Machu Picchu Excursion Map

 

Our Machu Picchu Excursion encompasses so much more than simply a visit to the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu. This Adventure provides the ultimate experience of South America: from a ride across the High Andes, through the Atacama Desert, and along the Pacific Coast to the legacies of ancient cultures. It might well be referred to as ‘Empire of the Incas’ because it explores the Inca civilization in more depth than typical motorcycle tours.

We have taken riders to Machu Picchu more than two dozen times since 2006. Over that span we have incorporated improvements to create the best possible itinerary for exploring this region. The Adventure includes a carefully selected collection of additional South American attractions that are “must dos” for any visit to this part of the world.

Highlights include:

  • Purmamarca’s “Seven colours summit” (Cerro de los Siete Colores), including a visit to the village’s adobe style center and its beautiful handicrafts market.
  • A spectacular riding day into Chile, including salt flats, twisty roads winding up the 14,000 ft Jama Pass, and a descent to the Atacama Desert and the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama.
  • A free day in San Pedro de Atacama, complete with stunning scenery, sand dunes, bizarre rock formations, and geysers. There will also be time for a quick ride through the nearby Valley of the Moon.
  • The beach resort of Arica, Chile.
  • Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, in Puno, Peru. Visit the Floating Islands of the Uros Indians, who live on the islands fabricated entirely from local reeds. The largest of the floating islands supports buildings, including a school and post office.
  • The Colca Canyon. At almost 14,000 feet deep (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon) it’s one of the deepest canyons in the world. Watch the giant Andean Condors (wingspans up to ten feet) circle in the rising air from the depths of the canyon.
  • A ride along the Pan American Highway to “The White City” : Arequipa. This beautiful city is surrounded by
    spectacular mountains, the most famous of which is the volcano El Misti.
  • Three nights in Cuzco with one free day for the visit to the archeological ruins at Machu Picchu and a free day to explore other nearby Inca ruins. Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas – is South America’s best known and most popular archaeological site.
  • Purmamarca’s “Seven colors Summit” and spectacular Jama Pass to the Argentinian border.
  • Salt flats of the Atacama Desert.

At a Glance Your Machu Picchu Excursion Adventure

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 1
If you arrive today, you will be picked up at the airport and shuttled to our base hotel. In the late afternoon we meet for the motorcycle handover followed by the kick off briefing and the welcome dinner.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 2
A short riding day, which provides us with the first pass road and some spectacular scenery! Purmamarca’s “Seven colours summit” (Cerro de los Siete Colores) invites for a short hike and the village’s adobe style center has a beautiful handicrafts market.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 3
A spectacular riding day to Chile and into a different world! Salt flats, twisty roads winding up the 4300m high Jama Pass, the descent to the Atacama Desert and the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama make this day an adventure on its own!

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 4
Free day in San Pedro de Atacama (~43 miles) Relax and walking around in laid-back San Pedro. At sunset we’ll visit the famous “Valley of the Moon” – stunning scenery with sand dunes, volcanoes and bizarre rock formations.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 5
Passing by Chuquicamata, the world’s biggest open copper mine, we cross the Atacama Desert and head west towards the Pacific Ocean. Today’s highlight is the wonderful ride along the coast with spectacular views of the Pacific. Arriving in Iquique, the beach is right next to the hotel and you can watch the sea lions from your hotel room balcony.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 6
After a late start we climb the road and ride inland again. The ghost town of Humberstone, a former salpeter mining village, is on our way and further on we cross some spectacular canyons – the deepest (Canyon de Camarones) is more than 1000 m. deep! We’ll get our first impression of Arica from its popularview point “El Morro”, before we enjoy the hotel pool…

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 7
Today includes a border crossing into Peru and a ride on the world famous Panamerican Highway through the Peruvian coast desert. In the afternoon we climb the road to Arequipa, the “White City” – surrounded by up to 6000 m high volcanoes.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 8
Ride across 4000+ m high passes to the Colca Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in the world. Watch the condors circle in the rising air of this scenic highlight!

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 9
Cross the Andes and ride to the former capital of the Inca empire. We spend most of the day in altitudes of approximately 4000 m.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 10
Today is dedicated to the city of Cuzco and its surroundings. A city tour brings us to the most famous places, including Sacsayhuaman or the Temple of the Sun. You will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy this beautiful city in the afternoon.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 11
Today is the day for the trip to Machu Picchu! A spectacular train ride brings us to this hidden Inca city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions of South America. Guided tour included.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 12
Ride to Lake Titicaca, with 3808 m the highest navigable lake in the world. In the afternoon guided boat tour to the Uros, an indigenous people living on floating islands.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 1
Crossing two more Andean passes, we finally descend from the 4400 m high passroads and cross the border into Arica.

Machu Picchu Excursion, Motorcycle Tour in South America, Day 14
Breakfast, airport transfer and departure.

All roads are paved and mostly in good condition. Dense traffic and tricky situations are to be expected in bigger cities like Arequipa, Cusco, Juliaca and Puno. The entire trip is perfectly suitable for two-up riding. Riders will spend approximately one week at altitudes between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, so riders should be prepared for the altitude as well as cold temperatures. Approximately 5% of the route will have potholes.


55%

40%

5%

Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.

