Best of the Best of Peru: 12-Day Motorcycle Expedition from Pacific Coast to Machu Picchu

Welcome to Peru! After landing in Lima, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in after your flight.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a welcome meeting where we’ll go over all the details of your upcoming motorcycle adventure in Peru — including the route, top highlights, safety tips, and what to expect along the way.

This is a relaxed start to an epic multi-day riding experience across the most scenic and iconic regions of the country.

📌 Day 1 Summary

🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Lima)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Lima)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Lima – breakfast included

The adventure kicks off early! At 7:00 AM, we pick you up from your hotel in Lima and drive south to Paracas City — a scenic desert paradise about 3 hours away.

Once there, we hop on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the Galápagos of Peru. Expect to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds. Don’t forget a jacket — the sea breeze can be chilly!

After returning to shore, enjoy lunch in Paracas City (not included), then it’s time to switch gears.

In the afternoon, we ride into the Paracas National Reserve, cruising across sandy trails and along the dramatic Pacific coastline. This ride is perfect for warming up with your dual-sport bike and requesting any custom adjustments before the next leg of the journey.

📌 Day 2 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 70 km / 49 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~2 hrs (with stops & exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Sandy dirt roads, beach tracks, mixed gravel & paved
🐧 Highlights: Ballestas Islands boat tour, Paracas Reserve motorcycle ride
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Paracas)
🍴 Dinner: Not included
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Paracas – breakfast included

Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Today, we cruise through scenic valleys and desert landscapes en route to the legendary Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by massive sand dunes and palm trees.

We’ll take a refreshing break to explore the oasis and soak in the surreal desert atmosphere before enjoying lunch in Huacachina or Ica (not included), featuring traditional local dishes.

In the afternoon, we ride deeper into the desert toward Nazca, stopping along the way to admire the mysterious Palpa and Nazca Lines from several roadside viewing platforms. These ancient geoglyphs are among Peru’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

After a rewarding day of discovery and riding, we arrive in Nazca for a well-earned night’s rest.

📌 Day 3 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 220 km / 136 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~5 hrs (with stops & exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel, sandy desert stretches
🏜️ Highlights: Huacachina Oasis, Palpa & Nazca Lines viewpoints
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Huacachina or Ica)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Nazca)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Nazca – breakfast included

After breakfast, we head to the Nazca airport for an unforgettable scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. From above, you’ll spot the famous geoglyphs — including the monkey, spider, condor, and astronaut — etched into the desert floor. It’s a surreal and awe-inspiring view of one of Peru’s greatest mysteries.

Back on land, we visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, an ancient burial site featuring well-preserved pre-Inca tombs and mummies exposed to the desert climate for centuries.

In the afternoon, we continue riding south toward Chala, stopping at the spectacular Tanaka Desert dunes. Known for their soft sands and technical terrain, these dunes have hosted stages of the Dakar Rally and offer both a challenge and stunning scenery.

After a day full of cultural and natural wonders, we arrive in Chala to rest and recharge for the next stage.

📌 Day 4 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 170 km / 105 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~3 hrs (with stops & exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel, sandy desert stretches
✈️ Highlights: Nazca Lines flight, Chauchilla Cemetery, Tanaka Dunes
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Nazca)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Chala)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Chala – breakfast included

We continue our southbound ride along the stunning Pacific coastline, with ocean views and open-road freedom at every turn. Upon reaching Camaná, take a moment to relax — enjoy a swim in the sea, stretch out on the beach, and treat yourself to fresh ceviche, Peru’s most iconic coastal dish.

This is our final look at the ocean before heading inland toward the Peruvian Andes.

In the afternoon, we ride for about three hours into the fertile Majes Valley, known for its vineyards and some of the best pisco and wine production in southern Peru. We’ll settle in here for the night and get ready for the highland adventures ahead.

📌 Day 5 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 307 km / 120 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~5 hrs (with stops & exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel, sandy desert stretches
🌅 Highlights: Pacific coast ride, Camaná beach stop, Majes Valley vineyards
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Camaná)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Majes)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Majes – breakfast included

Today, we leave behind the green vineyards of the Majes Valley and begin our thrilling ascent into the Andes. The winding mountain road is packed with curves and elevation changes — perfect for an adrenaline-filled ride.

As we climb, the landscape transforms into a dramatic volcanic valley, shaped by ancient lava flows and erosion, offering sweeping views and perfect photo stops.

By the afternoon, we arrive at the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch the sight of Andean condors gliding silently above the cliffs — a breathtaking and iconic moment of the Peruvian highlands.

We end the day in the charming town of Chivay, gateway to the canyon, where we rest and recharge for the next stage.

📌 Day 6 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 214 km / 139 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~5 hrs (with stops & exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel, dirt roads, high-altitude mountain routes
🦅 Highlights: Andes ascent, volcanic valley, Colca Canyon, condor viewpoints
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Colca Canyon area)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Chivay)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Chivay – breakfast included

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with an optional early visit to Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best spots to witness Andean condors soaring through the canyon skies—a majestic and humbling sight.

Back on the bikes, we head east through the spectacular Andes highlands, riding across wide-open altiplano landscapes. Along the way, you’ll spot wild alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, and guanacos grazing near crystal-clear lagoons and colorful wetlands, often alongside traditional Quechua shepherds.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Puno, a vibrant city perched on the shores of Lake Titicaca—the world’s highest navigable lake. There, you’ll have free time to explore, rest, or prepare for an optional lake excursion the following morning.

