PERUVIAN CHALLENGE (Paracas – Huacachina – Nazca Lines – Peruvian’s Death Road – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco: 9D/8N)

We warmly welcome our travelers to Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima. Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our staff will be ready to greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

At noon, we will enjoy a welcome lunch where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the entire team. During this time, our guide will share important details about the upcoming Peruvian Challenge tour.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a city tour and explore Lima’s rich history, architecture, and unique blend of cultures—an excellent introduction to the spirit of Peru.

📍 Day 1 Summary:

• Lunch: Lima – not included
• Dinner: Lima– not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel 3 stars – Breakfast included

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation and begin the journey south to Paracas. Upon arrival at our base, your motorcycles will be prepped and ready for the next stage of your adventure.

We’ll start the day with a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Peru.” These islands are home to a wide variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds — a truly unforgettable experience.

Following the tour, enjoy some free time for lunch in Paracas (not included), with many seaside options offering fresh local cuisine.

In the afternoon, we switch gears and ride into the Paracas National Reserve by motorcycle. This awe-inspiring natural reserve spans 335,000 hectares of land and sea. Known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes, the reserve is perfect for off-road exploration. The nutrient-rich waters also make it one of the most biologically productive marine areas on the planet.

After an exhilarating ride and time to explore the reserve’s stunning coastal scenery, we’ll return to Paracas for dinner (not included) and an overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel (breakfast included).

📍 Day 2 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 120 km / 75 miles
• Terrain: Dirt roads, mixed sand, beach and paved stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~2 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Paracas – not included
• Dinner: Paracas – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars)  – Breakfast included

Our day begins with a final visit to the breathtaking Paracas National Reserve, giving us one last chance to explore its surreal desert landscapes and dramatic coastal cliffs.

After about an hour of riding, we’ll arrive at the Huacachina Oasis, often described as Peru’s most beautiful oasis. Surrounded by towering sand dunes and lush palm trees, this hidden gem in the desert is the perfect spot to relax, take photos, or even try optional activities like sandboarding or dune buggy rides.

From Huacachina, we’ll continue our journey toward Nazca, with a stop at strategic viewpoints along the way to admire the enigmatic Nazca and Palpa Lines. These ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor continue to fascinate archaeologists and travelers alike with their size, precision, and mysterious origins.

We’ll end the day in the town of Nazca, where you’ll have free time for dinner (not included) and settle in for the night at a comfortable 3-star hotel (breakfast included).

📍 Day 3 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 220 km / 136 miles
• Terrain: Paved roads, mixed gravel and dirt stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~5 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Huacachina – Ica (not included)
• Dinner: Nazca – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

Today promises to be an unforgettable experience as we take a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, offering a breathtaking aerial view of these ancient geoglyphs. After the flight, we’ll have time to enjoy a delicious lunch in Nazca.

In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves further in the rich legacy of the Nazca culture. Our visit includes the Chauchilla Cemetery and the impressive Cantalloc Aqueducts—ingenious examples of Inca hydraulic engineering. After a fascinating and relaxing afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.

📍 Day 4 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 120 km / 74 miles
• Terrain: Paved roads, mixed gravel and sandy stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~3 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Nazca – not included
• Dinner: Nazca – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

Today will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of our journey. Our first stop is the Pampas Galeras National Reserve, home to numerous herds of alpacas and vicuñas, as well as traditional Andean shepherds and rural communities. The dramatic high-altitude landscapes make this a truly unforgettable experience.

We’ll enjoy a hearty picnic lunch in the scenic Andes, surrounded by breathtaking views. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the village of Chalhuanca, where we’ll spend the night.

📍 Day 5 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 377 km / 234 miles
• Terrain: Paved roads and dirt stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~7 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Box Luch – Puquio (included)
• Dinner: Chalhuanca – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

We begin our journey through the scenic Pachachaca Valley, making our way toward the legendary tunnels of the Karkatera—often referred to as the “Peruvian Death Road.” A favorite among adventurous riders, this route is famous for its dramatic cliffs, hand-carved tunnels, and breathtaking views.

Built by local communities in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Karkatera is a true feat of human effort and determination. Along the way, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to take unforgettable photos—this is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic spots of the entire tour.

After exploring this spectacular route, we’ll continue on to the city of Abancay, where we’ll spend the night.

📍 Day 6 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 160 km / 100 miles
• Terrain: Paved roads and dirt stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~5 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Abancay – not included
• Dinner: Abancay – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

 We begin the day riding through the lush Abancay Valley, gradually climbing to the Abancay Pass at 3,990 meters above sea level. From there, we descend into the impressive Apurimac Canyon, dropping to an altitude of 1,700 meters. We’ll take a break to appreciate the stunning scenery in the heart of the canyon before continuing for another two hours to reach Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town nestled in the Sacred Valley.

In the afternoon, we’ll leave our motorcycles in Ollantaytambo and board a train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Town). The scenic two-hour train ride follows the Sacred River, offering beautiful views along the way.

📍 Day 7 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 195 km / 121 miles
• Terrain: Snaking paved roads, mixed gravel and dirt stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~ 6 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Estimated Train Time: ~ 2 hours (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes)
• Lunch: Ollantaytambo – not included
• Dinner: Aguas Calientes – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

Option One:  Machu Picchu by Motorcycle 3 additional days.

Option Two:  Manu Jungle Ride by Motorcycle 3 additonal days.

Machu Picchu – Return to Ollantaytambo

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head with our guide to the bus station for a 30-minute ride up to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Today, you’ll have ample time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site in depth. For those who wish, there’s also the option to hike up Wayna Picchu Mountain—an unforgettable experience with panoramic views (subject to availability).

Take your time to capture stunning photos, absorb the breathtaking scenery, and connect with the mystical energy of the site. After our visit, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You’ll also have free time to explore the town, visit local museums, browse handicraft shops, relax in the hot springs, or admire the town’s stone sculptures and gardens.

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo. Then we hop on bikes and head to Willoq to discover a typical Andean village and its living traditions.

📍 Day 8 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 50 km / 31 miles
• Terrain: Dirt roads, mixed gravel and paved stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~ 2 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Lunch: Aguas Calientes – not included
• Dinner: Ollantaytambo – not included
• Overnight Stay: Hotel (3 stars) – Breakfast included

On this final day of our journey, we’ll dive deeper into the fascinating world of the Incas, beginning with a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. From there, we continue our ride through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, located at 2,780 meters above sea level.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore some of the region’s most iconic sites: the ancient salt mines of Maras (Salineras), the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, and the vibrant town of Chinchero, known for its weaving traditions and Inca ruins.

Our adventure concludes in Cusco, the legendary “Navel of the World” and the historic capital of the Inca Empire. After days filled with discovery and adventure, this final stop is the perfect place to reflect on an unforgettable journey that will surely stay in your heart.

📍 Day 8 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 195 km / 121 miles
• Terrain: Snaking paved roads, mixed gravel and dirt stretches
• Estimated Riding Time: ~ 8 hours (including stops and exploration)
• Buffet Lunch: Urubamba – Included
• Dinner: Farewell dinner in Cusco – included
• Drop off: Hotel or Cusco airport – included
• Last Overnight Stay: Not  included