Cusco, often spelled “Cuzco'', was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Today, it’s a vibrant city that sits 3,400 feet above sea level and offers staggering views of the surrounding valleys as well as interesting cultural and historical experiences within the city limits. As you walk around the city center, you might not get the feel of an ancient Incan village, but if you look deeper, the remnants of Inca culture are all around you.
While Cusco often gets a reputation for being overly touristy, most of the locals still live simple, traditional lives. If you want to experience a vibrant nightlife, Cusco has that to offer; however, if you want to experience authentic Peruvian culture, you can find that in the city too. And, of course, one can’t mention Cusco without mentioning the fact that it’s the base site for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek. With so many things to do in the city, the best way to get the most out of your time there is by renting a motorcycle and riding around the mountaintop roads.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Cusco. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Where to hire a motorbike in Cusco
- The price of motorcycle hire
- Safety issues with driving in Cusco
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive a motorcycle in Peru
- The trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu by motorcycle
Where Can You Hire a Motorcycle in Cusco?
If you plan on flying into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the main airport serving the area around Cusco, you won’t be able to find motorcycle rental at the airport itself. Rather, you’ll have to catch a taxi into the city of Cusco and locate a rental shop there.
The majority of motorbike hire shops can be found around the Centro Historico, with some in the Coripata district and the Urb Atoqsaycuchi district. However, there are rental shops scattered all throughout the city, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding motorcycle hire.
What Is the Price of Motorcycle Rental in Cusco?
For the most part, renting a motorcycle in Cusco is very affordable. You can find off-road motorbikes, such as a Honda CRF 250 L, for rent starting at around $65 per day. If you want something even more affordable, you can rent a motor scooter for as little as $30 per day. Many shops also offer hourly rates on their motorcycles and motor scooters as well.
If you want something more powerful, you can find a 1,000cc bike, such as a Honda CRF 1000L, for around $180 per day. While driving one of these high-powered motorbikes would be a great time, you certainly don’t need one to traverse the streets of Cusco.
Is It Safe To Drive a Motorcycle in Cusco?
First of all, if you choose to drive in Cusco, be especially careful at night. While violent crime is not very common in the city, you should avoid going into the Belen, Santiago, and Puente Santiago districts after nightfall. In addition, road standards in Cusco are fairly poor, and there are a high number of bus crashes, especially at night. No matter what time you’re driving, always be wary of your surroundings and drive cautiously.
In general, drivers in Peru can be rather aggressive. Locals won’t hesitate to drive extremely close to you or cut you off in traffic. Additionally, buses are required to make certain checkpoints by certain times, so bus drivers will often speed and drive aggressively to make these checkpoints.
Overall, driving in Cusco can be very convenient and enjoyable, but it’s important to yield to other drivers and always drive defensively.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Rent a Motorbike in Peru?
If you plan on driving in Peru for only 30 days or less, a valid foreign driver’s license is all you’ll need to rent a motorcycle, car, or motor scooter. You should also carry your passport with you at all times, however, so you can prove that you entered Peru legally.
If you plan on driving in Peru for more than 30 days, you will need to obtain an international driving permit. You should apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks before leaving for Peru, as that’s how long it typically takes to arrive in the mail. You can apply for your international driving permit here.There is an application fee of $20 and the permit stays valid for one full year.
Can You Drive From Cusco to Machu Picchu by Motorcycle?
You cannot directly drive a motorcycle from Cusco to Machu Picchu. However, you can take a tour of the Peruvian countryside and see some of the beautiful sights as you journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, from which you can take a bus to Machu Picchu. Here are some of the places you should visit along the way:
Ollantaytambo
To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, you’ll have to drive through the scenic Sacred Valley. This journey through the Andean highlands is one of the most beautiful places in Peru, and the drive alone is totally worth it. Ollantaytambo is a quaint, little village set on the Urubamba River and surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Maras
The town of Maras is famous for its salt evaporation pools which are still currently being used for salt production. You can look at the stunningly beautiful pools and learn all about the production process.
Moray
Moray is one of the most interesting Inca archaeological sites in Peru. It consists of several circular terraces that go lower and lower into the ground. You can learn about the Inca people’s way of life and their methods of agriculture and land sculpting.
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is one of the last places you can catch a bus to Machu Picchu from. The region itself is beautiful and vibrant, with many hotels and natural vistas to look out on. From there, you should find a parking lot in Santa Teresa and then take a bus to Hidroelectrica. You could also park your motorcycle in Hidroelectrica, but the area is a little more dodgy. Either way, from Hidroelectrica you can catch a bus directly up to Machu Picchu.
Drive a Motorcycle Through the Navel of the World
Cusco’s name literally means the “navel of the world” because of its place at the heart of the Incan Empire. This region has so much rich history and incredible sites to explore, and the best way to do so is by renting a motorcycle and driving through the city and its surrounding areas. It’s guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Do you still have questions about motorcycle rentals in Cusco? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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