Wild Stages Peru: 14 Day Ride across Peru with Optional Off-Road Stages

(The Pachar special is an optional off-road section within Stage 01)

The journey begins with a scenic ride from Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We visit the Inca site of Chinchero, followed by the Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray. Riders may choose an optional off-road section through Maras and Pachar before ending the day in Ollantaytambo, where we spend the night.

📌 Stage 01 – Summary
Distance: 120 km / 75 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) → Chinchero (3,760 m / 12,336 ft) → Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo (2,800 m / 9,186 ft)
Climate Zones: Andean Highlands → Sacred Valley
Lunch: Maras (not included)
Dinner: Ollantaytambo (not included) – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)
Overnight: Ollantaytambo

We board the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, accompanied by our guide throughout the journey. In the late morning, we visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour that brings the history and legacy of the Inca civilization to life.

After lunch in Aguas Calientes, we return by train to Ollantaytambo, where we prepare for the next stage of the adventure and spend the night.

📌 Stage 02 – Summary
Distance: No riding day (train & walking tour)
Route Difficulty: Easy
Activity Time: Full-day excursion
Altitude: Ollantaytambo (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) → Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft)
Climate Zones: Sacred Valley → Cloud Forest
Lunch: Aguas Calientes (not included)
Dinner: Ollantaytambo (not included)
Overnight: Ollantaytambo – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Paucartambo special is an optional off-road section within Stage 03)

Leaving the southern end of the Sacred Valley, we ride toward Pisac, where our guide explains the mystery and importance of this Inca site. From here, the route continues to the colorful Andean town of Paucartambo, with a short stop to explore its history and traditional architecture.

We then climb toward Abra Acjanaco, the official gateway to Manu National Park, marking the transition from the Andes into the Amazon basin. The day ends at the Manu Gate, at the edge of the cloud forest, with a chance to spot the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird.

📌 Stage 03 – Summary
Distance: approx. 160 km / 100 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 5–6 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Ollantaytambo (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) → Pisac (2,972 m / 9,751 ft) → Paucartambo (2,905 m / 9,531 ft) → Abra Acjanaco (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) → Manu Cloud Forest (≈2,000 m / 6,562 ft)
Climate Zones: Andean Highlands → Cloud Forest
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Manu area (not included)
Overnight: Manu Gate / Cloud Forest area – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Huacaria special is an optional off-road section within Stage 04)

Today we ride deeper into the Amazon rainforest, descending from our lodge into the heart of the jungle. The route offers rich biodiversity and frequent opportunities to observe local wildlife along the way.

Riders can choose an optional off-road section in Huacaria, adding a more adventurous challenge before continuing to Pillcopata, the largest town in the Manu region, where we spend the night.

📌 Stage 04 – Summary
Distance: approx. 120 km / 75 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Manu Cloud Forest (≈2,000 m / 6,562 ft) → Pilcopata / Pillcopata (≈560 m / 1,837 ft)
Climate Zones: Cloud Forest → Amazon Lowlands
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Pillcopata (not included)
Overnight: Pillcopata – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

Today we leave Pillcopata and say goodbye to the Amazon rainforest as we climb back into the Andes. Along the way, we stop at the Chullpas of Ninamarca, an ancient pre-Inca funerary site, before continuing toward Urcos, a small Andean town where we spend the night.

📌 Stage 05 – Summary
Distance: approx. 180 km / 112 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 5–6 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Pillcopata (≈560 m / 1,837 ft) → Abra Acjanaco (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) → Urcos (3,150 m / 10,335 ft)
Climate Zones: Amazon Lowlands → Cloud Forest → Andean Highlands
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Urcos (not included)
Overnight: Urcos – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Cusipata special is an optional off-road section within Stage 06)

Today is a true high-altitude adventure to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). We ride through remote Andean landscapes, reaching elevations of up to 5,100 m (16,732 ft). Our support team carries oxygen at all times to ensure safety during this demanding stage.

After completing the hike and enjoying the views, we return to Pitumarca for lunch and a well-deserved afternoon of rest in this traditional Andean village.

📌 Stage 06 – Summary
Distance: approx. 140 km / 87 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (altitude)
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Urcos (3,150 m / 10,335 ft) → Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft) → Vinicunca (5,100 m / 16,732 ft) → Pitumarca (3,570 m / 11,713 ft)
Climate Zones: Andean Highlands
Lunch: Pitumarca (not included)
Dinner: Pitumarca (not included)
Overnight: Pitumarca – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

Our adventure begins in Pitumarca, riding on paved roads toward the picturesque town of Pucará, famous for its traditional Toritos de Pucará, symbols of good luck. Along the route, we pass roadside stands selling kankachos, the region’s iconic roasted lamb dish.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Puno, where we spend the night near Lake Titicaca.

📌 Stage 07 – Summary
Distance: approx. 230 km / 143 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 5–6 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Pitumarca (3,570 m / 11,713 ft) → Pucará (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) → Puno (3,827 m / 12,556 ft)
Climate Zones: High Andes / Altiplano
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Puno (not included)
Overnight: Puno – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Sillustani special is an optional off-road section within Stage 08)

After a relaxing morning, we leave the motorcycles behind and 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 Lake Titicaca, the Uros have lived for centuries in harmony with the lake’s natural rhythms. A guided visit offers insight into their traditions, daily life, and unique way of living.

