Peru Motorcycle Adventure

Overnight near the airport tonight.

This morning you fly on to Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll meet up with your group and be fitted for your bikes. Next you ride to outlying ruin sites around the Cusco area for some afternoon touring and a chance to become acquainted with your new vehicle. You may visit Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara or Tambomachay depending on time.

Today you rise early and head to visit one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why! Stop in the Pisac market and test your bargaining skills. This is one of the largest textile markets in the region. Ride on through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras. Here you can tour a pre-Columbian salt mine that is still in operatio. The agricultural terraces of Moray are also a testament to the Inca's ingenuity. It is considered to have an experimental nursery where they modified various types of crops. Visit as well the ruins of Ollantaytambo before making your way back to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant this evening.

Ride this morning along the Sacred Valley to Santa Teresa Valley. Stop along the way to visit some of the small villages and connect with the local people. Continue your ride to the Abra de Malaga, a very high pass at 14,000 feet. From here, you board the train at Hidroelectric on to Aguas Calientes this evening. Arrive to Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu). Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Rise early this morning if you would like to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This sacred city is mystically peaceful in the morning. Explore it early before larger crowds arrive on the train later on in the day. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. Tour the ruins with your guide and learn about this ancient culture and their way of life. If you feel like being active, you can hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloudforest to the Temple of the Moon. Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes and the rest of the day free.

This morning you take the train back to Hidroelectric and continue with your ride on to the rolling valleys of Quillabamba. This region is rarely visited by tourists, and you will have the chance to make some connections with the locals in the market. A vibrant market town, you can bargain for fresh fruit and other textiles sold by local vendors. Overnight in a basic hotel this evening.

Ride on to visit Lares Valley, one of the most picturesque in the area. Lares is well known for creating brightly colored weavings and the upturned hats so commonly seen in Peru. The snowcapped backdrop of the Urubamba range make this a very scenic spot to rest and relax your muscles in the local hot springs. The springs are located alongside the river canyon and offer a large swimming pool, cascading showers and natural water massage with temperatures ranging from lukewarm to very hot. Overnight in a basic hotel this evening.

Today enjoy the final day of your ride. Ride through the town of Calca back to Cusco this evening. En route, stop to visit the sites of Pikillaqta and Tipon. This evening, relax in your hotel or experience some of the nightlife of Cusco.

Return to Lima and connect with your flight home.