📌 Day 7 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 320 km / 200 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~6 hrs (including stops & scenic breaks)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel and dirt sections
🦙 Highlights: Cruz del Cóndor (optional), wildlife spotting, Andes highlands, Lake Titicaca
🥪 Lunch: Box Lunch – included
🍽️ Dinner: Not included (Puno)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Puno – breakfast included

Today, we take a break from the bikes to immerse ourselves in the living culture of the Uros people, one of the most fascinating native communities of the Andes. Located on floating reed islands in the heart of Lake Titicaca, the Uros have lived for centuries in harmony with the lake’s natural rhythms.

With our local guide, you’ll explore these unique islands, learning about their handcrafted homes, traditional fishing techniques, and deep-rooted customs—an inspiring look into a way of life unlike any other in the world.

In the afternoon, we return to Puno for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lakeshore, giving you time to rest, explore the city, or simply take in the stunning high-altitude views before tomorrow’s highland ride.

📌 Day 8 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 70 km / 40 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~2 hrs (light riding + boat transfer and visits)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel and dirt sections
🛶 Highlights: Guided visit to Uros floating islands, Lake Titicaca, cultural immersion
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Puno)
🍴 Dinner: Not included
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Puno – breakfast included

We say farewell to Lake Titicaca as we hit the road toward one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders—Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Today’s route takes us deep into the Andean highlands, where sweeping vistas, snowcapped peaks, and herds of alpacas and llamas accompany our journey.

We’ll ride through quiet rural villages and cross mountain passes that showcase the raw, majestic beauty of southern Peru. Midway, we’ll stop in Sicuani for a well-deserved lunch and the chance to try authentic highland cuisine.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Cusipata, a peaceful town nestled near the base of Rainbow Mountain. We’ll check in, rest up, and prepare for tomorrow’s early-morning trek to one of the most colorful landscapes on Earth.

📌 Day 9 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 300 km / 186 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~6 hrs (with scenic stops and breaks)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel and dirt sections
🦙 Highlights: Highland views, Andean wildlife, local culture, arrival at Rainbow Mountain base
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Sicuani)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Cusipata)
🛏️ Overnight: 2-star hotel in Cusipata – breakfast included

Rise and shine early—today is the crown jewel of our adventure! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the highest altitude point of our tour at 5,100 meters (16,700 feet). You’ll trek a short distance to reach this spectacular site, where multicolored mineral bands paint the Andean landscape in surreal tones. It’s an epic moment, perfect for photos and reflection.

Once we descend and return to Cusipata, the ride continues through the Sacred Valley of the Incas—a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. We’ll pass through Pisac, known for its traditional markets and terraces, before arriving in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town full of charm and archaeological wonder.

📌 Day 10 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 220 km / 136 mi
⏱️ Ride Time: ~7 hrs (including trek, stops, and exploration)
🌍 Terrain: Paved roads, gravel and dirt stretches
🏞️ Highlights: Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley ride, Pisac, arrival in Ollantaytambo
🥾 Trek: Light trek to Rainbow Mountain summit (~1.5–2 hours total)
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Cusipata)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Ollantaytambo)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo – breakfast included

Today we trade our bikes for the train as we head to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—Machu Picchu. We’ll board an early train to Aguas Calientes, then make our way up the mountain to the iconic Inca citadel.

Our expert local guide will lead you through the history, architecture, and hidden stories of this awe-inspiring archaeological site. From the Temple of the Sun to the Intihuatana Stone, every corner offers a glimpse into the brilliance of the Inca civilization.

After a day filled with wonder, we’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you can relax and relive the magic of this unforgettable experience.

📌 Day 11 Summary

🛤️ Total Distance: 40 km / 25 mi (short ride to train station + local travel)
⏱️ Ride Time: ~2 hrs (including transfers and local riding)
🚆 Highlights: Early train to Machu Picchu, guided exploration, return to Ollantaytambo
🗿 Key Site: Machu Picchu Citadel
🍽️ Lunch: Not included (Aguas Calientes)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Ollantaytambo)
🛏️ Overnight: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo – breakfast included

On our final day, we’ll ride through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, tracing the path of the legendary Wilkamayu River. Along the way, we’ll explore some of the most awe-inspiring Inca cities and archaeological sites, marveling at the stonework and mysteries left behind by one of history’s most advanced civilizations.

As we complete this unforgettable journey, we descend into Cusco, once known as the “Center of the World” by the Incas. This is where our epic motorcycle adventure officially comes to an end, with a heart full of memories and a spirit forever changed by the roads we’ve ridden.

📌 Day 12 Summary

🛣️ Total Distance: 250 km / 155 mi
⏱️ Estimated Ride Time: ~7 hours (including stops and exploration)
🏞️ Terrain: Paved roads, riverbanks, gravel and dirt stretches
🏛️ Highlights: Sacred Valley, Moray, Salt Mines Maras, Chinchero, return to Cusco
🍽️ Lunch: Included (Sacred Valley)
🍴 Dinner: Not included (Farewell dinner in Cusco optional)
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Not included (tour ends in Cusco)