MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · PERU
Peru DeLuxe Offroad Motorcycle Tour from Arequipa
100 % adventure. 40 % gravel. 0 % basic accommodations.Who said off-roading has to be easy? Not everyone wants to stick to paved roads. In southern Peru, it’s getting increasingly difficult to find interesting gravel trails, but that’s our territory.
The Journey
South Peru Motorcycle Tours: Colca, Cotahuasi & Machu Picchu
From Arequipa, the white colonial city in southern Peru, this deluxe off-road motorcycle tour starts in one of the wildest regions of the country. We immediately dive into the world of deep canyons: Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon, both of which are among the deepest gorges in the world. Waterfall hikes, natural hot springs, and the Andean condor are just as much a part of it as Lake Titicaca and the absolute highlight of the tour: Machu Picchu. The ride will be on the CFmoto 450MT or the Honda NX500.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival in Arequipa
Welcome to Peru! In Arequipa, the vibrant colonial city in the south of the country, we will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. During the briefing, your guide will discuss the route, the formalities, and the deposit for the motorcycle. The rest of the day is yours.
Altitude: 2,300 m
Arequipa to Cabanaconde
Finally, it’s starting! Getting out of the city is the first challenge. After about 80 kilometers, we are already at 4,000 meters, time for a cocoa tea. We are on our way to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and a natural habitat of the Andean condor. We will spend the night in a small, non-touristy place.
Route: 200 km | Road: Asphalt and some gravel | Elevation: 2,300 m → max. 4,000 m → 3,300 m
Cabanaconde to Cotahuasi
If we didn’t see any condors yesterday, we first go to the Cruz del Condor to experience these majestic birds in flight. Then we head to the Cotahuasi Canyon, also one of the deepest canyons in the world. Fantastic gravel, hairpin turns, what more could you want?
Distance: 200 km | Road: mostly gravel | Elevation: 3,300 m → 2,700 m
Cotahuasi
The small Cotahuasi is located in one of the deepest canyons in the world. Today, a short horseback ride and a small hike to a spectacular waterfall in the canyon are on the agenda. In the afternoon, we wash off the dust in the natural hot springs on site. Very relaxing!
Distance: 60 km | Road: gravel | Elevation: approx. 2,700 m
Cotahuasi to Chalhuanca
Early breakfast, because today we have a real off-road challenge ahead of us. Over 200 kilometers, of which only the last 40 are paved. After many elevation changes up and down, we reach the small town of Chalhuanca with a nice hotel and inviting swimming pool.
Route: 260 km | Road: a lot of gravel, little asphalt | Elevation: 2,700 m → 2,900 m
Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo
For the first 100 kilometers, we follow the Apurimac River downstream. After the chaotic Abancay, the ascent begins to 4,300 meters. After lunch in Curahuasi, we go downhill to below 2,000 meters and back up to 3,500 meters to the Cusco Plateau. The last 60 kilometers lead over rural roads to the authentic Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
Route: 320 km | Road: a lot of asphalt, some gravel | Elevation: 2,900 m → max. 4,300 m → 2,900 m
Machu Picchu
The absolute highlight of the tour: Machu Picchu. There is still no road to this magical place. Early in the morning, we take the train to Aguas Calientes and from there a half-hour bus ride to the entrance of the citadel. After the visit, we return by train to Ollantaytambo.
Height: 2,430 m
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Ollantaytambo to Cusco
A short stage to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire: Cusco. After lunch, your guide will take you on the famous city walk through the city center, a two-and-a-half-hour tour through history and architecture. The rest of the day you will explore the city on your own: steep alleys, Plaza de Armas, markets, the cathedral, and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Distance: 100 km | Road: half asphalt, half gravel | Altitude: 2,900 m → 3,500 m
Cusco to Sicuani
We drive on rural gravel roads away from the main roads to the town of Sicuani. Have fun!
Distance: 200 km | Road: half asphalt, half gravel | Altitude: approx. 3,500 m
Sicuani to Lake Titicaca
Driving across the Altiplano, we head to the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca, which is half in Bolivia and half in Peru. For the last 100 kilometers, we choose the gravel roads along the lake shores, breathtaking views included.
Route: 350 km | Road: Asphalt and gravel | Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,800 m
Rest day at Lake Titicaca
Today the motorcycles stay in the garage. This is probably the best rest day you’ve ever had on a motorcycle tour, and you know you need it! We are staying at a very nice hotel near the Bolivian border. The hotel offers various activities in the area that are to be paid for on site separately. Whether you participate or just relax is entirely up to you.