  • Includes BMW F700GS
  • Includes BMW F750GS
  • Additional charge of $250 for a BMW F850GS
  • Additional charge of $100 for a BMW F800GS Adv
  • Additional charge of $600 for a BMW R1200GS
  • Additional charge of $850 for a BMW R1250GS
  • Additional charge of $850 for a BMW R1200GS Adv
  • Additional charge of $450 for a Triumph Tiger 1200 XCX
  • Additional charge of $150 for a Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin
  • Personal motorcycle: deduct $2,300 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
  • Late model, low mileage motorcycle
  • Upscale accommodations
  • A’ la carte dining
  • Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
  • Airport arrival/departure transfers
  • Luggage handling
  • Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
  • Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
  • Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
  • Two commemorative shirts
  • Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
  • All breakfasts
  • 10 dinners
Special Inclusions
  • Entry fee to Valle de la Luna in San Pedro de Atacama
  • Excursion to see condors of Colca Canyon
  • Train ride and entry to Machu Picchu
  • Uros visit on Lake Titicaca

Deposit per person: $800

Single room supplement – $1,100

2024 Schedule
Date2024 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
October 5 - 21Machu Picchu & Atacama Adventure17 days$14,400$11,900
2025 Schedule
Date2025 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
October 4 - 20Machu Picchu & Atacama Adventure17 days$14,400$11,900
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF
SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT
AMOUNT FORFEITED
More than 60 days50% of deposit
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days100% of deposit
45 days or fewer but more than 30 days50% of full tour payment
30 days or fewer100% of full tour payment

If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism"!

Geoffrey R Smith, Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

I guess after six trips with the gang from Ayres, I should write something about why I keep coming back for yet another tour. If I have to pick one word, it's "professionalism". Although they make each day look easy in terms of getting from point A to point B, on reflection it becomes so apparent that each route is well thought out and chosen for specific reasons, whether it be the scenery, road conditions, or degree of difficulty. It all seems to work so seamlessly which allows the rider to focus on the ride and his or her surroundings. Whether it's Claus or John or Axel, you know that one of them has your back, especially when you tackle a road that a month ago was paved but is now a mess and foot deep in mud or the road is closed and the detour a real challenge. And finally, at the end of the day, they're a hell of a lot of fun to have a drink with! In the final analysis, it makes for pretty much a perfect vacation.

Geoffrey's Adventures include:
Under the Tuscan Sun
Machu Picchu Excursion
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Munich to Istanbul
The Epic Journey Riga to Hong Kong
Iceland Adventure
North Pole Adventure

Geoffrey has written several articles/blogs about his experiences on our tours:
BMW Owners News - Antarctica
BMW Owners News - Iceland
Blog – Under the Tuscan Sun

Geoffrey R. Smith
West Hollywood, LA

This is our first trip with Ayres & it will NOT be our last!

This is our first trip with Ayres & it will NOT be our last! It was everything we expected; great riding, great people and an experience we will always treasure. The Emprie of the Incas tour is not for the faint of heart, back or butt. It is a "rider's" tour with lots of miles in a variety of conditions. Argentina, Chile and Peru are incredible countries with open, friendly people & beautiful landscapes. Steve Phillips and Art Tarian were great, sharing their knowledge & getting us through.

Linda Jannette

Empire of the Incas is a riders trip. Lots of miles of unending curves and elevation changes. Our trip leaders, Steve Phillips and Art Tarian did a great job of leading us through crazy traffic , 16,000 foot mountain passes and the always frustrating border crossings. If you of the mind set to visit and enjoy some of South Americas tourist highlights while getting a full dose of good motorcycle riding this is the tour for you.

Dan Jannette

Dan and Linda's Adventures include:
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)

Dan and Linda Jannette
Lapeer, Michigan

You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.

"Adventures" is an essential part of the Ayres company name. The professionalism of the tour guides is a strong point for this company. You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.

Gary's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)

Gary Prickett
Mission Viejo, California

All of the tours that I have taken with Ayres Adventures have been excellent from start to finish

All of the tours that I have taken with Ayres Adventures have been excellent from start to finish. The itineraries, accommodations, and activities during the tours have provided many incredible experiences. Ron and his tour leaders have a way of finding the very best in each geographic area in which they travel.

John's Adventures include:
Escape to Ushuaia
Southern Cross
Call of the Wild
Namibian Splendors
Machu Picchu Excursion
Into Africa (Cape Town to Nairobi)

John Cheney
White Salmon, Washington

We’re already signed up for the Alps and Morocco

I’ve ridden eight Ayres Adventures tours, three of them IBA (Iron Butt Association) specific rides and haven’t been disappointed. All have been first class, unique, and full of very pleasant surprises. Ron and his staff have always been courteous, helpful, and patient. In fact, he has found some special tour leaders and guides. By the end of the tour, they become friends that we look forward to seeing again.

Each tour had it’s own highlights. The IBA tours fit our style of riding since we are interested in seeing as much as we can and not spending a lot of time at the destination hotels. If you ride one, be prepared to cover some distance in all kinds of road and weather conditions.

Ushuaia had been one of those must see places for us and the South America IBA ride was the perfect way to do it, we ended up with more than we expected. The scenery was spectacular, the food was excellent, and this group of riders made it a ride to remember.

We enjoyed this one so much, we’re already signed up for the Alps IBA ride this September and the Portugal, Spain, and Morocco tour next year.

Tom and Mona's Adventures include:
IBA Ushuaia Tour
IBA Africa Tour
IBA Extreme Alps Tour
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)
Spain and Morocco
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Russia - Beyond the Golden Ring
Munich to Istanbul
Japan Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji
The Epic Journey - Moscow to Hong Kong

Tom and Mona Loftus
Vista, California
Private Tour Inquiry

We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.

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