Authentic Peru

Welcome to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital! Upon your arrival at the airport, our private transfer will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel. An original republican house from the 1920’s, Hotel Villa Barranco has been restored with great care, respecting the original architecture and art. 

Embark on an immersive journey into Lima's creative soul. With its exquisite colonial mansions, hidden plazas, vibrant cultural life, quirky museums, designer boutiques and handicrafts fairs, Barranco has emerged as the artistic heart of the city. Stroll along the “malecon” and the iconic “Bridge of Sighs,” while your expert guide unravels the intriguing history of this bohemian neighbourhood. Indulge your senses as you pause for coffee in a local haunt, mingling with the city's denizens. Inside a revered Peruvian artist's studio, the Victor Delfin House and Art Studio, embrace a time-honoured bohemian spirit, and if fortune favours, catch a glimpse of the artist at work. One of the leading sculptors and painters in Peru, Victor Delfin is best known for his monumental El Beso, a large sculpture in the "Love Park" by the Pacific Ocean in the Miraflores district of Lima. You’ll also visit a prestigious muralist's museum, a testament to Barranco's enduring creativity. This artist’s vibrant pieces scatter the streets of Barranco, a living testament to the neighborhood's pulsating heart. 

Next, your exploration shifts to modern Lima's panoramic vistas as you journey to the Historic Centre, and the city's colonial soul. The Main Square, surrounded by historic landmarks, echoes tales of the past. In the Lima Art Museum (MALI), centuries of Peruvian art unfold in a breathtaking array of Peruvian art across eras, from ancient to contemporary. (B)

Today, your journey takes a thrilling turn as you fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. From there, a scenic motorboat ride along the Madre de Dios River carries you deep into the jungle to the enchanting Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. A restored cacao and rubber plantation that once housed a mid-century Catholic medical mission centre, Hacienda Concepción is set within a 380-hectare private ecological reserve. 

Inkaterra was Peru’s first carbon-neutral enterprise, achieving this milestone in 1989 by conserving over 10,000 hectares of virgin Amazon rainforest, the country’s first ecological concession. Through this initiative, approximately 200 tonnes of carbon are sequestered per hectare each year, directly mitigating deforestation in the region.

After lunch, your Amazon adventure truly begins with a range of guided excursions led by expert Inkaterra guides. Choose from immersive walks along the Concepción trails, where you’ll encounter towering trees and a symphony of exotic wildlife. As dusk falls, embark on a Twilight River excursion, witnessing the rainforest transform from day to night, revealing its nocturnal inhabitants. You might be lucky enough to spot nightjars, owls, and caimans lurking along the riverbank. As the day comes to a close, indulge in an Amazonian-inspired dinner surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the jungle. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaken to the mystical sounds of the rainforest and embrace the day’s adventures. After an early morning breakfast, venture to Lake Sandoval, a pristine oxbow lake nestled within the Tambopata National Reserve. Paddle quietly in a traditional dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the endangered giant river otters.  You may also spot red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, hoatzins, turtles and black caimans.  

In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. This network of seven suspension bridges, suspended up to 42 metres above the forest floor, offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy.  As you traverse the treetops, you might encounter toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys, and sloths. The walkway is designed to minimise environmental impact while providing an immersive experience in the upper layers of the jungle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue your Amazon adventure with a visit to a native farm, where you’ll explore the rainforest’s rich agrodiversity. Learn about the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables that sustain local communities, and discover why the rainforest is often referred to as the world's largest pharmacy due to its abundant medicinal plants.

After lunch, embark on a tranquil dugout canoe ride, offering the opportunity to try native fishing techniques while enjoying the serene surroundings. Keep an eye out for hoatzins, grey-cowled wood rail, and a variety of flycatchers that inhabit the area. 

Later, participate in an activity called “inland collpa”, where you will observe the nighttime behaviours of wildlife at a clay lick from behind specially designed blinds.   You can watch as animals like peccaries, agoutis, and monkeys visit the clay deposits to consume essential minerals. This unique activity provides insight into the natural behaviors of Amazonian fauna without disrupting their environment. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embrace your last morning in the unspoiled beauty of Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell and embark on a scenic boat transfer along the Madre de Dios River back to Puerto Maldonado.  Upon arrival at the airport, you will board your flight, carry with you the memories of your Amazonian odyssey, an intimate journey into one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

Upon arrival in Cusco, embark on a scenic journey to the Urubamba Valley, the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”.

Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a day of exploration in the captivating Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant customs. Begin with a visit to Chinchero, a charming village renowned for its ancient weaving traditions. Witness skilled artisans at work during a weaving exhibition, where they will unveil their loom techniques and natural wool dyeing methods.  Explore Chinchero's 15th century archaeological site, blending Andean and Spanish influences. The site includes a colonial church built atop Incan foundations. Adjacent to the site is a vibrant market where local artisans sell their handcrafted textiles and other goods, providing an opportunity to support the community and take home a piece of their heritage.

Continue your journey to Moray, a unique archaeological site featuring expansive concentric terraces. These terraces are believed to have served as an ancient agricultural laboratory for the Inca civilization, allowing them to experiment with different crops and farming techniques.

