MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · PERU
Peru DeLuxe Offroad Motorcycle Tour from Arequipa
100% Adventure. 40% Gravel. 0% Basic Hotels.Who said offroad riding has to be rough? Not everyone wants to ride on paved roads only. Finding interesting unpaved routes in southern Peru is getting harder and harder, but this is our backyard.
The Journey
40% gravel, 100% adventure – Colca, Cotahuasi & Machu Picchu
From Arequipa, the white colonial city in southern Peru, this DeLuxe Offroad Motorcycle Tour sets off into one of the wildest regions in the country. We immediately dive into the world of deep canyons: the Colca Canyon and the Cotahuasi Canyon, both among the deepest gorges on earth. Waterfall hikes, natural hot springs and the Andean Condor await, as do Lake Titicaca and the absolute tour highlight: Machu Picchu. You'll ride the CFmoto 450MT or the Honda NX500.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Peru
DeLuxe offroad motorcycle tour through southern Peru: from Arequipa via Colca Canyon, Cotahuasi Canyon, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca back to Arequipa. Around 40% gravel on the CFmoto 450MT or Honda NX500.
Arrival in Arequipa
Welcome to Peru! 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)
Arequipa to Cabanaconde
Time to go! Getting out of the city is the first challenge. After around 80 km we are already at 4,000 metres, time for a cup of coca tea. We are heading for the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons and the natural habitat of the Andean Condor. We spend the night in a small, non-touristy town.
Distance: 200 km | Road: Pavement and some gravel | Altitude: 2,300 m → 3,300 m
Cabanaconde to Cotahuasi
If we haven't seen condors yet, we head first to Cruz del Condor to watch these majestic birds in flight. Then we set course for the Cotahuasi Canyon, also one of the world's deepest. Fantastic gravel, hairpin bends, what more could you ask for?
Distance: 200 km | Road: Mainly gravel | Altitude: 3,300 m → 2,700 m
Cotahuasi
The little town of Cotahuasi sits at the world's deepest canyon. Today we do a short ride and a little hike to a spectacular waterfall in the canyon. In the afternoon we wash off the dust in the local natural hot springs. Very relaxing!
Distance: 60 km | Road: All gravel | Altitude: approx. 2,700 m
Cotahuasi to Chalhuanca
Early breakfast, today we face a real offroad challenge. Over 200 kilometres, with only the last 40 on pavement. After many metres of ascent and descent we reach the small town of Chalhuanca, where a nice hotel with an inviting swimming pool awaits.
Distance: 260 km | Road: Lots of gravel, a little pavement | Altitude: 2,700 m → 2,900 m
Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo
For the first 100 km we follow the Apurimac river downstream. After the chaotic town of Abancay the ascent begins to 4,300 metres. After lunch in Curahuasi we descend to below 2,000 metres and climb again to 3,500 metres on the Cusco plateau. The last 60 km follow rural unpaved roads to the authentic Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
Distance: 320 km | Road: Lots of pavement, some gravel | Altitude: approx. 2,900 m
Machu Picchu
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)
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 takes you on a famous city walking tour through the centre, a two-and-a-half hour journey through history and architecture. The rest of the day is yours: steep alleys, Plaza de Armas, markets, the cathedral and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Distance: 100 km | Road: Half pavement, half gravel | Altitude: 2,900 m → 3,500 m
Cusco to Sicuani
On rural unpaved back roads we ride to the midsize town of Sicuani. Lots of fun!
Distance: 200 km | Road: Half pavement, half gravel | Altitude: approx. 3,500 m
Sicuani to Lake Titicaca
Across the Altiplano to the largest lake in South America: Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Bolivia and Peru. For the last 100 km we seek out the gravel tracks along the shoreline, breathtaking views included.
Distance: 350 km | Road: Pavement and gravel | Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,800 m
Rest Day at Lake Titicaca
Today the bikes stay in the garage. This is probably the best rest day you have ever had on a motorcycle tour, and you know you need it! We stay in a very nice hotel near the Bolivian border. The hotel offers various activities in the area. Whether you join in or simply relax is entirely up to you.
