*This tour is for Custom Tour Groups Only. If you have 8 riders or more, please contact us regarding pricing.
This motorcycle adventure is for those who want to surround themselves with history and stunning riding. Although the grand majority of this itinerary is paved, you must be comfortable on dirt surfaces. During the 12 day ride, you will be able to visit what are widely known as the top ten must-see places of northern Peru. From world-class pre-colonial ruins to stunning topography to jaw-dropping roads through impossibly rugged, mountainous country – you can’t beat this itinerary. Indeed, this ride is catered toward those who love adventure, epic scenery and profound history. This is an Explore-style trip, so we will staying in a couple of places a couple of days – you can choose to relax, ride, explore or ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Do the names Kuelap, Chan Chan, Caral, Cañón del Pato, Chavin, Huascarán National Park, Gacto, or Leymebamba mean anything to you? If not now, they will.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
Paved with sections of dirt surface.
PERU NORTHERN EXPLORER
Starting Price: See full tour pricing
Total Miles: 2,400
Difficulty: Is this tour right for me?
Contact us with any questions
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THE ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Trujillo, Peru We start and end our trip in the "City of Eternal Spring". Get checked into your hotel, become acquainted with your motorcycle, get up to speed at orientation, eat well at the welcome dinner while you get to know your traveling companions. Stay in Trujillo. *If you like world-class pre-colonial ruins, arrive early or stay late to explore these: Chan Chan, Museo Huacas de Moche, Huaca Arco-Iris or Huaca El Dragon, Plazuela El Recreo, or Zona Hallazgo Dama de Cao.
Day 2
Trujillo to Cajamarca 190 miles/300 km Ride from the famed Pan American Highway inland and get your first taste of the fantastic roads of Peru. You will be sleeping at 9,000 feet tonight in Cajamarca, where Atahualpa, Emperor of the Inca Empire, first met Francisco Pizarro. Stay in Cajamarca.
Day 3
Cajamarca to Leymebamba 150 miles/240 km Get ready to ride breathtaking roads, perhaps even an epic side loop, on your way to hummingbird-rich Leymebamba, Peru. This quaint little town is also known for it's remarkable mummy collection from the Inca and Chachapoya peoples. Stay in Leymebamba.
Day 4
Leymebamba to Chachapoyas 60 miles/100 km It may look like a short day, but considering side roads and a visit to Kuelap, you will have a very busy day. Kuelap is known as the "Machu Picchu of the North" and is the largest pre-colonial stone block structure complex in all of South America. Stay in Chachapoyas.
Day 5
Chachapoyas to Gocta 60 miles/100 km Again, the direct mileage shows a short day, but for those who don't want to stretch their legs and check out one of the top five tallest waterfalls in the world, there is plenty to keep you busy all day long. We will end the day near Gocta Waterfall, staying at a lodge near the waterfall.
Day 6
Gocta to Tarapoto 220 miles/335 km Leave one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and head towards the Amazon Basin. This is a sizeable day ending in low elevation in the the jump off point for Amazon travelers. Tarapoto is known for being a cloud forest area surrounded by many waterfalls. Stay in Tarapoto.
Day 7
Tarapoto Free Day Up to 200 miles/320 km Rest, relax, go for a day ride, or venture to a waterfall. This is a jumping off point to the Amazon, and we will go deeper into the basin to one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. Stay in Tarapoto.
Day 8
Tarapoto to Tocache I95 miles/315 km We will stay on the Amazon Basin side of the Andes today as we head south up the Huallaga River towards the regional hub of Tocache. Stay in Tocache.
Day 9
Tocache to Huánuco. 165 miles/ 265 km We will gradually start to climb back into the Andes today. Another epic ride as we end the day in Huánuco, around 6,200 feet in the Andes. Stay in Huánuco.
Day 10
Huánuco to Huaraz 220 miles/350 km This will be a full day of great riding as we make our way to Huaraz, mountain climbing center of Peru. We will be riding around the tallest mountains in the country and Huaraz is located at just over 10,000 feet just outside of famed Huarascán National Park. Stay in Huaraz.
Day 11
Huaraz Free Day Up to 200 miles/320 km Rest, relax, explore the city. We will be leading a day ride out of Huaraz, so get ready to see from towering peaks in the Andes to Pacific coast scenery today. This one will be a good one! Stay in Huaraz.
Day 12
Huaraz to Caraz 155 miles/250km As the crow flies, Caraz is just up the road. However, we have a real treat in store for you as we go into Huarascán National Park to Punto Olimpico - a stunning road loop into the park that will basically leave you speechless. Ready to not talk? Stay in Caraz.
Day 13
Caraz to Trujillo 155 miles/250km Save the best for the last! Enter Cañon del Pato, an amazing road that will again floor you. This last ride will wrap up a ride not to be soon forgotten. Farewell Dinner in Trujillo. Stay in Trujillo.
Day 14
Departure Day Return to your home, keep the dream alive or a little of both! DEPARTURE DAY
THE GEAR TO BRING
MotoQuest guides wear KLIM helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, and we outfit our motorcycles with luggage and accessories from Twisted Throttle. You can view and download our complete MotoQuest packing list here.
Included with the tour:
Hotel Accommodations
Premiere Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Professional MotoQuest Guide(s)
Support Vehicle
Support Vehicle Driver
Staff Trained in First Aid with Satellite Phone
MotoQuest Swag Bag
Photos Taken on the Trip
Automatic Enrollment in Global Rescue
Not Included:
Airfare
Meals on the Road
Gas
Alcohol
Alternative Tours
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
National Park Entrance Fees
MotoQuest Staff on Tour:
Landmarks And Attractions
Mount Fuji
Embark on a thrilling ride to Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and sacred volcano. The scenic routes leading to Fuji offer breathtaking views and challenging roads for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Tokyo Tower
Explore the bustling streets of Tokyo and ride to Tokyo Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city. Experience the blend of traditional culture and modernity on your journey.
Doi Suthep Temple
Located near Chiang Mai, ride up the winding roads to Doi Suthep Temple, a revered Buddhist site with stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city below.
Phi Phi Islands
Take your motorcycle to the coast and then hop on a ferry to the Phi Phi Islands. Enjoy scenic coastal routes and indulge in the beauty of pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Leh-Ladakh Highway
Embark on a legendary journey along the Leh-Ladakh Highway. Ride through high mountain passes, serene lakes, and picturesque monasteries, experiencing the unmatched beauty of the Himalayas.