After a stop at the Racchi lookout to enjoy one of the best views of the Sacred Valley, savour a delicious lunch at AMA, a local restaurant dedicated to empowering marginalised communities. Through its restaurant, alpaca boutique, and regenerative tourism experiences, AMA provides job opportunities and hands-on training to single mothers from the Sacred Valley, enabling them to support their families and preserve cultural traditions.

At AMA, you'll dine on homemade meals prepared by local single mothers who work in the kitchen, utilising traditional culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and community development is reflected in its menu and operations. 

Following lunch, take the opportunity to explore AMA's boutique, which offers a range of traditional handicrafts made by female weavers from remote Andean communities. By purchasing these handcrafted items, you support the preservation of ancestral techniques and provide fair compensation to the artisans. 

This visit not only allows you to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley but also contributes to the empowerment of its communities through sustainable and inclusive initiatives.

The journey culminates in Ollantaytambo, often referred to as the "Living Inca Town." This settlement boasts extraordinary archaeological significance, featuring a majestic fortress and pristine streets that preserve an authentic Inca urban layout. It stands as the sole inhabited site to maintain its original Inca design to this day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to Ollantaytambo Station, also known as Ollanta, for a thrilling full-day Machu Picchu adventure aboard the Inca Rail train. Embark on a scenic train ride to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, nestled amidst the majestic Andean mountains. As you arrive at Machu Picchu, be prepared to be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring beauty of this ancient wonder. Guided by knowledgeable experts, uncover the mysteries and history of this extraordinary Inca citadel. Amidst the breathtaking vistas, capture memories that will last a lifetime.   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely morning to soak in the tranquility of Machu Picchu, bid farewell to this mystical site and board the train for your return journey to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco, a beautifully restored 17th century colonial mansion that is considered part of the city's cultural heritage. The hotel is part of the Wyndham Green Certification Program and has implemented a sustainable policy reducing single use plastic, recycling, minimising water use and improving energy efficiencies.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, delve deeper into the heart of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your journey begins at San Pedro Market, the oldest market in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, the market's iron structure and elevated roof provided a spacious, well-ventilated area, perfect for selling fresh products and handicrafts. This bustling and vibrant marketplace is a feast for the senses, bringing together hundreds of merchants selling local products, from traditional Peruvian dishes and local fruits to intricately woven textiles, colourful ceramics, and beautiful alpaca wool products. Located just a 10-minute walk southwest of the Plaza de Armas, the market is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s cultural heritage. 

Continue to the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and a sacred centre dedicated to the Sun God. Marvel at the harmonious blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The temple’s history and spiritual significance will captivate your imagination. 

Embark on a journey to the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, an awe-inspiring example of Inca military architecture. Marvel at the colossal stone walls, seamlessly fitted together like a puzzle, and imagine the mastery and engineering prowess of the Incas. Your journey takes you to the Q’enqo archaeological site, where important Inca ceremonies once took place. The site’s intricate carvings and underground chambers add to its mystique and cultural significance. Conclude your day with a visit to the main square, Plaza de Armas, where the iconic Cusco Cathedral stands tall, showcasing exquisite colonial art and sacred artifacts. 

Meals: Breakfast

Discover the secrets of Mama Seledonia's kitchen through a unique culinary experience. Mamá Seledonia is passionately dedicated to creating delicious and distinctive dishes. Her team, led by founder and executive chef Seledonia Montalvo, works tirelessly to deliver exquisite recipes and exceptional service. Mamá Seledonia’s impact goes beyond the kitchen, she actively engages in social outreach by offering employment opportunities to single mothers from less privileged communities. These women possess exceptional culinary skills, yet domestic responsibilities often limit their access to jobs.

Enjoy an exciting gastronomic tour of the local Cascaparo market, where you'll discover indigenous ingredients from the Cusco region. Handpick your favorites, then craft your chosen dishes in Seledonia's kitchen. Savour a transformative tasting experience that goes beyond food, creating a ripple of generosity that impacts lives. The rest of the day is at leisure to continue exploring the charming city on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Cusco to Puno, traversing the picturesque Andean highlands. Your first stop is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, renowned as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" for its ornate 17th century frescoes and gilded altar.

Next, visit the Raqchi Archaeological Site, home to the impressive Temple of Wiracocha. This adobe structure, once towering at 14 metres, was dedicated to the creator god Wiracocha and served as a ceremonial center along the Inca road system.

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey. Conclude your day with a stop at La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route at 4,335 metres above sea level. Here, you can capture stunning photographs of the surrounding snowcapped peaks and observe local wildlife, including alpacas and llamas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a captivating voyage that delves into the heart of Lake Titicaca's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Navigate to the enchanting floating Uros Islands, where you'll step onto manmade reed islands crafted by the Uros people. These resilient islanders, descendants of the first Altiplano inhabitants, continue to thrive on totora reed platforms, preserving a way of life that has endured for millennia.

Next, explore Taquile Island, a community renowned for its rich traditions and extraordinary textiles. The islanders uphold customs passed through generations, living in harmony with their environment. Their intricate handwoven garments are not only functional but also embody cultural narratives and social identity.

Experience a traditional Guatia, a culinary marvel where a blend of tubers is cooked in ancestral earth ovens. This communal dish, often accompanied by chicken and the local delicacy, trout, offers a taste of the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your journey concludes with a transfer to the airport. 

Meals: Breakfast