Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Cusco

Cusco's cobbled colonial streets and the Sacred Valley beyond them were built for switchbacks, not straight lines, and nothing suits that landscape like two wheels. Rent a motorcycle in Cusco and you can climb straight up to Sacsayhuamán before breakfast, thread the mountain road out to Tambomachay's stone water channels, and still make it back into town for lunch — all without waiting on a colectivo or negotiating a taxi fare. From the ancient salt pans at Maras to the terraced fields of Moray, this is a region where the ride itself is half the reason to come.

The sights that make Cusco worth visiting are scattered across the Sacred Valley, anywhere from 20 to 70km apart, connected by winding mountain roads that public transport covers unevenly at best. A motorcycle lets you string several ruins and viewpoints into a single day, on your own schedule, rather than around a tour bus timetable. At 3,400 metres above sea level, a nimble, torquey bike also handles the mountain passes and Cusco's tight colonial lanes far better than a car ever could.

Top 10 things to see in Cusco by motorcycle

1. Sacsayhuamán — massive Inca fortress walls just above the city, an easy short ride for a first stop and a sweeping city viewpoint.
2. Q'enqo — a carved-rock ceremonial site a few minutes past Sacsayhuamán, a natural add-on to the same loop.
3. Puka Pukara — a small Inca outpost on the road out to Tambomachay, a good photo stop with valley views.
4. Tambomachay — the Inca "water temple," with stone channels still running, the classic turnaround point of the city's northern ruins loop.
5. Pisac — Sacred Valley ruins terraced into the mountainside, plus a well-known artisan market in the town below.
6. Moray — concentric circular terraces the Inca used as an agricultural laboratory, a striking stop off the Maras-Moray road.
7. Salineras de Maras — thousands of ancient salt pans cascading down a hillside, one of the most photographed rides in the valley.
8. Chinchero — a colonial church built over Inca foundations, with a weaving and textile market on the high plain en route to the Sacred Valley.
9. Ollantaytambo — fortress-temple ruins and a living Inca-era street grid, the classic end point for a full day riding the Sacred Valley.
10. Cristo Blanco / Mirador de San Cristóbal — a hilltop statue and lookout right above Cusco with a full city panorama, ideal for a short evening ride.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Cusco?

You'll need a valid motorcycle licence — Peru licenses motorcycles separately from cars, so a standard car licence isn't technically enough, though some rental shops in tourist areas accept one in practice. Carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence is the safe move. The legal minimum age is 18, but most rental companies set their own floor of 21, sometimes 25 for larger machines. Expect a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with your passport or ID copied as part of the paperwork.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Cusco?

A standard 200cc–250cc bike runs roughly 95-140 PEN per day in low season and 150-220 PEN per day in high season. If you want something bigger for the mountain passes, larger adventure and enduro models go for around 280-450 PEN per day.

• Prices climb through the dry season as demand for Sacred Valley rides peaks.
• They ease off during the wetter months, when fewer riders are on the road.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Cusco?

June to August is high season — dry roads, peak tourist numbers, and the Inti Raymi festival all push prices to their highest point, so book ahead if you're travelling then. December to March is low season, especially January and February, when rain is heaviest in the highlands and rental prices drop accordingly. For the best mix of dry roads and lighter crowds, aim for May, September, or the shoulder weeks around them.

Local traffic rules in Cusco

Peru drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger, no exceptions. Speed limits generally run around 40 km/h on urban streets and up to 60 km/h on the wider avenues, dropping to 30 km/h near schools and hospitals. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L, strictly enforced, with checkpoints common on the roads out of the city. On the mountain routes to the Sacred Valley, watch for fog, livestock, and the occasional landslide after rain — ride a little more cautiously than you would on flat ground, and you'll have a great trip through some of the most dramatic scenery in Peru.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!