Experiential Travel Peru

Touch down in beautiful Arequipa. We`ll be waiting at the airport to assist with luggage and introduce you to the city`s significant treasures and hidden local spots.    Home to multiple snowcapped volcanoes, Arequipa is a historic city largely constructed of pale sillar (volcanic stone).  Take the evening to enjoy the city’s distinct local cuisine or rest up for a unique community-based tourism experience in the Colca Canyon the following day.  

After an early breakfast, depart for the Colca Canyon village of Coporaque.  Along the way, pass through Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve where you’ll have the chance to observe wild vicuñas.   Stop for views of snow-covered volcanoes and views of the canyon as we approach, arriving in time for lunch with your host family.

In the afternoon, enjoy one of several hikes, visit local hot springs, or explore the community.   Dinner and overnight with a local family (private room).

Early this morning departure for Cruz del Condor, with the goal of observing Andean condors high above the Colca Canyon. From there, continue to several traditional canyon towns before continuing on to Lake Titicaca.  Horseback riding and additional trekking can be arranged before departure.  Evening arrival at your Puno hotel.

After breakfast, depart Puno by speedboat for  Uros, the famous reed islands that dot a corner of Lake Titicaca.   These floating, man-made islands have been inhabited for over a thousand years and are a main attraction for visitors to the Peruvian side of the lake.     Take time to visit with families there and learn about their lives, before continuing to Taquile Island, your homestay destination.

Taquile Island is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity site, recognized for the quality of their handwoven textiles and the ancient origins of their craft. The island is located about 45km offshore from Puno and was isolated from the mainland for decades.   Upon arrival at the dock, enjoy a short, scenic hike to your host family’s home    A traditional meal will be waiting, along with stunning views of the island and lake.   In the afternoon, hike to the Temple of the Pachamama to see more and take in sunset.   Overnight Taquile.

 Awake this morning to the peace and tranquility of island life.   After a filling breakfast with your hosts, earn a about Taquile’s ancient weaving traditions, passed down through generations by both men and women.  In contrast to much of Peru, men here are known for their beautiful, intricate textiles; we learn about the practices and processes that go into hand weaving on the island, then take a final walk down to a scenic beach for a final goodbye.    

Return to the mainland by speedboat, arriving in time for lunch.   From there, private transfer to Cusco, lasting 5-6 hours.  There are multiple points of interest along the way, and a guide can be added if you’d like to explore certain stops.  Evening arrival at your comfortable hotel in Cusco’s charming historic center.

Morning departure for Cusco’s Sacred Valley!  This beautiful area between Cusco and Machu Picchu is home to Inca ruins, traditional villages, rural towns and scenic hiking trails.  Our first stop is Pisac, a town and Inca archaeological site of the same name.  The Pisac ruins are comprised of residential and religious areas, an observatory and terraces.  All are built onto the face of a steep mountainside, which provides wonderful views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding peaks.  Explore the ruins with your guide, then descend town and browse in their traditional market. 

From Pisac, continue to the traditional community of Poques, where your hosts will be waiting to welcome you and share a pachamanca meal.  A pachamanca is a traditional feast of meats, tubers, plantains, cheese and vegetables cooked over hot stones. 

You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to learn about traditional life in the Andes.   Common activities include llama and alpaca care, weaving, gathering medicinal plants, agriculture, short walks, and spending time with the community.  Overnight is in a private room on your host’s property; your private guide will be available as needed.

Today you’ll explore Machu Picchu!  After an early breakfast with your host family, head to the train station for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes.  From there, board a shuttlebus to the gates of Machu Picchu.

Tour renowned areas of this 7^th Wonder of the Modern Word with your private guide. You`ll have time to add a Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Montaña or Inti Punku climb (additional cost, based on availability) before returning by train and private transfer to Cusco. Evening return to Cusco.