Peru Motorcycle Tour: 7 Wonders in 17 Days from Arequipa

Welcome to Peru! On arrival in Arequipa, the vibrant colonial city in southern Peru, we pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Your guide holds a briefing covering the route, paperwork and the motorcycle security deposit. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Altitude: 2,300 m (7,500 ft)

We follow the Panamericana northbound through one of the world's driest deserts, heading for Nasca — world-famous for its geoglyphs that are only visible from the air. In the afternoon there is the option to take a half-hour flight over the pampa.

Distance: 180 km | Road: Pavement | Altitude: sea level → 500 m (1,650 ft)

We ride back to the coast and head for the little fishing town of Paracas. A boat trip to the Islas Ballestas — the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’ — is on the schedule. Afterwards we explore the spectacular Paracas National Park on the motorcycles.

Distance: 75 km | Road: Pavement + maintained gravel roads in the National Park | Altitude: 400 m → sea level

A long ride through the heart of the Andes — predominantly paved but with possible gravel stretches. High mountains and deep ravines flank the route. This is what motorcycling is about!

Distance: 235 km | Road: Predominantly pavement | Altitude: 2,800 m → 2,400 m (7,875 ft)

The absolute highlight of the tour: Machu Picchu. There is still no road to this magical place, so early in the morning we board a train to Aguas Calientes and then a half-hour bus ride to the entrance of the citadel. After the visit we return to Ollantaytambo by train.

Altitude: 2,430 m (8,000 ft)

We leave the motorcycles in Cusco and fly to Puerto Maldonado. Our lodge team takes us to the river docks, where a boat carries us deep into the Amazon jungle. For two nights we stay at the lodge with all meals and excursions included. With luck you might spot a jaguar!

Domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado | Altitude: 3,500 m → 200 m (650 ft)

Back on the motorcycles for a magnificent ride across the Altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We pass through Sicuani and Juliaca — the latter an unforgettable experience with chaotic traffic.

Distance: 390 km | Road: Pavement | Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,800 m (12,500 ft)

An early start — the condors won’t wait. After about an hour we reach Cruz del Condor in the heart of the Colca Canyon to watch Andean Condors soar in their natural habitat. Afterwards we ride back to Arequipa, closing the loop.

Distance: 260 km | Road: Pavement | Altitude: 3,600 m → 2,300 m (7,500 ft)