Go Local in Peru

When you land in Lima this morning, our wonderful team on the ground will be ready to welcome you with a massive smile and plenty of insider insights into Lima’s vibrant culture, unique neighbourhoods and delicious food. Check into your hotel and take some time to recuperate from the long flight before heading out to explore the city. 

For us, tasting the local flavours and sampling traditional dishes is one of the best parts of travel. Second only to interacting with the people, it’s a brilliant (and tasty) way to get to know a country and what it's all about. With that in mind, today you’ll head off on a shared culinary tour around Lima. The city is home to some of the best restaurants and top cuisine in all of South America, so you’re in for a treat. With your local guide, you’ll sample traditional dishes and unexpected delicacies at local markets, hidden local cafes and maybe even a bustling cevichería. 

Today, the adventure kicks up a notch with a short flight to the Peruvian Amazon. Your journey will be a varied one, using a mix of vehicles, motorised canoes and paddle boats, you’ll edge your way through the rainforest getting ever closer to your lodge. With howler monkeys calling from the treetops and flashes of vibrant macaws swooping overhead, you’ll feel like you’re really in the wilderness now. Your home, nestled away in the jungle for the next three nights, will be the perfect base from which to explore the abundant Amazonian wildlife. All of your activities and meals will be included during your stay here, allowing you to focus on the important bit, enjoying every single moment.

There will be no need for alarm clocks over the next couple of days, the jungle will sort that for you. As you wake up to the wild sounds of the rainforest, get ready for two full days of group activities and wildlife spotting. Mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife, so after an early breakfast, you’ll head off on nature walks, canopy tower climbs, and drifts along the tranquil waterways by paddle canoe. Your expert naturalist guide will be constantly scanning the treetops and the water’s edge, pointing out lurking caiman, playful river otters, or perhaps a swooping, colourful macaw along the way. There’s so much wildlife to see here, you won’t even need to leave your lodge grounds to spot it. 

Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and hop on a flight to Cusco. You’ll be greeted at the airport and whisked straight off into the Sacred Valley. In the small town of Ollantaytambo, surrounded by unforgettable mountain scenery and traditional Andean villages, you’ll get your first taste of life in the valley.  

Today you’ll visit the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, taking plenty of time to explore its ancient terraces and take in the majestic views of the mountains all around. This afternoon will be a special one. You’ll be driven to a local Huilloc community, where rich Incan traditions are a crucial part of day-to-day life. Spend time with the local people, learn about their heritage and be invited to enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with ingredients grown in the land. This encounter is a rare chance to experience the true hospitality of the Andean people, who are so eager and happy to share their way of life with visitors. 

Today is a highlight of any Peru holiday, catching your very first glimpse of Machu Picchu. You’ll take a scenic train and bus journey winding your way up through the mountains. Your guide will be waiting to lead you on an informative and incredible tour of Machu Picchu’s breathtaking terraces, crumbling temples and impressive stone structures. The guides here are so brilliant at bringing the mysteries of this remarkable place to life (many used to be porters in their youth!), as well as seeking out the best spots away from the crowds for you to soak it all up in peace. Chat to us if you'd like to take on the Inca Trail trek in full and we’ll work your itinerary around it. You’ll spend tonight in the small town nearby to rejuvenate before more Incan adventures await tomorrow. 

With a second entry to Machu Picchu (because one day would never be enough), you’ll have today to explore further. You might choose to delve deeper, exploring its hidden corners or challenge yourself to a climb up Huayna Picchu, where your energetic efforts will be rewarded with incredible views. You’ll head back to Cusco this afternoon and check into your hotel, tucked away within the winding cobbled streets of vibrant Old Town. 

Today, you’ll set out on a private walking tour of Cusco with a wonderful local guide. As you wander through the historic streets, visiting sacred sites and sampling local flavours, your guide will share plenty of stories and anecdotes that’ll bring Cusco’s rich history to life. This afternoon, you’ll get a real insight into one of Peru’s most traditional crafts at the Sulca Textiles Workshop. You’ll meet the artisans from Ayacucho who have kept Peru’s ancient textile traditions alive through several generations.

Take to the rails today for an unforgettable train journey across the Peruvian Andes. Flying through sweeping mountain landscapes, you'll edge ever closer to Puno, your gateway to Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake. The shimmering waters of the lake are so special to the Peruvian people, some believe it to be the birthplace of the ancient Inca civilisation, with legend stating that the first Inca emperor emerged from its sacred waters. You’ll check into your hotel in Puno, the perfect base from which to explore the mythical lake and meet the people who call its shores home. 

Wake up bright and early today for an adventure across the waters of Lake Titicaca. Home to a rich cultural heritage and several indigenous communities, today you’ll get a real insight into a truly unique way of life. First up, you’ll hop on a boat and head over to the floating islands of the Uros. You’ll have the honour of meeting the islanders who will proudly show you around their homes, teaching you some traditional cooking methods and all about their ancient way of life. Next up is a really special experience. You’ll continue on to Amantani Island, where you’ll be welcomed into a local family home to spend the night. You’ll share a meal, stories and daily routines with your hosts, soaking up the Peruvian hospitality of a typical Amantani home. These are the moments of your trip you’ll never forget. 

After enjoying breakfast with your wonderful host family, you’ll have time to stroll the quaint streets of this colourful island. Late morning, hop on a motorboat over to Taquile Island. Best known for its colourful weaving and textiles, the island is home to Quechua-speaking natives with dress and traditions that have remained the same for generations. You’ll learn all about their unique social systems – how, for example, the knitting of hats is carried out exclusively by the men of the island – as well as their fine hand weaving techniques that they’ve perfected over the decades. Grab some photos – and a tasty lunch! –  before heading back to your hotel in Puno.

You’ll hop on a short flight back to Lima today, where you’ll connect with your international flight home. After two weeks of adventures and exploring, we hope you’ll be leaving with a heart full of unforgettable experiences and connections made with Peru’s welcoming people.