Bernd S.
The route planning for the motorcycle tour through Peru is well thought out and varied. The route from Lima via the Huacachina Oasis to the Nazca Lines and on t...
MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · PERU
Trans Andes Motorcycle Tour: La Paz – Arequipa
The best guided motorcycle tour in South America? Judge for yourself.This exclusive tour crosses two countries, starting in La Paz, the unofficial capital of Bolivia. The first riding day takes us to Coroico and back up over the infamous Death Road.
How long?
16 Days
When?
August
Price
$ 7,209
/ Person
The Journey
Bolivia & Peru – Uyuni, Titicaca & Machu Picchu
From La Paz this Trans Andes motorcycle tour sets off on an epic journey through two of the most fascinating countries in South America. Bolivia welcomes us with the Death Road adventure, colonial Potosí and the endless white of the Salar de Uyuni. At the border we switch to Peruvian motorcycles and continue to Lake Titicaca, across the Altiplano to Machu Picchu, to Cusco, through the Andes to Nasca and along the Pacific coast to Arequipa. Around 3,900 kilometres, two countries, 16 days — one unforgettable tour: local bikes in Bolivia, the CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500 in Peru.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
01
Death Road & Jungle
01
Death Road & Jungle
The first riding day takes us to tropical Coroico and back over the Death Road — once the world's most dangerous road. Sheer rock faces, breathtaking drops and green Amazon jungle make this stage unforgettable.
02
Salar de Uyuni
02
Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. For more than 120 kilometres we ride on the blinding white salt under Bolivia's endless sky — one of South America's great natural wonders.
03
Potosí – Highest City
03
Potosí – Highest City
Potosí was once larger than Paris and London combined and the richest city on earth. Today you can visit the ancient silver mines and the historic mint museum (entrance fees payable locally).
04
Machu Picchu
04
Machu Picchu
The absolute highlight of South America: the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. By train and bus early in the morning you reach the citadel before the tourist crowds arrive. Train, bus, entrance fee and guided tour are included.
05
Two Countries, One Adventure
05
Two Countries, One Adventure
From La Paz to Arequipa you ride 16 days across the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, through Cusco, the Andes to Nasca and along the Pacific coast — the ultimate combination of motorcycling and South American culture.
Bolivia
Bolivia: Death Road, Potosí, Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca. Starting in La Paz at 3,600 metres on local motorcycles.
Days 1–6
Arrival in La Paz
Welcome to La Paz, the unofficial capital of Bolivia at 3,600 metres. We will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall of La Paz international airport and are easy to spot. Please note: the transfer from the airport to the hotel is not included in the tour price and must be arranged separately. In the afternoon your guide holds the briefing and takes care of all necessary formalities. Arriving a day early to acclimatise to the altitude is recommended.
Altitude: 3,600 m (11,800 ft)
La Paz – Coroico (Death Road)
We pick up the motorcycles and ride through the city up to a mountain pass at 4,700 metres. Then the spectacular descent into the Amazon highland jungle. In tropical Coroico we stop for lunch. Afterwards we ride the old unpaved Death Road back uphill to La Paz.
Distance: 200 km | Road: mainly paved, approx. 40 km gravel | Altitude: 3,600 m → 1,700 m and back
Days 3–4: La Paz – Challapata – Potosí
We leave La Paz and ride around 450 kilometres across the Altiplano to Challapata, then on the next day to the world's highest city: Potosí. Once larger than Paris and London combined and the richest city on earth. Today you can visit the old silver mines, still operating under medieval conditions, and one of the oldest mints in the world (entrance fees payable locally).
Distance: 450 km (day 3) | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 3,600 m → 4,100 m
Potosí – Uyuni
A wonderful road, made for motorcycles, takes us to the world's largest salt flats: the Salar de Uyuni. In the afternoon we ride more than 120 kilometres across the blinding white salt. For dinner we head to the legendary Minuteman restaurant, which happens to be in our hotel.
Distance: 350 km | Road: paved and salt | Altitude: approx. 3,800 m
Uyuni – Oruro
A connecting day across the Altiplano to Oruro, South America's second largest carnival city after Rio de Janeiro.
