Peruvian Death Road & Humantay Lake: 2-Day Motorcycle Tour from Cusco

After an early breakfast, we ride west from Cusco (3,350 m.a.s.l.) along the scenic Trans-Andean highway, beginning our journey toward the Pacific.

After about two hours, we reach the Cunyac Bridge (1,730 m.a.s.l.), dramatically suspended above the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, an ideal stop for photos and a moment to take in the view.

We continue riding through remote Andean valleys toward Curahuasi, then climb to the city of Abancay. From there, the road leads us to one of the most thrilling segments of the journey: the Karkatera tunnels, also known as Peru’s Death Road, a high-altitude stretch of narrow curves, tunnels, sheer cliffs, and panoramic mountain views.

We take time to explore and capture the moment before returning to Curahuasi for a well-earned rest.

📌 Stage 01 – Summary

Distance: 315 km / 195 mi
Route Difficulty: Challenging
Riding Time: ~6 hours (including scenic & photo stops)
Altitude: Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) → Cunyac Bridge (1,730 m / 5,675 ft) → Socllacasa Pass (4,100 m / 13,451 ft) → Abancay (2,378 m / 7,802 ft)  → Karkatera Tunnels / Death Road (≈3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
Climate Zones: Highland → Andean Valleys → Upper Highland

Lunch: Abancay (not included)
Dinner: Curahuasi (not included)
Overnight: Curahuasi – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

After breakfast, we leave Curahuasi and ride toward one of the most iconic natural wonders of the Andes: Humantay Lagoon. The route takes us through scenic mountain roads to the town of Mollepata, a gateway to the famous Salkantay Trek.

From there, we continue to Saraypampa, where we park the bikes and begin a moderate 1-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m.a.s.l.), a stunning glacial lagoon known for its intense turquoise color and snow-covered peaks.

After taking in the views and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, we hike back down and head to Mollepata for a well-earned buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we ride back to Cusco, wrapping up two days of epic motorcycle adventure, high-altitude landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

📌 Stage 02 – Summary

Distance: 190 km / 118 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
Riding Time: ~7 hours (including scenic stops & hike)
Altitude: Curahuasi (2,688 m / 8,819 ft) → Cunyac Bridge (1,730 m / 5,675 ft) → Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) → Saraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) → Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) → Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft)
Climate Zones: Andean Valleys → Highland → Upper Highland

Lunch: Mollepata – Buffet (included)
Dinner: Cusco (not included)
Overnight: Not included (tour ends in Cusco)