While others shuffle along the well-worn tourist trail through Peru, you take the road that still feels sacred and personal.
This journey brings you into the homes of local families. You’ll cook, eat, hike, and share stories—not as a tourist, but as a guest. Yes, you’ll see Machu Picchu. But you’ll also feel the heartbeat of real Peru, far beyond the souvenir stalls and selfie spots.
When to Go
High season is June through August.
We recommend going during April through May and September through mid-November to avoid the crowds.
Private Trip Pricing
Included
Excluded
Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings.
Founded in 1535 on the feast of the Epiphany, Lima’s nickname is no accident. This city was born of grand ambitions, gold, and godliness. It’s where Spanish colonial grandeur meets pre-Columbian soul.
Tonight, rest easy in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century mansion, now an elegant boutique hotel. The adventure begins tomorrow and it’s going to be unforgettable.
Hotel: Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Peru is just as celebrated for its cuisine as it is for the ruins of Machu Picchu.
With ingredients sourced from the Andes to the Amazon, and cultural influences from Inca, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese traditions, Peru has become a global culinary capital. It’s no wonder its restaurants consistently rank among the top five in the world.
Your culinary adventure begins with a visit to a local market. Wander among stalls brimming with vibrant produce and ancient super foods, many of which originated here.
Then, head to a private kitchen to prepare a traditional Peruvian lunch. While your meal simmers, indulge in a guided tasting of exotic fruits, each one grown in Peru’s diverse ecosystems.
In the afternoon, stroll through Lima’s historic core. Walk the grand avenues once reserved for the elite, and stand in the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city since the 1500s.
Cap off your day with a rare visit to one of Lima’s oldest colonial mansions. Still home to the descendants of its original owner after 17 generations, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a personal window into centuries of Peruvian history.
Hotel: Antigua Miraflores
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, light dinner
Fly into Cusco, once the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire.
At 10,856 feet, it’s the second-highest city in the world after La Paz, Bolivia. You’ll feel the altitude and the awe.
In Quechua, Cusco means “navel of the earth.” The Incas believed it was the center of the universe, and sacred energy still pulses through its stone streets. You’ll see it as soon as you arrive: the entrance to your hotel is framed by original Inca stonework, so precisely fitted it’s now protected as a national monument.
After dropping your bags, take a slow walk through the San Blas neighborhood. Once known as T’opokachi (the Hole of Salt),its narrow cobbled streets now house the studios of Cusco’s most beloved artists. Many follow the bold, radiant traditions of the Cusco School of painting, a uniquely South American style you’ll learn more about during your cathedral visit this afternoon.
Lunch is at a local favorite. Feeling adventurous? Try baked guinea pig, a delicacy here. Prefer something familiar? You’ll find Peruvian classics, and even pizza, on the menu.
Later, stand in the shadows of two worlds as you explore an ancient Inca temple and Cusco’s magnificent colonial cathedral. Here, Spanish and Inca legacies intertwine in a way that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
End the day with a light dinner at one of Cusco’s oldest cafes, where history lingers in the air like the scent of roasted corn and coffee.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch, and light dinner
Hotel: Rumi Punku (or similar)
Visit an alternative school changing lives, one girl at a time.
Here, daughters of subsistence farmers receive an education they would otherwise be denied. Many are the first in their families to attend school. As you hear the powerful story behind the school’s founding, you’ll also enjoy a lunch lovingly prepared by the students themselves.
This afternoon, feel your perspective shift again, this time through sheer scale, as you stand before the colossal Inca stonework at two iconic archaeological sites just outside Cusco. The precision, the power, the presence of these stones will stay with you.
Then, walk along an ancient Inca trail to a sacred ceremonial site believed to have been dedicated to fertility, where earth, myth, and sky seem to merge.
This evening, experience true Cusqueñan hospitality as you share a home-cooked dinner with a local family. The food is memorable, but it’s the laughter and conversation that will linger longest.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch, and dinner
Hotel: Rumi Punku (or similar)
Journey into a quiet village in the Sacred Valley, known as the “land of the rainbow.”
Here, the ancient art of textile-making is still alive, passed down through generations like a sacred thread. Visit a local family and watch as they spin, dye, and weave using techniques unchanged for centuries. Each pattern holds meaning. Each piece tells a story.
Then, wander the cobblestone streets of a town seemingly untouched by time. Step inside a centuries-old church to admire its vibrant frescoes, and gaze up at the agricultural terraces that still cling to the hillsides, a living testament to Inca ingenuity.
