Cultural Adventure through Peru

Itinerary Highlights

Few destinations are able to provide the perfect balance of adventure travel and cultural immersion found in Peru. This itinerary seeks to showcase the country’s unique blend with an in-depth exploration of Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca. These two highly historic and vibrant regions have played a significant role in shaping both precolonial and modern day Peru. Steeped in indigenous tradition, both the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca provide an authentic glimpse into local communities whose ancestors have occupied these sacred and visually captivating lands.

This journey is ideal for those looking to actively experience the destination with complete flexibility as to the level of difficulty. After two nights acclimating to the elevation at the quirky and beautifully renovated El Mercado in Cusco, you will begin your four-night trek through largely unchartered areas of the Sacred Valley. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares route see virtually zero tourist traffic, allowing for an adventure through the astounding natural scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and an intimate look at Andean culture, both in busy towns and in the most-remote of mountain hamlets. Daily expeditions will lead you along seldom-traveled highland trails surrounded by exquisite snow-capped peaks, past roving herds of llamas and alpacas, around impossibly hued turquoise lakes, and through graceful waterfalls. Your destinations will include fascinating archaeological sites, thought-provoking agricultural and commercial Andean cooperatives, and bustling towns and markets showcasing the flavors of the region as well as the wares of its skilled artisans. Most importantly, you will travel to hidden communities unchanged for centuries for a unique up-close visit with local people. Expert guides tailor the experience with an offer of à la carte activities and daily cultural encounters. At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration. The culmination of the trek is iconic Machu Picchu with an overnight in the nearby town at the jungle-inspired oasis Inkaterra.

You’ll then head to Lake Titicaca where softer adventure awaits in this mystical region. The incomparable Titilaka blends into the aquatic surroundings, located on the southeastern shore of Lake Titicaca on a tranquil private peninsula shared only with the local indigenous Aymara community. Surrounded on three sides by the pristine lake, and with four acres of grounds, Titilaka is the perfect base to explore this unspoiled corner of an area renowned for its ethereal beauty, and remains home to some of Peru’s most traditional communities. This Relais & Chateaux property boasts 18 impeccably appointed lakefront suites and exquisite cuisine in line with the reputation of the R&C brand. Yet beyond the contemporary luxury of the property, it is the unique experiences allowing guests to interact with the local indigenous populations in authentic ways that really sets Titilaka apart. A visit to the floating islands of Uros and to the charming Island of Taquile are of course offered, but the magic begins when exploring the neighboring communities and landscape around the hotel itself, which, due to the hotel's location & local partnerships, are virtually exclusive experiences for Titilaka guests.

Lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

See “Expert Notes & Customization” section below.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival into Cusco Airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day resting to best acclimate to the new altitude, during which time you should take it easy, avoid heavy meals and hydrate regularly. 

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco Hotel (no meals)

Since its narrow alleyways were originally designed by the Incas as a city for walking, you will explore Cusco by foot.  Begin at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square, which is marked by the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture imposed by Spanish colonists to exert religious and political influence. Underneath it all, however, you can clearly see remnants of Inca solid stonework. Visit Koricancha, the most sumptuous “Sun Temple” in the Inca Empire and the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. You will also stop by the colourful San Pedro market and pass through the charming neighborhood of San Blas. Next, visit Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill, on the outskirts of the city. 

In the evening, you will meet with your guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing for the adventure that follows. We recommend staying for dinner at La Taberna Restaurant in El Mercado, which offers Peruvian and international cuisine in a cozy elegant setting. 

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco Hotel (Breakfast)

Begin your journey from the busy streets of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Start your day with either an invigorating hike from the village of Amaru to the community of Viacha (3 hour hike) or a visit to the Awanakancha textile center followed by an exploration of the lively town and colorful artisan marketplace of Pisaq. 

At around midday, both cultural explorers and hikers will reunite in the village of Viacha to learn about traditional Andean farming techniques. Afterwards, choose to either hike or drive to the Pisaq archaeological site for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Pachamanca dinner back at Lamay Lodge.

Overnight at Lamay Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The day begins with a visit to the small town of Lamay followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Lares Valley. Your first stop will be Ancasmarca for a guided tour of this seldom-visited archaeological site. Afterwards, choose a visit with the expert textile weavers in the remote village of Choquecancha or a hike amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi (choose between either a 2.5h easy or 4h moderate hike), where both groups meet again to spend the night.

