MotoQuest Motorcycle Tour
There are only a few spots on this amazing MotoQuest motorcycle adventure tour through Machu Picchu and the southern part Peru, an epic loop through incredible mountains and coast.
On this once in a lifetime motorcycle adventure, you will visit the mysterious lines of Nazca, take a tour to Machu Picchu, and marvel at one of the seven wonders of the world.
MotoQuest participants will also ride motorcycles through the Andes, to heights of 15,600 ft and tour the unbelievable Pan American Highway along the rugged Pacific Coast. Although exotic in many ways, this tour features many well-paved roads.
Day 1: Arrive in Arica, Chile
Welcome to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest inhabited places on Earth. The tour begins in Arica, located in northern Chile and is known as "The Town of Eternal Spring".
This port city, with its tropical latitude, mild climate, miles of seashore, golden sand dunes, duty-free shopping, and lively nightlife has become a popular tourist destination. Welcome dinner in the evening. Stay in Arica.
Day 2: Bike pick-up and day ride in Arica, Chile – up to 200 miles
Get ready for the adventure as you imagine climbing 14,000 feet in 70 miles. Pick up the bikes, go through orientation, convert money, check out the town, and take a half-day ride into the Andes. Stay in Arica.
Day 3: Arica, Chile, to Moquegua, Peru – 135 miles
Leaving Arica, the tour heads to the border of Peru. Here you’ll discover the many intricacies of border crossings in South America. You’ll also get a chance to sample "Pisco," the national grape drink coveted by locals.
The MotoQuest route follows the Pan-American Highway on magnificently manicured roads through the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth (100 times more arid than Death Valley), to the lush oasis valley town of Moquegua. Surreal riding. Stay in Moquegua.
Day 4: Moquegua to La Central – 135 miles
Enjoy world-class twisties and descend into one of the deepest canyons in the world today. Desert scenery, clear water rivers and looming Andes Volcanoes…experience the variety of Peru. Stay in La Central.
Day 5: La Central to Puerto Inca – 215 miles
Ride to Puerto Inca on the Pan American Highway along the rugged Pacific Coast. This day is truly a motorcycle riders’ dream come true: no traffic, epic ocean views, and great winding roads. You’ll have the road to yourselves, with no motorcyclists and very few cars.
The scenery along this stretch is amazing. You might even get a glimpse of some sea lions. Stay in Puerto Inca.
Day 6: Puerto Inca to Nazca – 105 miles
Motorcycle along the Pacific Coast to Nazca, a dusty outpost in the San José desert. Nazca is home to one of the most mysterious archeological sites in the world, the Nazca Lines.
Hundreds of huge figures – ranging in complexity from hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards – are etched into the dry desert. If enough are interested, you’ll do a fly-over or walk up man-made scaffoldings to get a better view. Stay in Nazca.
Day 7: Nazca to Chalhuanca – 225 miles
Climb into the Andes on incredibly twisty roads and ascend and descend over 20,000 feet before lunch. Witness superb mountain views.
You’ll also ride motorcycles by tiny indigenous towns and see herds of llamas on bright green pastures. One of the best days of riding – anywhere. We’ll stay overnight near a pristine trout river. Stay in Chalhuanca.
Day 8: Chalhuanca to Ollantaytambo – 210 miles
"Amazing" doesn’t do this area justice. On this leg, you will ride motorcycles along the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a town rich in Incan history. Ollantaytambo is the location where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cuzco, and much of the town is a showcase of Incan architecture.
You’ll also be riding on a brand new road, freshly paved by order of the Peru’s past president. Truly, one of the best riding days anywhere. Stay in Ollataytambo.
Day 9: Machu Picchu Tour
No visit to Peru would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. You’ll ride the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and explore the ruins of this ancient Incan city.
Recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, these remarkable ruins, hidden high up in the mountains of Peru, were missed by the Spanish conquistadors and rediscovered in 1911. Stay in Ollataytambo.
Day 10: Free Day, Ollantaytambo
You ride motorcycles into the Amazon Basin this day. Ride a precarious road through an ever changing variety of plants and animals as you wind your way east toward one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth.
This ride is a real treat, and showcases the unbelievable variety Peru has to offer. For those who want, stay in Ollantaytambo, and discover a town locked in time surrounded by Inca ruins and rockwork. Stay in Ollataytambo.
Day 11: Ollantaytambo to Cusco – 40 miles
The motorcycle tour continues back through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a short ride to the historic capital of the Incan empire, Cusco. This lively town is very motorcycle friendly. Much to do and see.
You’ll visit the famous Norton Rat’s Tavern, a must-stop-in for motorcyclists, where a steady stream of world travelers and locals hang out. Stay in Cuzco.
Day 12: Free Day in Cusco / Day Ride
The motorcycle tour explores Cusco with its up and down streets, beautiful stonework, and discover the juxtaposition of Incan architecture, both ancient and modern: the fabled "wall of many angles", colonial red roofs, whitewashed walls and blue doors and windows.
Take the time to see and explore the many ruins, churches and museums or ride the surrounding area through the Andes mountains past ancient Incan ceremonial sites. Or…another day ride, maybe some more dirt. Stay in Cuzco.
Day 13: Cusco to Puno – 240 miles
MotoQuest riders spend all day touring through the Andes, ending at the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.
Puno rests at the edge of the lake and is surrounded by over 40 floating islands. You can take a boat tour of the mystical Reed Islands, and visit a family that lives there. Stay in Puno.
Day 14: Puno to Moquegua – 275 miles
Ride on winding roads along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water. We’ll climb to 15,600 feet, and descend into the Atacama Desert to the welcoming oasis town of Moquegua. Just another epic paved motorcycle ride to never forget. Stay in Moquegua.
Day 15: Moquegua, Peru, to Arica, Chile – 135 miles
The MotoQuest Peru Machu Picchu Motorcycle Tour rides back across the Peruvian border to the otherworldly landscape of Arica, Chile. There is a farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our journey and say your goodbyes. Stay in Arica. Head home.
