Is Peru safe to travel on your own?
YES !!! The roads are good and the people are very friendly. Of course, you'll have to be cautious, like you would be at home, or in any other part of the world.
South America (Peru) doesn't have a good reputation, but in our 12 years in business, not even one of our guests experienced big problems.
And, by the way, we live ourselves with our families for more than 12 years in this country. So far without any major problems with criminality.
Is the airfare included in the price?
No. Our guests are coming from all over the world and as a tour operator we are not big enough to bargain good prices with the airlines. So, you'll have to arrange your flight to Arequipa (and back). We will provide you the exact dates for arrival at and departure from Arequipa.
To which airport do I have to fly for a tour?
In general, you'll have to fly to Arequipa, Peru (airportcode: AQP). This city is our homebase. Normally you will fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and take a domestic flight from there to Arequipa.
Very often the airlines offer the domestic flight from Lima (Peru) to Arequipa (Peru) for a small addition to your international airfare. Ask for it !
How do I make a booking for your tours?
Search for the <BOOKING> tab on the page of the tour you want to book. Fill out the form click <SEND>. We will contact and inform you about the rest of procedure.
I'm not very tall. Is it possible to lower the motorcycle?
Suzuki DR650: Yes, this motorcycles has the possiblity to lower the rear suspension with 5 cm.
BMW F700GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.
BMW F800GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.
BMW R1200GS: No, but we can put the seat in the lowest position.
Is there a spare motorcycle available on the tour?
No.
What happens if I wreck my motorcycle?
Well... with our experience, if the motocycle is wrecked beyond repair, most of the time the rider is not in a good shape to ride a motorcycle anymore. If you are still fit enough to ride, we will try to get the motorcycle back on the road. If this is not possible, we will try to replace the motorcycle. For the time being you'll have to join our mechanic in the support vehicle. Sometimes, on certain routes, the motorcycle guide can give you his motorcycle.
Is any food and/or (soft-) drinks included?
- Self guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels is included.
- Guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels and the lunches on riding days are included.
Is it likely to suffer from altitude-sickness?
Most of our tours have differences in altitudes between sea-level and about 5.000 meters (16,400 ft.). On average about 50-60% of our guests will suffer some symptoms, like headache, nauseousness, insomnia, etc. Let's say: "flu-like symptoms". It is impossible to predict who will suffer the symptoms and who won't. Fitness and age of the person doesn't seem to matter.
There is a lot you can do to avoid the symptoms: On altitude drink lot's (at least 3 liters / 0,75 a gallon) of non-alcoholic fluids, like water, coca-tea, coffee and soft drinks. And eat chocolate, candy and other sweets.
In severe cases oxigen is needed, but that is quite rare. All hotels on altitude have it available.
Or you can use medication, like Diamox. Our advise is that you don't take any medication, before you have the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms it is even better is to buy 'local stuff' in the Farmacias in Peru.
Everybody will at least notice that they are on altitude, for example while climbing stairs.
Normally your body will be adjusted to the altitude in about 4-5 days. And the symptoms will disappear by itself.
Are the airpoirt transfers in Arequipa included?
Yes ! We will pick you up from the airport, or we will send a taxi to pick you up. And, of course, after the tour we will take you to the airport for your flight home.
What is the best time of the year to pay Peru a visit?
Weatherwise, roughly between March and December, becasue that is the dry season. In the highlands a rain shower can be expected year round.
Do I need a visa for traveling to Peru?
Citizens from most countries in Europe and North and South America can enter Peru with a "Tarjeta Andina de Migración" (TAM). This is a tourist visa which you can get upon entering Peru. Please, check for yourself if you need a visa, or if you can enter with TAM.
And how about a visa for Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile and Ecuador?
It is your repsonsibility to get the necessary (tourist) visa(s) for the countries you travel. PeruMotors can not help or assist you with that.