Overnight at Huacahuasi Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Huilloc. From there, choose a morning hike from Huilloc to Pumamarka (3h moderate), or explore the village and nearby sheepherding community of Marcacocha before regrouping for lunch and a midday exploration of the Pumamarka archaeological site. After lunch, choose to hike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo (3h moderate) or drive and spend the afternoon exploring Ollantaytambo’s maze-like alleys and passageways. In the late afternoon, you may also choose to visit a locally sourced craft brewery in the Sacred Valley (subject to additional cost). 

Overnight at Hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Begin your day with an optional early morning hike to the Inca storage houses high above the town for an impressive view of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial site (either a 1.5h moderate or 2.5h challenging hike). Afterwards, the entire group will meet at the entrance of the site for a guided tour before embarking on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, followed by your first visit to Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Alternatively, opt for an all-day hike from train marker KM 104 to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate on the classic Inca Trail (subject to additional cost)*.

*This replaces the standard program day itinerary and must be booked in advance to secure the necessary permits.

Overnight at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel Aguas Calientes (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will once again have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike up Huayna Picchu* (2.5h moderate hike), the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, or Machu Picchu Mountain** for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before the return train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and a scenic sunset drive back to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). 

*Entrance time to Huayna Picchu is 10:30AM. Permits for Huayna Picchu are subject to availability; please consult with your travel designer when you confirm your reservation.

**In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Machu Picchu Mountain (the second peak within the sanctuary) permits will be secured instead.

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco Hotel (Breakfast & Lunch)

You will be transferred to Cusco’s airport for your domestic flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival at Juliaca airport, you will be transferred for approximately one hour to Libertador Lake Titicaca. Alternatively, you can opt to take a full day train from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, boasts hundreds of miles of shoreline, dozens of inhabited islands and is home to an astonishing collection of indigenous customs, festivals and languages that are all rooted in the immediate environs of the lake. However, most visitors never get to experience these wonders. Instead, they travel a heavily trodden path to observe sometimes contrived cultural programs on just two main islands, experiences that do not do proper justice to Lake Titicaca and the region's rich indigenous heritage.

You will be transferred to Titilaka, a unique hotel created to provide an alternative for visitors seeking an authentic, intimate and comfortable encounter with the cultural nuances and and natural splendor of Lake Titicaca. Located an hour east of Puno on a remote portion of the lake shore, Titilaka houses just 18 suites, categorized as 'sunrise' or 'sunset.'  Each suite is replete with radiant floor heating, extra large soaking tubs and sumptuous daybeds beneath panoramic windows overlooking the lake.

Overnight at Titilaka (Breakfast & Dinner)

Titilaka offers guests an all-inclusive immersive and authentic cultural experience through their exceptional guides and partnerships with the local communities surrounding the lodge. All excursions are done on a small group basis, but for guests desiring even more exclusivity and flexibility on their visit to Lake Titicaca, consider the Titilaka Private Experience at an additional cost.

Today we will explore Lake Titicaca, including the floating reed island of Uros, home to a fishing and hunting community. We will also explore Taquile Island’s rich textile tradition. Declared a part of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Taquile’s textiles are emblematic of the local living culture. As the island enjoys a privileged microclimate, you’ll most likely see men weaving wonderful textile pieces outdoors. Ending your day, enjoy a picnic with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight at Titilaka (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will be transferred to Juliaca airport for your departing flight home via Lima. Assistance at Lima International Airport can be arranged upon request. 

(Breakfast)

• 9 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Shared based excursions during Lares Adventure (days 3 - 7) and Titilaka

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Titilaka

• Private scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at participating hotels:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • $100 property credit

  • **benefits vary by property; member properties in this itinerary are: Titilaka

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• Depending on your arrival time on Day 1, travelers may benefit from an additional night in Cusco to adjust to the high altitude in Cusco.

• On Day 8 (transfer to Lake Titicaca), you can opt to take a full day luxury train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa, crossing through breathtaking cities on its way. One and two-night trips are available.  Please ask your Travel Designer for more details on this breathtaking experience. 

• Extend your trip by exploring deeper in the Andean Highlands through excursions to Arequipa and Colca Canyon Valley. Or end your journey in the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, for a jungle lush experience.

• On Day 6, for those interested in hiking the Inca Trail, an all day hike from train marker KM 104 to the Machu Picchu Sun Gate can be arranged at an additional cost.

• For those interested in more intensive hiking and fewer cultural activities within the Sacred Valley, we offer the Salkantay Trek which uses many of the same lodges but does not include vehicle use between properties as daily trekking will transport you to your next abode. The Salkantay Trek is two nights longer than the Lares Adventure.