Peru Motorcycle Challenge | 7-Day Ride with Optional Off-Road Stages

We depart from Cusco toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first section to Pisac features stunning landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and plenty of curves along fully paved mountain roads. The descent into the valley offers a smooth and enjoyable introduction to the route, passing through agricultural fields and traditional Andean villages.

Our first stop is Pisac, where we enjoy a professionally guided visit to the impressive Inca archaeological complex, learning about its history and its strategic position overlooking the Sacred Valley.

We then continue riding along the valley floor toward Urubamba, following the river and passing ancient agricultural terraces. In Urubamba, we stop for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon, we proceed to Ollantaytambo, where we take part in a guided tour of one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. This remarkable fortress showcases advanced Inca engineering and architecture.

Finally, we check in at our hotel and enjoy free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo and prepare for the next stage toward Machu Picchu.

📌 Stage 01 – Summary

Distance: ~85 km / 53 mi
Route Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (paved mountain roads)
Riding Time: ~4–5 hours (including cultural stops)
Altitude: Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) → Pisac (2,972 m / 9,751 ft) → Urubamba (2,870 m / 9,416 ft) → Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft)
Climate Zones: Andean Highlands → Sacred Valley
Lunch: Urubamba (not included)
Dinner: Ollantaytambo (not included)
Overnight: Ollantaytambo – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

We depart early from Ollantaytambo by train, traveling through the Sacred Valley and gradually entering the lush cloud forest on the way to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a professionally guided tour of the sanctuary. We explore its main temples, agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and panoramic viewpoints while learning about the history and engineering brilliance of the Inca civilization.

After the guided visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where there is free time for lunch and to explore the town.

In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to rest and prepare for the next stage of the expedition.

📌 Stage 02 – Summary

Transportation: Train + bus (no motorcycle riding)
Route Difficulty: Easy
Travel Time: Full-day excursion (approx. 8–10 hours total)
Altitude: Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) → Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) → Ollantaytambo
Climate Zones: Sacred Valley → Cloud Forest
Lunch: Aguas Calientes (not included)
Dinner: Ollantaytambo (not included)
Overnight: Ollantaytambo – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The “Pachar Special” is an optional off-road section within Stage 03)

After breakfast in Ollantaytambo, we get back on our motorcycles and ride toward the district of Maras via quiet secondary roads, surrounded by wide-open landscapes, impressive mountain views, and traditional Andean villages, perfect scenery for photos.

Our first stop is Moray, where we visit the fascinating Inca circular terraces, believed to have been used as an agricultural experimentation center. We then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, one of the most unique and photogenic landscapes in the Andes.

Between Pachar, Maras, and the Pampa de Anta, riders may choose the optional off-road sections, following dirt tracks through rural communities and open highland terrain. A fully paved alternative route is always available.

We stop for lunch in the district of Maras.

In the afternoon, we descend into the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru. This section is a highlight for riders who love sweeping curves and dramatic scenery. After a demanding yet breathtaking riding day, we arrive in Curahuasi, where we end the stage and rest for the night.

📌 Stage 03 – Summary

Distance: ~220 km / 137 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Riding Time: ~7–8 hours (including stops)
Altitude: Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) → Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) → Apurímac Canyon (~1,500 m / 4,920 ft) → Curahuasi (2,688 m / 8,818 ft)
Climate Zones: Sacred Valley → High Andes → Deep Canyon → Inter-Andean Valley
Lunch: Maras (not included)
Dinner: Curahuasi (not included)
Overnight: Curahuasi – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Curahuasi & Karkatera Special is an optional off-road section within Stage 04)

After breakfast in Curahuasi, we begin ascending toward the Socllaccasa Pass, followed by a paved descent to Abancay.

From Abancay, we enter the legendary Karkatera, known as the “Peruvian Death Road.” This optional off-road section follows narrow mountain-carved roads, handmade tunnels, and exposed cliffside stretches, offering one of the most spectacular and authentic riding experiences of the expedition. There are key viewpoints for photos and short breaks along the way.

After completing the Karkatera section, we return to Abancay for lunch and then continue toward Chalhuanca, where we end the day and enjoy a well-earned rest after one of the most exciting stages of the tour.

