Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Lima, Peru
Peru’s coastal capital is an elegant laid-back city where surf, ceviche and pisco sours are only the beginning. With 80 miles of coastline and virtually no rain, Lima is spritzed in salt and soaked in sunshine. Its 18th-century haciendas, baroque stonework and colonial architecture are upstaged by the country’s pre-Columbian history on display at museums like Pueblo Libre’s Larco. Surfboards are strapped to mopeds that dip between the mansions of Miraflores, while pisco sours are shaken to the beat of peñas in Barranco.
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2 Lima | Catching WavesThe beaches of Lima’s Miraflores district set the stage for a surfing lesson. Join skilled instructors for tips on warming up, mastering basics like paddling, balancing and standing, and then head out to catch your first set of waves.Discover hidden pre-Hispanic treasures in the expansive Larco Museum’s floor-to-ceiling displays of intricate pottery, some depicting faces of ancient sacrificial figures. Follow your guide on an immersive, family-friendly Paddington Bear treasure hunt through Salazar Park.
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3 Cusco | Sacred Valley of the IncasThe former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is often considered the most beautiful city in Peru. Inca temples, churches, museums and colonial palaces are made more picturesque by locals dressed in traditional clothing, creating postcard-worthy photo ops. As you get acclimated, visit a wildlife center where South American camelids such as llamas and alpacas are bred. Feel the difference between their prized fibers and learn about age-old weaving techniques.
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4 Sacred Valley | High-Altitude TerrainA spiritual epicenter for the Inca people, the Sacred Valley of the Incas carves through the green peaks of the Peruvian Andes near Cusco, where salt mines and snow-capped peaks make for a dramatic backdrop. For a full Peruvian experience, a genuine llama encounter is a must; A&K Peru designed an exploration of ancestral routes and impressive Sacred Valley views, escorted by docile llamas and alpacas, offering an authentic sense of Andean discovery with locals. Complement this with a visit to the Village of the Flowers, a community A&K supports, to learn about daily life and give thanks to Mother Earth.
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5 Sacred Valley | Children of the RainbowA visit to the Children of the Rainbow School with A&K Philanthropy offers a chance to connect with the community and support local education. Discover how the inspiring community, supported by A&K Philanthropy, transformed this school into a hub of education, nutrition, medical care and hope.Board a train to Machu Picchu, the Incas’ mighty 15th-century mountain citadel. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu via the glass-topped Vistadome train.
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6 Cusco | The Incas’ CitadelDevote this morning to a walk of Machu Picchu led by a local expert, absorbing the breathtaking immensity and wonder of the ruins — a visit many consider a spiritual experience.Board a train toOllantaytambo, gazing at the incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you, disembarking to return to Cusco.
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7 Cusco | San Blas SpiritBuilt in the shape of a puma by the Incas, Cusco stretches like a slumbering feline along the Huatanay valley. Far from sleepy, spirited cevicherias in San Blas add verve to the city’s UNESCO-protected historical quarter. An artisanal chocolate workshop highlights the journey from lush cacao trees in the jungle to handcrafted Peruvian chocolates. Learn about this delectable treat’s rich history and meticulous production, craft your own bar of dark or milk chocolate and personalize it with unique toppings.
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8 Lima | Artistic TransformationsReturn to Lima to explore a neighborhood where local history merges with art and culture to form one of the most important examples of social transformation in Peru.Tour the emblematic heritage zone of this port city through its music, gastronomy, graffiti and the everyday life of locals. Visit ART.MO 2019, the largest international contemporary art festival in Peru, and appreciate Peru’s culinary arts deliciously, with lunch at a local restaurant in Callao.
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9 Depart LimaMeals: