Andean Encounters
Take a trip from past to present, delving into the ancient traditions that still stand today, as you journey through magical Peru.
Day 1
Arrival to Lima. We’ll escort you to your accommodation in the heart of Miraflores.
Day 2
Enjoy a guided tour of Lima’s historic center, exploring the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco’s catacombs, and the 480-year-old Casa Aliaga mansion.
Day 3
Embark on a culinary adventure in Lima’s Barranco district, visiting a local market, enjoy a cocktail class, and conclude with lunch at Huaca Pucllana, set amidst a pre-Inca pyramid.
Day 4
Fly to Arequipa, the White City, and explore its streets, from the Andean Sanctuaries Museum to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Day 5
Explore the historic Sabandia Mill and the Founder’s Mansion, then return to Arequipa for authentic Arequipeñan cuisine at a traditional picanteria.
Day 6
Journey to the Colca Canyon, stopping at the Sumbay Caves and gazing at llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in the Tocra Pampas.
Day 7
Watch Andean Condors soar at Condor’s Cross and visit local villages, before spending the afternoon at La Calera’s thermal baths.
Day 8
Head to Puno, with a stop at Lagunillas to admire beautiful lakes and abundant birdlife.
Day 9
Sail the waters of Lake Titicaca, visiting the totora reed islands of Uros and the vibrant, tradition-rich Taquile Island.
Day 10
Board the luxurious Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco, enjoying traditional music and panoramic views.
Day 11
Explore the heart of the Incan Empire, Cusco, from its ancient temples and vibrant markets to the Sacsayhuaman fortress above the city.
Day 12
Explore Moray’s circular terraces, and Maras’ ancient salt ponds before learning traditional weaving techniques from a native community.
Day 13
Immerse yourself in a local community, experiencing their daily life through its people, the agriculture, and the animals.
Day 14
Discover Peru’s culinary treasures with an expert chef-led market visit, hands-on cooking class, creating a delicious meal showcasing Peruvian and Andean flavors.
Day 15
Head for Machu Picchu, exploring the ultimate Andean ruins and enjoying spectacular sunset views.
Day 16
Return to Machu Picchu for deeper insights into the ancient ruins and Inca civilization, then return to Cusco by train.
Day 17
Visit a local artisan’s studio for a hands-on ceramic pottery session, before departing for Lima on your journey back home.
Day 1
When you arrive in Lima, we’ll escort you to your accommodation in the heart of Miraflores.
Day 2
Your day begins with a visit to the historic center of the capital with your expert guide, who will transport you back in time to Lima’s colonial past. In the Plaza de Armas, the main square, marvel at the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima with its stunning chapels. The nearby San Francisco houses catacombs with the remains of over 25 thousand former inhabitants of Lima. Continue to Casa Aliaga, the oldest mansion in the city, still owned by the Aliaga family over 480 years later.
Day 3
This morning take a culinary adventure in the gastronomic paradise that is Lima. Stroll through the bohemian district of Barranco, visit a local market and taste exotic fruits straight from the Amazon, and enjoy a hands-on cocktail class. Conclude your culinary journey with a delectable lunch at Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant situated amidst the archaeological site of a pre-Inca pyramid of the same name.
Day 4
It’s time to head for the Andes, with a flight to the White City of Arequipa, named so for the volcanic sillar rock used in the construction of its beautiful architecture. After settling in, embark on an exploration of the city streets. Stop in at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum to meet Juanita, the sacrificed girl found on the Ampato volcano, and the vast Santa Catalina Monastery, before finishing with spectacular views of the city and the emblematic Misti volcano.
Day 5
Today head into the countryside to explore the historic Sabandia Mill, an iconic watermill dating back to the 18th century. We’ll also visit the Founder’s Mansion, a colonial mansion built by the founder of Arequipa, Garci Manuel de Carbajal. Returning to the city, experience authentic Arequipeñan cuisine at a traditional picanteria, with dishes such as adobo, chupe de camarones, or ocopa.
Day 6
This morning begin your journey to the Colca Canyon. En route, make a small detour to the Sumbay Caves, a unique archaeological site with prehistoric cave paintings. Marvel at the herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas grazing in their natural habitat of the Tocra Pampas as you ascend to the highest pass at Patapampa, before dropping down to your hotel in the heart of Colca.
Day 7
What better way to start your day than watching the magnificent Andean Condor soar through the skies and valleys at Condor’s Cross? We’ll then continue to villages in the area to enjoy the architecture and ways of life, interacting with the friendly locals. Spend the afternoon at the thermal baths of La Calera, a popular spot with hot springs and stunning Andean views.
