Andina

Rally Dakar Champions highlight Peru as major global tourist attraction

09:15 | Lima, Jan. 4.

French drivers Stephane Peterhansel (car) and Cyril Despres (motorbike) —champions who will participate in Dakar Rally 2019— underscored the great tourist attraction of Peru, as well as the diverse adventure destinations it offers to the world.

Peterhansel —who seeks to take his 14th win this year— and his wife Andrea —who is also a racer— spent New Year's Eve in southern Cusco city, where they visited the Sacred Valley and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

"(…) I have no doubt that Machu Picchu truly is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. After this visit, I think it would be incredible to have an experience of adventure, by bike or car, through Peru's mountains," the Dakar competitor expressed.

On the other hand, Cyril Despres confessed he is an adventure enthusiast. For that reason, the French driver wishes to hike the Inca trail

Likewise, Germans Annett Fischer and Sven Quandt —the X-raid team owner— visited Cusco alongside Peterhansel and his wife.  


Dakar Rally 2019 

The Dakar will be run from January 6-17, starting in Peru's capital Lima and traversing the southern regions of Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and down to Tacna.

The longest and toughest stage will cover 370 kilometers from Arequipa to Tacna on January 10.

It must be noted this marks the first time in history the Dakar Rally will be exclusively run in one country.


(END) NDP/DTK/MVB

Published: 1/4/2019