Tour Info
- Origin: Arequipa, Peru (AQP airport)
- Destination: Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Total driving distance: Approximately 2,142 miles (3,447 kilometers)
- Duration: 19 Days (2 Arrival/Departure Days, 13 Driving Days and 4 Days of Sightseeing Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Floating Islands of the Uros, the Huacachina Oasis, and more
- Average driving time per day: 7-9 hours (including lunches, photos, etc.)
- Average distance per driving day: 164 miles (263 kilometers)
- Terrain: Approximately 95% pavement, and 5% hard packed gravel/dirt (NOTE: You can skip this gravel section in the Colca Canyon. Please contact us about customizing your trip if you aren't comfortable with non-paved terrain.)
Included:
- 18 Nights in nice 3* tourist class hotels with private shower and toilet, including standard breakfast
- Vehicle rental for the whole tour, unlimited miles / kilometers
- Vehicle Insurance, with a deductible/excess of max. $1,000
- Detailed Road Book explaining the road ahead
- Garmin GPS
- Extensive briefing by our Team
- Day-trip to Machu Picchu (Train, bus and entrance tickets + Guide)
- Boat cruise on Lake Titicaca to experience the "Floating Island of Uros"
- Drop off costs Puno / Pickup costs La Paz
- Private Transfer from Puno to La Paz
- Airport transfers in Arequipa (AQP) and Cochabamba (CBB)
- Flights to Arequipa (AQP) or from Cochabamba (CBB)
- All not mentioned entrance-fees for excursions, museums, parks, etc.
- Fuel and tolls
- All non-mentioned meals or items shown as included
- Safety deposit for the rental car: $1,000 (Cash or MasterCard/Visa credit card)
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
Pricing: (In USD, per person)
- 1 Hotel room / 1 Car:
1 Guest: $6,895
2 Guests: $4,615
3 Guests: $4,075 - 2 Hotel rooms / 1 Car:
3 Guests: $4,295
4 Guests: $3,825
- Single room: $750
- Luxury Hotel package (4 and 5* Hotels): $800 per person
- (Luxury Single Room $1800 per person)
- Guided version with private driver/guide: $3,995 per tour
- (Luxury: $5,750)
- Flight over the Nazca lines: $120
- City tour Cusco: $20
- Sacred Valley Tour Cusco: $30
- City Tour La Paz and Moon Valley: $44
- Mine Tour of Cerro Rico in Potosí: $22
*Please keep in mind, spots on these tours can be sold out 6-8 months in advance! Reservations are only confirmed after receipt of the deposit as indicated in our Terms & Conditions.
Interested in This Tour?
Contact Lars Today About the Mighty Andes Overland DRIVE!
Tour Specs
Intermediate
Peru, Bolivia
- DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE for multiple occupants and multiple rooms
- City of Arequipa (Peru)
The beautiful "White City" in southern Peru - Atacama Desert of Peru
The world's driest desert along the Pacific Ocean - Nazca Lines
Mysterious lines and figures in the pampa from ancient civilizations - High Andes
Adventurous drive to an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) - City of Cusco (Peru)
The exciting capital of the ancient Incan Empire - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Absolutely beautiful agricultural valley, leading through ancient burial sites to Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu
World famous lost city of the Incas, and fascinating setting high in the Andes - Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake - Altiplano Region of the Andes Mountains
The "high plains" region of the largest mountain range in the world - City of La Paz
Bolivia's "unofficial" capital and largest city with "El Alto" overlooking the metropolis - Coroico - Highland Jungle (Bolivia)
The most dangerous road in the world, "El Camino de la Muerte" or the "Road of Death" - Salar de Uyuni
Largest salt flats on the planet - City of Potosí
Highest city in the world, and silver mining capitol - City of Sucre
Bolivia's political capitol city with a charming plaza de armas in the center - Ché (Guevara) Trail
Off road around La Higuera and Vallegrande - City of Cochabamba
Bolivia's 3rd largest city
Tour Video
Testimonials

"It was the trip of a lifetime! I had to pinch myself several times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I think the highlight was the Uyuni Salt Flats, surreal landscape. My favorite place we stayed had no electricity or hot water in La Higuera Bolivia but I give it a five star! Just riding through the small villages of Peru and Bolivia was great. Looking forward to another trip."
-That's the Adventure Riding spirit we love and hope to bring out of more Riders! Karl Arceneaux's Andes & Altiplano Guided Group Tour was clearly a success, and a real Adventure Rider understands that sometimes "things don't work" in places like Bolivia. We make the best of each situation, and have fun with the memories on all of these trips. So glad you enjoyed, Karl!

