Summer was jam-packed with adventures in Peru. Based in Arequipa since May, tour leader Josh and motorcycle tour expert Florian set up our first motorcycle tour in South America. They even received a special visitor: Lolo Cochet, his wife and two boys. The four of them set off on a motorbike adventure tour –or rather, an epic Royal Enfield ride– full of twists and turns on the Peruvian roads.
Over the course of the summer Josh and his friend Reshad accompanied several groups, sharing their local knowledge about amazing places in Peru. We asked Josh his top 5 places on the tour.
Arequipa, the world’s Alpaca capital
Located at 2,300 m altitude at the foot of the Andean volcanoes, this charming city built in white volcanic rock is a great introduction to Peru, allowing you to get a feel for the country’s vibe and gradually get used to the altitude. A lively city day or night, Arequipa is the Vintage Rides base camp in Peru.
The Colca to Espinar leg
There are some jaw-dropping landscapes on this leg of the tour as we ride for around one hundred miles off road through Andean meadows. Everyone always feels satisfied after this leg, and it’s just the second day of riding!
The approaches to Cusco and the Mauk’allaqta Inca ruins
Riding across the Sacred Inca Valley is a dream! There are plenty of things to see on the way as most of the route is on superb tracks.
Lake Singrenacocha as we leave Urubambar
One of the tour’s gems, this lake is located at a height of 4,377 m altitude. The high peaks’ variable weather lend this natural site remarkable colours come rain or shine. During this leg, we also descend an incredible 4,000 m as we make our way to Quince Mil. We leave the Andean peaks behind us and delve deep into the warmth of the Amazon forest: a complete change of scenery in less than 24 hours.
Spending the night in Macusani at 4,300 m altitude
Peruvian haciendas are an experience in themselves. They’re simple, traditional remote slices of paradise. After a night in the Amazon basin, we feel like we’ve been catapulted into another universe when we get back on the Altiplano between the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, another natural wonder we visit during this Royal Enfield tour in Peru.
When I ask Josh if there is anywhere he’s forgotten, “well, of course, it goes without saying, the star of Peru, Machu Picchu!” he laughs.
Photo credits: Josh Rhodes / Johann Rousselot / Shweta Jain
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