puerto Inka, relax and enjoy one simple thought: “You’re riding a motorcycle in Peru!!!”
Day 3 – The RIDE to Nazca – 164 km
A shorter day by design, the idea is that the area is rich with Peruvian heritage and fascinating things to see, so why blaze through it?
Even before arriving in Nazca, the Chauchilla Cemetery awaits, and of course in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to fly over the famous Nazca Lines that were carved into the face of the earth around 1500 years ago. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in just your 3rd day in Peru? A comfortable hotel awaits and sets up the ride a bit further up the coast tomorrow.
Day 4 – The RIDE to Huacahina – 145km
Ever done any dune buggy riding or sandboarding (like snowboarding?) The opportunity to check both experiences off your bucket list awaits today, as we’ll enjoy a leisurely ride to the “Oasis of America” known as Huacachina.
Built around an almost surreal natural lake in the northern edges of the Atacama Desert, you’ll recognize why the Dakar Rally has been held in Peru in recent years. Enjoy the aforementioned activities, the scenery in the desert, and just fact that you’re in one of the most unique settings in the world.
Day 5 – The RIDE to Paracas – 73km
There are reasons for such short riding days, and you’ll understand more today as we arrive at the Islas Ballestas, known for their wide range of wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Here you can see up close the Humboldt Penguins, sea lions, Guanay Guano birds, and Blue-Footed Boobies indigenous to the region before we head into the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy the marine habitat and tropical desert.
Day 6 – The RIDE to Ayacucho – 346km
After getting a full feeling for the Pacific Coast in Peru, it’s time for a change of scenery, so we head eastward, up into the Andes Mountains!
From sea level we gently ascend to 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) where it’s best to level-off and acclimatize a bit. A city mostly known for it’s 33 cathedrals will make for a great resting location overnight.
Day 7 – The RIDE to Abancay – 389km
Think you’ve enjoyed some twists and turns through mountainous riding before? Today’s ride will be like anything you’ve done before, only on steroids and coffee!
As is with most of the rest of Peru’s roads, this route is in excellent condition practically begging motorcycle riders to ride it. Again with a focus of staying off the typical “tourist trail,” we’ll settle into the simple mountain town of Abancay for the night and rest up for more ahead
Day 8 – The RIDE to Ollantaytambo – 185km
Another day where the twisties seem to almost tie knots on top of themselves! This is what you came to Peru for though, right? This is the riding that should make it clear why RIDE Adventures was founded on and in the Andes Mountains, as we love hearing riders say “I can’t believe I never did this before!”
This ride puts us in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and will serve as a launching point to what might be the most famous site in all of South America.
Day 9 – The train and bus RIDE to Machu Picchu!!! – Rest Day From the Bikes
With the stories of Hiram Bingham III hacking his way through the Peruvian jungle looking for the “Lost City of the Incas,” just imagine yourself arriving at Machu Picchu not in the comfort of the train we arranged for you, but with a machete in hand, not even sure what you’re about to see.
It wasn’t only time for a rest day off the bikes, it’s also that reaching Machu Picchu by road still isn’t an option. That’s okay. Relax on your day off, and enjoy this unforgettable site.
Day 10 – The RIDE to Cusco – 173km
Finishing your ride through the Sacred Valley, just think, your motorcycle trip is barely half over! Rich with Inca culture and history here in the Valley, we’ll enjoy everything to ruins to empty tombs that appear as “holes” in the sides of the valley walls.
In every case these graves were emptied when treasure hunters learned the Incas buried their loved ones with massive amounts of gold and jewelry. Settling into Cusco, this fun city center is excellent for shopping, photography, drinking and dining.
Days 11 thru 13 – The Amazon Experience
Leaving the motorcycles behind for an exciting side excursion, yet another amazing variety factor in this motorcycle trip awaits you in the Amazon Jungle! Flights are arranged for the trip to Puerto Maldonado where a full service staff assists with the “all-inclusive” aspect of the tour package.