Day 8
Relax in your comfortable hotel this morning, before your guide and transport whisk you to Puno, the folkloric capital of Peru. On the way, we’ll stop at Lagunillas to take in the beautiful lakes of this corner of the Andes, along with the abundant birdlife including Andean and Chilean Flamingos.
Day 9
Take a comfortable boat ride today on the blue waters of Lake Titicaca. You’ll first visit the artificial islands of Uros, made from totora reeds plucked from these same waters. Learn about the traditions here and perhaps take a ride on a boat made of totora too. You’ll continue to Taquile Island, where Quechua-speaking locals will show you their vibrant customs and textiles. Relax on the boat as you sail back to Puno.
Day 10
This morning embark on a luxurious experience from Puno to Cusco aboard the Titicaca Train. You’ll be welcomed with traditional music before entering stylish carriages for a unique journey through the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring Peruvian and international cuisine and take in panoramic views from the observation car while sipping a pisco sour. Don’t miss the stop at the highest pass at La Raya, and seeing the archaeological site of Raqchi, as you make your way to the Imperial City of Cusco.
Day 11
Cusco, the heart of the Incan Empire and historical capital of Peru. Spend the morning wandering quaint cobblestone streets, taking in the astonishing blend of history and culture, from the ancient temple of Q’orikancha and the Cathedral in the main plaza with its Cusquenian take on the Last Supper painting, to the colorful San Pedro central market and the bohemian arts of San Blas. In the afternoon venture to the hills above to explore the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman and nearby ruins, learning their architectural and strategical significance with your guide.
Day 12
We’ll begin our day at the amazing archaeological site of Moray, featuring a series of circular terraces believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Descend and explore the levels and microclimates created by the varying depths here. We continue to Maras where an intricate network of ponds has been used for salt extraction since ancient times up to the present day. After a lunch featuring local flavors, visit a native community and learn the traditional weaving techniques passed down the generations.
Day 13
Time to get our hands dirty, immersing ourselves in a local community and engaging in the local way of life. You’ll take in the daily lives of the residents with an authentic cultural experience. Depending on the season, you might join in with agricultural activities, planting crops, harvesting, or tending to the fields. Or perhaps explore animal husbandry practices, feeding livestock and learning other aspects of care of farm animals. Don’t forget to drop in at the school and meet the kids, proudly showing off their drawings newly learned skills!
Day 14
It’s time to delve deeper into Peru’s delicious culinary delights. With the guidance of an expert chef, you’ll make your way to the local market, taking in the lively atmosphere as you browse the fresh produce and choose the ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. You’ll immerse yourself in the flavors and culinary traditions of Peruvian and Andean cuisine as you prepare specialty dishes and drinks. Best of all, you’ll sit down at the end and enjoy your new creation!
Day 15
This morning we head to Ollantaytambo, to take a scenic train ride from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy the scenery as the train follows the Vilcanota River into lush cloud-forest. After a bus ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, enjoy a buffet lunch at the nearby Sanctuary Lodge before entering the citadel. You’ll wind up a gentle path before taking your first views of the breathtaking site. Your guide will share with you the history and significance of the sites within, from the Intihuatana – “hitching post of the sun” – to the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, and Temple of the Condor. Take in a beautiful sunset at our World Wonder before returning to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned dinner and rest.
Day 16
Rise early and return to the sacred site with your knowledgeable guide, ready to brief you more about the ancient ruins and their place in Peruvian – and world – myths and folklore. Absorb the magical energy as you gain insights into the Inca civilization and architectural marvels as you explore them. For a spot of adventure, take one of the limited-entry hikes to reach the higher vantage points for breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel. Finally, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before relaxing on the train in your return to Cusco.
Day 17
For your final morning, we’ll head to the studio of a skilled artisan, receiving a warm welcome as you begin an introduction to the world of ceramic pottery. You’ll learn about the different techniques, tools, and styles used in traditional Peruvian pottery, along with the natural products used to make colors and dyes. Create your own masterpiece under the guidance of your master ceramist, applying intricate designs to your piece. After the class take time for a leisurely lunch and some more explorations around the Imperial City, before later taking your flight to Lima in your journey home. ¡Buen viaje!
This is a sample itinerary covering highlights of the Peruvian Andes and the capital, Lima. Understanding more of yourselves, we can create the perfect balance of visits and activities here.
Cost per person (2024): US $
Inclusions
Privately guided with your own personal guides and drivers
Hand-picked boutique accommodations with preferred rooms
Domestic flights
First-hand knowledge and recommendations from our team for each destination
Itineraries customized according to your interests and schedule
A seamless travel experience from arrival to departure, with 24-hour assistance
Exclusions
International flights
Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance