Road trip to Perú
Peru is a country full of history and culture, as well as breathtaking roads suited for a tire like the ContiTrailAttack 2. GlobeBusters is a Continental partner and much like 2 Ride The World, they have also gone Continental, literally.
The GlobeBusters experienced every kind of road from the arid coastal areas to the high Andes mountains. This trip is not for the faint hearted, and it would be a life changing experience for anyone thinking of doing it.
GlobeBusters were featured with their guide to Peru in the August issue of RiDE Magazine.
Here are some key tips to have in mind if you one day decide to achieve this milestone:
What is so attractive about this adventure trip?
“Peru’s Machu Picchu ruins is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. It offers plenty of variety, from charming colonial towns to snow capped mountains. Endless miles of remote mountain roads deliver some breath taking scenery, and the local climate, hospitality and culture are the icing on the cake.”
What’s It like To Ride There?
“Peru’s tarmac roads are generally in good condition, and traffic is sparse once outside of the main towns. The main Pan American Highway cuts out many of Peru’s best bits, so Kevin and Julia advise to head for The Andes, where you’ll find a mix of tarmac twisties and some gravel tracks which can usually be tackled with basic off-road skills. Watch out for altitude sickness and unusual road hazards, including homemade speed bumps and piles of twigs which could indicate a broken down vehicle round the next bend.”
Where Should You Visit?
“The list is endless, but for many, Machu Picchu is right at the very top. The ancient mud city of Chan Chan and Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo are also definitely worth heading for if you can. As for places to ride, Canon del Pato comes highly recommended, along with a trip through the stunning Huascaran National Park.”
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How Do You Get Your Bike There?
“If you’re planning a visit of more than four weeks, it is well worth flying your own bike to Peru, and even visiting neighbouring countries like Ecuador and Bolivia. Bike rental is available, ranging from $50 to $250 per day depending on what you’re looking to ride.”
When Should You Visit?
“May to September is the dry season in the mountains, and December to March is the wet season. If you’re on the coast, it’s the complete opposite. GlobeBusters tend to recommend visiting in Spring (April and May) or early Autumn (September and October).”
What Documents Will You Need?
“You don’t need a visa at present for Peru, but your passport must be valid for 6 months from date of entry. You’ll also need a US driving licence and International Driving Permit, plus an original V5C for customs and border checks. If riding your own bike, buy local SOAT insurance in Peru. It is also recommended that you have a Personal Travel & Medical Insurance Policy, covering you for medical treatment and, if necessary, repatriation in case of injury.”
The type of tire you’ll need depends of the kind of riding you intend to do. This time, GlobeBusters selected the tarmac focused ContiTrailAttack 2. But Continental also has the all-round TKC 70 or the accomplished off-road TKC 80 for the harshest terrains.
You can view our full adventure tire range here.
