About the trip  

Peru

April 29 - May 13, 2021

Highlights: Machu Picchu • Nazca Lines • Cusco •  Inca Greenhouse •  Chauchilla Cemetery • Colca Canyon • Quince Mil (Peru's Southern Jungle)

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Situated just below the equator in the southern hemisphere (where water really does go down the drain counterclockwise) at the meeting point of the North and South Pacific Oceans, lies Peru. This mystical country was home to the Incas, an ancient civilization that built astonishing mountain temples and palaces, none more famous or impressive than Machu Picchu (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Peru stands as an amazing South American adventure wonderland, steeped in ancient, colorful cultures with natural, as well as manmade wonders. You will travel incredible Andean roads through lush green landscapes—as if you were riding through the pages of National Geographic. You will explore marvelous ancient cultures and experience the hospitality and generosity of Peru’s indigenous people.

Predominantly the riding is on pavement, with two short sections on graded dirt and gravel (for a little added excitement and challenge). With Peru’s narrow, and often steep roads, the riding is somewhat technical and challenging, earning a 3 out of 5, with a “moderate” skill level recommended. Riders with several years experience will do fine, especially under the watch of our expert guides. You will ride at altitudes as high as 16,000ft so being prepared will reward with an unforgettable motorcycling experience.

In addition to the legendary Machu Picchu you will visit the mysterious Nazca Lines, the large geoglyphs created between 500 BC and 500 AD. Chauchilla Cemetery, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and Quince Mil, Peru’s southern jungle will all be explored over an amazing eleven days of riding; 1,500 miles (with a comfortable 185 mile daily average). The weather in Peru in April and May provides for mild weather, with daytime temperatures averaging a motorcycle-friendly 76˚ F. The tour starts and ends in Arequipa, Peru. In between your arrival and departure is a motorcycle adventure that will have a profound and lasting affect.   

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Itinerary

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Day 1

Overnight flight

Departure from the U.S. or Canada; arrive in Arequipa on the following day, due to the overnight flight. Arequipa in Peru is on the same time zone as Central time in the U.S. 

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Day 2

Arrival in Arequipa, Peru

Once you arrive at your friendly hotel, take a short walk and experience the community of the plaza de armas (main square) as well as the unique architecture for a town in relatively close proximity to the Misti volcano. Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and often called its legal capital.

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Day 3

Arequipa – Puerto Inca

Not wasting any time, you'll be following the endless sweepers on perfect asphalt all the way to the coast. It's a longer day but by the end you'll be well-acquainted with your motorcycle and be swept away by the new culture. You'll end up at Puerto Inca between the sand dunes on the Pacific Ocean.

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Day 4

Puerto Inca – Nazca

Explore the towns along the coast before a desert ride through amazing landscape takes you to an ancient cemetery before reaching Nazca. At the end of the day you'll have the opportunity to view the Nazca Lines by plane (optional). These are about 30 different figures of pre-Colombian geoglyphs etched into desert sands, covering about 380 square miles (1000 square kilometers) only visible from the air. 

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Day 5

Nazca – Chalhuanca

We hope you like curves! We leave Nazca and continually ascend the never-ending mountain roads into the Andes. Whenever you think you can't ascend anymore, the road just keeps climbing. No traffic to speak of and excellent road surface are the icing on the cake on this fantastic riding day.

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Day 6

Chalhuanca – Cusco

Leaving the quaint and comfortable lodging, we spend all day riding in the Andes eventually arriving in Cusco.

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Day 7 

Cusco 

Set aside as a mandatory rest day, we'll slowly (given the high elevation) walk taking in the sights of the historic capital of the Inca Empire at 11,200ft altitude.

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Day 8

Cusco – Ollantaytambo

Just a short distance away, but with many attraction along the way like the Inca Greenhouse and the Maras (famous salt evaporation ponds) we'll ditch our luggage in Ollantaytambo before tackling the “Tail of the Dragon” times 10. If you dare you can do it twice!

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Day 9

Ollantaytambo

We'll take a scenic train ride and bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu where a guide tells us about the city in the sky during a walk through the inspiring ruins.

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Day 10

Ollantaytambo – Quince Mil

Riding through the majestic mountains we'll encounter lots of curves and a few 16,000ft passes. Roaming alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, and guanacos will serve as eye candy before our arrival at a jungle lodge.

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Day 11

Quince Mil – Juliaca

We've reached the sweltering outpost in Peru's southern jungle. At this point you have explored the Andes, the Pacific coast, the Inca capital, and now the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. The evening's destination, Juliaca, offers unique and frantic traffic. It's quite the experience to witness and partake in this organized chaos.

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Day 12

Juliaca – Colca Canyon

You'll see more vicuñas and alpacas as you ride across high plains and reach the the highest point of the trip at almost 16,400ft.

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Day 13

Colca Canyon – Arequipa

After soaking in natural hot springs, you will ride an unpaved road with some surprise adventures along the way to watch condors in their natural habitat before returning to Arequipa.