"Just to let you know that we had a fabulous time in Peru! Excellent people, excellent route and excellent hotels!
I guess I didn't really know what to expect from Peru - but it surpassed any expectations I had many times over. It really is a sensational trip and both Helen and I loved the riding and the few bits of 'adventure' that we had!"
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-Michael Potter and his wife, Helen must have enjoyed themselves, as so many of us do when riding and exploring the incredible land of Peru. They were part of our Guided Group "Machu Picchu Express" tour, and we look forward to riding with them again in the Andes, soon.

"Just finished the Machu Picchu express tour. The tour was absolutely brilliant! It was very well organised, driving was fantastic. Food and accommodation great ! I will be recommending to my friends when I get home! Thanks very much! - Patrick Fives"
-Patrick and another group of Riders all enjoyed what the Andes Mountains of Peru had in store for them on the Machu Picchu Express Guided Group Motorcycle Tour. Patrick, if this just razzled up some curiosity about what the rest of the Andes may be like, please keep us in mind!

"My dad and I had the best time of our lives! Diederik and Edi were excellent, really help made it a great tour. - If anyone would like to contact me to ask questions about the or tour around Peru, please feel free to pass them my email and Cc; yourself."
-Alexandra Carroll from Australia, having given us exactly what we're after in this business: Great feedback about motorcycle trips! Alexandra and her father joined one of our "7 Highlights of Southern Peru" tours in early 2015.

"Javier was a great guide and a very fun and good person. We are making a movie of the trip (Javier was the main cameras man) and will share that with you. Here are a couple of photos from the trip. Thank you very much for an incredible journey in a wonderful country. Next year we are off to Russia for our annual cruise. We had an AWESOME trip. A big special thanks to Javier...he was extremely special."
-Charles Davidson, Brandon Batagol, and Bruce Syme from Australia after their private motorcycle tour of Peru. Glad you guys enjoyed so much, let's do those "hot springs" tours!

"Fantastic tour on the Machu Picchu Express. Good route with a mix of desert, mountains and rainforest. Some excellent riding and a good crew. Top marks to Geert and eddy who kept us entertained in the evenings and informed during the tour plus on the road whatever the problems that came up."
-David Kellaway from the U.K. after what was a successful first experience riding a motorcycle in the Andes Mountains of Peru on theMachu Picchu Express tour package

-Gustavo Priyoltensky from Massachusetts after what was clearly a great self-guided motorcycle trip in Peru with his father in early 2015. Come back again, guys!

- Mark Larson from Arizona in the U.S. after he and his wife, Melanie enjoyed exploring Peru on one of our BMW R1200GS rentals. Mark had done Patagonia a few years ago with us, and appears to be "conquering Lost Andes!"

"Guys had a great time, despite Phil almost being arrested LOL. He left his ID and money etc. under a mattress at one of the hotels a maid found it and turned it in but not before they were stopped at a checkpoint along the route. Phil had no idea he had forgotten it.
Your staff was wonderful in assisting them. Phil took like 1600 photo’s. Next time they want another motorcycle trip, I will definitely keep you guys in mind. Thank you so much for all your assistance."
-Written by Brandi who assisted in setting up a self-guided Peru motorcycle trip package for the Nelson brothers from the U.S. Worth noting here is that, while we don't recommend leaving things behind in hotels, there are definitely good people all over the world, including beautiful Peru!

"Wow! Wow! WOW!!! The three principal environments in Peru are coastal desert, high mountains (and here I mean HIGH, as in really, really HUGE!), and jungle. But there is also everything in between from pine forests at 2000m to the incredible expanses of golden Pampas grasses on the "Altiplano", way above the tree line, starting at 3,000m and up for there. Our highest point was 4,900m, and still we were dwarfed by the giant peaks all around. Amazing is too weak a word for it. AWESOME is often a word that is over-used. This was truly that. |
- Rory Aitken from the U.K. after clearly enjoying his exploration of Peru on one of our BMW R1200GS rentals. With sentiments like this, perhaps more people will finally venture into the Andes Mountains of Peru on one of our motorcycle rentals!