Along the Rio Madre de Dios and there at the jungle lodge, this deep Amazon foliage setting will be a dramatic contrast from the arid desert setting you enjoyed only a week earlier, and for those making a first trip into the jungle, an experience that will never be forgotten. (February 2022 Update: Please inquire to confirm, but we may be riding instead of flying to Puerto Maldonado. Flight service temporarily shut down.)
Day 14 – The RIDE to Puno – 322km
As if the string of highlights hasn’t been enough, leaving Cusco through the Andes Mountains will really make it clear why we love riding here so much. Headed to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca’s sunsets simply do not disappoint, and neither does the pretty city of Puno and it’s steep streets with Spanish Colonial architecture.
At 3,830 meters (12,556 ft.) it’s not uncommon to feel the effects of altitude, and for this you’ll find the Coca Leaves readily available to enjoy in a beverage and alleviate any discomfort.
Day 15 – The RIDE to The Colca Canyon – 346km
Want more amazing experiences? You’ve come to the right place! With Bolivia’s shores just across Lake Titicaca, you can enjoy the Floating Islands of the Uros people today and one extremely unique way of living.
As if the floating reed boats and way of the Uros wasn’t enough for the day, we’ll make our way to the edge of the Colca Canyon further west. Measuring 4,160 m (13,650 ft) deep, this amazing geological formation is actually twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona! With stunning scenery all around, enjoy your decent from the Andes Mountains.
Day 16 – The RIDE to Arequipa – 164km
Believe it or not, the saying “all good things come to an end” is true, even in motorcycle travel. But not before you see the Andean Condor in flight!
Along the cliff walls of the Colca Canyon, make sure to get out and see these gigantic condors with a wingspan up to 3.2 m (10.5 ft.) Descending from more high Andes riding though, we’ll twist and turn our way back to “home,” and unpack for a last night in Arequipa.
Day 17 – Departures
Enjoy the city once again, but don’t forget to start organizing all those photographs to share with us, as we know you got some good ones! Wait: You don’t really need to leave Peru if you don’t want to. Stay some extra nights and soak up more scenery and excellent cuisine a bit further. If you want to keep riding your bike some more, we can probably make it happen!
BMW F750GS
X
32.1 in
493lb / 223kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc
CF Moto MT800
- Wet Weight - 509 lbs
- Seat Height - 32.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 5 gal
X
32.5 in
509 lbs
5 gal
800cc
CFMOTO 450MT
The CFMOTO 450MT is built extra tough to take you beyond where the road ends. This adventure bike brings multi-terrain capability and versatility to CFMOTO's adventure touring category. Now lighter in weight, it boasts responsive power and torque from its acclaimed engine, making it perfect for the adventurous rider.
Smartly equipped for dirt, the 450MT is designed to handle a variety of terrains with ease. Whether you're exploring rugged trails or enjoying long-distance touring, the 450MT is perfectly crafted to meet the needs of those who seek adventure.
X
31.4 in/32.2 in | 800 mm/820 mm
386 lbs | 175 kg
4.6 gal | 17.6 liter
449.5 cc
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)
X
33.5/34.3 in
505 lb
5.0 gal
1084 cc
Honda NX500
The 2024 NX500 is a versatile adventure motorcycle, designed with a focus on power and agility.
It features a DOHC twin-cylinder 471cc engine, providing a perfect balance between strength and maneuverability. The inverted fork design enhances rigidity, offering precise steering input and feedback.
The NX500's adventure styling, tall windscreen, and sturdy passenger handholds add to its rugged look and functionality. Equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and a digital instrumentation TFT screen, this motorcycle ensures safe and informed riding.
The NX500 is ready to inspire both seasoned adventurers and those new to the thrill of off-road exploration.
X
32.8 in
432 lbs
4.7 gal
471cc
Kawasaki KLR 650
X
35.0 in
432.0 lb
6.1 gal
651 cc