Atacama. Incas. Machu Picchu. Lake Titicaca. La Paz. Andes. Nazca. All evocative, all must-see-in-your-lifetime destinations… and all on our, new for 2019, Ultimate Incas Tour. Every two days in the saddle is almost matched by a day off. This is essential with so much to see and do, from UNESCO- listed Machu Picchu to boat trips, city tours, and wildlife spotting.
ULTIMATE INCAS: CHILE, PERU AND BOLIVIA
At a Glance
Tour Dates
15 Apr 2024 04 May 2024
14 Apr 2025 03 May 2025
Duration
20 Days
Tour Starts in
Antofagasto, CHI
Tour Leaders
To Be Announced
Where We Ride
Travel Distance
Approx 2803 miles
Difficulty
Roads
95% Tarmac, 5% Gravel
Hire Bikes
Available
Price From
9995 £
Tour Overview
Starting in Antofagasta in Northern Chile we are heading inland for the driest place on earth – the Atacama Desert. We have two nights here to ride the Valley de la Lune or Valley of the Moon, so called for its stark lunar landscape and visit the warm waters of the Tatio Geysers. The visit to the Geysers means an early start on the day off the bikes to be there for sunrise but the steam of the early morning creates a remarkable steamy landscape. From the desert to the sea as we head for the Pacific Ocean Coast Road trapped between enormous sand dunes and the sea en route to Iquique.
After crossing to Peru you have two nights in the White City of Arequipa. We are staying a stones throw from the UNESCO listed centre with its baroque cathedral and white volcanic stone buildings. Arequipa is also the home to the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Ice Maiden Juanita, the frozen mummy of a young girl sacrificed on Mount Ampato in the late 1400’s. Our route then follows the coast north as we head for another UNESCO site Nazca. The Nazca Lines are ancient geometric lines that crisscross the Nazca desert and the enigmatic animal line drawings that accompany them. Like all great unexplained mysteries, these etchings on the pampa, thought to have been made by a pre-Inca civilisation between AD 450 and 600, but how did they make these huge pictures? And why is one of them apparently a spaceman?
Two fantastic days riding follow as we cross the Andes with a remote Hosteria our overnight stop. Sweeping bends and remarkable views are the norm as we climb in land. As we approach Cusco, our home for the next three nights we will ride the Sacred Valley. The beautiful Río Urubamba Valley is about 12 miles north of Cuzco as the condor flies, via a narrow road of hairpin turns and is home to archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Cusco, another UNESCO listed site, was once the capital of the Inca Empire, but now the main plaza is surrounded by colonial columned buildings flanking the Cathedral. We are here for three nights. One full day is a tour to Machu Picchu. This Incan citadel set high in the Andes was built in the 15th century and later abandoned and is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments and panoramic views. An early start is required to get to Machu Picchu via train and back. The second day is at your leisure to explore Cusco.
From Cusco we are off to Colca Canyon with a chance to go Condor spotting as they soar above the valley floor. From Colca we are heading to the Worlds Highest Navigable Lake – lake Titicaca. Another two night stop means there is time to visit the floating Islands or Uros. Still inhabited today the islands, entirely built of reeds were originally constructed as a means of escape from the Spanish Conquistadors.
Leaving Peru we cross Lake Titicaca and enter Bolivia riding to the highest capital city in the world – La Paz. A new country and the option to ride the infamous Camino de Muerte – The road of Death! This narrow road clings to the cliff face as it reaches through La Cumbre pass. Still a fantastically challenging ride that requires 100% focus but it is not what it once was as most of the trucks and buses that created its deserved reputation take a new alternate route. La Paz itself is a city you cannot ignore. The bustling centre is over shadowed by Mount Illimani rising imperiously to the southeast. On either side, the steep valley slopes are covered by the ramshackle homes all feeding to the frenetic centre.
From the mountains back to the Pacific Coast, in one long day, we cross from Bolivia to Chile and from the Andes Peaks to sea level and our final hotel on the Ocean shore. Our final celebration dinner and the following day it is time to depart for home, with head and heart full of the Incas.
Parts of this tour are at high altitude (reaching up to 4,650 metres). Our route has been carefully planned to climb gradually to allow you to acclimatise, not making dramatic or unnecessary ascents.
This is a must do "bucket list" trip for any serious adventure motor cyclist.
Motorrad Tours welcome all makes and models of bike on tour. We also have a range of BMW bikes that you can hire. All our hire bikes for Classic and European Explorer Tours are current model BMW’s complete with ABS, Heated Grips, Panniers, Top Box, Tank Bag, Inner bags for all boxes and a pre programmed BMW Navigator GPS included.
| Price option | Solo Shared Single Room | Solo Single Room | *Rider and passenger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Including an F750GS Hire Bike | 9995 | 10595 | 10995 |
| Including an F850GS Hire Bike | 10295 | 10895 | 11295 |
| Including an R1250GS Hire Bike | 10695 | 11295 | 11695 |
You can upgrade your motorcycle insurance cover for £32 per day to reduce the excess to a maximum of US$2,500.
* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.
HIRE BIKES: If you are booking with a hire bike we will hand your bike over on the afternoon prior to the first tour day. This will give you a chance to get familiar with the bike, make any adjustments, arrange your packing and not waste any time on the first day riding.
Day 1 Arrive in Antofagasto for our pre tour briefing, bike handover and welcome dinner
Day 2 We are heading in land via the Valley of the Moon to the Atacama Desert and quaint San Pedro
Day 3 An early start to go out and see the incredible Tatio Geysers and maybe soak in the hot pools, with the remainder of the day at your leisure
Day 4 Today we are heading from the desert to the sea as we head for the surf dude pacific coast hang out
Day 5 Border crossing today as we leave Chile and enter Peru
Day 6 Great riding today as we head further inland to the white city of Arequipa with its UNESCO listed centre
Day 7 A half day tour of the city leaves time to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery or the Ice Maiden Juanita
- Full day tour of UNESCO listed Machu Picchu
- UNESCO Listed Cusco
- UNESCO Listed Nazca Lines
- Tour of UNESCO listed Arequipa
- Ride the Sacred Valley
- Ride the Pacific Coast Road
- Option to ride el Camino del Muerte
- Ride the Valle del Luna
- Ride the Andes
- Marvel at the Tatio Geysers
- Visit the Atacama Desert
- Boat trip on Lake Titicaca
- The floating Islands of Uros
As we have found in our previous experiences, the trip was very well organised with incredible attention to detail. Motorrad Tours is a truly professional organisation
What's Included
- Pre tour pack including tour information, maps and GPS routes in Garmin/BMW format
- Electronic copy of the World of BMW Touring Essentials Book
- All accommodation as listed primarily in 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Welcome and Farewell Dinner (excludes beverages)
- Dinner one night in Arequipa, Puerto Inka, Abancay, Cusco and Puno
- Full day tour to Machu Picchu with English Speaking guide
- Half day tour of Arequipa
- Half day boat trip on Lake Titicaca
- Motorrad Tours Tour Leader throughout the Tour
- Motorcycle rental for the duration of the trip
- Support vehicle and driver throughout the Tour
- Carriage of one 60L soft bag per customer luggage in the support vehicle
- Airport transfers in Antafagasto and Arica Airport
- Expert advice and support throughout
- The protection of booking with a fully bonded tour operator
Not Included
- Fuel
- Flights
- Lunches
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not listed as included
Tour Availability
| From | To | Days | Nights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15-April-2024 |
04-May-2024 |
20 |
19 |
|
14-April-2025 |
03-May-2025 |
20 |
19 |
