Arrive in Lima by 3 pm for a transfer to our hotel.

Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as Ciudad de los Reyes, Lima became the capital and most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Today, about one-third of Peru’s population lives in Lima’s metropolitan area, making it the largest city in the country.

Meet your guide in the hotel reception for a brief orientation session. Enjoy a welcome dinner and an evening to relax.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodations: Casa Andina

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a historic Walking City Tour of Lima, visiting the Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Church and its catacombs, the Government Palace, and the old city. A highlight will be the Larco Herrera Museum, home to the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. 

Enjoy some free time for lunch in the old city.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to “Urban Kitchen” for a fun culinary arts class where you’ll learn to make Peruvian classics.  like empanadas, croquettes, and ceviche under the guidance of a renowned chef.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Casa Andina

After a relaxing morning, we’ll head to a local dance institute for fun lessons in La Marinera (Peru’s national dance) and Afro-Peruvian zapateo styles.

Next, we’ll meet with a shamanic energy healer who will share engaging stories about the spiritual significance of the cultural sites we’ll visit and lead a traditional ceremony suitable for all ages.

After lunch, thrill-seekers can enjoy a tandem paraglide over Lima’s stunning coastline and beaches (additional cost). Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic walk or bike ride along el Malecón (optional costs may apply for bike rentals).

For dinner, we have a reservation at the Restaurant Huaca Pucllana. The creatively illuminated huaca ruins provide a movie-set-like backdrop, making dining here an unforgettable experience with 1,500-year-old views. The restaurant remains open long after the ruins close.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Casa Andina

This morning, we’ll explore the ruins of Pachacamac, an ancient temple located about 25 miles from Lima. Settled around A.D. 200 and named after the “Earth Maker” creator god Pacha Kamaq, the temple served as a ceremonial site for 1,000 years before the Inca civilization.

After lunch, we’ll visit the ChocoMuseo for a delightful 2-hour chocolate-making workshop.

The evening is free for local cultural activities. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Magic Water Circuit, a beautiful park where illuminated fountains display continuously changing color schemes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Casa Andina

Today, we embark on a day excursion to San Bartolo to visit the Generacion House and meet with Executive Director Lucy Borja. Lucy, an everyday hero, has dedicated herself to supporting the rights of street children. We’ll learn about her impactful work and the social issues affecting youth today.

During our visit, we’ll enjoy a bird-watching tour at the beach with the kids from the Surfing Tribe. This project, part of Generacion, provides a safe haven for young boys and utilizes surfing and skateboarding to help them heal from trauma. We’ll have time for a snack in San Bartolo as lunch will be served later than usual.

Afterward, we’ll drive approximately 30 minutes for lunch at Hacienda Mamacona. The Rizo Patrón family, owners of the hacienda, have deep roots in agriculture, cattle breeding, and the breeding of Paso Horses.

The evening is free for local cultural activities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Casa Andina

This morning, we’ll depart for the “Imperial City” of Cuzco. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to the hotel and then embark on a guided City Tour of this fascinating town, including a visit to the Temple of the Sun. We’ll also make a brief stop at the Coca Museum to explore the medicinal benefits of coca, particularly in treating altitude sickness. For those interested, there will be a chance to purchase medicinal coca products like candies and tea.

Later, we’ll have an intimate exchange with a Q’ero Shaman, who will conduct a despacho ceremony for healing, protection, and establishing ayni (right relationship), along with offering a rite of initiation.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a family-style dinner and have free time to relax and acclimate to the altitude on our own.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Casa Andina Standard Catedral

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and start our day with a visit to The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. We’ll learn about wool production and dyeing processes, watch a weaving demonstration, and have the opportunity to buy souvenirs supporting the center.

Next, we’ll visit Raqchi, a public school, for a hands-on conservation or gardening activity.

After lunch, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, stopping at Chinchero Archeological Park along the way. We’ll check into the Kinsapacha Ecolodge for a farm-to-fork dinner and have the evening free to relax and explore the farm.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Kinsapacha EcoLodge

We’ll start our day exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Aguas Calientes.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Kinsapacha Ecolodge for an activity on permaculture and medicinal herbs, followed by dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Kinsapacha EcoLodge

In the morning, we’ll check out of the ecolodge and return to our lodging in Cusco. We’ll visit the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site, including the Sun Temple, Condor Temple, and more. Later, we’ll explore the remarkable ruins of Sacsayhuaman.

Lunch will be on your own.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a llama and alpaca farm to learn about these animals and perhaps feed them.

We’ll end our wonderful Peruvian journey with a farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Standard Catedral

After breakfast, you’ll either catch your return flight home from Cusco or continue on to the optional Amazon excursion.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Cuzco airport for Puerto Maldonado, arriving around 1:15 pm. From there, travel to the Tambopata National Reserve, a 3.7 million-acre conservation unit in southeastern Amazonian Peru. After a brief stop in town, we will drive thirty minutes to the Tambopata River Port in Infierno, where we’ll board motorized canoes for a one-hour trip to Posada Amazonas.

Depending on the arrival time, we’ll have a boxed lunch aboard the boats or at Posada Amazonas. During the journey, we may spot various bird species typical of the river or forest edge. At Posada Amazonas, unpack and receive an orientation and briefing on the lodge and ecotourism project.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the canopy tower for spectacular views of the river, forest, and birdwatching opportunities. Evening activities include a discussion circle and an optional video about the Tambopata forest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Posada Amazonas

Wake at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After breakfast, a fifteen-minute boat ride from Posada Amazonas followed by a 30-minute walk leads us to the lake shore. Here, we embark on a leisurely canoe ride, searching for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzins, and wading birds, particularly the resident family of nine giant river otters.

Returning to the lodge’s trails, we’ll visit a small parakeet clay lick where colorful parrots like Blue Headed Parrots, Orange-Cheeked Parrots, and Cobalt-winged parakeets gather to ingest clay, creating a vibrant wildlife spectacle.

One afternoon, we’ll explore the community’s ethnobotanical center, learning about medicinal plants and forest resources. The other afternoon, we’ll visit a local Amazonian community to understand daily life and agricultural practices.

Evenings at Posada Amazonas include dinner and optional activities like a guided night walk or discussions on biodiversity protection in the Amazon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Posada Amazonas

After breakfast, we will depart for Puerto Maldonado and then head to Lima for your return flight back home.

Meals Included: Breakfast