MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · PERU
Amazon Motorcycle Tour Peru: Andes & Jungle
This extraordinary motorcycle tour through Peru takes you far from the usual routes: from the desert coast over the Andes to deep in the Amazon jungle.
The Journey
From the coast over the Andes into the Amazon
A true feast for motorcyclists: This tour through northern Peru combines desert, Andes, and Amazon into a varied menu of riding fun and culture. On the first day of riding, we visit Caral, the oldest known settlement on the American continent. Then we continue over the Cordilleras to Chachapoyas to the cloud warriors, to the mighty Gocta waterfall, and down into the rainforest around Tarapoto. To conclude, we cross the Andes back to the coast once more. Experience northern Peru on the agile Yamaha Ténéré 700, far from the large tourist flows.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! After landing at Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima, our transfer takes you to the hotel in the Miraflores district. The first evening is yours to settle in.
City tour Lima
To kick things off, we explore Lima, Peru's lively capital. On a city tour, we see the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace in the historic center. (Admissions on site.)
Lima to Barranca
The Pan-American Highway takes us about 210 kilometers north through barren desert landscape. Along the way, we visit Caral, the oldest known settlement in the Americas, before we reach Barranca.
Barranca to Huaraz
We leave the coast and ascend into the Andes to Huaraz at 3,053 meters, also called "Peruvian Switzerland." On both sides, the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca rise up.
El Cañón del Pato
Back from the Andes to the coast, through the spectacular Cañón del Pato. Over approximately 295 kilometers, the track leads through 39 tunnels and wild gorges to the fishing village of Huanchaco.
Chan Chan
Today we visit Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimú Empire. The complex, built around 1300, covers 28 square kilometers and is considered the largest adobe city in the world.
After Cajamarca
About 292 kilometers take us from the coast back to the Andes to Cajamarca. The city at 2,750 meters was once the residence of the Inca ruler Atahualpa.
Break in Cajamarca
Rest day in Cajamarca. The mild climate invites you to visit the hot springs or the beautiful colonial churches, just according to your taste.
Into the Amazon region
An adventurous day: Over 238 kilometers, we cross two mountain ranges of the Andes. The narrow serpentine roads down to Balsas require full concentration. At the Rio Marañón, we reach Leymebamba at 2,210 meters.
Chachapoyas and Kuelap
Via Tingo and by gondola, we ascend to the ruins of Kuelap at 2,900 meters, the fortress of the cloud warriors. After about 155 kilometers, we reach Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazon region.
Gocta Waterfall
Only 43 kilometers, but an experience: We are going to the village of Cocachimba. As a highlight, we can expect the view of the Gocta waterfall, which, with a height of 771 meters, is among the highest in the world.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Moyobamba
We continue for about 255 kilometers to Moyobamba, the oldest city in the Amazon region, surrounded by lush greenery and famous orchid gardens.
Tarapoto
After just 130 kilometers we reach Tarapoto. The rest of the day is free, ideal for a break by the pool or a stroll at the Plaza de Armas.
Trip to Yurimaguas
A day trip takes us 130 kilometers deeper into the jungle to Yurimaguas on the Rio Huallaga, a navigable tributary of the Amazon. In the evening, we return to Tarapoto.
Tingo Maria
The longest stage of the journey: about 480 kilometers along the Rio Huallaga to Tingo Maria, the provincial capital, nestled in dense rainforest.
Huánuco
After the long previous day, we are taking it easy. Today, only about 120 kilometers separate us from Huánuco at an altitude of 1,880 meters.
La Merced
On the way to La Merced (320 km), we pass through several climate zones. At the highest point lies the old mining town of Cerro de Pasco at 4,330 meters, before heading down into the jungle.
Villa Rica and Oxapampa
On a tour through Villa Rica and Oxapampa, we see the coffee plantations of the region and take an appealing off-road route before returning to La Merced in the evening.
Back over the Andes
We leave the jungle and cross the Andes once again at 4,000 meters. Gravel, off-road, and asphalt alternate. After about 300 kilometers, we reach the Andean village of Rosa de Quives.
Return to Lima
Only 70 kilometers separate us from Lima. With a motorcycle bag full of memories, our Amazon motorcycle tour ends here.
Lima
The day in Lima is yours. Explore the city on your own and indulge in its famous cuisine.
Return flight
Transfer to the airport and return flight. Until next time, Peru!
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Trip includes
- Rental motorcycle Yamaha Ténéré 700 (self-drive)
- German-speaking tour guide
- Support vehicle for luggage transport
- Overnight stays in selected hotels
- Airport transfers
- Satellite phone
- Comprehensive insurance (mandatory)
- Travel security certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
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The tour lasts 22 days, from arrival in Lima to the return flight.
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The route leads over long daily stages through coast, Andes, and Amazon. The longest single stage measures about 480 kilometers.
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For experienced motorcyclists. Due to long stages, large altitude differences, and gravel as well as off-road passages, it is not suitable for beginners.
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The start and end point is Lima. Airport transfers are included in the travel price.
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Caral, the Cañón del Pato, the Kuelap fortress, the Gocta waterfall, and the Amazon rainforest around Tarapoto.
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Travelers from the EU and Switzerland need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
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Check the standard vaccinations and update them if necessary. A Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Peru; additionally, yellow fever is advisable for the Amazon. It is best to consult a travel physician.
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Yes. We will meet you in the arrivals hall and will be easily recognizable. Please do not leave the hall until we have found each other. We track your flight online and respond to changes in arrival time.
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Check if your health and accident insurance also covers you abroad, and supplement it if necessary with trip cancellation, repatriation, and legal protection. Make sure it is valid worldwide and note down the emergency numbers.
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We stay in carefully selected 2- and 3-star hotels with clean rooms, shower, toilet, and good breakfast. Single and double rooms are bookable; double rooms are only suitable for travelers who know each other.
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Yes. You need both your national and international driver's license. Be sure to check the validity of both documents before departure.
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In larger towns and mostly also along the route, you will have reception. In the deep jungle, it can be patchy. Affordable travel rates are worthwhile; most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
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The roads are very varied: well-paved asphalt alternates with gravel and off-road passages. Toll fees apply on main roads, which motorcycles are often exempt from. We specify the off-road portion in the travel program.
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The risks depend on the stage. Daily briefings reduce the risk of accidents. Traffic in large cities is lively, and animals roam freely in rural areas. We recommend defensive driving, full protective gear, and zero alcohol.
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In larger cities, there are well-equipped clinics. In rural and jungle areas, care is limited. A robust travel insurance with an emergency number is mandatory for this long-distance trip.
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There is no fixed best time, as Peru has several climate zones. In the Andean highlands, April to October is ideal. In the Amazon, it is tropical year-round. We align our tour calendar according to climate and weather.
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At altitude, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath may occur. Our stages are designed for slow adjustment. Drinking plenty, coca tea, and 'Sorojchi' tablets help. We carry an oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
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For this long tour, you can estimate about 150 euros for fuel. Fuel is purchased per gallon (3.8 liters), paid in cash or by card.
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You will ride the Yamaha Ténéré 700 on this tour, a light and off-road capable travel enduro with real rally character. It fully showcases its strengths on the many gravel and off-road sections of this route.
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Typically, there is only one seat (maximum two) available in the support vehicle. It is allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.
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Yes. For this tour, SUVs and pickups are available as self-drive vehicles. Everything is organized just as well as for the motorcycle group. We are happy to create suitable offers.
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