Explore Peru: Culture, History & Andean Landscapes

Andean Landscapes & Wildlife

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey from Arequipa to the spectacular Colca Canyon, where the dramatic scenery and rich Andean wildlife make the journey as memorable as the destination itself.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. As you continue into the Andes, the landscape becomes increasingly impressive. At around 4,000 metres above sea level, enjoy panoramic views of the Misti, Pichu Pichu, and Chachani volcanoes, as well as the fascinating Stone Forest.

Continue through Pampa de Toccra, a high-altitude landscape where alpacas roam freely and several bird species can be spotted, including elegant flamingos. Keep your camera ready as you take in these extraordinary Andean surroundings.

The journey reaches its highest point at Patapampa, the Andes viewpoint at approximately 4,910 metres above sea level. From here, admire the spectacular panorama of the Colca region and the eight volcanoes that form the famous Circle of Fire.

After taking in the scenery, descend towards Chivay, a charming town near the Colca Canyon, where you will enjoy a lunch featuring local cuisine. In the afternoon, relax at the La Calera thermal baths, fed by warm waters from the Cotallumi volcano—a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the high Andes.

Note: We recommend carrying your original passport, some cash in local currency and preferably small denominations, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain jacket during the rainy season.

Colca Canyon & Journey to Puno

Today, continue your Andean adventure with an early departure towards the spectacular Colca Canyon. Travel through a landscape of dramatic mountains and high-altitude valleys as you make your way to Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best viewpoints in the region. From here, admire the immense Colca Valley and watch the majestic Andean condor soar above the canyon—a truly unforgettable sight.

Continue exploring the surrounding area with visits to the picturesque villages of Pinchollo and Wayra Punku, as well as the Antahuilque viewpoint, where you can admire impressive agricultural terraces built into the mountainsides and beautiful lagoons scattered throughout the valley. In Maca, stop to appreciate its charming church, known for its distinctive mestizo Baroque architecture.

Return to Chivay for lunch before beginning the approximately six-hour journey to Puno. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the high Andes and make a stop at Lagunillas, a beautiful high-altitude lagoon located at around 4,100 metres above sea level. Take in the peaceful surroundings and sweeping mountain scenery before continuing to Puno.

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved rest after a day immersed in the landscapes and culture of the Andes.

Altiplano Landscapes & Andean Heritage

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Puno train station to begin your journey towards Cusco. Travel through the spectacular landscapes of the Altiplano and Southern Valley, with several fascinating cultural and archaeological stops along the way.

Your first stop is the charming town of Pucará, where you will visit its museum and discover archaeological and lithic pieces associated with the ancient Pucará culture. Continue to La Raya, the highest point of the route at approximately 4,335 metres above sea level. Take a moment to admire the dramatic Andean scenery, including views of the snow-capped Chimboya peak and surrounding mountains.

Continue your journey with a buffet lunch at a traditional local restaurant before visiting the impressive archaeological complex of Raqchi, also known as the Temple of Wiracocha. Discover its monumental structures, some rising more than 14 metres high, and learn about the important role this site played during the Inca era.

Your final stop is Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro Apóstol. Often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” the church is renowned for its extraordinary Baroque decoration, elaborate murals, and remarkable collection of colonial artwork.

After this day of cultural discovery and spectacular landscapes, continue to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the bus station to your hotel.

Today, immerse yourself in traditional Andean life with a full-day cultural experience in the community of Misminay, located approximately one hour from Cusco in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from community members accompanied by traditional music and dances. Then, take part in a variety of everyday activities, choosing those that best match your interests. Learn about traditional cooking, participate in agricultural activities, or discover ancestral construction techniques used by the local community.

You can also explore the community’s remarkable textile traditions, learning about the techniques and cultural meaning behind their handmade creations. Alternatively, take a walk to a scenic viewpoint and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Andes and Sacred Valley.

The experience concludes with a delicious lunch prepared by the community using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering an authentic taste of Andean cuisine.

