Peru: Culture and Gastronomy

We will welcome you at Lima’s airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in comfortably. In the afternoon, we will begin a fascinating City Tour, starting with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial center from the 4th century, considered sacred by the Incas. The tour continues through Lima’s Historic Center, where you’ll see over fifty colonial-era monuments, including the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Lima Cathedral, and City Hall. Next, we’ll visit the majestic San Francisco Monastery Complex, an icon of colonial religious art in the Americas, famous for its underground crypts known as the Catacombs. Finally, we’ll explore modern Lima with a pleasant drive through its most traditional and sophisticated residential areas: El Olivar in San Isidro, the vibrant district of Miraflores, and the oceanfront Larcomar shopping center.

We begin the adventure at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Lima. At 9:00 a.m., we arrive in Paracas to enjoy breakfast by the sea. Then, we embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll admire stunning rock formations and abundant marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and guano birds. Along the way, we’ll also see the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, whose origin remains a fascinating enigma. Afterwards, we continue to Ica to have lunch among vineyards at Cultour Pisco, savoring typical local dishes. We then take the Pisco Tour, discovering its artisanal process from grape to distillation and tasting various varieties. The day ends in Huacachina, an oasis in the middle of the desert, where you’ll experience the thrill of dune buggy rides and sandboarding. At dusk, settle into a glamping tent among the dunes with a cheese platter and dinner before a restful night.

This gastronomic tour begins at the Chorrillos Fish Market, where you’ll witness local fishermen bringing in the freshest seafood straight from the Pacific. Next, we’ll visit a vibrant traditional market, discovering an incredible variety of native fruits and Andean tubers. You’ll then become a chef for the day, guided by experts to prepare ceviche and the classic pisco sour. To conclude, enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch—such as lomo saltado or ají de gallina—paired with chicha morada.

At the agreed time, we will transfer you from your hotel in Lima to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and escort you to your hotel so you can settle in comfortably. In the afternoon, we’ll pick you up to visit Cristo Blanco for an impressive panoramic view of the city, then explore the Sapantiana Aqueduct and stroll along Siete Borreguitos Street. We’ll continue through San Blas artisan workshops to the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, then walk the Plaza de Armas to relive Cusco’s Inca and colonial history. We conclude at San Pedro Market, immersing you in local customs.

At 7:00 a.m., we pick you up for an hour’s drive to Pisac, where you’ll explore Inca terraces and urban ruins, then browse the Pisac artisan market for paintings, jewelry, and textiles. At midday, enjoy an authentic pachamanca lunch in Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, tour the Ollantaytambo fortress with its finely crafted stone walls. We conclude by transferring you to the train station for a panoramic ride to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll rest and prepare for Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, board a tourist bus for the 25-minute drive up to Machu Picchu’s entrance. Our expert guide will lead you through temples, terraces, and viewpoints, revealing the site’s historical, astronomical, and spiritual secrets. After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time. In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel for the night.

In the heart of the Sacred Valley, depart at 9:00 a.m. for Huilloc, an authentic Quechua community. Immerse yourself in ancestral textile artistry by weaving your own alpaca-wool bracelet under local artisans’ guidance. Participate in a spiritual ceremony with an Andean wise elder to commune with the apus (sacred mountain spirits) and Pachamama. This transformative day brings you closer to living Inca traditions.

At 8:30 a.m., we’ll pick you up in Ollantaytambo and drive to Moray’s circular Inca terraces—an ancient agricultural laboratory. Next, explore Maras’ more than 3,000 salt ponds, a pre-Inca marvel of mineral extraction. After absorbing these landscapes, return to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 p.m., where the tour concludes.

Enjoy a free day to rest and recover after your adventures so far. Explore Cusco’s historic center at your own pace—wander plazas, browse artisan shops, and soak in local life before continuing your journey.

In the morning, we will transfer you to the station to board the PeruRail Titicaca tourist service to Puno. Enjoy gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, and a regional dance show on board as you cross the Andean altiplano. Around 6:00 p.m., arrive in Puno and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Sail across Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros Islands, where you’ll learn about reed-island living and ride a traditional totora reed boat. Then continue to Taquile to experience its rich textile tradition and warm hospitality, with a cultural immersion and island walk. Return to Puno around 4:00 p.m. for hotel transfer.

After breakfast at the hotel, at the previously coordinated time we will transfer you to Juliaca airport for your flight back to Lima, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Peruvian lands.