MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · PERU 

North Peru motorcycle trip: Andes & North Coast

Northern Peru is the absolute insider tip for experienced motorcyclists.


How long? 15 Days
Price € 6,550 / Person

The Journey

From the Andean highlands to the northern coast of Peru

This motorcycle trip through northern Peru has been refined time and again and remains a true insider tip. Wonderful riding routes in the Andean highlands meet lonely passes and traditional mountain villages. In the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the Duck Gorge Cañón del Pato and the Huascarán National Park await with glaciers and deep blue mountain lakes. Afterwards, it goes down to the Pacific coast to the huge adobe city of Chan Chan. The routes are demanding, with significant elevation changes and around 25 percent off-road. Therefore, this trip is aimed at very experienced riders, traveling on the agile Yamaha Ténéré 700.

Expedition main image

Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 About the Cordillera Blanca
01
About the Cordillera Blanca
The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world, with over 50 peaks beyond 5,700 meters. The ride over its passes is one of the great motorcycle highlights of this journey through northern Peru.
02 The Duck Canyon
02
The Duck Canyon
The legendary Duck Gorge follows an old railway line through 39 tunnels carved into the rock and wild gorges. It is one of the most spectacular and adventurous motorcycle routes in all of Peru.
03 Huascarán National Park
03
Huascarán National Park
On gravel roads, you cross the Huascarán National Park with glaciers, mountain lakes, and peaks over 6,000 meters. The Punta Olímpica Pass at over 4,700 meters is an absolute off-road highlight of the trip.
04 Chan Chan of the Chimú
04
Chan Chan of the Chimú
On the north coast, Chan Chan awaits you, the former capital of the Chimú Empire. The city, constructed from adobe bricks around 1300, covers an area of 28 square kilometers and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
05 Offroad in the North of Peru
05
Offroad in the North of Peru
About a quarter of the route leads over gravel and natural paths through remote Andean villages. This challenging route makes northern Peru a tip for very experienced riders looking for adventure off the beaten track.
Days 1–15

Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Peru! After landing at Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima, our transfer will take you to the hotel in the Miraflores district. The first evening is yours to settle in.

City tour Lima

To kick off, we explore Lima, the "City of Kings." During a city tour through the historic center, we see the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. (Admissions on site.)

Panamericana to Churin

We leave Lima to the north via the Panamericana. After about 203 kilometers, we reach Churin, a small Andean town at 2,258 meters, known for its hot springs.

Into the Andes to Huánuco

The second day of travel takes us to over 3,100 meters in height. After about 201 kilometers through the Andes, we reach Huánuco and spend the night at 1,884 meters.

About the Cordillera Blanca

Today a spectacular drive over the Cordillera Blanca awaits, the highest mountain range on the continent with over 50 peaks beyond 5,700 meters. After about 280 kilometers we reach Huaraz.

Through the Duck Gorge

Today we explore the famous Cañón del Pato. An old railway track leads the route through 39 carved rock tunnels and narrow gorges, one of the most spectacular off-road routes in Peru, before we spend the night in Caraz.

Huascarán National Park

Through gravel roads we go to the Huascarán National Park. At the legendary pass Punta Olímpica at over 4,700 meters, glaciers, mountain lakes, and peaks beyond 6,000 meters await us before we reach Chacas.

Via Carhuaz to Huaraz

From Chacas, it goes back to Huaraz via Carhuaz. The stage leads through areas where the spectacled bear and Andean condor are at home, with breathtaking views of the Cordillera Blanca.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Huaylas Alley

A day to catch your breath in the Callejón de Huaylas. Those who wish can take a trip to the turquoise Laguna Parón or to the Pastoruri Glacier, depending on their preference and fitness level.

Over the Pass Callàn

We leave the highlands over the Callàn Pass at 4,224 meters. Via winding serpentine roads, we reach Casma and drive on the Pan-American Highway to the port city of Chimbote (around 210 km).

Pan-American Highway to Huanchaco

On the Panamericana, we drive north to Huanchaco. Along the way, we visit a hacienda near Trujillo, where we admire the noble Caballos de Paso and enjoy local cuisine.

Chan Chan

Today we visit Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimú Empire. The adobe brick city, built around 1300, covers an area of 28 square kilometers and was one of the largest of its time.

Panamericana to Barranca

On the Pan-American highway, we roll along the coast back south. After a long, relaxed stage, we reach the coastal town of Barranca in the evening.

From Barranca to Lima

On the last approximately 190 kilometers, we return to Lima, carrying a motorcycle bag full of impressions and memories.

Departure

Transfer to the airport and return flight over the great ocean back home. 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.

PRICE

from

€ 6,550 / person

Price Options

Self-driver with rental motorcycle YAMAHA T7 € 6,550
Passenger motorcycle € 2,200

Additional Options

Single room surcharge € 530

Trip includes

  • Rental motorcycle Yamaha Ténéré 700 (self-drive)
  • Overnight stay in selected hotels
  • German-speaking tour guide
  • Support vehicle for luggage transport
  • Satellite phone
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel protection certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
  • It is a street tour with about 25 percent off-road. Off-road experience is an advantage.
  • For very experienced motorcyclists. Due to large elevation differences, many curves, and gravel sections, it is not suitable for beginners.
  • Start and finish is Lima. Airport transfers are included in the travel price.
  • The Cordillera Blanca, the Duck Canyon Cañón del Pato, the Huascarán National Park, and the Chimu city Chan Chan on the northern coast.
  • 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 of up to 90 days.
  • Check the standard vaccinations and refresh them if necessary. A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Peru. For personal advice, it is best to speak with a travel medicine specialist.
  • Yes. We will meet you in the arrival 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.
  • Check whether your health and accident insurance is valid abroad, and supplement it if necessary with trip cancellation, repatriation, and legal protection. Pay attention to worldwide validity and write down the emergency numbers.
  • 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.
  • Yes. You need both your national and international driver's license. Make sure to check the validity of both documents before departure.
  • In larger towns and usually also along the route, you will have reception. In remote mountain areas, it may be patchy. Affordable travel rates are worth it; most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
  • The route mixes well-paved asphalt with gravel and off-road sections (about 25%). There are tolls on main roads, which motorcycles are often exempt from. We provide the off-road percentage in the travel program.
  • The risks depend on the stage. Daily briefings reduce the risk of accidents. Traffic in large cities is lively, and animals run free in rural areas. We recommend defensive driving, full protective gear, and zero alcohol.
  • In larger cities, there are well-equipped clinics. In remote mountain regions, care is limited. A robust travel insurance with an emergency number is mandatory for this long-distance journey.
  • There is no fixed best time, as Peru has several climate zones. In the Andean highlands, April to October is ideal. We organize our tour calendar according to climate and weather; dates are available upon request.
  • In high altitudes, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath may occur. Our stages are designed for slow acclimatization. Drinking plenty, coca tea, and “Sorojchi” tablets help. We carry an oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
  • For this tour, you can expect to spend about 110 euros on fuel. Fuel is paid for per gallon (3.8 liters), either in cash or with a card.
  • You will travel on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, a light and off-road capable touring enduro with real rally character. On the gravel and off-road sections of this challenging route, it fully showcases its strengths.
  • In the support vehicle, there is usually only one seat available (maximum two). It is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Yes, this is fundamentally possible. Everything is organized just as well as for the motorcycle group. Talk to us, and we will be happy to create a suitable offer.
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