After a day of cultural exchange and meaningful encounters, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

At the indicated time, you will be picked up and transferred to the train station to board a scenic train towards Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Travel through the spectacular Andean landscapes as mountains, valleys, and lush vegetation unfold outside your window, setting the stage for the incredible experience ahead.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, continue your journey towards the ruins of Machu Picchu. Once at the citadel, enjoy a guided tour through its ancient terraces, temples, plazas, and stone structures while discovering the history, mysteries, and remarkable engineering of the Inca civilization.

Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, Machu Picchu offers countless opportunities to take in the views and capture unforgettable photographs of this extraordinary place.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board the train for your journey back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to relax after an unforgettable day exploring the heart of the Inca Empire.

Half-Day Cusco Art Workshop & Coffee Tasting 

Today, discover the artistic and cultural essence of Cusco through a hands-on experience that combines Andean traditions, local art, and Peru’s renowned coffee culture.

Begin by learning about the rich artistic heritage of Cusco and the cultural syncretism created by the convergence of Andean and Spanish traditions. Discover the story behind the Torito de Pucará, a traditional symbol associated with prosperity, protection, and good fortune.

Then, let your creativity take over. You will receive a blank Torito de Pucará along with everything you need to decorate it in your own style. While enjoying a delicious local coffee-based cocktail, follow the guidance of expert artists and learn about the traditional Cusqueñian colonial gilding technique, using delicate metal sheets to give your creation a distinctive finish.

This intimate workshop offers a fun and creative way to connect with Cusco’s artistic traditions while discovering another important part of Peruvian culture: its exceptional coffee.

At the end of the experience, take your handmade Torito de Pucará home as a unique and meaningful souvenir of your time in Cusco.

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado & Eco Amazonia Lodge

At the specified time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Cusco Airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, the Capital of Biodiversity in Peru.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and begin your Amazon adventure with a panoramic tour of Puerto Maldonado’s main attractions. Continue to Puerto Capitanía, where you will board a boat and navigate the Bajo Madre de Dios River, also known as the “Serpent River,” towards Eco Amazonia Lodge, located approximately 30 kilometres from town.

As you travel along the river, immerse yourself in the lush Amazonian landscape, passing areas dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Depending on weather and wildlife conditions, you may spot giant-flowered heliconias, capybaras, caimans, river turtles, herons, cormorants, and birds of prey along the way.

Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a refreshing nectar made from tropical Amazonian fruits before settling into your comfortable bungalow. A delicious lunch will then be served in the rustic dining room, surrounded by the sounds and atmosphere of the rainforest.

In the afternoon, set out with your expert guide along a marked trail towards Cocha Caimán, a small lagoon inhabited by two species of caiman: the black caiman and the white caiman. Discover these fascinating predators and the aquatic ecosystem that supports them while exploring the surrounding jungle.

Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening at the bar, where you can play board games, enjoy a selection of drinks, and listen to the unmistakable nocturnal sounds of the Amazon as the rainforest comes alive after dark.

Amazonian Jungle Exploration – Wildlife & Hidden Lagoons

Wake up to the powerful call of the howler monkeys, a reminder that you are deep in their rainforest territory. After breakfast, set out on another exciting exploration into one of the Amazon’s hidden gems: Cocha Perdida, a wetland and lagoon ecosystem surrounded by dense forest and rich biodiversity.

Follow well-maintained trails through the jungle, crossing small streams and rustic bridges while discovering the incredible flora and fauna of this unique environment. With patience and a little luck, you may encounter elusive wildlife such as jaguars, ocelots, giant river otters, peccaries, capybaras, and monkeys. Look to the skies for vibrant red, blue, and yellow macaws, while reptiles and amphibians may appear among the vegetation.

Continue to an observation platform overlooking the vast aguajales, palm-filled wetlands that provide an essential habitat and food source for many Amazonian species. The adventure then continues with a boat ride across the lagoon, offering another opportunity to observe wildlife from the water and, with some luck, see the impressive giant river otter up close.

Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take photographs around the lodge, visit the botanical garden, or learn more about the medicinal and fruit-bearing plants that have been used by local communities for generations.

As night falls, enjoy a special dinner before relaxing at the bar or joining a game for a laid-back end to another day in the Amazon rainforest.