Peru ~ 12 Days

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure starts in Lima. You will meet your tour leader at the airport and being transferred to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. After the check in get ready to enjoy a nice dinner with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

Morning / Afternoon

Our day will start by visiting the impressive ruins at Huaca Pucllana, As we embark on this tour, we will step back in time to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.The next stop is the historic center of Lima. We will walk around the main square and the most popular and colorful streets of the old town. Some our stops will include a visit the Cathedral of Lima, and the catacombs of San Francisco.  Along the way we will have an opportunity to try some of the amazing street food.

Evening

Group dinner and team building workshop

Morning / Afternoon

Today, we start our day with an  early  transfer to Lima’s airport for our flight to Arequipa. Arequipa is  known as “The White City” for its beautiful colonial architecture and incredible volcano views. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and then embark on a walking tour of the city. Our tour will explore visits to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a magnificent example of colonial architecture, and a stroll around the picturesque main square. We’ll also head to the Yanahuara Viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Arequipa framed by the majestic Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. After the walking tour, we’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional Picantería, where you can savor some of the best local dishes.

After we eat we will meet with a local weaving community. This is more than just a demonstration—it’s an opportunity to participate in a traditional Andean weaving workshop, learning the ancient craft passed down through generations.

Guided by skilled artisans, we’ll discover the intricate techniques of  backstrap loom weaving, a method used for centuries by indigenous communities in the region. You’ll learn how natural dyes made from local plants and minerals are used to color the wool, and then practice creating your own patterns using these vibrant, hand-spun threads.

Today we will depart Arequipa and head to  Chivay. This scenic 4-hour drive  will take us through stunning landscapes and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we might spot vicuñas and guanacos. Along the way, we will stop at the Patapamba lookout, situated at 4,900 meters, for breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes. We will also visit the small community of Patawasi, where we can sample traditional Inca tea, a blend of Andean herbs known to help with altitude sickness. Upon reaching Chivay, we’ll enjoy lunch before checking into our hotel. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Chivay, learn about local life, and experience the unique atmosphere of this Andean region.

After a day exploring Colca Canyon, we’ll head to the Chivay Hot Springs for a well-deserved soak. Surrounded by the majestic Andean landscape, these natural thermal pools, with water temperatures around 38°C to 40°C, are the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. We will let the warm, mineral-rich waters soothe our muscles while we take in the incredible mountain views—a refreshing and unforgettable stop on the trip!

Today’s excursion will take us to the Condor Cross viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy stunning views of the canyon. We’ll drive along the canyon’s route, making stops in charming villages with picturesque colonial churches. With the guidance of our local expert quide, we’ll take a short walk around the canyon to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Weather permitting, we may even have the chance to see majestic condors soaring in the sky.

Evening

Group dinner and reflection workshop

This morning we will take a flight to Cusco and set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we arrive we will journey through the valley, we will be mesmorized by the scenic views of farms, quaint villages, and majestic mountains, immersing ourselfs in the rich Andean culture. Our first stop will be the town of Pisaq. Here, we can stroll through the vibrant streets and explore the lively main square. We’ll visit the local market, known for its colorful crafts and fresh produce. Next, we will take part in an engaging pottery workshop, where we will learn traditional techniques, create and decorate our own piece. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

After breakfast we will get ready and visit the archeological site of Pisaq a place filled with so much history and stunning views of the valley. Then we will head to a remote Andean community, where we will spend a couple of days interacting and learning from the local people. For lunch we will cook Pachamanca together, a traditional way to cook underground with hot rocks that have been heated on fired before. After Lunch our friends will share with us some of the Andean Techniques of weaving that they have been preserving for centuries.

FARMING PROJECT T.B.D

In the morning,  we will continue working on FARMING PROJECXT

We will also have chance assist with the community in their farming tasks for the day, which could include harvesting potatoes, plowing fields, herding sheep, or any other essential chores. We will now transfer to Our to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore the vibrant town and stroll through streets lined with authentic Inca architecture. Then we’ll head to the train station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy a nice dinner.

In the morning, we’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 meters). Once we arrive we will explore the  Inca citadel with a guided tour. We will dive right into its rich history and  architectural wonders. After our tour we will return to Aguas Calientes, where wecan enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the local handicraft market. Later, head to the train station for our afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. followed by our transfer to our hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8 p.m.

Overnight Cusco City

IMPORTANT: Big luggage (suitcases) are not allowed on the trains; you can only take maximum 20 pounds in a small duffle bag or small carry on or a daypack. (The big suitcases stay in the hotel in the Sacred Valley or are transfered to Cusco.

Our day will start with an adventure filled exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the village of Chinchero, where a local family will guide us through the traditional process of weaving textiles. We will also participate in a special offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the sacred Piuray Lake, a gesture of gratitude for the blessings provided by the earth. Next, we will explore the historic area of Chinchero. We’ll then continue to the salt pans of Maras, a site worked by local farmers since pre-Columbian times, where they harvest the prized pink salt of the Andes. Our final stop will be Moray, where we can marvel at the impressive circular terraces that were once used as an agricultural laboratory.

Overnight Cusco City

Our day will start exploring  Sacsayhuaman National Park followed by a walk down to the historic center of Cusco, where we will wander around the main square and narrow cobbled stone streets. We will visit  the Inca Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and the main cathedral.  If time permits, we may also visit the bustling San Pedro Market, to see a bit of the daily life and typical food of the area.

For dinner we will participate in a Peruvian cooking under the guidance of a local cook where we will  learn the secrets behind preparing iconic Peruvian dishes. Throughout the class, we will learn the cultural significance of each dish, understanding how historical influences and regional diversity have shaped Peruvian gastronomy into the dynamic culinary tapestry it is today.

Overnight Cusco

Flight back home.