In the afternoon, we return to Puno for lunch and enjoy a relaxed lakeside afternoon. For more adventurous riders, there is an optional ride to Sillustani, visiting the impressive pre-Inca funerary towers associated with the Tiwanaku culture.

📌 Stage 08 – Summary
Distance: No mandatory riding day (boat excursion)
Route Difficulty: Easy
Activity Time: Half-day cultural excursion
Altitude: Puno & Lake Titicaca (3,827 m / 12,556 ft) → Sillustani (3,850 m / 12,631 ft – optional)
Climate Zones: High Andean Plateau (Altiplano)
Lunch: Puno (not included)
Dinner: Puno (not included)
Overnight: Puno – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

Today is one of the most exciting riding days in the Andes. This stage is 100% paved, featuring sweeping curves and wide-open high-altitude landscapes. We follow the main highway toward Arequipa, and at the SENASA control point, we take the scenic detour toward Chivay.

Along the route, we make several photo stops to capture the dramatic scenery of the Andean plateau, volcanoes, and wildlife. In the afternoon, we arrive in Chivay for lunch and a well-earned rest in the heart of the Colca Valley.

📌 Stage 09 – Summary
Distance: approx. 300 km / 186 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 6–7 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Puno / Lake Titicaca (3,827 m / 12,556 ft) → High Andean Plateau (up to 4,900 m / 16,076 ft) → Chivay (3,635 m / 11,926 ft)
Climate Zones: Altiplano → High Andes → Colca Valley
Lunch: Chivay (not included)
Dinner: Chivay (not included)
Overnight: Chivay – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Salinas y Aguada Blanca special is an optional off-road section within Stage 10)

We start early this morning to reach the Condor’s Cross, the most iconic viewpoint in the Colca Canyon, when condor activity is at its peak. From mid-morning, we begin the ride toward Arequipa, crossing vast high-altitude landscapes and volcanic scenery.

Riders looking for extra adventure can opt for an off-road section through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve before continuing on paved roads to Arequipa. We arrive in the city in the early afternoon and enjoy a free afternoon to rest or explore Peru’s White City at our own pace.

📌 Stage 10 – Summary
Distance: approx. 190 km / 118 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx., excluding condor viewing)
Altitude: Chivay (3,635 m / 11,926 ft) → Colca Canyon viewpoints (≈3,800 m / 12,467 ft) → Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft)
Climate Zones: High Andes → Volcanic Highlands → Andean City
Lunch: Arequipa (not included)
Dinner: Arequipa (not included)
Overnight: Arequipa – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

Today is a scenic transition day as we leave the White City of Arequipa and descend toward the Pacific coast. The ride follows paved roads through changing landscapes, from volcanic highlands to coastal desert, with wide views of the ocean as we approach the shoreline.

We stop for lunch en route (not included) before continuing to Chala, where we arrive in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest after the Andean stages.

📌 Stage 11 – Summary
Distance: approx. 320 km / 199 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 5–6 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft) → Coastal Desert → Chala (sea level)
Climate Zones: Volcanic Highlands → Coastal Desert → Pacific Coast
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Chala (not included)
Overnight: Chala – 2★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Tanaka Dunes special is an optional off-road section within Stage 12)

We continue north along the Pan-American Highway, riding through vast coastal desert landscapes toward Nazca. Along the way, we can stop at the Tanaka Dunes for a short break and photos. This stage offers open roads, long horizons, and classic desert scenery, with several scenic stops along the route.

We arrive in Nazca in the afternoon, ready to rest and prepare for the next day’s highlights.

📌 Stage 12 – Summary
Distance: approx. 280 km / 174 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 4–5 hours (approx., including scenic stops)
Altitude: Chala (sea level) → Coastal Desert → Nazca (520 m / 1,706 ft)
Climate Zones: Pacific Coast → Coastal Desert
Lunch: En route (not included)
Dinner: Nazca (not included)
Overnight: Nazca – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

This stage combines riding with one of Peru’s most iconic experiences: 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. Long, smooth highways lead us through vast sand dunes and rugged desert terrain toward the Huacachina Oasis and the Ica Valley, where we arrive in the afternoon.

📌 Stage 13 – Summary
Distance: approx. 150 km / 93 mi
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Riding Time: 3–4 hours (approx., excluding flight)
Altitude: Nazca (520 m / 1,706 ft) → Huacachina / Ica Valley (400 m / 1,312 ft)
Climate Zones: Coastal Desert
Lunch: Nazca (not included)
Dinner: Ica Valley (not included)
Overnight: Ica Valley / Huacachina – 3★ Hotel (breakfast included)

(The Ica Desert special is an optional off-road section within Stage 14)

Our exciting final day begins in the Ica Valley, riding north across the vast Paracas Desert, one of Peru’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Open terrain, ocean breezes, and long uninterrupted stretches of road make this the perfect finale for adventure riders. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular desert and ocean views, with optional stops to relax or even take a refreshing swim in the Pacific.

In Paracas, we celebrate the end of the riding journey before continuing by private transport along the Pan-American Highway to Lima, where the expedition officially concludes.

Optional Afternoon Activity – Included
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Often called Peru’s “mini-Galápagos,” the Ballestas Islands offer exceptional wildlife viewing, including: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seasonal dolphins, thousands of seabirds and dramatic marine cliffs.

📌 Stage 14 – Summary
Distance: approx. 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) → Lima (sea level)
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 celebration in Paracas to mark the end of the expedition