Altitude: 3,800 m (12,500 ft)
Lake Titicaca to Moquegua
Back on the bikes! The longest riding day of the entire tour lies ahead, now you understand why we had a rest day yesterday. We cross the Andes from east to west. The reward: spectacular views and at the end a majestic descent into the subtropical oasis town of Moquegua, famous for pisco, avocados and copper.
Distance: 460 km | Road: Mainly pavement | Altitude: 3,800 m → 5,000 m → 1,400 m
Moquegua to Arequipa
The last riding day. We cross the world's driest coastal desert and briefly touch the Pacific coast before rolling into the heart of the White City Arequipa in the afternoon. In the evening we celebrate our farewell dinner in one of the city's fine restaurants.
Distance: 330 km | Road: Mainly pavement | Altitude: 1,400 m → 2,300 m
Departure from Arequipa
Today we take you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels, and until next time on the trail!
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.
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Price Options
Additional Options
Trip includes
- 13 nights in tourist-class hotels with private shower and toilet, including standard breakfast (shared room)
- Motorcycle rental for the whole tour, unlimited kilometers/miles *
- Fuel and tolls
- 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)
- Entrance Colca Canyon
- All airport transfers
- On resting days the motorcycles are not available for riding.
- ** With less than 5 riders, there will be only 1 tour guide in the support vehicle.
- Travel security certificate (insolvency protection), mandatory on all OVERCROSS tours.
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Around 40 percent of the total distance is on gravel and natural tracks. Off-road experience and good physical fitness are prerequisites.
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Experienced riders with gravel and dirt experience who are physically fit. The high altitudes and demanding tracks should not be underestimated. This is not an enduro tour, but it is not a beginner route either.
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Start and finish is Arequipa. Airport transfers are included in the tour price.
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Colca Canyon with Andean Condor, Cotahuasi Canyon, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and the varied gravel roads through southern Peru.
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Travellers from the EU and Switzerland need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
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Check and refresh your standard vaccinations. A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Peru. Consult your GP or a travel medicine specialist for personal advice.
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Yes. We will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and are easy to spot. Please do not leave the hall until we have found each other. We track your flight online.
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Check whether your health and accident insurance covers you abroad and supplement it with cancellation, repatriation and legal cover. Ensure worldwide validity and note the emergency numbers.
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We stay in good tourist-class hotels. After a long offroad day you deserve a proper bed and a hot shower, that is the DeLuxe promise of this tour.
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Yes. You need both your national and your international driving licence. Check the validity of both documents before departure.
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In larger towns and usually on the road as well. In remote canyon areas coverage can be patchy. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
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Around 40 percent of the route is gravel and natural tracks, the rest is paved. The gravel sections are demanding and should not be underestimated.
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Daily briefings reduce accident risk. Defensive riding is especially important on gravel roads. Full protective gear and zero alcohol are mandatory.
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Arequipa and Cusco have well-equipped clinics. In remote canyon areas care is limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with an emergency number is essential.
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April to October is ideal for the Andean highlands due to low rainfall. Dry conditions are especially important on gravel roads. Our tour calendar is aligned with climate and weather.
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Headaches, fatigue or shortness of breath can occur at altitude. Our stages are designed for gradual acclimatisation. Drink plenty of fluids; coca tea and Sorojchi tablets help. We carry an oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
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Budget around €100 to €110 for fuel on this tour. Fuel is sold by the gallon (3.8 litres) and can be paid by cash or card.
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You'll ride either the CFmoto 450MT or the Honda NX500, two lightweight and versatile adventure enduros that perform equally well on gravel and on tarmac.
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Usually only one seat (maximum two) is available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Yes, that is possible. Everything is just as well organised as for the motorcycle group. We are happy to provide quotes for 2 to 6 people.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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