Altitude: 3,800 m
Lake Titicaca to Moquegua
Back on the motorcycles! The longest riding day of the entire tour lies ahead of us, now you understand why we took a rest day yesterday. We are crossing the Andes from east to west. As a reward, spectacular views await and at the end a majestic descent into the subtropical oasis city of Moquegua, famous for Pisco, avocados, and copper.
Distance: 460 km | Road: mostly asphalt | Altitude: 3,800 m → 5,000 m → 1,400 m
Moquegua to Arequipa
The last day of travel. We cross the driest coastal desert in the world and briefly touch the Pacific coast before we roll into the heart of the White City Arequipa in the afternoon. In the evening we celebrate our farewell dinner in one of the nice restaurants in the city (at our own expense).
Distance: 330 km | Road: predominantly asphalt | Elevation: 1,400 m → 2,300 m
Departure from Arequipa
Today we are taking you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels, and see you next time on the slopes!
Altitude: 2,300 m
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
from
Price Options
Additional Options
Trip includes
- 13 overnight stays in tourist class hotels with private shower and toilet, including standard breakfast (in shared double room)
- Motorcycle rental for the entire tour, unlimited kilometers *
- Gasoline and toll fees
- Multilingual guide on a motorcycle **
- Support vehicle with driver/mechanic **
- World-famous "Walking City Tour in Cusco"
- Day trip to Machu Picchu (train, bus, and entrance tickets + guide)
- Admission to Colca Canyon
- All airport transfers
- * On rest days, the motorcycles are not available for riding.
- ** With fewer than 5 riders, there is only 1 tour guide in the support vehicle.
- Travel security certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r), mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
-
About 40 percent of the total route consists of gravel and nature paths. Off-road experience and good physical fitness are required.
-
For experienced motorcyclists with gravel and dirt experience who are physically fit. The high altitudes and challenging paths should not be underestimated. This is not an enduro tour, but also not a beginner route.
-
Start and finish is Arequipa. Airport transfers are included in the travel price.
-
Colca Canyon with Andean condor, Cotahuasi Canyon, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and the varied gravel roads through southern Peru.
-
Travelers from the EU and Switzerland need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. For stays up to 90 days, you do not need a visa.
-
Check your standard vaccinations and refresh them if necessary. A Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Peru. It's best to consult your family doctor or a travel medicine specialist for personal advice.
-
Yes. We will meet you in the arrivals hall and will be easy to recognize. Please do not leave the hall until we have met. We track your flight online and respond to changes in arrival times.
-
Check if your health and accident insurance also covers you abroad, and add travel cancellation, repatriation, and legal protection if necessary. Make sure it is valid worldwide and note the emergency numbers.
-
We stay in good tourist class hotels. After a long off-road day, you deserve a proper bed and a hot shower—this is the Deluxe promise of this tour.
-
Yes. You need both your national and international driver's licenses. Be sure to check the validity of both documents before departure.
-
In larger towns and mostly also on the route, you will have service. In remote canyon areas, it may be patchy. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
-
About 40 percent of the route consists of gravel and nature paths, the rest is paved. The gravel sections are challenging and should not be underestimated.
-
The risks depend on the stage. Daily briefings reduce the risk of accidents. Defensive driving is especially important on gravel roads. Full protective gear and zero alcohol are mandatory.
-
In Arequipa and Cusco, there are well-equipped clinics. In remote canyon areas, medical care is limited. A comprehensive travel insurance with an emergency number is essential for this long-distance trip.
-
April to October is ideal for the Andean plateau as it rains little during this period. Dry conditions are especially important on gravel roads. We adjust our tour calendar according to climate and weather.
-
At high altitudes, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath may occur. Our stages are designed for slow acclimatization. Drink plenty of water, and coca tea and 'Sorojchi' tablets help. We carry an oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
-
Yes. Gasoline and toll fees are included in the travel price for this tour. So you do not need to budget for fuel.
-
You can ride this tour on either the CFmoto 450MT or the Honda NX500, two light and versatile travel enduros that perform well on both gravel and nature paths as well as on asphalt.
-
Typically, there is only one seat (maximum two) available in the support vehicle. It is allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.
-
Yes, that is possible. Everything is organized just as well as for the motorcycle group. We would be happy to create offers for 2 to 6 people.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
Similar Adventures
Featured
_600_600.jpg)
Send request
How did you
hear about us?
