The big south: From Lima to Cusco (10 to 14 days)
Are you ready to trade the familiar for the extraordinary? To feel the wind in your face and the rumble of the road beneath you as you journey through a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes? This isn’t just a trip; it’s an odyssey. With a Scoolter motorbike, you can embark on the ultimate Peruvian adventure, a 10 to 14-day epic from the coastal capital of Lima all the way to the heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco.
This isn’t a race. It’s an immersive experience designed for true explorers, and a longer rental is your key to freedom. The longer you rent from us, the more beneficial it is for your wallet, giving you the time to savor every moment, every sunset, and every discovery without rushing. This is the Peru you’ve always dreamed of, and it’s waiting for you to conquer it on two wheels.
Day 1-2: Coastal Deserts and Ancient Mysteries (Approx. 250 km / 3.5 hours)
Your adventure begins in Lima, but the real journey starts when you hit the Pan-American Highway. With a powerful 250cc or 300cc motorbike from Scoolter, you’ll feel the freedom of the open road as you ride south, leaving the bustling city behind. The air grows warmer and drier as the landscape transforms from urban sprawl to a stunning coastal desert. A quick detour to Punta Hermosa, a famous surf town just south of Lima, is a great way to ease into the journey. Watch the surfers carve the waves, and maybe even find a local cevichería to fuel up on the freshest seafood. You’ll soon see why the coastline is a source of pride for limeños.
As you continue your journey, you’ll discover the magic of the Ica region. A side trip to Hacienda San José offers a fascinating, albeit somber, look into Peru’s colonial past. This former slave plantation is now a beautiful hotel, but you can still explore the old manor house and its intricate catacombs, which once served as escape tunnels for slaves. The experience is both beautiful and historically significant. After your visit, get back on the bike and feel the thrill of the open road as you make your way to your first major destination.
Your first major stop is the stunning coastal desert of Paracas. The ride here is an experience in itself, with endless views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and dramatic desert dunes on the other. Once you arrive, hire a local guide and take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife sanctuary. You’ll be amazed by the sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless bird species that call this rocky outcrop home. Back on land, get back on your bike and explore the Paracas National Reserve, where the vibrant red sand beaches contrast dramatically with the deep blue of the Pacific. Before you leave, be sure to find the mysterious “Candelabro” geoglyph etched into the hillside—a prelude to the greater mysteries that lie ahead.
Day 3-4: Geoglyphs, Oases, and the Road to the Andes (Approx. 210 km / 3 hours)
From Paracas, your journey continues to Nazca. The ride is a mesmerizing stretch through the Ica desert, a vast, sun-baked canvas. The true highlight of this region is, without a doubt, a flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. From a small plane, you’ll witness the incredible geoglyphs—a hummingbird, a monkey, a spider, and many other geometric shapes—that have captivated archaeologists for decades. It’s a surreal and powerful experience that truly puts the scale of these ancient wonders into perspective.
Beyond the famous lines, Nazca holds other hidden treasures. You can ride to the Cantalloc Aqueducts, an impressive system of underground channels built by the Nazca people to bring water from the mountains to their arid lands. These spiraling stone structures are a testament to their engineering genius. You can also visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, an ancient burial ground where mummies and artifacts have been remarkably preserved by the dry desert climate. It’s a slightly eerie but profoundly fascinating glimpse into pre-Inca rituals and beliefs.
Day 5-6: The Road to the White City (Approx. 430 km / 5 hours)
As you leave the desert behind and begin your ascent into the Andes, you’ll feel the air grow cooler and fresher. The landscape transforms from arid dunes to rugged, soaring mountains. On your way to Arequipa, take a break in the charming resort town of Balneario de Mejía. This is an off-the-beaten-path stop for many tourists, making it a perfect spot to experience authentic local life. Mejía is famous for its Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía, a protected wetland that is a haven for migratory birds. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching and a peaceful break from the road. You can also venture to the nearby town of Camaná for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach before continuing your journey inland.
