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. Embrace the natural beauty as you venture into the heart of the jungle on a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to your destination, the enchanting Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. Built in a former cacao and rubber plantation, on the grounds of a former medical mission centre, Hacienda Concepcion is a hidden oasis nestled at the heart of a 380 hectare-private ecological reserve. The first Peruvian enterprise to be declared carbon neutral in 1989, Inkaterra mitigates the effects of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest whilst contributing with carbon sequestration through the preservation of Peru’s first ecological concession, with more than 10,000 hectares of virgin rainforest.

After lunch, your Amazon adventure truly begins with a range of guided excursions led by expert Inkaterra guides. Choose from immersive walks along the Concepcion 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 riverbanks. As the day comes to a close, indulge in an Amazonian-inspired dinner surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the jungle. (B, L, D)

Awaken to the mystical sounds of the rainforest and embrace the day’s adventures. After an early morning breakfast, venture to Lake Sandoval, a glassy ox-bow lake surrounded by picture-perfect palms. Paddle quietly in a dug-out wooden canoe, in awe of the endangered giant river otters, red howler monkeys, and colourful birdlife that call this serene lake home. 

The afternoon brings an exhilarating experience as you explore the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. This network of hanging suspension bridges is an initiative in biodiversity conservation, designed to study wildlife in the rainforest canopy. Ascend to the first vertiginous tower, where toucans, woodpeckers, and monkeys might greet you with their vibrant presence. (B, L, D)

Continue your Amazon adventure as you journey to a native farm for a fascinating exploration of the rainforest’s agro diversity. Immerse yourself in the sights and scents of the Amazon as you learn about the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables, essential to the livelihood of local communities. Discover why the rainforest is referred to as the world’s largest pharmacy, as you learn about the medicinal properties of the region’s abundant flora. 

After lunch enjoy a relaxing dugout canoe ride where you’ll have an opportunity to try native fishing as you enjoy the scenery and observe the local fauna including hoatzins, gray necked wood-rails and a diversity of fly catchers. Later, participate in the inland collpa, where you’ll observe the night routines of the wildlife at one of the area’s famous clay licks from behind the blinds, which were designed to observe the normal routine of the fauna without disrupting the environment. (B, L, D)

Embrace your last morning in the unspoiled beauty of Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to this mystical realm and embark on a boat transfer back to Puerto Maldonado airport, to board your flight to Cusco, cherishing the memories of your Amazonian odyssey. 

Upon arrival in Cusco, embark on a scenic journey to the Urubamba Valley, the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure at your hotel, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a contemporary hacienda style hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Set amidst the beautiful countryside, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba stretches across nearly 100 acres, surrounded by majestic green mountains. With breathtaking views of the valley from all rooms, guests are immersed in the serenity and relaxing solitude of the surrounding nature.  The architecture and interior design draw from the region’s rich cultural heritage, featuring colonial-style furnishings, traditional Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork that enhance the hacienda’s authentic charm. (B) 

Embark on a day of exploration in the captivating Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in its rich history and customs. Visit Chinchero, a charming village steeped in ancient weaving traditions. Witness skilled artisans at work during a weaving exhibition, where they will unveil their loom techniques and natural wool dyeing.  Explore Chinchero's 15th century archaeological site, blending Andean and Spanish influences, including a colonial church before continuing to Moray, a unique archaeological site featuring expansive concentric terraces that served as an ancient agricultural laboratory for the Inca civilisation.

After a stop at the Racchi lookout to get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant AMA. Through their restaurant, alpaca boutique and regenerative tourism experiences, AMA strives to empower Sacred Valley's marginalised communities, by providing job opportunities and first-hand training. You’ll enjoy lunch in the restaurant where local single mothers work in the kitchen and cook delicious homemade meals using traditional culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Following lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the array of traditional handicrafts available for purchase. AMA collaborates with women weavers from remote Andean mountain communities, fostering the preservation of their ancestral techniques and providing fair compensation, along with opportunities for skill development. 

The journey culminates in Ollantaytambo, known as the Living Inca Town, a truly enchanting place which boasts profound archaeological significance, a majestic fortress and pristine streets preserving an authentic Inca urban layout, making it the sole inhabited site to maintain its original Inca design to this day. (B, L)

Transfer to Ollanta Station 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 mesmerized 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. 

Complete your Machu Picchu experience with an overnight stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is spread across a sprawling tropical garden filled with native plants, colourful orchids, and diverse birdlife, creating a sense of tranquility and immersion in the natural environment. The architecture reflects traditional Andean village style, with terraced hills, stone pathways and whitewashed adobe casitas, while the interiors feature warm earthy tones with rich wood beams, handwoven textiles and artisanal furniture crafted by local artisans, paying homage to the region’s cultural heritage and blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surrounding Andean cloud forest. (B, L, D)

The morning at leisure provides an opportunity to bask in the tranquillity of Machu Picchu before bidding farewell to this mystical place. This afternoon board the train for your journey back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Considered part of the cultural heritage of Cusco, Costa del Sol Hotel is a beautifully restored 17th century colonial-era mansion. A Wyndham hotel, they are part of the Wyndham Green Certification Program and have implemented a sustainable policy reducing single-use plastic, recycling, minimising water use and improving energy efficiencies. (B)

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, 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.
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 Sacsayhuaman 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. (B)

Discover the secrets of Mama Seledonia's kitchen with a unique culinary experience. Mamá Seledonia is passionately dedicated to creating delicious and unique dishes. Her team, led by the 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, offering employment opportunities to single mothers from less privileged communities. These women possess exceptional culinary skills, yet domestic responsibilities often impede their access to jobs. You’ll enjoy an exciting gastronomic tour of the local Cascaparo market, where you'll get to know the indigenous ingredients of 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 (B, L)

This morning you'll depart from Cusco to begin your journey across the Altiplano to Puno, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the valley south of Cusco along the way. Your first stop will be at Andahuaylillas, which has a beautiful 17th Century church featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. You'll then visit the ruins at Raqchi, also known as the "Temple of Wiracocha.” Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey. Your last stop will be La Raya, the highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno, from where there will be excellent photo opportunities. (B, L)

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. As you step onto the man-made floating reed islands of the Uros Indians you’ll be transported back in time to a culture that has thrived here for millennia. Meet these resilient islanders, descendants of the first Altiplano inhabitants who still live on totora reed platforms. Explore Taquile Island where the islanders still live according to the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors and are world renowned for their lovely outfits and extraordinary textiles. Experience a traditional Guatia, a culinary marvel, where a blend of tubers is cooked in ancestral earth ovens, which we will get to taste right after, still warm, along with chicken and the local delicacy – trout. (B, L)

Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)