Join us for this incredible food and culture experience in Peru!

Together we'll:

• Go off the tourist track for a night out and food tour in Lima, considered one of the world's best food cities! 
• Take the 360 Machu Picchu Train and explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! 
• Explore ancient sites and take a cooking class in Cusco led by a local chef! 
• Sip our way through a Pisco Sour-making experience!
• Have a day with a photographer so we get the trip photos we've always wanted! 
• And so much more...!

  Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima. Peru’s colorful capital is equal parts cosmopolitan and chaotic. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel where you will meet your fellow travelers and local leader for an important 6pm welcome meeting.

While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical center.

This evening, you meet your local leader and head to dinner at La Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, in a unique setting overlooking pre-Incan ruins that once served as an important administrative and ceremonial center. The restaurant serves Peruvian cuisine, with its wide variety of products, be it sea fish, shellfish, or what forms the immense range of vegetables, with all colors, textures, and flavors.

Standard Check-In: 15:00PM.

Included Activities

· Private transfer from Lima airport to hotel.

· Welcome dinner at Huaca Pucllana – Set menu.

Accommodation 

Pullman Lima Miraflores 5* (Deluxe room)

www.pullmanlimamiraflores.pe

  In the morning, your exploration of Lima will begin with a visit to the Central Market, where you’ll embark on a walking tour. The market boasts a wide array of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and even guinea pigs. You’ll have the chance to try some local Peruvian fruits and street food, gaining insight into the diversity of Lima’s culinary offerings.

From there, you’ll head to China Town, located nearby. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively district before continuing your journey.

Next, you'll visit Chabuca Granda, a beloved local eating spot. Your guide will walk you through the colorful array of ingredients, sharing insights about popular Lima dishes such as anticuchos, picarones, and their cultural significance in everyday life.

Following this, we’ll explore the Lima Downtown area, where you’ll witness the colonial side of the city, including landmarks like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the main attractions around Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments.

Then you’ll enjoy lunch at Casa Tambo. With over 100 years of history, this historic mansion is located in the heart of Lima. 

Return to your hotel for some free time in the afternoon to rest.

In the evening, we'll head to the trendy Barranco area, which is off the usual tourist trail and show you where the locals go for a good night out! This bohemian district is full of tradition and history and is located only fifteen minutes from Miraflores (where the hotel is). Barranco is also an ideal place to discover vintage Lima, offering colorful streets, small colonial squares, and an antique spirit that will capture your attention. Immersed in the old colonial vibe with classical architecture all around us, we’ll wander Barranco in search of local flavors. 

We'll pass by the public library, the love-inspiring traditional bridge of sighs, romantic boulevards and great ocean views too. It will also be time to eat! We’ll walk a few blocks away to a dynamic area well-known for its many local restaurants that serve up local delights such as anticuchos (beef hearts), picarones (small donuts), and other traditional Limeñan local food. You’ll become an expert in Peruvian snacks as you sample the most popular ones. 

And the final stop of this Lima night tour will be a vibrant local bar, where you can try the famous Pisco sour! Feel free to spend the rest of your evening in the atmospheric bar, where there’s often live music or cool local Limeños to chat with. 

Included Activities

· Breakfast and lunch.

· Half-day Lima city tour with an English-speaking local guide, including a visit to Central Market and China Town.

· Barranco evening walking tour and street food tasting, with an English-speaking local guide.

Accommodation 

Pullman Lima Miraflores 5* (Deluxe room) 

www.pullmanlimamiraflores.pe

 In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Arequipa (this flight is included in the package price).

Welcome to Arequipa! Upon your arrival to Arequipa, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, head out for a traditional lunch at a local picantería in Arequipa, where you’ll savor authentic regional flavors in a vibrant and rustic setting. Delight in classic dishes such as rocoto relleno, adobo arequipeño, and chupe de camarones, all prepared using age-old recipes and fresh local ingredients. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the rich culinary heritage of Arequipa, surrounded by warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere.

Afterward, head to the Plaza de Armas (main square), one of the most beautiful in Peru, for a short city tour to check out the historic architecture and a peek into Arequipa in the 17th century. 