"Just got back from a great ride in Peru...RIDE Adventures helped nine of us to build and ride a personalized tour of Peru...the ninth person was a Peruvian that lives here in the States. Having a Spanish speaking guy with you really makes the trip
-Ted Beck - Montana - If you want more particulars - email me! (Ted and his group did a self-guided motorcycle trip of Peru with motorcycles we provided, and hotels and maps we arranged for them.)

"All around, a great trip. Your entire organization is totally professional. Your email responses were always prompt and accurate. Like I said, Lars was very honest in his assessment of my trip and he was right. It's obvious that all of you actually ride and you know the routes.
-Terry Banen from the U.S, after what was clearly a great self-guided motorcyle trip in Peru, including Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu.

- Valérie Julie Brousseau from Canada sent another smile across our faces when we saw this note about her motorcycle trip experience in Peru. We are so glad you enjoyed, Val!

- Todd Thorsell and his buddy Roger clearly enjoyed themselves in Peru, taking this photo near the Colca Canyon on our Guided Group "Machu Picchu Express" motorcycle tour. Glad you enjoyed, guys!
The Mighty Andes Overland DRIVE - Self-Guided 4x4 Adventure Travel
If you're not a motorcycle household, or if you RIDE and your partner doesn't, or vice versa, no need to feel left out! With our rugged 4x4 adventure travel packages, you can visit all of the incredible places on this Peru and Bolivia trip whether you do it on two wheels or four.
Reserve your "Mighty Andes Overland Drive" trip package with us, our second longest 4x4 trip available. During this nearly 3-week adventure, you'll see the absolutely stunning sites of Peru and Bolivia from the safety and comfort of a 4x4 pickup or SUV. Our seamless rental processes will have a vehicle waiting for you, all your hotels pre-reserved, along with GPS, maps, and notes that make your dauntless itinerary an easy one to follow.
The costs associated with guided tours aren't for everyone, and neither is the challenge of riding a motorcycle, so contact us to arrange your self-guided 4x4 adventure through the Mighty Andes today!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Arequipa
We'll pick you up at the airport, have your hotel room ready for you, and provide a detailed orientation about your trip and 4x4 rental; all part of having a safe and enjoyable adventure! Spend the remaining downtime of your first day enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the "White City" of southern Peru.
Day 2 - Arequipa to Puerto Inca - 255 miles (410km)
Get that motor humming for an early start on this adventurous driving day that will take you along the PanAmerican Highway, the Peruvian/Pacific Coast, all the way to Puerto Inca, passing villages and enjoying breathtaking views. Situated in an amazing location that was once the Incan harbor, your hotel is on a beautiful bay with ruins nearby that are free to visit.
Day 3 - Puerto Inca to Nazca - 110 miles (180km)
A short drive further on the PanAmerican Highway, through one of the driest deserts in the world, you'll arrive at the town of Nazca, home of the famous Nazca Lines where you'll have the opportnity to see the mysterious historical remnants. The option awaits you to fly over the massive, fascinating Nazca lines, or visit the historical Paradones and Incan aquaducts.
Day 4 - Nazca to Chalhuanca - 225 miles (361km)
Traveling from Nazca to Chalhuanca, up into the mighty Andes, is a true pleasure of South American adventure. Over 14,000 feet in elevation takes you along a drive that'll give you the opportunity to see llamas, alpacas, and vicunas. This particular road is known as the "Dragon's Tale." Pass the tourist-free town of Puquio and head higher to Chalhuanca.
Day 5 - Chalhuanca to Cusco - 190 miles (300km)
Grab an early breakfast and hit the road for a gorgeous sightseeing excusion where you'll arrive at one of the most beautiful cities in South America, Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan people.
Day 6 - Cusco
The day is yours to explore! Although, you'll likely find that a single day in Cusco isn't enough. Stroll the steep streets, visit the Plaza de Armas, shop in the local markets, and visit the cathedral, museums, ruins of Sacsayhuaman and so much more. See? We told you there wouldn't be enough time to fit it all in. (You'll just have to come back!)
Day 7 - Cusco to Ollantaytambo - 50 miles (80km)
Just a short jaunt here as you drive into the "Sacred Valley of the Incas." Visit a myriad of interesting Incan ruins before your driving day ends in the authentic Incan town of Ollantaytambo, home to an impressive ancient fortress.
Day 8 - Machu Picchu
