10 days in Peru: nature, history & community-based tourism

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Upon your arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport in Cusco, for a transfer journey towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to its lower elevation (2,870m or 9,415ft) and peaceful atmosphere, Cusco is a great arrival point for acclimatizing to the Andean heights.

You'll reach your hotel in Yucay or Urubamba, to check in and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Enjoy its facilities, or head out to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Maras

Day 2: Weaving, salt pans & ancient terrace fields  

Set off to Calca to meet a community in Paucartambo, recognized by UNESCO for their textile and weaving traditions. Spend a unique day with the local families and visit their textile workshops, where you will see the stunning costumes that they have dutifully maintained across generations. Learn about traditional weaving techniques using waste looms, camelid fibers, and natural dyes from Andean plants.

After lunch at a countryside restaurant in the valley, you'll head towards Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Next on your schedule is Maras, a salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small ponds where locals have been collecting salt since pre-colonial times.

Viacha

Day 3: Experience Pisac Market & an Andean ceremony

After breakfast, prepare for a morning visit to Pisac Market then continue on private transport to the community of Viacha in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Julian and his family will welcome you to the community and invite you to lunch. Your hosts will show you around their beautiful place and share more about their culture with you.

In the Andes, the marital union is an essential celebration in which nature plays an important role. This afternoon, you will take part in an Andean ceremony prepared by your hosts. An Andean priest will start with an offering to the Apus (sacred mountains), and the Pachamama (Mother Earth), who is said to bring prosperity and happiness to the couple.

By nightfall, you'll dine with your host family and spend time learning about each other. Finally, head to your cozy glamping accommodation for a night below a starry sky.

Viacha

Day 4: Another day of discoveries in the community

Good morning! Wake up to stunning views of the valley - don't miss the sun appearing from behind the majestic mountains. After a fresh breakfast, you will join Julian and learn more about the Viacha community, as he teaches you about medicinal plants and their use.

After a morning of learning and sharing, you'll be ready for lunch. If you wish, you can take a short hike into the surroundings of the community before enjoying your second night in this stunning place.

Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Day 5: A fascinating train ride to Machu Picchu

Wake up to dreamy mountain views and join your hosts for breakfast. When ready, you'll start today's downhill hike across an old local trail, which leads to the Pisaq Archaeological Site - one of the largest and best-preserved in the area - then continues down into the village of Pisaq, at the base of the valley. The mountain views you will enjoy today are fantastic.

In the afternoon, make your way to Ollantaytambo's train station for your transfer to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. The journey is a spectacle in itself, with landscapes morphing from fields to rainforests, as you travel along the meandering Urubamba River.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 6: Explore the wonderful Machu Picchu

Today is the big day, which you'll spend getting to know the iconic Machu Picchu! Just don't forget your passport, which will be required for access to the site.

Take a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain, and enjoy your first impression of the site from a secluded spot. A little later in the afternoon, begin your guided tour around the main areas of the citadel - you'll explore until closing time at around 5.30pm, enjoying fewer crowds at this time of day.

We'd recommend traveling back to Cusco tonight, as this will allow you to have a relaxing day tomorrow, exploring the city at a more relaxed pace.

Cusco

Day 7: Discover the sights of Cusco

Cusco is one of the most exciting cities in Peru and South America. Enjoy a free day exploring the streets, plazas, and markets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace.

We'd recommend visiting the Main Square, San Francisco Church, Koricancha temple, and San Pedro Market. If you're into arts and crafts, take a walk around Cuesta San Blas and visit the local workshops and galleries. Cusco has something for everyone, it's up to you to discover it!

Cusco - Lake Titicaca

Day 8: Journey to Amantani Island

Leave Cusco behind today and head towards the impressive shores of Lake Titicaca. At an appointed time, you'll be taken to the airport to board a flight to Juliaca. Upon your arrival there, a representative will pick you up and take you to Capachica, where you'll take a boat towards Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca.

The residents of this island will welcome you and invite you into their homes. After a simple but delicious lunch, you will have the afternoon free to walk and explore the main square. At night, you can share some time with your host family before resting in your charming homestay.

Lake Titicaca

Day 9: Traditions & celebrations on Lake Titicaca

Spend today exploring the island and learning about the traditions and lifestyle of the local villagers.

After a simple but delicious breakfast, you'll begin with a short hike to the ceremonial sites of the island: Pachatata and Pachamama. From their elevated locations, you'll get to appreciate the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding terraces.

For lunch, savor a traditional culinary experience known as pachamanca ("earth pot"). With this ancient cooking technique, the food is prepared underground using pre-heated stones and leaves to separate ingredients from the soil. The main ingredients include Andean tubers like potato, sweet potato, olluco, oca, and mashua, as well as beef or lamb - all flavored with aromatic herbs.

Later in the evening, join a local celebration as you participate in a Pachamama offering ceremony.

Lake Titicaca - Juliaca

Day 10: A last day of discoveries

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning resting on the shores of the lake or venturing out to enjoy other activities. You could hike a little further along the countryside for stunning lake views, or join your host family as they carry out their daily activities.

After a farewell lunch, it's time to say goodbye and take a motorboat back to Capachica. From there, transfer to Juliaca's airport to board your flight, beginning your journey back home. Have a safe trip!