Distance: 320 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: approx. 3,800 m
Oruro – Puno (Peru)
From Oruro we ride to Lake Titicaca. If time permits we visit Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku along the way. At the Bolivia–Peru border we leave the Bolivian motorcycles behind and walk across the border bridge into Peru. After border formalities a private transfer takes us from Desaguadero to our hotel in Puno. Our Peruvian motorcycles — the CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500 — are waiting there.
Distance: 300 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: approx. 3,800 m
Peru
Peru: Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Andes, Nasca and the Pacific coast to Arequipa. On the CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500.
Days 7–15
Lake Titicaca – Boat Trip
Today we take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to the floating reed islands of the Uros — the highest navigable lake in the world. The boat trip is optional and payable locally. The rest of the day is free in Puno and helps with further acclimatisation.
Altitude: 3,800 m (12,500 ft)
Puno – Ollantaytambo
Back in the saddle! We ride north across the Altiplano. As we approach Cusco the road becomes increasingly winding. The last 60 km lead through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo.
Distance: 450 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 3,800 m → 2,800 m (9,200 ft)
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Machu Picchu
THE tourist highlight of South America: Machu Picchu. Since there is still no road to Aguas Calientes, we take an early morning train along the Urubamba river, arriving in about two hours. Then half an hour by bus to the entrance. Train, bus, entrance fee and guided tour are included in the tour price. In the afternoon we return to Ollantaytambo by train.
Altitude: 2,360 m (7,750 ft)
Ollantaytambo – Cusco
A short stage to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire: Cusco. In the afternoon your guide takes you on the world-famous city walking tour through the centre — a two-and-a-half hour journey through history and architecture. The rest of the day is for exploring Cusco on your own: steep alleys, Plaza de Armas, markets, the cathedral and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Distance: 100 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 2,800 m → 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Cusco – Chalhuanca
In two days we cross the mighty Andes from east to west. Today we ride via Abancay to Chalhuanca — a magnificent ride! We stay in the best hotel in town.
Distance: 310 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 3,500 m → 2,900 m (9,500 ft)
Chalhuanca – Nasca
We continue crossing the Andes from east to west, mostly at high altitude. Lunch in Puquio, then the more than spectacular descent to Nasca. A beautiful ride!
Distance: 345 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 2,900 m → 500 m (1,650 ft)
Nasca – Chala
In the morning the optional scenic flight over the Nasca Lines and geoglyphs (not included in the tour price, payable locally). After lunch we ride through the world's driest desert to a hotel at a beautiful spot on the Pacific coast.
Distance: approx. 160 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: 500 m → sea level
Chala – Arequipa
The last riding day leads us southbound along the Pacific coast with beautiful views. The last 160 km is the ascent to the White City Arequipa. At the hotel we hand back the motorcycles and enjoy the farewell dinner in one of the city's fine restaurants.
Distance: 410 km | Road: mainly paved | Altitude: sea level → 2,300 m (7,500 ft)
Departure from Arequipa
Time to say goodbye. The transfer to Arequipa airport is arranged and included in the tour price. This is the end of an unforgettable motorcycle adventure.
Altitude: 2,300 m (7,500 ft)
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
Verified Reviews
What participants say about Motorcycle-tours in Peru
5.0
Frank W.
The route planning of the motorcycle tour through Peru took us from Lima via the desert landscapes of the Huacachina Oasis and the impressive Nazca Lines to the...
Michael L.
The group dynamics on the motorcycle trip through Peru were crucial, especially when crossing the high Andes and on the challenging routes around the Colca Cany...