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Day 14

Departure from Arequipa

Overnight flight home to U.S. or Canada

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Day 15

Arrive at home

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Rates (per person)

Not Included in the Tour Price

Not included in the tour price are international or other airfare, personal items, passport, speeding tickets and other fines, laundry and dry cleaning, telephone calls, beverages, alcoholic drinks, personal hotel room charges, medical and accident insurance, and transportation to and from the airport for early arrivals and late departures, as well as two lunches.

Accommodations

Lodging in Peru is a cultural experience. The hotels range from rustic to luxurious and are not like traditional accommodations in the U.S. Some hotels have a pool, so bring your bathing suit. Casual clothing for evenings is fine; there’s no need for formal wear.

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The food is also a cultural experience. Breakfast usually consists of bread with butter and jam, and ham and cheese with some fruit. Sometimes eggs will be served. Latin cultures eat dinner very late, so dinner may be as late as 8 or 9 p.m. It’s recommended to bring light snacks such as granola bars or beef jerky to eat between meals.

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Medical Precautions

As this is a developing country, only bottled water or beverages should be consumed. We also recommend bringing medication in case of abdominal infections. Speak with your doctor about the trip and explain that you’ll be riding in high altitudes up to 16,000 feet. When experiencing altitude sickness, you can become quickly fatigued and have flu-like symptoms. It’s best to be prepared to fully enjoy the trip. 

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Group Size

The group will be between six and twelve riders and will be led by one or two guides.  

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Roads and Traffic

Though riding an average of only 185 miles (296 km) per day may seem easy don’t be deceived. Riding in Peru you’ll encounter many challenges; Many roads are in good condition, some can be technical, at very high altitude, partly narrow, and curvy. This is tour for people with experience riding in the mountains. 

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Rental Bikes

Available motorcycles may be subject to change.

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• Suzuki DR650

• Honda Africa Twin

• BMW F 700 GS

• BMW F 800 GS

• BMW R 1200 GS

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All motorcycles come with a 40 L top case. No side cases are available. Motorcycles are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, depending upon availability and are not guaranteed.

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We will be traveling up to 16,000 feet. At this altitude the motorcycles are working extra hard. The fuel-injected bikes have little power loss in the thinner air, but the carbureted motorcycles loose about 50% of their power. If you are not familiar with the bikes included in our rental selection, you may want to check them out at your local dealer to see which one feels the most comfortable for you.

Luggage

The support vehicle will also transport one bag per person. Tour members will be able to store extra luggage in the hotel in Arequipa securely while on tour. We suggest packing everything into this bag so that your belongings don’t get wet in the back of the pick up truck. You may also want to bring small tail bag or backpack for personal items to mount to the motorcycle (with straps).

Motorcycle Insurance

The motorcycle insurance is included in your tour package. The deductible of $500 can be paid in cash or held on a Visa credit card when you arrive in Peru. In case of minor damage to your motorcycle, an appraisal of the repair cost is made, based on the dealer’s cost, and paid from your deductible. In case the cost of any damage to the motorcycle is higher than the deductible, or if the bike is stolen, the deductible is forfeited entirely. The insurance company will cover the remainder of the cost.

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Trip Extras

To ensure that you have the easiest travel experience possible, Blue Rim Tours offers early/late lodging arrangements. If you are interested, please indicate on your registration form.

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Deposit and Payment

A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your place on the tour. All deposits are non-­refundable and non-transferable. We accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. On February 5, 2021, 50% of the tour price is due. The remaining balance of the tour is due before or on March 19, 2021.

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Reservation Deadline

The deadline for registration is February 5, 2021.

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Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to cancel your trip and do so (in writing) between February 5 and March 18, 2021, you forfeit 50% of the total tour price. March 19, 2021 and after, the total tour price is non-refundable.

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Minimum Tour Requirement 

We reserve the right to cancel any tour if the number of participants booked does not meet the minimum requirement to operate the trip or due to force majeure. In the unlikely event that this should occur, your payment will be refunded minus the non-refundable registration fee. This fee can be applied to another tour of your choice. 

Please make your flight reservations after the registration deadline for the tour. We will send you a reminder email to book your flight.

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Trip & Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that you get trip insurance. Also, check with your health insurance provider about your coverage while traveling overseas. For additional information on trip cancellation insurance, visit www.insuremytrip.com. Please read our helpful blog about travel insurance here​.

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Weather

Temperatures will range between 45-76 degrees Fahrenheit (7-25 Celsius). The altitude changes during the day’s ride as you go up and down the Andes, and the temperature changes accordingly. Make sure to bring warm gear as it’s possible to expect snowfall in high altitudes. It can rain or snow on a mountain road, yet be warm when you come down into the valley. Dress in several layers so you can easily adjust to the weather conditions. Don’t forget to bring rain gear!

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Contact Information

Blue Rim Tours

336-306-5282

3601 Edgemoor Court

Clemmons NC 27012

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