Of all the major highlights on this trip, a visit to Machu Picchu is absolutely at the top of the list. With no main road to Machu Picchu, your only option is to take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, then another thirty minute bus ride to the citadel entrace.
A visit to Peru would not be complete without an adventure to the world famous lost city of the Incas, where you'll be delighted by the stunning architecture, artifacts, and history. If you can tear yourself away, you'll return to Ollantaytambo by train.
Day 9 - Ollantaytambo to Puno - 250 miles (400km)
Another exciting day of adventure begins as you hit the road once more. You're on your way to Puno, along the shores of Lake Titicaca. To get there, you'll take an extended, marvelous drive over the Altiplano. Have fun traveling through the town of Juliaca, an experience in itself!
Day 10 - Puno to La Paz - 160 miles (260km)
On the morning of Day 10, go for a boat cruise on Lake Titicaca to the world famous "Floating Island of Uros." Enjoy lunch and then say goodbye to your Peruvian rental 4x4 as private transportation whisks you away to the city of La Paz. Your Bolivian rental vehicle will be waiting for your here at the hotel Spend the remainder of your day exploring the city.
Day 11 and 12 - La Paz to Coroico - 65 miles (110km)
Heading out on another short journey today, traveling from La Paz to Coroico, you'll begin an adventurous climb (on a paved route) to over 15,000 feet (4700m) through the mountains. Hit the peak and then descend into the tropical vegetation on a road that took twenty years to build.
Your drive ends in Coroico where you'll stay in a nice hotel with a pool, then have the next day to rest or explore the town.
Day 13 - Coroico to Oruro - 200 miles (330km)
Depending on your desire for adventure and exploration, you have a choice here today; take the old, unpaved route or head back the way you came through the challenge of La Paz. Back over the Altiplano, you'll head to the mining town of Oruro, a place famous for its carnival, a religious festival over two centuries old.
Day 14 - Oruro to Uyuni - 205 miles (320km)
You're back on the Altiplano today with a trip to Uyuni, a town on the shores of the largest salt flats on Earth. Once you're there and settled in, be sure to take an unforgettable drive on the largest salt flats in the world, spanning 11,000 square kilometers. Endless illusionary photo opportunities across the open spaces also remind us that this region has been a crossing point for a few of the Dakar Rally competitions since the international motorcycle, overland truck, and car race first arrived in South America in 2009.
Day 15 and 16 - Uyuni to Potosi - 120 miles (200km)
Are you ready for one of the most beautiful routes on this tour? Especially one that will take you to the highest city in the world, situated at the foot of "Cerro Rico" or "Rich Mountain" named for its silver mining history.
Take the opportunity to visit the medieval silver mine in the mountain or see the oldest mint in South America, just off the Plaza at the city center. This UNESCO World Heritage city is ripe for exploration of any kind.
Day 17 - Potosi to Sucre - 100 miles (160km)
This shorter driving day takes you lower in altitude, down to the lovely city of Sucre where you can relax, OR, take an optional side trip to the dinosaur park just outside of Sucre where you can see actual dinosaur footprints. (It's interesting to note that Sucre is the actual capital of Bolivia, while La Paz is the seat of the government.)
Day 18 - Sucre to Cochabama - 210 miles (340km)
Your final driving day of this amazing, unforgettable journey! You'll spend it cruising along the eastern slopes of the mighty Andes, and then beyond Mizque, enjoy the smooth ride on a newly paved road. The drive ends in the third larget city in Bolivia...Cochabamba, also known as the "City of Eternal Spring."
Day 19 - Cochabamba
We're sad to see you go. Our staff helps you get to the airport on your final day here in Bolivia, but it's just the beginning of the journey home where you'll have a multitude of lasting memories to share with friends and family. Congrats on your successful trip through The Mighty Andes!
Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training
If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.
Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure.
4x4's Available

Toyota HiLux Pickup
The Toyota HiLux provides all the safety, comfort, and rugged experience that you'll need on your 4x4 adventure travel in South America.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
Upgrade to a Toyota Land Cruiser so you can explore the rugged terrain of South America in style!
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