📌 Stage 04 – Summary

Distance: ~260 km / 160 mi
Route Difficulty: Demanding (mixed surfaces + exposed cliff roads)
Riding Time: ~7–8 hours (including scenic stops)

Altitude: Curahuasi (2,688 m / 8,818 ft) → Socclaccasa Pass (~4,300 m / 14,108 ft – highest point) → Abancay (2,378 m / 7,802 ft) → Karkatera (3,000–3,300 m / 9,843–10,827 ft) → Chalhuanca (2,886 m / 9,469 ft)

Climate Zones: Inter-Andean Valley → Deep Canyon → High Andes
Lunch: On route (not included)
Dinner: Chalhuanca (not included)
Overnight: Chalhuanca – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

We depart early from Chalhuanca to face one of the longest and most demanding stages of the expedition. The route climbs through remote Andean territories, crossing wide valleys, high-altitude puna landscapes, and extended mountain stretches toward Puquio.

The highlight of the day is the ride through Pampas Galeras National Reserve, a high-Andean sanctuary known for its large herds of vicuñas, as well as alpacas and native wildlife. This section offers smooth paved roads with sweeping curves and spectacular Andean scenery.

In the afternoon, we begin the long descent from the Andes into the desert basin of Nazca, where the landscape changes dramatically—temperatures rise and the surroundings become arid and surreal.

Arrival in Nazca, hotel check-in, and well-deserved rest after an intense and memorable riding day.

📌 Stage 05 – Summary

Distance: ~377 km / 234 mi
Route Difficulty: Demanding (long distance + sustained high altitude)
Riding Time: ~8 hours (including scenic stops)

Altitude: Chalhuanca (2,886 m / 9,470 ft) → Puquio (3,230 m / 10,597 ft) → Pampas Galeras (4,100+ m / 13,451+ ft – highest point of the tour) → Nazca (520 m / 1,706 ft)

Climate Zones: High Andes → Puna Grasslands → Coastal Desert
Lunch: On route
Dinner: Nazca (not included)
Overnight: Nazca – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

The day begins with one of Peru’s most iconic experiences: a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, where ancient geoglyphs such as the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, and Condor can be seen from the air.

After the flight, we return to Nazca for lunch before riding north across the vast desert landscapes of southern Peru.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Free time to explore the oasis, relax, or join an optional dune buggy and sandboarding experience.

At sunset, we enjoy one of the most memorable moments of the expedition as golden light transforms the desert scenery. A short ride then takes us to the Ica Valley for hotel check-in and overnight rest.

📌 Stage 06 – Summary

Distance: ~160 km / 99 mi
Route Difficulty: Easy
Riding Time: ~4 hours (including scenic stops)

Altitude: Nazca (520 m / 1,706 ft) → Huacachina (400 m / 1,312 ft) → Ica Valley (400–450 m / 1,312–1,476 ft)

Climate Zones: Coastal Desert
Lunch: Nazca (not included)
Dinner: Ica Valley (not included)
Overnight: Ica Valley – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Ica Desert Special is an optional off-road section within Stage 07)

We begin our final day riding north from the Ica Valley, crossing the vast coastal desert toward Paracas, one of Peru’s most iconic seaside landscapes. Open terrain, ocean breezes, and long uninterrupted stretches of road create the perfect grand finale.

The route crosses expansive desert plains, with optional off-road sections for riders seeking one last adrenaline boost before reaching the coast. The striking contrast between golden dunes and the deep blue Pacific marks the final transition from desert to ocean.

Upon arrival in Paracas, we enjoy lunch by the sea and take time to relax and celebrate the journey.

Included Optional Activity: Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Mini Galápagos of Peru,” home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, marine bird.

In the afternoon, we leave the motorcycles and continue by private transport to Lima via the Pan-American Highway, officially concluding the Peru Motorcycle Challenge.

📌 Stage 07 – Summary

Distance: ~120 km / 75 mi (motorcycle)
Route Difficulty: Moderate (desert riding + optional soft sand)
Riding Time: ~4–5 hours (including scenic stops)

Altitude: Ica Valley (400 m / 1,312 ft) → Paracas (Sea level) → Lima (Sea level)

Climate Zones: Coastal Desert → Pacific Coast
Lunch: Paracas (not included)
Dinner: Lima (not included)
Overnight: Tour ends in Lima (hotel not included unless requested)

Special Highlight: Group celebration in Paracas to mark the end of the expedition