The road winds higher to a stone-built Inca warehouse once used to store corn, potatoes, and quinoa, the foundation of Andean life. The views are spectacular. The silence, profound.
After a scenic picnic lunch, descend into a valley where over 4,000 salt pans cascade down the mountain. Each is tended by a local family, harvesting salt the same way their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, picnic lunch, and dinner at the hotel
Hotel: Lizzy Wasi (or similar)
Meet local villagers dressed in vibrant traditional clothing, their llamas and alpacas adorned with bright pom-poms and handwoven halters.
It’s not a performance, it’s daily life in this high altitude community. Their warmth and pride in their culture is palpable.
Trek to a remote archaeological site where layers of history unfold beneath your feet. Pre-Inca and Inca civilizations once lived here, and their legacy remains etched into narrow passageways, agricultural terraces, underground aqueducts, and timeworn storage houses still standing against the wind.
Cross a canyon trail and give back to Pachamama (mother earth) by planting native trees along the way.
Later, share a traditional lunch with a local family in one of the Sacred Valley’s most enchanting towns. It’s off the tourist radar, but there’s something magnetic about it. Maybe it’s the ancient stonework. Maybe it’s the unshaken traditions. Or maybe it’s just that rare feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be right here and right now.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch with a local family, dinner
Hotel: Lizzy Wasi (or similar)
Board the train bound for Machu Picchu.
The scenery is spectacular; steep canyon walls, cloud forest, and the Urubamba River rushing alongside the tracks. Excitement builds with every bend.
Arrive in the lively town of Aguas Calientes and catch the bus that zigzags up the mountain to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
This afternoon, step into the mystery of Machu Picchu.
Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, the site remains a marvel of engineering and astronomy. Massive stones fit together without mortar. Temples align with the sun. And from nearly every angle, sweeping views stretch across the emerald peaks of the Andes. Hidden from the conquistadors, Machu Picchu remained untouched for centuries. Its spirit is still palpable.
Dinner tonight is at a tucked-away favorite run by a French-Peruvian couple who originally came to cook for hydroelectric engineers and never left. Their restaurant, just off the main square, has been delighting travelers for decades with inventive, heartfelt dishes and warm hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch, and dinner
Hotel: Hatun Inti (or similar)
On the way back to Cusco, enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Andean feast where farm-fresh meats and vegetables are slow-roasted in an earthen oven beneath hot stones.
In Quechua, pacha means earth and manka means pot. Its a name that speaks to the deep connection between food, place, and ritual. It’s not just a meal. It’s a tribute to the land and the people who still live in harmony with it.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, pachamanca, and light dinner
Hotel: Rumi Punku (or similar)
Visit the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
From the outside, it’s humble. But step inside and you’re surrounded by an explosion of color—canvas paintings, carved statues, and soaring murals that rival the grandeur of Renaissance Italy.
Don’t miss the famous depictions of the path to heaven and the path to hell. The message is clear. Choose wisely.
Then, continue on to tonight’s destination: a remote campsite beside a pristine Andean lake. Its clear blue waters are home to trout, silverside, and carachis. The stillness here feels like a blessing.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, picnic lunch, campsite dinner
Hotel: Camping
Sure, you’ve seen the Rainbow Mountain all over social media. But why stop at one when you can see five?
Today’s hike takes you through a dazzling landscape of striped, mineral-rich peaks that feel almost otherworldly. It’s a rainbow parade of geology and far less crowded than the Instagram-famous version.
Along the way, soak in sweeping views of the surrounding valley, sculpted rock formations, and the rhythms of daily life: alpacas and llamas grazing, local villagers working the fields as their ancestors have for centuries.
Then, return to Cusco for a restful night before the journey continues to Lake Titicaca.
Meals: Campsite breakfast, picnic lunch, pizza dinner
Hotel: Rumi Punku (or similar)
All aboard one of the top 10 most spectacular train journeys in the world.
Today, travel across the vast Peruvian Altiplano on a daylong rail journey to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on earth. Golden plains, grazing llamas, distant peaks, and timeless villages roll past your window.
Onboard, enjoy a refined experience that includes lunch, formal tea service, and—yes—an alpaca fashion show. Add in live music, and it’s a journey as entertaining as it is unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch on board the train, and dinner at the hotel
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection (or similar)
This morning, venture beyond the usual tourist path to visit a local family living on one of the Uros floating islands tucked behind the crowds.
Constructed entirely from totora reeds, houses, boats, even the islands themselves, this remarkable community floats gently atop Lake Titicaca. You’ll learn firsthand how these islands are built and maintained, and gain rare insight into daily life on the water.
