"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 La Paz, Bolivia
Welcome to Bolivia! Upon touchdown at the international airport in La Paz, take a moment to catch your breath and acclimate to the high altitude. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and adjust. Later in the afternoon, your tour guide will meet you to provide an overview of the upcoming adventure and assist with any necessary arrangements.
Altitude: 3,600 meters / 7,500 feet
Day 2: La Paz - Coroico - La Paz
Gear up for an exhilarating ride! After breakfast, we'll retrieve our motorcycles and hit the road, ascending to a breathtaking mountain pass at 4,700 meters. Descending into the lush Amazon highland jungle, we'll make a pit stop in Coroico for a midday meal before tackling the infamous ‘Death Road’ on our return journey to La Paz.
En route, feast your eyes on panoramic vistas of verdant mountainsides and cascading waterfalls. Keep your camera handy for snapshots of the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.
Distance: Approximately 200 km (120 mi)
Altitude: From 3,600 meters to 1,700 meters, and back to 3,500 meters
Road Surface: Mainly paved, with a stretch of gravel
Day 3 & 4: La Paz - Potosi
Leaving the hustle and bustle of La Paz behind, we embark on a scenic route across the ‘Altiplano’ to Challapata, a town steeped in history. Our journey continues to Potosi, a city with a rich colonial heritage and a storied past as one of the world's wealthiest cities.
Distance: Approximately 450 km (270 mi)
Altitude: From 3,600 to 4,100 meters
Road Surface: Smooth pavement throughout
Day 5: Potosi - Uyuni
Today's ride takes us to the awe-inspiring Uyuni salt flats, the largest salt flats in the world. With natural scenery best observed in the "golden hours" of sunlight, this was named among the "3 Greatest 1-Day Rides" by RIDE Adventures Founder, Eric Lange,
Enjoy what nature presents to you, and the ride into Uyuni and the chance to ride the world's largest salt flats.
Distance: Approximately 350 km (210 mi)
Altitude: 3,800 meters
Road Surface: Pavement and salt flats
Day 6: Uyuni - Oruro
Today's journey takes us across the ‘Altiplano’ to Oruro, a city known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations. As we ride, soak in the stark beauty of the high plateau, dotted with grazing vicuñas and alpacas against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Enjoy the tranquility of the open road as we traverse the rugged terrain, taking in the vast expanses of the Bolivian landscape.
Distance: Approximately 320 km (190 mi)
Altitude: 3,800 meters
Road Surface: Paved
Day 7 & 8: Oruro - Puno
Leaving Oruro behind, our journey takes us to the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Along the way, we may have the opportunity to visit the ancient archaeological sites of Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku. Crossing the border between Bolivia and Peru, we bid farewell to our Bolivian bikes and transition to our Peruvian motorcycles. After completing border formalities, private transportation will take us to our hotel in Puno, where we can unwind and prepare for a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca the following day.
Distance: Approximately 300 km (180 mi)
Altitude: 3,800 meters
Road Surface: Fully paved
Day 9: Puno - Ollantaytambo
Back on the road, we set off northward across the ‘Altiplano,’ gradually descending as we approach Cusco. The route becomes more winding as we traverse the breathtaking ‘Sacred Valley of the Incas,’ offering glimpses of ancient Inca ruins and traditional villages nestled among verdant hillsides.
Distance: Approximately 450 km (270 mi)
Altitude: 3,500 meters
Day 10: Machu Picchu
Prepare for the pinnacle of South American tourism: Machu Picchu. Due to the lack of a direct road to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, we embark on a scenic train journey along the Urubamba River, followed by a brief bus ride to the entrance of the iconic site. Spend the day exploring the ancient ruins before returning to Ollantaytambo by train in the afternoon.
Distance: Approximately 30 km (18 mi) by train and bus
Altitude: 2,360 meters (7,750 feet)
Day 11: Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Our ride takes us to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the city and discover its architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Cusco at your leisure, whether it's visiting Inca ruins, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at the hotel.
Distance: Approximately 100 km (60 mi)
Altitude: 3,500 meters
Road Surface: Fully paved
Day 12: Cusco - Chalhuanca
Embarking on a two-day journey across the Andes, we ride to Chalhuanca via the city of Abancay. Rest for the night in the comfort of the best hotel in town, reflecting on the day's ride through stunning Andean landscapes.
Distance: Approximately 310 km (190 mi)
Altitude: Around 3,000 meters
Road Surface: Fully paved
Road Surface: Fully paved
Day 13: Chalhuanca - Nasca
Continuing our westward journey across the Andes, we descend from high altitudes to the spectacular Nasca region. Enjoy a lunch break in Puquio before experiencing the breathtaking descent to Nasca. Today's ride offers unparalleled views of the Andean landscape.
Distance: Approximately 345 km (210 mi)
Altitude: From 3,000 meters to 500 meters
Road Surface: Fully paved
Day 14: Nasca - Chala
Opt for a flight over the enigmatic Nasca Lines and geoglyphs in the morning. After lunch, we continue our journey through the world's driest desert to our hotel on the Pacific Coast, where we can unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Distance: Approximately 160 km (100 mi)
Altitude: From 500 meters to sea level
Day 15: Chala - Arequipa
Our final riding day treats us to stunning views as we journey south along the Pacific Coast. The route culminates in a climb of 160 km to Arequipa, known as the ‘White City’ for its beautiful colonial architecture. After returning our motorcycles at the hotel, we gather for a farewell dinner at one of the city's esteemed restaurants.
Distance: Approximately 410 km (250 mi)
Altitude: 2,300 meters
Day 16: Departure from Arequipa
Bid farewell to Peru as airport transfers are arranged for your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories created during this epic motorcycle adventure through Bolivia and Peru. Until next time!
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