Next, immerse yourself in a Pisco Sour-making experience. Step behind the bar and guided by the head bartender, discover the art of crafting this iconic Peruvian cocktail. Learn about the rich history and unique ingredients that make the Pisco Sour so special, while honing your bartending skills. 

Included Activities

· Breakfast and lunch.

· Private transfer from hotel to Lima airport.

· Domestic flight ticket from Lima to Arequipa – Economy.

· Private transfer from Arequipa airport to hotel.

· Lunch at local picanteria – A la carte.

· Walking tour around Arequipa, including visiting Santa Catalina Monastery with an English-speaking local guide.

· Entrance ticket to Santa Catalina Monastery.

· Pisco Sour-making experience.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa 5* (Superior room)

www.casa-andina.com

 In the morning, you will board the bus and drive to Pampas Cañahuas (3,500 m/11,482 Ft), a National Reserve where you may spot some Vicuñas & Alpacas. Unlike the Alpacas, Vicuñas are wild animals and still can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. You will stop at this national park and your local guide will provide information about these shy Andean camels. 

Then you will continue your journey to Colca Canyon, stopping at the little restaurant of Viscachani, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Andes and drink a typical coca tea. 

Afterward, you will continue ascending a dirt road till you reach the highest point of the trip, “The Lookout Point of the Andes (4,800 m /15,748 Ft) where have some time to observe the incredible landscape. 

Later, you will drive to the main village of the Colca Canyon, the Village of Chivay (3,600 m / 11.811 Ft) and in the afternoon you will have time to swim and relax at the Hot Springs of the Colca Valley (35° C / 95º F), a nice pool outdoors surrounded by huge mountains. 

After sunset, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

·Colca Canyon visit with an English-speaking local guide.

Accommodation 

Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca 5* (Deluxe room)

https://www.aranwahotels.com/en/aranwa-pueblito-encantado-del-colca/

 In the morning, you will head to the “Cruz Del Condor”, a natural lookout point where you can see Condors flying over the canyon. On the way to Cruz Del Condor, you will enjoy spectacular views of the canyon and will see hundreds of ancient agricultural terraces carved onto the slopes of the mountains. While driving along the edge of the Colca Canyon, you can observe the great Colca River and also some small agricultural communities. 

Then, you will reach the lookout point known as Cruz Del Condor, where you will spend an hour or so, observing the giant Andean Condors soaring and swooping, as well as amazing views of the Canyon. 

Afterwards, you will return to the village of Chivay and will head towards the city of Puno, crossing the Altiplano (high Andean plateau). The journey lasts about 4 hours and offers fine views of little lakes located along the road.

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

· Entrance ticket to Cola Canyon.

·Colca Canyon visit with an English-speaking local guide.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Puno 5* (Superior Lake View room)

www.casa-andina.com

Today, you will visit and navigate over the Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. A full day tour by boat to the Uros and Taquile Island will show you the Andean culture.

“The Uros Floating Islands”, are a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating their unique community. 

After strolling around the floating Islands, you will continue towards the “Taquile Island” (1 hour approx.), about 2,200 people live there. Taquile is known for its kindness to its residents, its ancestral skill in weaving, its pre-Columbian construction, and its lovely countryside. On this island you will find fine handwoven textiles and clothing, which are regarded as among the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru.

Enjoy a traditional lunch on Taquile Island, a serene haven on Lake Titicaca known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Savor a meal prepared by the local community, featuring fresh lake trout or a quinoa-based dish, accompanied by Andean potatoes and muña tea. As you dine, take in breathtaking views of the deep blue waters and learn about the island’s centuries-old traditions, including its UNESCO-recognized textile art.

By the afternoon, you will return to Puno by boat.

Included Activities

· Breakfast and lunch.

· Full day visit to Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile Island.

· Entrance ticket to Uros Island.

· Entrance ticket to Taquile Island.

· Lunch at Taquile Island.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Puno 5* (Superior Lake View room)

www.casa-andina.com

 After breakfast, you will embark on a private transfer from Puno to Cusco, offering a comfortable and personalized journey through the scenic Andean plateau. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to make several stops to appreciate the highlights of this iconic route.

