MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · PERU
Amazon Motorcycle Tour Peru: Andes & Jungle
This exceptional motorcycle tour through Peru takes you far off the usual routes: from the desert coast, across the Andes, and deep into the Amazon jungle.
The Journey
From the coast over the Andes to the Amazon
A true celebration for motorcyclists: This tour through northern Peru combines desert, Andes, and Amazon into a varied menu of riding fun and culture. On the very first day of riding, we visit Caral, the oldest known settlement on the American continent. We continue over the Cordilleras to Chachapoyas, home of the cloud warriors, to the mighty Gocta waterfall, and down into the rainforest around Tarapoto. To finish, we cross the Andes once more back to the coast. Experience northern Peru on the agile Yamaha Ténéré 700, far away from the large tourist crowds.
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 will take you to the hotel in the Miraflores district. The first evening is yours to settle in.
City tour Lima
At the beginning, 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. (Entrances on site.)
Lima to Barranca
The Pan-American Highway leads 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 the "Peruvian Switzerland." On both sides, the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca rise up.
The Duck Canyon
From the Andes back 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.
To 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, depending on your taste.
Into the Amazon Area
An adventurous day: Over 238 kilometers, we cross two mountain ranges of the Andes. The tight hairpin turns down to Balsas require full concentration. At the Rio Marañón, we reach Leymebamba at 2,210 meters.
Chachapoyas and Kuelap
Via Tingo and by cable car, we go up 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 driving to the village of Cocachimba. The highlight awaits us in the view of the Gocta waterfall, which at 771 meters in height is one of 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 remains 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: around 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 easier. Only about 120 kilometers separate us today 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 descending into the jungle.
Villa Rica and Oxapampa
On a tour around Villa Rica and Oxapampa, we see the coffee plantations of the region and drive an attractive off-road route before returning to La Merced in the evening.
Back over the Andes
We leave the jungle and cross the Andes once more at 4,000 meters. Gravel, off-road, and asphalt alternate. After about 300 kilometers, we reach the Andean village of Rosa de Quives.
Return trip 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 belongs to you. Explore the city on your own and let yourself be pampered by 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 Protection Certificate (Insolvency Insurance according to BGB § 651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
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The tour lasts 22 days, from arrival in Lima to return flight.
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The route covers long daily stages through coast, Andes, and Amazon. The longest individual stage measures around 480 kilometers.
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For experienced motorcyclists. Due to long stages, significant altitude differences, and gravel as well as off-road passages, it is not suitable for beginners.
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The start and finish is Lima. Airport transfers are included in the tour price.
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Caral, the Cañón del Pato, the fortress Kuelap, 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 of up to 90 days.
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Check standard vaccinations and refresh them if necessary. A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Peru; for the Amazon, yellow fever vaccination is also advisable. It’s best to speak with a travel doctor.
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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 times.
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Check if your health and accident insurance also applies abroad, and if necessary, supplement it with trip cancellation, repatriation, and legal protection. Ensure worldwide coverage and note 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 available; double rooms are only suitable for travelers who know each other.
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Yes. You need both your national and international driving licenses. 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 deep jungle areas, it may be patchy. Affordable travel rates are worthwhile; most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
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The roads vary greatly: well-paved asphalt alternates with gravel and off-road passages. There are tolls 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 in rural areas, animals roam freely. 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 regions, care is limited. A strong travel insurance with an emergency number is mandatory for this long journey.
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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 schedule our tour calendar according to climate and weather.
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At high altitude, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath may occur. Our stages are designed for gradual 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 budget around 150 euros for fuel. Fuel is charged per gallon (3.8 liters), payable in cash or by card.
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On this tour, you will ride the Yamaha Ténéré 700, a lightweight and off-road capable travel enduro with real rally character. It truly excels on the many gravel and off-road passages of this route.
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In the support vehicle, there is usually only one seat available (a maximum of two). 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 for the car group as for the motorcycle group. We are happy to provide suitable offers.
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