Nila's favorite

I created this itinerary to capture many travel experiences that I have grown to cherish in Peru:

• Delicious local food
• A glimpse of life in the capital
• Relaxing horseback rides that take me through beautiful mountain scenery
• Free time to explore a new country at my own pace
• Destinations that are off the beaten track
• Trekking in the crisp mountain air
• Visiting local communities that share retain age-old traditions
• Exploring a Latin American colonial gem
• Ending an active journey in the comfort of an authentically luxurious hotel

Peru truly has so much to offer and as an American who was taught that Peru = Machu Picchu, I wanted to share an itinerary which in my honest opinion proves that Peru does NOT equal Machu Picchu. Peru is so much more – a destination that calls me back time and time again. The itinerary below is perfect for seasoned travelers who seek an active journey set at a relaxing pace. It combines culture, adventure, cuisine and nature – a perfect Peruvian sensory overload.

Good time to travel: This itinerary is possible year round Absolute Best time: April –June

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

Day 1

Arrival Lima

Arrival into Lima and overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores (I appreciate the relative value and ideal location of this hotel).

Day 2

Lima

Spend your first morning sampling the delights of Peruvian cuisine with a real culinary expert, Penelope Alzamora. Get a feel for the atmospheric neighborhood of Barranco and a taste of Penelope’s delicious Peruvian cuisine - ending with an exquisite lunch.  Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy a light dinner or tapas. Get under the skin of the city for a second time in one day by taking a bar tour at night with Aracari’s nightlife connoisseur and get an insider prospective into Lima’s unique bar scene.

Day 3

Huaraz

Morning flight to Huaraz –  your base for trekking in the Cordillera Blanca. Known as “the Switzerland of the South” Huaraz offers gorgeous views of the snowcapped Andes mountains.
With acclimatization key to dealing with the high altitude, we spend the afternoon horseback riding before retiring to our comfortable beds at The Lazy Dog Inn, a traditional style Lodge whose owners actively support environmental and local community development initiatives.

Days 4 & 5

Huaraz

Acclimatized and ready to go we depart early this morning for the start of a two day trek through the beautiful snow-capped mountains. We spend two nights in tents, fully wrapped up in the latest thermal camping gear after a tasty feast cooked and served by our hosts.

Day 6
Huaraz

We make the final trek back to The Lazy Dog Inn for a fabulous home-cooked meal before relaxing in front of the fireplace.

We take a morning flight to Lima, connect to Cuzco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, the leisure destination for the Incas. We visit one of their settlements at Pisac and walk down from the ruins into town to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, kick back and spend the afternoon relaxing before our overnight stay at Willka Tika.

Day 8
The Sacred Valley

Mix exhilaration with culture today with a half day horseback ride in the Valley followed by a picnic lunch. In the afternoon visit the town of Ollantaytambo.

Enjoy a short trek to one of the most traditional areas of Peru,  where people live very much like their Inca ancestors, in stone and adobe homes with thatch roofs, weave much of their clothing and work the land with foot ploughs. Many of the people here have worked on Aracari treks for many years and many of our clients like to give small donations or gifts to particularly the school children when they visit.
We camp overnight in tents near a beautiful small lagoon.

After breakfast we trek to one of the best Condor viewing points before continuing our descent to another traditional village. End the trek with a visit to hot springs near the colonial village of Lares. After a well-deserved dip in the thermal baths your driver will return you to Urubamba for a final evening of rest and relaxation at the Willka Tika.

Commonly believed to be the most beautiful of all Peruvian cities, we spend the next two days exploring the wonders of Cuzco. Today you are at leisure to wander about the enchanting streets of this colonial city. Tonight we go to the Kusikay Andean Theatre for a special performance, before retiring to the plush La Casona hotel.

A second full day in Cuzco to visit the many museums and churches, and enjoy the fabulous restaurants – not to mention a second night at the fantastic La Casona.

Take a morning flight back to Lima. As you are flying home this night, you have Day Room use at the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores. Enjoy a final seafood lunch at renowned restaurant 'Pescados Capitales', and spend the afternoon walking around Miraflores – visiting a local gallery, museum or taking a final trip to the Indian Market to purchase a few last minute gifts. Have a light dinner or tapas and after a shower and a nap, transfer back to Lima airport for a late night flight home.