Your first stop will be at the Community of Pukara, where you will visit the Pukara Museum, showcasing ancient monoliths and human remains from the Pukara culture.

Continuing through the Andean landscape, you will reach "La Raya," the highest point of the journey at 4,335 meters above sea level. This breathtaking location is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a perfect spot to stretch, take photos, and browse nearby stalls selling hand-made Alpaca or Vicuña wool products.

As you descend, you will pass through the picturesque village of Sicuani, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch made from local ingredients, giving you a true taste of the region.

Next, visit the renowned "Inca Temple of Raqchi," famous for its unique circular constructions and walls of mud bricks—features not found elsewhere in your travels.

Your final stop will be in the charming town of Andahuaylillas, where you will visit the beautiful colonial-era cathedral, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" for its impressive artwork.

You will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon, where your guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel.

Included Activities

· Breakfast and lunch.

· Private transfer from Puno to Cusco, visiting Pukara, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas.

· Entrance ticket to Pukara.

· Entrance ticket to Raqchi.

· Entrance ticket to Andahuaylillas.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Cusco 5* (Superior room) 

www.casa-andina.com

 In the morning, you start with a city tour! You will visit first the huge “Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman”. This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still unknown today.

Later, you continue visiting another important Inca site known as “Qenqo”. This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part, there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. 

Afterward you will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of “Tambomachay” a temple dedicated to the God of Water and “Puca Pucará”.

After these visits, you will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, “The Temple of Qoricancha”. Qoricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire. According to archaeologists, it housed over 1000 priests and attendants. 

After your city tour your local guide will drop you off at your hotel. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, you will learn more about Peruvians (and Peruvian food!) with a cooking class that will teach you to prepare traditional recipes handed down over generations. But before you go, you’ll stop at a local market to discover some Peruvian treasures (yes, we mean food — the best kind of treasures!). Explore a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, and fiery spices, and maybe make a purchase or two. 

Next, you’ll head to class where you will learn to prepare dishes using local ingredients guided by a Peruvian professional chef. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy what you have cooked!

Throughout the day, a professional photographer will accompany you, capturing every special moment so you can relive and cherish the memories when you return home.

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

· Half day Cusco city tour including visit to Koricancha Temple and nearby archaeological sites, in private service.

· Cusco general entrance ticket.

· Koricancha temple.

· Cusco cooking class.

· Professional photographer throughout the day.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Cusco 5* (Superior room)

www.casa-andina.com

 This morning, travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved into the valley walls. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. 

Then venture further into the Sacred Valley to meet the Willoq community and gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle and visit a local workshop where you’ll learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women. You'll also have a traditional pachamanca lunch here!

Continue to Ollantaytambo – a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams, terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

· Full day visit to the Sacred Valley including Willoq Community and Ollantaytambo archaeological site and town, in private service.

· Snack at AMA restaurant.

· Pachamanca lunch at Willoq Community.

Accommodation 

Pakaritampu Hotel 3* (Standard room)

pakaritampu.com

 Today, travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in style, boarding the 360 Machu Picchu Train. High, domed windows offer unbelievable views of the Andes, allowing you to sit back comfortably and take it all in. The train also features an open-air observation carriage to completely immerse yourself in the remarkable landscape. 

Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes then take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, may always be a mystery since no records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. 

Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

· Inca Rail “The 360°” train to and from Ollantaytambo

(https://incarail.com/en/the-360-machu-picchu-train)

· Visit to Machu Picchu including shuttle bus tickets Aguas Calientes.

· Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to hotel, in private service.

Accommodation 

Casa Andina Premium Cusco 5* (Superior room)

www.casa-andina.com

 Your tour concludes today, and no activities are planned. If you’d like to explore more of Cusco, consider extending your stay to visit sites you may have missed at the start of the trip! 

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.

Standard Check-Out: 10:00AM.

Included Activities

· Breakfast.

· Transfer from hotel to Cusco airport, in private service.