KoenVisscher,

Ask the seller how well the bike runs. Nothing will be worst then showing up and finding out the bike won't start or runs like a dog. Leave time to get the paperwork started. I understand that getting the insurance paid up is quick and you'll be good to ride. But it takes about 10 days to finalize the transfer of ownership, when done by someone who knows what they are doing. Get insurance, fairly cheap ~$35 (for a month in 2013), its required in Peru and the fine stings (a friend of mine got stopped and paid a fine that hurt his wallet.)

Have you figured out what you are going to do with the bike at the end of your trip? Could you buy/rent the bike? If you want to give it away at the end of the trip, I know a guy who does missionary work up in the Andes that might be interested. Send a private message for details.

Brace yourself, north of Lima there are some very long stretches of flat, straight highway that are famously boring. Strong wind whips sand off the desert floor...and mixed with turbulence of oncoming trucks, it is not always the most memorable ride. There are harder roads in the world. My advice, get off the Pan American Highway at every opportunity.

If you enjoy archaeological history, then stop ~10 miles north of Chiclayo, to visit the Museu Nacional Sican. Another good archaeological museum is the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán in Lambayeque. Stop at one of many shops that sell Kong Cake, a local specialty.

Even if you aren't you aren't into museums, your girlfriend will like the jewelry and ornamentation on display at these museums. =)

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride