"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!
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"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!
Itinerary
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS!
Day 1 – Arrival in Arequipa, Peru - Altitude: 2300m
Welcome to PERU and what we think is one of the best motorcycle trips ever! For your convenience, airport transfers are included in this historical city of Arequipa, bringing everyone together to get started with a few paperwork details and motorcycle familiarization. As the group forms and gets aquainted, your Guides will offer a briefing on the amazing adventure riding experience that lies ahead, and answer any questions. Be sure to unwind and explore Arequipa's city center which is easily accessed from the hotel included in this package, and rest-up for the RIDE Ahead!
Day 2 – Arequipa to Puerto Inka, Peru - 420km - Altitude: Riding down to sea-level
Now begins one of your long-awaited RIDE Adventures! A long riding day full of twists and turns requires an early start in order to arrive at Puerto Inka before dark while capturing all the photos riders will want to take this first day. Some stretches of the PanAmerican Highway riding northbound along the Peruvian shoreline might resemble California's Pacfic Coast Highway, but wait: This time, you're RIDING in PERU! Feel free to cast a huge smile within your helmet and shout for joy about this feeling that so many riders from around the world have been dreaming about. With waves crashing to your left, lunch will be in Camaná or Atico before twisting and turning approximately 100km more along the coastal route to Puerto Inka for a first night listening to the crashing of the Pacific surf.
Day 3 – Puerto Inka to Nazca, Peru – 165 km - Altitude: to 520m
This is a shorter riding day across the dry Peruvian desert which can include a stop at the Chauchilla Cemetery to witness the mumified remains of Peruvians from the 9th Century A.D. The town of Nazca is famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which are geoglyphs and formations drawn out across the pampas (open grassy plains) just outside of the town. Riders can either take a local flight over the area to get the best views of animal and other figure-formations drawn in the dirt and sand below, or a nearby tower can be climbed for those who prefer to stand or RIDE instead of fly : )
Day 4 – Nazca to Chalhuanca, Peru - 361km - Altitude: to 4500m
Here marks our climb into the Andes mountains! More twisties and vast scenery accompany the gradual ascent to this town high in the Andes, with minimal effort thanks to the "twist of your wrist." Lunch is in the town of Puquio before heading up further to Chalhuanca, a very remote spot that will cause one to stop and ponder the amazing place in the world they've just arrived to. You're below the equator, on a motorcycle, riding in Peru, and with so much great riding yet ahead!
Day 5 – Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo, Peru - 313km - Altitude: to 3400m
Continuing east on the way to Ollantaytambo, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire awaits you but not before a long series of fun twists and Andean hairpin turns. Valley and cliff settings atop tiny small towns all show the way through Cuzco, putting oneself in position to catch the train in the morning to one of the most famous sites in all of South America.
Day 6 – Rest Day, exploring Machu Picchu
Finally, your arrival at Machu Picchu! Arguably the most famous site in all of South America, the story of Hiram Bingham's 1911 journey to find the "Lost City of the Incas" is one you can now appreciate better, having passed through the thick and luscious terrain of Peruvian rainforest. Due to the non-existent road to Aguas Calientes (the base village below Machu Picchu), the only other way to arrive would be by hiking the Inca Trail for about 3-5 days. Instead, the early 2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes will bring us along the Urubamba River to this small town, just before a brief bus ride up to the gates of Machu Picchu. With plenty of time to adore the grandeur of this magnificent discovery, the train ride back to Ollantaytambo at the end of the day will undoubtedly be one with a smile on your face.
Day 7 – Ollantaytambo to Cuzco, Peru - 65km - Altitude: to 3500m
Today's brief ride through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas makes Riders glad they're on a motorcycle instead of being trapped inside a bus. Notice the hole-covered valley walls in some spots? Grave diggers long ago discovered that ancient Incas were buried with all their gold and jewelry possessions, and the deceased have since been "relieved" of their belongings. The goal here is to get in position for flights out of Peru to Bolivia, where yet another page in this adventure is turned. Enjoy the city of Cuzco with a walking tour included for this historic and beautiful city hosting visitors from around the world.
Day 8 – Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia (flight day)
Peru in your side view mirrors, the people of Bolivia await us as we make our way into the financial Capitol city of La Paz. Plenty of time to do some walking and see this busy city, and your Guide can help show you around.
