MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · PERU
The north of Peru by motorcycle!
The absolute insider tip - the north of Peru! South America motorcycle tour through Peru with incredible routes, both in the Andean highlands with its villages and on the northern coast.
The Journey
Motorcycle trip from the Andean highlands to the North Coast
The motorcycle trip through northern Peru has been completely revised several times and still belongs, or perhaps precisely for this reason, in the category of "insider tips." Wonderful ride routes, whether along the coast or in the Andean highlands, as well as a detour into the jungle, are part of the tour. Although northern Peru is far less visited than other regions of Peru, it has great tourist potential. Along the northern coast, a handful of charming towns break the monotony of the desert. The traditional villages and towns in the Andean highlands are full of charm. The motorcycle tour in northern Peru takes place away from the major tourist streams and is also a region that even for Peru experts can compete historically and culturally with other more well-known places. The routes of this tour are very adventurous. Great elevation differences and many bends await its participants, which is why this trip is suitable only for experienced motorcyclists.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival in Lima, Peru
Arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and transfer to the hotel in the Miraflores district.
City tour Lima
The tour begins in Peru's capital, Lima, which is also known as the City of Kings. We visit the historic center of the 10 million city with the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace.
On the Pan-American Highway to Churin
We leave the capital heading north on the famous Panamericana. Our first leg of 203 km takes us to Churin, a small town at an altitude of 2258 meters, which entices with its hot springs.
Into the Andes to Huànuco
The second day of driving takes us to an altitude of 3184 m. The Andes are the longest (above sea level) mountain range on Earth and the highest mountain range outside of Asia. After 201 km, we reach our destination for the day, Huànuco, and spend the night at an altitude of 1884 meters.
Over the Cordillera Blanca to Huaraz
Today we have an adventurous ride over the Cordillera Blanca ahead of us. With a length of 180 km and over 50 mountains higher than 5,700 m, the Cordillera Blanca is the highest mountain range on the American continent. We will reach our daily destination Huaraz after approximately 280 km of travel.
From Huaraz over the Callàn Pass to Chimbote
The adventure continues to Chimbote. We drive towards the coast and cross the Callàn Pass at 4,224 m. On serpentine roads, we arrive at the coastal city of Casma, from where we continue north on the Pan-American Highway to the port city of Chimbote. In total, we cover about 210 km on our motorcycles today.
Via the Pan-American Highway to Huanchaco
The motorcycle tour from Chimbote continues north on the Pan-American highway to Huanchaco. Before our arrival, we will visit a hacienda near Trujillo, where we can admire the famous Peruvian horse breed "Caballo peruano de paso" and indulge ourselves in the associated restaurant with local cuisine.
About the City of God to Cajamarca
About 100 km further north on the Pan-American Highway to Ciudat del dios, the City of God, leads our day's stage today, before our path goes back into the Andes. After a total of 295 km of travel, we reach Cajamarca, a city with about 200,000 inhabitants, which was once a residence of the Inca ruler Atahualpa. Cajamarca is located at an altitude of 2,750 m.
Over two Andes chains to the Amazon
Today, our journey takes us from the Andes to the Cloud Warriors in the Amazon region. Over a distance of 240 kilometers, we cross two Andean ridges before reaching Leymebamba. The switchbacks down to Balsas are particularly challenging, running along steep slopes and requiring extremely careful driving. The spectacular view literally takes our breath away and invites awe. Along the way, we cross a bridge over the Río Marañón (1,737 km), which later flows into the Río Ucayali (1,460 km) and finally into the mighty Amazon (6,400 km). Our destination for the day, the village of Leymebamba, is located at an altitude of 2,210 meters and is home to about 1,300 inhabitants.
Into the Amazon capital Chachapoyas
From Leymebamba, we continue our journey to Tingo, where the ascent to the impressive ruin city of Kuelap begins at an altitude of 2,900 meters. This fortress of the cloud warriors, also known as Chachapoya, was built between 900 and 1400 AD and once accommodated up to 2,000 people. After exploring this fascinating site, our path continues to Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazonas region. In the charming town, which has about 33,000 inhabitants, our day ends.