PRICE
from
$ 7,209
/ person
Price Options
Rider with rental motorcycle (CFMoto 450MT or Honda NX500) in a shared double room
$ 7,209
Passenger on motorcycle
$ 2,538
Passenger escort vehicle
$ 4,845
Additional Options
Single room supplement
$ 807
Trip includes
- 15 nights in tourist-class hotels with private bathroom (shower/WC) in a shared double room
- Standard breakfast (15x)
- Lunches on riding days (11x)
- Welcome dinner in La Paz and farewell dinner in Arequipa
- Motorcycle rental for the entire tour: local motorcycles in Bolivia, CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500 from the Peruvian border onward
- Professional multilingual tour guide on a motorcycle
- Support vehicle with driver/mechanic for luggage transport
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Private transfer from Desaguadero (Bolivia) to Puno (Peru)
- Fuel and toll fees
- Full-day excursion to Machu Picchu (train, bus, entrance fee and guided tour included)
- World-famous "Walking City Tour" in Cusco
- Airport transfer on departure in Arequipa (Peru)
- Travel insolvency protection certificate (insolvency protection according to German Civil Code §651r) – mandatory for all OVERCROSS tours.
Service
Insurance (short summary)
Personal injuries:
All motorcycles are insured according to the legal minimum requirements in Bolivia and Peru (SOAT). This insurance only partially covers riders, passengers and third parties for medical costs. Additional international health insurance with comprehensive coverage is therefore strongly recommended.
Damage to the rental motorcycle and to third-party property:
By default there is no insurance for damage to the rental motorcycle or to third-party property.
The optional comprehensive insurance costs US$260 per motorcycle and reduces the maximum deductible to US$700. In this case the deposit is also US$700.
Without comprehensive insurance the renter is liable for all damage to the motorcycle and to third-party property. The deposit then amounts to US$2,500, but the actual liability is not limited to this amount.
FAQS
-
Around 3,900 kilometres through two countries — predominantly paved, with some gravel sections.
-
16 days with 15 nights — from arrival in La Paz (day 1) to departure from Arequipa (day 16).
-
Experienced riders who come well prepared. Due to the high altitude, long stages and varied conditions this tour is not suitable for beginners.
-
Start is La Paz, Bolivia; finish is Arequipa, Peru. The airport transfer on departure from Arequipa is included in the tour price. The transfer from the airport on arrival in La Paz is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Death Road, Potosí (the world's highest city), Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Nasca Lines, the Pacific coast and Arequipa.
-
For Bolivia you need a valid passport. For Peru, EU and Swiss travellers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
-
Check and refresh your standard vaccinations. Hepatitis A is recommended for both Peru and Bolivia. Consult your GP or a travel medicine specialist for personal advice.
-
We will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall in La Paz and are easy to spot. Please do not leave the hall until we have found each other. Please note that the transfer from La Paz airport is not included in the tour price.
-
Check that your health and accident insurance covers Bolivia and Peru and supplement it with cancellation, repatriation and legal cover. Note the emergency numbers.
-
We stay in carefully selected tourist-class hotels with private bathroom (shower/WC). After long riding days a clean room with shower and a good breakfast always await.
-
Yes — valid for both countries. Check the validity of both your national and international licence before departure.
-
In larger towns yes; in remote Altiplano areas coverage can be patchy. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi. The group carries a satellite phone for emergencies.
-
Predominantly good asphalt. Some gravel sections, especially in Bolivia (including approx. 40 km on the Death Road). The off-road proportion is low.
-
Daily briefings from our experienced guides minimise risk. Defensive riding, full protective gear and zero alcohol are mandatory in both countries.
-
La Paz, Potosí, Puno, Cusco and Arequipa have well-equipped clinics. In remote areas care is limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency number is mandatory.
-
April to October is ideal in the Andean highlands. Our tour calendar is aligned with climate and weather.
-
We recommend arriving in La Paz a day early to acclimatise. Drink plenty of fluids; coca tea and Sorojchi tablets help. We carry an oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
-
No. Fuel for the motorcycles is included in the tour price — in Bolivia as well as in Peru. You do not need to budget for it or pay for gas along the way.
-
In Bolivia we ride local bikes. From the Peruvian border we ride the CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500 — lightweight, versatile adventure enduros that perform well on both asphalt and gravel.
-
Usually only one seat (maximum two), allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
Yes. Everything is just as well organised as for the motorcycle group. We are happy to provide quotes for 2 to 6 people.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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