Ride.
The Cusco – Abancay – Nazca Trail, Peru.
- Miles: 407
- Start: Uyuni, Bolivia
- End: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
- Time: 4 to 5 days
- Suitability: adventure or dual sport
The drive stretches about 450 miles, with plenty of exciting spots to check out along the way.
Before starting your journey from Cusco, set aside a day to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, located just to the northwest. If the weather’s good, you can even ride there on a motorcycle, but keep in mind the route has many dirt sections and can be quite tough. You might also want to spend a couple of days touring the Amazon rainforest for an unforgettable experience.
As you make your way to Abancay, you’ll find mostly paved roads and fairly easy riding conditions. Along the scenic Andean route, you can also take a detour to explore another Incan site at the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
As you make your way to Nazca, the road winds through towering mountain ranges before dipping down to the edge of the Atacama Desert. The route can get pretty chilly, with the occasional snowstorm, so it’s best to skip the trip during the winter months.
The next day, take an aerial trip to witness the enigmatic Nazca Lines. They’ve been associated with everything from aliens to ancient balloonists, and their mystery continues to baffle.
