Handcrafted Peru

Focus is on "off the beaten path", overland journeys and boutique and owner operated accommodation wherever possible, always charming and in good taste. Emphasis is on insider experiences that provide a well rounded understanding of the culture of Peru. In this itinerary, we combine a number of elements we believe give it a "handcrafted" feel. Whereas some accommodation is expensive and very upscale such as La Casona Inkaterra in Cuzco, other choices such as Los Horcones are more basic but equally unique and charming, and of course locally inspired. We have used our in-depth knowledge of each destination, considering what is available and what works best in our view, to create an experience that first and foremost engages you with the local environment. Bear in mind that there are additional elements we can include such as “A day with the Weavers”, a visit to the community of Patakancha near Cuzco, or a visit to artists' workshops. We are always happy to customize our journeys for you.

Good time to travel: Year round. Absolute best time: March/April

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14| 15 | 16 | 17

Day 1

Arrival in Lima from your international flight. You will be met by our English-speaking representative and transferred to Second Home.  Once home to a Peruvian sculptor, this charming guesthouse is strategically located overlooking the Pacific Ocean while nestled in the heart of Barranco, Lima’s arts district. You will enter an artist’s imaginative world, replete with his creative works. Dinner at La Gloria.  La Gloria features refined and intimate dining amongst Lima’s chic crowd.
Overnight at Casa Inka.

Day 2

Today you will enjoy a full-day escort by one of Aracari’s friends/insiders. You tell us what you would like to see in Lima, and we will match you with the appropriate insider. A typical day could involve browsing around shops, art galleries or folk art collections, stopping for coffee at locally frequented spot and perhaps even going to a museum or exhibition. It’s entirely up to you. Lunch is included at the Casa Garcia Alvarado, a Republican Mansion built in 1912 located in the heart of Miraflores.  Still lived-in by its owners, Mrs. Ana Maria Garcia Alvarado or her daughter will host you.
Overnight at Casa Inka.

Day 3

Take a morning flight to Trujillo, Peru’s third largest city. Upon arrival you will be collected by your guide and driver to begin a morning visit of the Huaca de la Luna (Moche c 100-700 AD) a superb archaeological site where excavations are currently under way. Lunch in the sea side resort of Huanchaco. Afternoon visit of Chan Chan, the most extensive adobe (mud brick) city in the Americas corresponding to the pre Inca Chimu culture. Finally you will visit Casa Ganoza, a traditional family estate situated right on Plaza de Armas. This home is one of the few surviving architectural examples of its time, still lived-in by its original owners.
Overnight at the Hotel Libertador.

Day 4

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to Chiclayo, about a 3 hour drive on a good paved road. On the way you will visit archaeological complex of El Brujo whose recently opened site museum houses the remains of the Mummified Priestess "La Senora de Cao".

Chiclayo is one of Peru's most important commercial cities and the area around Chiclayo is also the home of some of Peru's most prominent ancient cultures. Civilisation emerged here thousands of years before the time of the Incas, as early as 2000bc. Light lunch and visit to the eroded Pyramids of Huaca Rajada, the site where the tomb of the famous Lord of Sipan was discovered in 1987.
Overnight Los Horcones de Tucume.

Day 5

Visit the impressive pre-Columbian pyramid complex of Tucume in the morning, followed by a visit to two museums, starting with the Sican Museum. This outstanding museum holds the artifacts found in two burials within the adobe pyramid of Huaca Loro, in an area better known as Batan Grande, not far the Museum.  The culture that these artifacts correspond to is known as Sican. Impressive gold, silver and semi-precious stone artifacts along with accessories are beautifully displayed in the museum. You will then visit the superb Tumbas Reales Museum which houses the magnificent and now world famous collection of artifacts found in the tomb of The Lord of Sipan.

Transfer to the Chiclayo airport to catch your flight to Lima.
Overnight at Casa Inka.

Day 6

You will be collected by our representative and driven to the airport to catch a morning flight to Arequipa. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and driven to your hotel, the atmospheric La Posada del Puente. This unique owner-operated Guest House is located in what was an old mill very near the town centre. In the afternoon, you will enjoy guided visits of the highlights of the city such as the Museo Santuarios Andinos where Inca frozen mummies are kept, the wonderful 16th century Santa Catalina Convent and the new Colonial Art Museum in the Convent of Santa Teresa. 
Overnight La Posada del Puente.

(Alternatively Casa Arequipa)

Day 7

Early morning departure with your guide on your 4x4 vehicle to the Colca Canyon. Journey time is approximately 5 hours on a paved (75% of the journey) and unpaved but in good condition (25% of the journey) road. You will go across the high altitude plateau (over 4,000m/13200ft) with its astounding landscapes and see plenty of local wildlife such as the graceful wild Vicuna. Box lunch en route. Mid-afternoon arrival at your lovely lodge, the Colca Lodge, overlooking the river and with private thermal pools.
Overnight Colca Lodge.

(Alternatively La Casa de Mama Yacchi)

Day 8

Early morning drive to La Cruz del Condor, approximately 1 ½ hours away, to try and get a glimpse of the Condor in flight - this is one of the best spots in the Andes to spot the impressive bird. Return to the lodge for lunch and for the rest of the afternoon you may rest and relax, enjoy a spa treatment or if colonial art is of interest to you, visit to one of the best preserved colonial churches.
Overnight Colca Lodge.

(Alternatively La Casa de Mama Yacchi)

Day 9

Today you will leave the Colca Valley and head southeast towards Lake Titicaca. You will travel a total of (332 km/221.33mi) in about 8 hours. Most of the route is paved. Beautiful landscapes along the way, corresponding to Puna or high altitude ecosystems. Arrival into Puno.
Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection Puno, overlooking the bay of Puno.

(Alternatively Casa Panq’arani)

Day 10

Early morning departure to Suasi. Shared guide and boat (private boat is also possible please inquire). You will sail along the Bay of Puno and visit the famous and picturesque if touristy Uros floating reed islands. Continue your journey toward the main section of the lake, and visit Taquile Island, where the indigenous people wear distinctive woven and knitted colourful hats. Arrival at Suasi before lunch. Barbecue lunch at the beach. Enjoy the island for the rest of the afternoon. Take a relaxing walk, visit the cultural cabin or simply relax and enjoy the setting.
Overnight at Suasi Lodge.

Day 11