Then, its on to Taquile Island, where the traditions are just as strong, but woven instead of bundled. The island’s men are world-renowned for their intricate knitting, and the community’s collective way of life is both ancient and inspiring.
Enjoy a lunch of freshly caught fish at the home of a local family, with sweeping lake views as your backdrop.
This evening, return to the Uros to spend the night with a host family on a floating island. It’s an experience few travelers ever have. The hospitality is heartfelt. The setting? Utterly unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch with a local family, and dinner with a local family
Hotel: Homestay on the Uros Islands
Fly back to Lima for your final day in Peru.
Check into a comfortable hotel near the airport to rest, freshen up, and reflect on the journey. Your room is available until your international flight later this evening, offering a smooth and stress-free end to an unforgettable adventure.
As your journey comes to a close, take a moment to celebrate everything you’ve experienced, the stories shared, the challenges embraced, and the beauty witnessed. You’ll return home not just with memories, but with something deeper: a renewed sense of wonder, connection, and possibility.
Meals: Breakfast with a local family
Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol (or similar)
Much of this journey takes place at high elevations often near or above 11,000 feet. If you have a heart condition, respiratory issue, or another health concern that could be impacted by altitude, this may not be the right trip for you. We strongly encourage you to speak with your doctor if you’re unsure.
For most travelers, altitude is manageable with preparation. We’ll share recommendations for medication that many of our guests have found helpful. But as always, it’s a conversation to have with your physician.
The hotels we’ve chosen in Peru are clean, charming, and locally owned with lots of personality and heart. That said, a few locations can be a bit lively, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
In Lima, our boutique hotel features a beautiful central courtyard, which can also carry sound if guests are chatting late into the evening.
In Aguas Calientes, your hotel is conveniently located near the train station (great for easy luggage transfer), but you may hear train activity. The rooms are soundproofed, but if you’re sensitive to ambient noise, it’s something to keep in mind.
In Cusco, the locals love their fireworks. They can go off unpredictably, even late at night. It’s festive, but not exactly sleep-friendly.
We recommend bringing earplugs for a restful night, just in case.
Also worth noting: rooms in Aguas Calientes are not air-conditioned. While the region’s mountain climate typically keeps things cool, rooms can occasionally feel warm during peak afternoon heat.
Parts of this journey take you far off the beaten path. And that’s part of what makes it so special. But with remoteness comes reality: cell service and Wi-Fi can be unreliable or entirely unavailable in some areas.
Access to ATMs may also be limited or nonexistent, especially in smaller towns and rural communities. We’ll advise you in advance when to withdraw local currency, so you’ll be prepared.
Consider it a rare chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the one around you.
Some days on this trip begin early thanks to flight schedules and the long distances we’ll be covering to reach some truly spectacular places.
But don’t worry. You won’t be starting the day empty-handed. We’ll always have a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa ready for you, and breakfast will be provided, whether it’s to-go, roadside, or served with a view.
Our hikes through Peru’s spectacular highland terrain are part of what makes this journey unforgettable.
You’ll follow rugged, occasionally uneven trails that climb through remote landscapes far from roads or vehicles. Transportation will take you to and from the trailheads. But once you’re on the trail, you’ll need to complete the hike on foot.
Your local guide will provide water, snacks, and plenty of encouragement along the way. In the rare event of injury (like a twisted ankle), evacuation by mule, horse, or porter can be arranged, though this comes at an additional cost.
The effort is real. But so are the rewards.
Exploring Machu Picchu requires navigating steep stone staircases, often without handrails, and uneven pathways that ascend and descend dramatically throughout the site.
If you experience vertigo or have difficulty with balance, this may not be the right trip for you. Your safety and comfort are important to us, and we want to ensure you can enjoy the experience fully and confidently.
Ready to Reserve Your Trip?
Simply submit the inquiry form on this page.
We’ll follow up to confirm your preferred travel dates, group size and room preferences, and share final per-person pricing based on availability.
Flexible Deposit
Plans change. We get it.
Cancel or reschedule up to 89 days before departure (119 days during high season) and choose to either:
Apply your deposit to a future trip
Transfer it to another departure date for this trip
Or receive a full refund—no questions asked
Flexible Payment
Secure your trip with a deposit.
Pay the remaining balance on your own schedule anytime up to 90 days before departure (120 days during high season). No interest. No fees. No pressure.
We’ll send a reminder before your final payment is due, so your spot stays secure.
Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information.
