Explore Peru by Motorcycle

Peru is one of those destinations that exists in the imagination long before you visit. The lost citadel of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the vast expanse of Lake Titicaca, condors soaring above deep Andean canyons — these are bucket-list experiences that most people only ever see in photographs. On a motorcycle, you don’t just visit Peru’s highlights — you ride between them on some of the most spectacular mountain roads in South America.

The Land of the Incas

Peru’s history runs deeper than almost anywhere else in the Americas. The Inca Empire once stretched across much of western South America, and its legacy is written across the Peruvian landscape in archaeological sites that range from the world-famous to the barely explored. The Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, reached via a narrow road of hairpin turns north of Cusco, is scattered with Inca ruins — Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán all sit within riding distance of each other.

Cusco itself, once the Inca capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city where colonial Spanish architecture sits directly on top of Inca foundations — massive dry-stone walls built with a precision that still baffles engineers today. Three nights here gives time to explore the city and make the journey to Machu Picchu, the 15th-century citadel perched high in the Andes whose panoramic setting and astronomical alignments make it one of the most remarkable sites on earth.

Further south along the coast, the Nazca Lines present an entirely different mystery. These vast geometric patterns and animal figures, etched into the desert by a pre-Inca civilisation between AD 450 and 600, stretch across the pampa at a scale that can only be fully appreciated from the air. How they were made and why — including one figure that appears to depict a spaceman — remains one of archaeology’s most intriguing puzzles.

Riding the Andes

The motorcycle riding in Peru is defined by the Andes. Routes climb from the Pacific coast through sweeping bends and dramatic switchbacks into some of the highest rideable terrain on earth, reaching altitudes above 4,500 metres. The views are extraordinary — vast valleys, snow-capped peaks, and a sky that feels impossibly close at altitude. The roads reward confident, attentive riding, and the sense of achievement as you crest each pass is immense.

The route through Peru has been carefully designed to allow gradual acclimatisation, climbing in stages rather than making dramatic ascents. This is essential when riding at altitudes where the air is noticeably thinner and the body needs time to adjust. Rest days are built in generously — almost matching every two riding days with a day off — which also allows time to experience the cultural highlights that make Peru so much more than just a riding destination.

The altiplano roads between Cusco and Lake Titicaca offer some of the most atmospheric riding on the tour, crossing high-altitude plains where llamas and alpacas graze against a backdrop of distant peaks. Lake Titicaca itself, the world’s highest navigable lake, straddles the Peruvian-Bolivian border and is home to the extraordinary floating islands of Uros — entirely constructed from reeds and still inhabited today, originally built as a means of escape from the Spanish Conquistadors.

What to Expect on the Road

Peruvian roads range from well-surfaced main routes to more challenging mountain roads where conditions can vary. The riding is not technically extreme, but the altitude, the switchbacks, and the occasional remoteness of the terrain mean this is touring that requires concentration and a reasonable level of fitness. Infrastructure in the more remote areas can be basic, but the tour route balances adventure with comfort, using a mix of characterful hotels, lodges, and hosterías.

The climate varies dramatically with altitude. Coastal areas around Arequipa and Nazca are warm and dry, while the Andean highlands can be cold, particularly at altitude and in the early mornings. Layers are essential, and conditions can change quickly as the road climbs and descends through different elevation zones.

Beyond the Bike

Peru’s cultural richness extends well beyond its archaeological sites. Arequipa, the tour’s base city, is itself UNESCO-listed — a beautiful colonial city built from white volcanic stone, home to the Santa Catalina Monastery and the remarkable Ice Maiden Juanita, a frozen Inca mummy from the late 1400s. Colca Canyon in the south provides the chance to spot Andean condors — one of the world’s largest flying birds — soaring on the thermals above one of the deepest canyons on earth.

Peruvian food has gained international recognition in recent years, and rightly so. Ceviche on the coast, hearty Andean stews at altitude, and the ubiquitous lomo saltado — a stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and chips that somehow works perfectly — keep you well fuelled throughout. The local beer and pisco sour provide the ideal end to a day’s riding.

Best Time to Ride

Peru’s dry season runs from May to October, offering the best conditions for motorcycle touring. June to August provides the driest weather and clearest skies in the Andes, though nights at altitude can be cold. May and September offer slightly warmer temperatures with generally dry conditions. The wet season from November to April can bring heavy rain in the highlands, making mountain roads more challenging and reducing visibility.

Ride Peru with Motorrad Tours

Our Ultimate Incas Tour takes you through the very best of Peru — from the coastal mysteries of the Nazca Lines through the Andean passes to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon. With experienced guides, carefully planned acclimatisation, and generous rest days to explore the extraordinary sites along the way, this is motorcycle touring that feeds the soul as much as the riding spirit. Browse our upcoming Peru departures below.