Peru Motorcycle Challenge | 9-Day Ride with Off-Road Stages

Welcome to the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Upon your arrival at Velasco Astete Airport, our team will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, our guide will brief you on all the essential details of the upcoming Peru Moto Challenge tour. You will also have the chance to test your motorbike on a short ride, visiting some of Cusco’s main nearby attractions, this an ideal introduction to the region’s rich culture and stunning landscapes at sunset.

📌 Stage 01 – Summary

Distance: 80 km / 50 mi
Route Difficulty: Easy
Riding Time: 1 hour (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) → Puka Pucara (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) → Sacsayhuaman (3,550 m / 11,647 ft)
Climate Zones: Highland →upper highland
Lunch: Cusco (not included)
Dinner: Cusco (not included)
Overnight: Cusco – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

We start the Peru Moto Challenge early, riding from Cusco into the Sacred Valley toward the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where we make a short stop for coffee and gear checks.

The adventure continues with a climb to Abra Málaga (4,316 m / 14,160 ft), one of the most impressive mountains passes in the region, offering dramatic views of glaciers and the eastern Andes. From the summit, we descend into the high jungle, passing through misty cloud forests and a mix of paved and dirt roads until reaching the warm town of Santa Teresa.

Our motorcycle journey ends at Hidroeléctrica, where we park the bikes safely and begin a scenic 10 km hike to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The trail follows the railway and winds through lush Amazonian vegetation, waterfalls, and towering mountains, an easy and enjoyable walk filled with nature and great photo opportunities.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into the hotel. You’ll have free time to explore town, grab dinner, and prepare for the next morning’s visit to Machu Picchu.

📌 Stage 02 – Summary

Distance: 195 km / 121 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 6–7 hours (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) →Málaga Pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft) →Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) →Hidroeléctrica (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) →Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
Climate Zones: Highland → Cloud Forest → Upper Amazon Rainforest
Lunch: Along the route (not included)
Dinner: Aguas Calientes (not included)
Overnight: Aguas Calientes – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)
Hike: 10 km / 2.5–3 hours (easy / scenic)

Stage 3: Machu Picchu – Return to Hidroeléctrica – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Santa Teresa

Start your day early with breakfast in Aguas Calientes. Then take the bus up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the spiritual highlight of this entire adventure.

With our professional guide, you’ll explore the citadel’s most iconic areas—temples, terraces, plazas, and breathtaking viewpoints—while learning about Inca history, architecture, and ancient astronomy.

Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability).

After your guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a short break.
Then begin the 10 km hike back to Hidroeléctrica, following the railway through lush Amazonian vegetation, rivers, and dramatic canyon scenery—an easy and scenic walk.

At Hidroeléctrica, we pick up the motorcycles and ride to Santa Teresa, a warm jungle town surrounded by coffee plantations.

In the afternoon, enjoy the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, famous for having the best thermal pools in the region—crystal-clear, naturally heated, and perfect for relaxing after a full day of activity.

We end the day in Santa Teresa, where we spend the night.

📌 Stage 03 – Summary

Distance: 50 km by motorcycle / 30 mi (Hidroeléctrica → Santa Teresa)
Route Difficulty: Easy
Riding Time: 2 hours (approx.)
Altitude: Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft) →Hidroeléctrica (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) →Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft)
Climate Zones: Cloud Forest → Upper Amazon Rainforest
Lunch: Aguas Calientes or along the route (not included)
Dinner: Santa Teresa (not included)
Overnight: Santa Teresa – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)
Hike: 10 km / 2.5–3 hours (easy / scenic)

(The Pachar special is an off-road special section inside Stage 04)

After breakfast, we leave the warm jungle town of Santa Teresa and begin our ascent toward the Andes. The road climbs steadily through cloud forest and highland terrain until we once again reach Abra Málaga, a dramatic mountain pass surrounded by glaciers, mist, and sweeping panoramic views.

From the summit, we descend along winding mountain roads toward the Sacred Valley, eventually reaching the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

Here, you’ll enjoy a fully guided tour of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site—famous for its massive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and remarkably preserved Inca stone streets that still follow the original urban design.

After the guided visit, you’ll have time for photos and exploration before continuing your journey along the Sacred Valley.

📌 Stage 04 – Summary

Distance: 150 km / 93 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 5–6 hours (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) → Abra Málaga (4,316 m / 14,160 ft) → Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,163 ft) → Sacred Valley (2,700–2,950 m / 8,858–9,678 ft)
Climate Zones: Upper Amazon Rainforest → Cloud Forest → Highland
Lunch: Sacred Valley (not included)
Dinner: Sacred Valley (not included)
Overnight: Sacred Valley – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The CURAHUASI special is an off-road special section inside Stage 05)

We begin the day in the Sacred Valley, starting our motorcycle journey through scenic Andean landscapes and smooth, flowing roads perfect for warming up before the highland curves ahead.

As we ride west, the environment shifts from fertile agricultural valleys to rugged Andean terrain. The route features sweeping bends, dramatic elevation changes, and remote villages where traditional highland life continues unchanged.

Approaching the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru, the views become increasingly dramatic towering cliffs, winding roads, and vast mountain horizons.

We end the day in the city of Abancay, known for its mild climate, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly local culture. Here you can unwind, have dinner, and prepare for the next stage of the Peru Moto Challenge.

