Finally, the beginning of a long-awaited RIDE in Peru! A long riding day full of twists and turns requires an early start in order to arrive at Puerto Inka before dark while capturing all the photos riders will want to take this first day. Some stretches of the PanAmerican Highway riding northbound along the Peruvian shoreline might resemble California's Pacfic Coast Highway, but this time, you're RIDING in PERU! Feel free to cast a huge smile within your helmet and shout for joy about this feeling that so many riders from around the world have been dreaming about. With waves crashing to your left, lunch should be in Camaná or Atico before twisting and turning approximately 100km more along the coastal route to Puerto Inka for a first night listening to the crash of the Pacific surf.

This is a shorter riding day across the dry Peruvian desert which can include a stop at the Chauchilla Cemetery to witness the mumified remains of Peruvians from the 9th Century A.D. The town of Nazca is famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which are geoglyphs and formations drawn out across the pampas (open grassy plains) just outside of the town. Riders can either take a local flight over the area to get the best views of animal and other figure-formations drawn in the dirt and sand below, or a nearby tower can be climbed for those who prefer to stand or RIDE instead of fly : )

Today marks the climb into the Andes mountains! More twisties and vast scenery accompany the gradual ascent to this town high in the Andes, with minimal effort thanks to the "twist of your wrist." Lunch could be in the town of Puquio before heading up further to Chalhuanca, a very remote spot that will cause one to stop and ponder the amazing place in the world they've just arrived to. You're below the equator, on a motorcycle, riding in Peru, and with so much great riding yet ahead!

Continuing east on the way to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire awaits you but not before a long series of fun twists and Andean hairpin turns. Valley and cliff settings atop tiny small towns all show the way to Cuzco where accommodations await you near the Plaza de Armas in the town center, and a perfect location for exploring the nightlife, arts, and crafts offered here. Norton Rat's Tavern right there on the plaza has a Guest Book and beverages to enjoy while meeting travelers from every corner of our world.

Take a break in this charming city, and enjoy the architectural and cultural surroundings. Walking tours of Cuzco focusing on the historical highlights can be enjoyed, or many of the ancient Inca ruins found just outside of the city can be easily reached with the rental motorcycle you've been enjoying in the Andes.

Today's brief ride through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas makes Rider very glad they're on a motorcycle instead of being trapped inside a bus. Lunch can be enjoyed there in Ollantaytambo with ancient ruins all around. Notice the hole-covered valley walls in some spots? Grave diggers long ago discovered that ancient Incas were buried with all their gold and jewelry possessions, and the deceased have since been "relieve" of their belongings. This location sets you up for even more highlights ahead.

Finally, the approach to Machu Picchu! Arguably the most famous site in all of South America, the story of Hiram Bingham's 1911 journey to find the "Lost City of the Incas" is one you can now appreciate better, having passed through the thick and lucious terrain of Peruvian rainforest. Due to the non-existent road to Aguas Calientes (the base village below Machu Picchu), the only other way to arrive would be by hiking the Inca Trail for about 3-5 days. The early 2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes glides along the Urubamba River to this small town, just before a brief bus ride up to the gates of Machu Picchu. With plenty of time to adore the grandeur of this magnifient discovery, the train ride back to Ollantaytambo at the end of the day will undoubedtly be one with a smile on your face.

Another big riding day full of gorgeous Andean surroundings awaits you, rising from the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the way down to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Conditions can get a big windy in this part of the ride, so plan on taking some rest stops along the way in many of the unique small towns and villages en route.

The Floating Islands of the Uros people and a fascinating Peruvian setting on the border of Bolivia are definitely worth a day's rest, and the charming town of Puno will be perfect for a rest day or some local exploration. With a charming city center and plenty of shopping and dining options, you're of course welcome to do some more local motorcycle exploration today.

Views of volcanos, vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas lead you to the edge of the Colca Canyon, and stunning views of one of the world's deepest canyons. The riding in the Colca Canyon remains the only portion of the trip which is off-pavement, but the simple hard-packed gravel found within the Canyon walls is a surface most motorcycle riders find quite easy to navigate, while adding some thrill to the overall trip.

With more time for riding the Colca Canyon, early morning is the best time to see the Andean Condors in flight as they feed along the road you ride. Valley walls covered with agricultural interests that support the region all melt into one twisting and turning ride marking the Colca Canyon yet another highlight of this trip. Then rising up from the canyon to make your way back to Arequipa, congratulations to all riders who have now completed this incredible journey through southern Peru!

Ask about having extra nights built into your package if you'd like to stay and enjoy some more of the cultural and urban offerings found in Arequipa. Your airport transfer is included when it's time to leave, so start organizing your photos and prepare to show friends and family and the rest of us the highlights of your motorcycle trip in Peru!