Day 9 – La Paz to Potosí - 540km - Altitude: 4,100m
A big riding day ahead on the way to the world's highest 100,000+ population city, constantly changing landscapes and scenery welcome you to the land of Bolivia. Long ago, Bolivia once had a shoreline on the Pacific Ocean, but political changes and neighbors like Chile and Peru saw a change to that. Notice any changes on this side of the border? Still friendly people and smiling faces, but perhaps a land just a little further behind in time.
Days 10 – Rest Day in Potosí
Relax and enjoy your day in Potosí, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and city built around its local silver mines, some of the biggest anywhere in the world. As such, this high-altitude city at 4,066m makes for a fascinating stroll through town with old world architecture and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Tours down into the mines are possible, and the National Mint Museum of Bolivia makes for great rest day activity.
Day 11 – Potosí to Uyuni - 220km - Altitude: to 4100m
A day of riding once declared among the "3 Greatest 1-Day Rides" by RIDE Adventures Founder, Eric Lange, the natural formations and sites along the early parts of this route almost seem artificial, they're so incredible. Pictures just won't do it justice, especially during early morning or late afternoon "golden hours" sun lighting, so remember to breathe and take-in what surrounds you. Arriving in Uyuni later this day on the edge of the world's largest salt flats by the same name, just be careful: There are potholes out there! Ride out to the Isla del Pescado, a remote island out in the middle and enjoy opportunities for photographic illusions in this most unique atmosphere. Keep in mind while riding that the Dakar Rally competitors were racing motorcycles, trucks, and cars through this landscape for 10 years starting 2009. When the salt flats are covered with water in January though, some vehicles were "done" here after finding out what salt water does to electrical systems!
Day 12 – Uyuni to Oruro - 320km - Altitude: to 3500m
With one of the largest collections of retired train cars anywhere, the Train Cemetery outside Uyuni make for quite a start to any riding day. Artifacts once used through Chile to the railhead in Antofagasta now lie here. Known for its significant mining resources and annual Carnival, get to know Bolivia just a little bit better.
Day 13 – Oruro to Coroico - 340km - Altitude: 4,700m
From the high and dry, descending down into the Bolivian Amazon jungle makes for quite an experience. With lush forestry surrounded by the twisting roads that hug mountain sides, this is it. This is why we love riding in Bolivia so much. Settle into the quaint jungle town of Coroico, and rest-up for yet another ride tomorrow that you will never, ever forget.
Day 14 – Coroico to La Paz - 120km - Altitude: to 3,500m
La Paz serves as a gateway today, and weather permitting, the ride includes the original unpaved "El Camino de la Muerte" sometimes referred to as "The World's Most Dangerous Road." Keeping in mind that this is completely optional for riders, we'd like to reassure you that this famous stretch of road can be ridden very safely and easily with a few reminders and a cautious approach. This road that got its name as a result of careless driving by many who just refused to slow down and be cautious is one you'll never, ever forget. Some points of the road are edged by cliff walls that are over 1000 meters, straight down! Definitely a thrilling experience though. Absolutely beautiful.
Day 15 –Departure Day from La Paz
Airport transfers are included this day, or extra days can be built into your package upon request. Start organizing all those thousands of photos and sharing now that you'll have better internet access and can tell the world about the amazing adventure RIDE through Peru and Bolivia. A trip you'll never ever forget will be serving up memories long into the future, so we hope you enjoyed!
2019+ Honda CB500x
Another recent assertion by Honda Motorcycles into the Adventure Riding world, riders seeking a compact-sized adventure bike have been raving about the CB500X. With plenty of power emanating from the parallel-twin engine, and an agile disposition, everything from paved twisties to gravel, dirt, and sand can be conquered with this fun adventuring option. Starting in 2019 with the 19" front wheel, this bike has proven itself for us in places like Patagonia, and will be a great option for riders exploring beyond.
- Wet Weight - 430lbs
- Seat Height - 32.7 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal
X
32.7 in
430lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin
BMW F700GS (twin cylinder)
X
32.3 in
461.0 lb
4.2 gal
798 cc
BMW F750GS
X
32.1 in
493lb / 223kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW F800GS
X
34.6 in
472.0 lb
4.2 gal
798 cc
BMW F850GS
X
33.9 in
504lb / 229kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW R1200GS - Liquid Cooled
X
33.5.0 in
538 lbs
5.3 gal
1170 cc
BMW R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc
Honda Africa Twin
X
33.5/34.3 in
511 lb
4.96 gal
998 cc
Kawasaki KLR 650
X
35.0 in
432.0 lb
6.1 gal
651 cc