📌 Stage 05 – Summary

Distance: 195 km / 121 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Sacred Valley (2,700–2,950 m / 8,858–9,678 ft) → Cunyac Bridge (1,800 m / 5,906 ft) → Soccllaccasa Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft) → Abancay (2,378 m / 7,802 ft)
Climate Zones: Highland → Deep Canyon → Warm-Andean Valley
Lunch: Along the route or in Abancay (not included)
Dinner: Abancay (not included)
Overnight: Abancay – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The KARKATERA special is an off-road special section inside Stage 06)

We begin the day in Abancay, riding through the scenic Pachachaca Valley as we head toward one of the most legendary segments of the Peru Moto Challenge—the Karkatera, also known as the Peruvian Death Road.

This historic route is iconic among adventure riders: narrow cliffside roads, hand-carved tunnels, vertical drop-offs, and awe-inspiring Andean landscapes. Built by local communities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Karkatera remains a remarkable example of human determination carved into the mountains.

We take our time exploring the area, stopping at viewpoints and tunnels for unforgettable photos, this is without question one of the most thrilling highlights of the entire expedition.

After completing this epic section, we continue riding until we reach Chalhuanca, a calm Andean town known for its hospitality and warm climate. Here we settle in and rest for the next stage.

📌 Stage 06 – Summary

Distance: 190 km / 100 mi
Route Difficulty: Demanding (narrow cliff roads + mixed surfaces)
Riding Time: 5 hours (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Abancay (2,378 m / 7,802 ft) → Karkatera (3,000–3,300 m / 9,843–10,827 ft) → Pachachaca Valley (2,000 m / 6,562 ft) → Chalhuanca (2,886 m / 9,469 ft)
Climate Zones: Highland Valley → Deep Canyon → High Andes
Lunch: On Route (not included)
Dinner: Chalhuanca (not included)
Overnight: Chalhuanca – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

Today we face one of the longest and most demanding riding days of the entire Peru Motorcycle Challenge. Leaving Chalhuanca, we climb steadily through remote Andean terrain toward Puquio, crossing vast open valleys, rugged puna landscapes, and long high-altitude stretches.

The highlight of the day is riding through the Pampas Galeras National Reserve, a protected area famous for its herds of wild vicuñas, alpacas, and some of the most iconic high-Andean scenery in Peru. This section offers beautiful open roads, wildlife encounters, and excellent photo opportunities.

In the afternoon, the environment shifts dramatically as we begin the long descent from the Andes into the coastal desert basin of Nazca—a spectacular transition from cold highlands to warm desert landscapes.

After arriving in the city of Nazca, we check in at the hotel and relax after this demanding but unforgettable day.

📌 Stage 07 – Summary

Distance: 377 km / 234 mi
Route Difficulty: Demanding (long distance + high altitude)
Riding Time: 8 hours (approx.) (with 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) → Nazca (520 m / 1,706 ft)
Climate Zones: High Andes → Puna Grasslands → Coastal Desert
Lunch: Picnic in the Andes (included or provided by guide / specify if needed)
Dinner: Nazca (not included)
Overnight: Nazca – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

We begin the day with one of the most iconic experiences in Peru: a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. From the air, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the world-famous geoglyphs, including the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Condor, and more. An unforgettable highlight of the expedition.

After the flight, we return to Nazca for lunch before riding north through the desert landscapes of southern Peru, following long, smooth highways surrounded by sand dunes and rugged desert terrain.

Afternoon: Huacachina Oasis & Sunset

In the afternoon, we continue to the legendary Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon framed by towering golden dunes. Here you’ll have free time to walk around or join an optional dune buggy & sandboarding adventure. A top-rated experience among desert travelers.

As sunset approaches, Huacachina transforms into one of the most beautiful moments of the entire journey, with warm desert colors reflecting across the dunes and oasis.

After sunset, we take a short ride into the Ica Valley, where we settle in for the night.

📌 Stage 08 – Summary

Distance: 160 km / 99 mi
Route Difficulty: Easy
Riding Time: 4 hours (approx.) (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 (not included)
Overnight: Ica Valley – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The ICA Special is an off-road soft-sand section within Stage 09)

Our final day begins in the scenic Ica Valley as we ride north across the vast Paracas Desert. One of Peru’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Open terrain, warm ocean winds, and long uninterrupted stretches make this the perfect finale for adventure riders.

Morning: Desert Ride to Paracas
We cross expansive desert plains and arrive in Paracas, a hub for outdoor and marine activities. After a well-deserved lunch overlooking the Pacific, riders can join an optional wildlife experience.

Optional Afternoon Activity – Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Often called Peru’s “mini-Galápagos,” the Ballestas Islands offer unforgettable wildlife viewing, including:
• Sea lions
• Humboldt penguins
• Seasonal dolphins
• Thousands of seabirds and dramatic marine cliffs

Final Transfer to Lima
In the afternoon, we leave the motorcycles and continue by private transport along Pan-American Highway toward Lima.
Here, we officially close the expedition. Nine days of mountain passes, jungle tracks, desert crossings, and pure Peruvian adventure.

📌 Stage 09 – Summary

Distance: 120 km / 75 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx.) (including scenic stops)
Altitude: Ica Valley (400 m / 1,312 ft) → Paracas (sea level / 0 ft) → Lima (sea level / 0 ft)
Climate Zones: Coastal Desert → Pacific Coast
Lunch: Paracas (not included)
Dinner: Lima (not included)
Overnight: Tour ends in Lima (no accommodation provided unless requested)

Special Highlight: Group sharing moment in Paracas to celebrate the end of the ride