From Chachapoyas to Cocachimba
Today, our journey takes us to the small village of Cocachimba, which has about 300 inhabitants and is only 43 kilometers from Chachapoyas. Despite the short distance, the ride becomes an adventurous experience. As a highlight, we are greeted by the spectacular view of the Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the world with an impressive height of 771 meters.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Hike to the Gotca Waterfall
Today a guided hike to the Gocta waterfall is on the agenda. After exploring this natural wonder, we have the opportunity to relax by the pool and fully enjoy the magnificent view of the waterfall. After many days on the road, it's a welcome change to find some peace and recharge our energy.
From the jungle to the coast
Today, the longest stage of our journey is at hand - good that we could recover yesterday. Over 415 kilometers, we will travel from the jungle to the Pacific coast. Our destination is Chiclayo, the capital of the Lambayeque region. The city, with its around 300,000 inhabitants, is affectionately called the "Capital of Friendship" ("Capital de la Amistad").
On the Pan-American Highway to Huanchaco
Our journey takes us once again to the Pan-American Highway, which this time brings us 205 kilometers further south to the charming fishing village of Huanchaco - a place we would love to visit again. We let the evening wind down relaxed by the sea, accompanied by a dreamy sunset, grilled fish, and a refreshing Pisco Sour or Chilcano.
Visit to the Chan Chan site
Today, a visit to Chan Chan is on the agenda, the capital of the former Chimú Empire. The city, which was founded around 1300, still covers an impressive 28 km² and is considered one of the largest cities of its time on the South American continent. A fascinating insight into the impressive architecture and culture of this early civilization awaits us.
Through the Duck Gorge to Caraz
The motorcycle adventure calls us again! Our tour takes us back to the Andes, aiming for Caraz, which we will reach after an adventurous ride of 249 kilometers. However, first, we need to cross the famous Duck Gorge - or “Cañón del Pato.” The road partly follows the old railway line and takes us through 39 tunnels as well as wild gorges, making the adventure even more intense.
Through the Huascaran National Park to Chacas
The next two days take us along gravel roads into the Huascaran National Park. The park covers an area of 3,400 km² and offers impressive panoramas, snow-covered mountains over 6,000 m, glaciers, and mountain lakes. The national park also features the mountain of the same name, which at 6,768 m is the highest mountain in Peru. We spend the night in Chacas, which we reach after approximately 115 km of spectacular driving.
From Chacas via Carhuaz to Huaraz
From Chacas, we drive over Carhuaz to Huaraz, a distance of 109 kilometers. This leg also offers breathtaking landscapes and takes us through areas that are home to the spectacled bear and the majestic Andean condor. Another highlight of the journey that brings us closer to the diversity of the Andes.
From the Andes to the Pacific Coast
Now we say goodbye to the Andes and travel a distance of 217 kilometers to the Pacific coast to Barranco. The drive takes us to a completely different, but equally fascinating landscape that marks the transition from the high mountains to the sea.
From Barranco to Lima
Today we ride about 190 km back to Lima on the motorcycles. In our luggage: a motorcycle bag full of impressions and memories.
Free day in Lima
Today you have the day off and can explore Lima on your own.
Departure
It's back to the airport and off over the great ocean to home.
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 (Self-drive/KOVE 500 X included in base price)
- 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.
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Tourists from the EU and Switzerland generally require a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date to enter Peru. A visa is not required as long as the stay does not exceed 90 days.
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It is recommended to check and, if necessary, update the standard vaccinations such as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP). Additionally, all travelers to Peru are advised to get the hepatitis A vaccination due to the risk of infection. It is important to note that these are general recommendations and individual factors such as your health status should be considered. Therefore, we recommend consulting your general practitioner or a travel medicine specialist for personal advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
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Yes, of course! Like other travel agencies, we will meet you at the exit/arrival (in the arrivals hall) and will be easily recognizable. Please do not leave the arrivals hall until we have found each other. We track your flight online and are informed about any changes to the arrival time. If you arrive earlier than planned and we have not yet met, please make sure to wait in the arrivals hall.
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It is recommended to check with your health and accident insurance whether the coverage also applies to Peru. Additionally, there are various insurance packages that can provide optimal protection for your trip. This includes travel cancellation, repatriation by ambulance transport, legal protection, and much more. Make sure that the coverage is valid worldwide. Rescue and recovery costs, as well as ambulance transports, can become very expensive in a country the size of Peru. Note down the emergency numbers of the insurances that need to be contacted in case of an emergency. It is also always advisable to store important documents online.
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