7 days off the beaten track in the Central Andes

Lima - Ayacucho

Day 1: Welcome to Ayacucho

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by local staff and transferred to your hotel in the center of Ayacucho city, where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace.

Ayacucho is known as the land of artists and for good reason. This afternoon, visit the Lopez de Antay family and their house museum: Joaquin Lopez de Antay was the first native artisan to be recognized officially as a master artist in Peru in 1975. Before this, local crafts were not viewed as art, a title that was exclusive to non-native expressions.

The family's amazing production of retablos (devotional paintings) helped changed this preconception, and they are now proud to showcase hundreds of local art pieces from throughout the country, in all their forms and colors. At the Lopez de Antay House Museum, you will get to learn about retablos from the artists themselves.

Ayacucho

Day 2: Discover the artwork of Ayacucho

As yesterday's tour will have shown, the entire region of Ayacucho is well-known for its beautiful artwork - so you can't miss the chance to visit some of the most important craft workshops in the city.

First, meet Marcial Berrocal, a skilled artisan from Sarhua. This charming community has kept the tradition of offering beautifully-painted wood beams in the construction of their houses, depicting typical activities and customs of rural life. In this hands-on tour, you will learn about the history and making of a tabla de Sarhua. Of course, you'll have the opportunity to paint your very own tabla to bring back home!

Next you'll be driven to Quinua, a small town famous for its beautiful pottery, to visit the fascinating workshop of Limacos. Finally, return to Ayacucho where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon free, exploring some more or relaxing at your accommodation.

Ayacucho - Vilcashuaman - Ayacucho

Day 3: Explore the ruins of Vilcashuamán

South of Ayacucho you'll find Vilcashuamán, home to some of the most exciting historic sites in the region. After a two-hour drive you'll stop en-route in Vishongo, a vast forest of puya raimondii, the Queen of the Andes. This intriguing plant grows up to 12m at an elevation of over 3,000m (9843ft), on shrubby and rocky slopes. When blooming, they feature 8,000 flowers and produce over six million seeds!

Back on track, continue to Vilcashuamán, where you'll find the remains of one of the most important Inca administrations that still stands. Wander around the Temple of the Sun and the Ushno, an Inca stone pyramid used for important ceremonies, before visiting the beautiful colonial church.

Lastly, get back in the car for a return drive to Ayacucho city, to spend the evening at leisure.

Ayacucho - Circamarca - Ayacucho

Day 4: The natural turquoise pools of Millpu

After a comfortable night's sleep, get ready for your next adventure in nature. Today, you'll enjoy a scenic drive to Millpu, one of the most famous sights in Ayacucho. The river flows at an elevation of 3,600m (11,812ft) in the Huancaraylla district, about three hours south of the city.

Once you've arrived, take a local path and start a short hike into Millpu. You'll be walking along the sides of a small canyon, admiring the turquoise waters created by the flowing river as you go. Enjoy some free time to explore this natural paradise and take plenty of photographs!

When ready, return to Huancaraylla, from where you'll continue with a private drive back to your hotel in Ayacucho city.

Ayacucho - Andamarca

Day 5: Immerse yourself in local culture

On today's itinerary is Andamarca, a small village with a rich pre-Hispanic legacy, enclosed by sacred mountains in the Sondondo Valley. To reach it, you must cross some dramatic Andean scenery: en-route, make a stop at Pachapupum, an extinct volcano with thermal springs in the middle of the highlands, where you can relax for a while.

Upon arrival in Andamarca this afternoon, check into your basic but lovely hotel in the center of town. Hundreds of impressive pre-Hispanic terraces surround this charming place, and are still in use by the locals to this day. Come evening, enjoy a marvelous display of local culture and folklore as you watch a traditional danzaq or scissors dance performance.

Andamarca

Day 6: The condors of the Sondondo Valley

The time to explore the incredible and seldom-visited Sondondo Valley has finally come!

Wake up early this morning for a 30-minute drive to Mayobamba's viewpoint. Commanding views of the valley and steep surrounding mountains make this site the perfect place for birds of prey to swoop; you'll be able to witness the astonishing Andean Condor in flight, only meters above your head, as you enjoy breakfast with views of the pre-Hispanic terraces.

Back in Andamarca, join a three-hour hike to the top of the terraces that surround Andamarca, and learn about their pre-Hispanic origin and Incan occupation. Start your way back to town; if you fancy, you can make a short visit to Caniche, a pre-Hispanic site only 10 minutes from the main square. A hot pizza and tasty home-made dessert will end the day on a high note!

Andamarca - Ayacucho

Day 7: Say farewell to Ayacucho

Today, after an early breakfast, it is time for you to leave the Sondondo Valley and return to Ayacucho city - making some stops along the way to admire the fantastic landscape.

Upon arriving back in the city, you'll continue to the local airport to board your departure flight. Have pleasant and safe onward travels!