Welcome to Peru

We have a wonderful group going through Peru and Chile. 6 Czech republicans, 3 Americans, a German (our guide Jens), a Chilean (our mechanic Jaimes) and little me, only female and the resident Aussie on the trip. All riding BMW enduros. A perfect memory for the 30th anniversary of these wonderous vehicles.

We've had three days now in Peru. The Border crossing from Arica, Chile was surprisingly quick.

In this short time, we've gone from savanah to desert to coastal views. On our first day, many were still getting used to their bikes, having ridden BMW's for the first time. Others were comfortable, and we took it easy.

We went through desert and suddenly coming down the hill there was green pastures, farmers walking their cattle (literally) and a beautiful little city. Our first night was in Moquegua and was a relatively quick ride. It's a pretty city of roughly 70,000 in the valley on the Andes.

Our view from our terrace 

Waking up excited and alive, we were ready for our longest ride of the trip. For some, this was their longest ride ever - so this was a particularly exciting adventure. We were to complete just under 600 km to the Peurta Inca, roughly 10km north of Chala. It is believed our destination was the port of the Incas used by the capital in Machu Pichu.

It was an incredible day - through desert to the coast, along the Pan America highway. There was some beautiful twisties and gorgeous scenary. The roads, generally are very well kept which defies your imagination, and allows you to really open up the throttle.

 Checking the map is essential - Pieter and Rudy

It was an interesting day. First we lost Stephen when looking for a petrol station. Then we broke the shaft on a F1200GS. Almost unheard of and a very rare occurrence.

We had a new one taxied overnight from Chile and were ready to roll by 9am the next day.

Our taxi drivers and the team

Finally, I jinxed myself and lost the whole team. Yup, send out the scouts!

Everybody was certain I had passed them (hilarious in hindsight since I have the smallest bike) and after arriving at the hotel, realised their mistake for leaving me behind! I showed my tough Aussie stamina and was ever grateful that with the misty coastline, there weren't any Roos to worry about! My angels were again looking out for me making sure I'd not miss the dark turnoff to our hotel ensuring instead that, Johnny Walker (and an open fire) was there to welcome me home and warm me up.

In all, it was all a pretty cool adventure and only on day two of riding! :-D