After landing in Lima, you will be transferred to your boutique hotel in Barranco, a colorful coastal neighborhood known for its creative energy. The afternoon is at your leisure - the streets and malecon (coastal walkway) of Barranco are perfect for wandering, or you may prefer to relax at the hotel. In the evening, your tour leader will host a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travelers.

Important arrival details: Transfer from the airport will be available for arrivals between 8 AM - 5 PM on Day 1; you may share with other members of your group depending on flight schedules. If you arrive outside of this time, the transfer is not included and there will be an extra charge. Your hotel room will be available beginning at 3 PM.

Lima is a bustling metropolis where old and new are layered to form a vibrant capital. In the morning, head to the city's historic center, anchored by the Plaza de Armas, where the conquistador Pizarro's palace still stands. Accompanied by a local chef, you will visit a local market to learn about the ingredients that make the country a top foodie destination, before preparing your lunch together. For the rest of the day, enjoy downtime to continue exploring (your tour leader will have plenty of recommendations!) or relax.

Morning transfer to the Lima airport for the short flight to the Andean city of Cusco. From there, head by vehicle to the Sacred Valley town of Urubamba (conveniently at a lower altitude than Cusco!), stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The change of landscape is immediate — wide valleys, terraced hillsides, and slower rhythms. After settling into your accommodations, your tour leader will host an optional welcome hike for those who wish to stretch their legs and take in the surrounding landscape, before dinner is served at the lodge.

Beginning with the photogenic Incan terraces at Moray, explore the Sacred Valley at a measured pace, visiting a mix of archaeological sites and small communities. After lunch in a private house in the town of Maras, visit the nearby salt terraces to learn about how they have sustained the community for generations. Before heading back to the lodge for dinner, stop at a chicheria to toast with the local fermented corn drink.

Travel by train through the changing landscape toward Machu Picchu, following the river as the valley narrows. After a box picnic lunch, visit the expansive site with a knowledgeable local guide who brings structure and meaning, grounded in what you've already experienced in the Sacred Valley. Staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes allows the experience to feel less rushed.

After breakfast, return by train to the Sacred Valley and onward by vehicle to Cusco. Before descending into the city, stop at the Incan site of Sacsayhuaman, built with boulders the size of cars. After a group lunch in the city's center, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to browse the city's boutiques and picturesque streets. The altitude is more noticeable here, but by now most travelers have adjusted.

Spend the day exploring Cusco, the heart of the Incan empire where you will notice Spanish colonial architecture existing on Incan foundations. A guided walk provides historical grounding, after which the city opens up for independent exploration — museums, cafes, or simply wandering its streets. The group will come together for a farewell dinner, to share final reflections and impressions.

Your bags are now packed - say goodbye to your tour leader and fellow travelers. You will be transferred to the CUZ airport for your departure or onward travel.

Important departure details: You will need to book your outbound flight from Cusco (CUZ). The transfer to the Cusco airport can be organized any time on Day 8.