The final leg of the ride to Arequipa is a spectacle. The road winds through the stunning volcanic landscape, with views of towering peaks and vast plains. Arequipa, the “White City,” is built from sillar, a beautiful white volcanic stone, giving it a luminous, ethereal glow. Park your motorbike and get lost in the city’s colonial charm. Visit the awe-inspiring Plaza de Armas, explore the labyrinthine streets of the Santa Catalina Monastery, and gaze up at the perfect conical peak of the Misti volcano that stands as a silent guardian over the city.
Day 7-8: The Condor’s Domain and Volcanic Views (Approx. 170 km / 3.5 hours)
Spend another day exploring Arequipa, a city known for its vibrant culture and incredible cuisine. This is your chance to step away from the bike and immerse yourself in local life. Arequipa is a culinary capital of Peru. You must find a traditional picantería and try local specialties like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) or the unique queso helado (a frozen dessert). Talk to locals, practice your Spanish, and learn about the city’s rich history. Your longer rental period gives you the luxury of time, allowing you to truly appreciate these moments.
The next leg of your journey is a true highlight: a ride to the Colca Canyon. The route is a rider’s dream, with winding roads and dramatic mountain passes. The canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. The main event here is an early morning visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you’ll witness the majestic Andean condors soaring on the morning thermals. It’s a powerful, must-see experience that will leave you speechless. You’ll also ride through traditional villages, giving you a glimpse of life in the high Andes.
Day 9-11: The High Altiplano and the Sacred Lake (Approx. 300 km / 6 hours)
From the Colca Canyon, your motorbike will take you higher still, onto the vast, windswept altiplano. The ride to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca is an epic journey across high-altitude plains, where you’ll see llamas and alpacas grazing freely. Be sure to stop at the Abra La Raya, the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno. The views are incredible, and it’s a perfect spot to interact with local artisans selling alpaca wool products.
In Puno, the main attraction is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Hire a boat and visit the remarkable floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely from buoyant totora reeds. It’s an incredible chance to learn about a truly unique way of life. The experience of walking on these man-made islands and meeting the people who live there is one you won’t soon forget. Don’t forget to try the local dish of fried trout from the lake, which is incredibly fresh and delicious.
Before you make the final push to Cusco, consider a side trip to Juli, known as the “Rome of Latin America” for its four magnificent colonial churches. It’s a quiet and deeply historical town, a hidden gem on the banks of the lake, offering a peaceful respite from the main tourist trail.
Day 12-14: The Heart of the Empire (Approx. 390 km / 6 hours)
The final leg of your journey is the ultimate reward. The road from Puno to Cusco is a mix of high-altitude passes and breathtaking valleys, leading you to the heart of the Inca Empire. Along the way, you can stop at archaeological sites like Raqchi, home to the Temple of Wiracocha, a massive and impressive Inca ruin. You can also visit the church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” for its stunning interior murals and artwork.
Cusco is a city unlike any other, where Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture exist side-by-side. Spend time wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting the Plaza de Armas, and exploring the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. From Cusco, you’ll ride into the Sacred Valley. Your final destination, Urubamba, is a tranquil and beautiful town nestled among towering mountains. The valley itself is an open-air museum. Ride to the mesmerizing circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the stunning Maras salt ponds, an intricate network of evaporating pools that have been harvested since Inca times.
This is the perfect place to drop off your bike, as our “Peru From End to End” relocation service allows you to rent in Lima and end your journey right here in Cusco, hassle-free. It’s the ultimate convenience for an epic one-way adventure.
Your Adventure, Our Promise
This epic journey requires the right gear. Our 250cc and 300cc bikes are the perfect machines for the job, built to handle the diverse terrain and long distances. Every rental comes with a helmet and a phone holder, so you can navigate and stay connected. And for your peace of mind, we offer CDW coverage, a simple way to limit your financial responsibility for any damage or loss to the motorbike. Don’t forget to pack your bags in comfort with our saddlebags and nets, essential accessories for a long haul trip, allowing you to carry your luggage securely and focus on the road.
The longer you ride, the more you discover. A 10-14 day rental allows you to truly immerse yourself in the culture, the history, and the landscape of Peru. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. The sense of accomplishment and freedom you’ll feel on this route is unparalleled.
Route Summary Table