History, Routes, Winners, Prices, and Tips
The Caminos del Inka Rally is Peru’s most iconic rally competition, an annual journey that has challenged drivers on a route of high cultural and scenic impact since 1966. Organized by the Peruvian Automobile Club (ACP), this race passes through southern Andean cities such as Cusco, Ayacucho, and Arequipa, crossing ancient roads of the Qhapaq Ñan, and combines speed, endurance, and heritage. It has become a national symbol of the passion for motorsports and Andean culture.
History of the Caminos del Inka Rally
The first edition took place in 1966 between Lima, Huancayo, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Arequipa, covering a distance of 2,695 km. It was conceived by Román Alzamora of the ACP as a competition that would unite the Andes and showcase the expertise of Peruvian motorsports. Over the years, it has been reinvented: route changes, the addition of stages in Puno, and route modifications to adapt to the road infrastructure. In 2014, it was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site (UNESCO).
Winners of the last 30 years (1994–2023)
Below is the list of winners from 1994 to 2023 (editions contested):
- 1994 – Raúl Orlandini Dibós / Óscar Dávila – Nissan Silvia
- 1995 – Luis Alayza de Losada / Ive Bromberg – Nissan Silvia
- 1996 – Óscar Dufour / Ricardo Tovar – Suzuki Vitara
- 1997 – Ramón Ferreyros / Gonzalo Sáenz – Peugeot 306
- 1998 – Ernesto Jochamowitz / Luis M. Soto – Ford Escort GrA
- 1999 – Same drivers with Ford Escort WRC
- 2000 – Eduardo Dibós Silva / Gustavo Medina – Toyota Celica
- 2001 – Same crew (Toyota Celica)
- 2002 – Eduardo Dibós Silva / IveBromberg – ToyotaCelica
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2003 – Raúl Orlandini Dibós / Juan P. Cilloniz – MitsubishiLancer
- 2004 – Luis Alayza de Losada / L.Alayza Freundt – Subaru Forester
- 2005 – Raúl Orlandini Dibós / IveBromberg – MitsubishiLancer
- 2006 – César Cataño / José L. Tommasini – MitsubishiLancer
- 2007 – Ernesto Jochamowitz / Gustavo Medina – Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2008 – Roberto Pardo / Giampier Giachetti – SubaruImpreza
- 2009 – Nicolás Fuchs / Juan P. Cilloniz – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2010 – Raúl Orlandini Griswold / Diego Zuloaga – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2011 – Same duo (Raúl Orlandini / J.P. Cilloniz)
- 2012 – Nicolás Fuchs / IveBromberg – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2013 – Richard Palomino / José M. Rodríguez – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2014 – José L. Tommasini / J.P. Cilloniz – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2015 – Same drivers (Tommasini / Cilloniz)
- 2016 – John Navarro G. / Raúl Orlandini – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2017 – Raúl Orlandini Griswold / John Navarro G. – Mitsubishi Lancer EvoIX
- 2018 – Richard Palomino / Augusto Larrea – Mitsubishi EvoX
- 2019 – Luis Alayza Freundt / Carlos Ganoza – Toyota GT86
- 2020 – Not held (COVID-19)
- 2021 – Josue Regal / Ramiro Cyzneti – Peugeot 207 GTI
- 2022 – Ronmel Palomino / Guillermo Sierra – Toyota Yaris N5
- 2023 – Nicolás Fuchs / Fernando Mussano – Ford Fiesta Rally3
How to participate and estimated prices
- Competitor registration: between 3,000 – $5,000 USD depending on category.
- Local spectators: free in open areas.
- Tour packages (transfers, accommodation, VIP access): from $500 USD per person.
Rally Activities
- Visit stages such as the Super Prime, in Lima or Huancayo.
- Combine with sightseeing in Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Colca Canyon.
Recommended Accommodation
City Suggested Hotels
Lima Hotels in Miraflores or Barranco
Cusco Palacio del Inka, Tierra Viva Centro
Arequipa Casa Andina Premium, Katari Hotel
Local Cuisine
- Traditional Cusco/Ayacucha dishes: chiriuchu, pachamanca, quinoa soup.
- Arequipa: stuffed rocoto, adobo, chupe.
- Prices: set menus from $10–15 USD; premium restaurants $20–30 USD.
Travel Tips
- Book with Plan ahead, especially for hotels in Cusco.
- Acclimatize at least one day beforehand if traveling to high altitudes.
- Hire transportation or a specialized agency.
- Respect safety zones and signage at all stages.