Experience the diverse beauty, colorful art and rich history of Peru in this cultural adventure through the eyes of your specialist guides.  Not only does this journey include an exploration of Machu Picchu, but it also introduces you to the daily lives of the enchanting Peruvian women.

Day 1

Welcome to Lima

Rest up in your beautiful Lima hotel the first night as flights arrive late at night or early morning.

Day 2

Lima’s Colonial Art

Spend the morning exploring and enjoying Lima at your leisure.  The afternoon will be spent at the Larco Herrera Museum personally guided by the museum’s curator.  This will be followed by a private showing of the Barbosa-Stern Collection by owner Sylvia Stern and her son.  This colonial art collection is a blend of two cultural traditions: the Andean and the European, and is considered one of the grandest collections of colonial art in South America.  Get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and delicious dinner at the  La Huaca Pucllana restaurant before returning to your hotel, the Casa Andina Private Collection.  B, D

Days 3-4

The Women of Peru

Visit Nilda Cañallaupa’s National Geographic sponsored native weaving project where women are the owners and lifeblood of this vital economic and cultural activity. We will see how the processes of spinning, the gathering and use of natural dyes, the setting up of looms, and the creation of designs are fundamental to the family and social bonds of these highland communities.  We will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with wine while being entertained with an  Andean religious ceremony, “Tribute to the Mother Earth.”   The next day will be spent at “Potato Park” which focuses on preserving the critical role and interdependency of indigenous bio-culture heritage for local rights, livelihoods, conservation, and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity. This community project will explain how the lifestyle of these agricultural-based communities revolve around the potato and what the role of women is in the social structure. Both nights will be enjoyed at the Sol y Luna Hotel in the beautiful Urubamba Sacred Valley where you can enjoy a light dinner.  B, L, D

Days 5-6

Magical Machu Picchu

Take the Vistadome scenic train from the Urubamba Sacred Valley to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu where historian Roger Valencia will bring this UNESCO World Heritage Site to life.  The beautiful Inkaterra Hotel will await you for your evening stay.  You will have time to do further exploration on your own the next day before returning to Cuzco by train for a relaxing evening at leisure. B, L – Day 5, D – Day 5

Day 7

Cuzco Art Safari

Leisurely stroll the cobblestone streets with our historian guide for an art “safari” while marveling at the flawless Incan stonework, picturing a time and place when the Incas had a massive empire. Learn about the Cuzco School of Art, an expressive blend of European and Andean art.  At the colonial Main Square, you will visit the Cathedral which contains one of the city’s greatest samples of Mestizo art.  The final stop is the archbishop’s private art collection before dining at the Bacco restaurant, followed by a comfortable overnight stay at the Novotel Hotel.  B, L, D

Day 8

Lima by the Sea

After a bountiful buffet breakfast, take a return flight to Lima, situated on the coast.  After settling in your hotel, you will have the afternoon and evening free to further enjoy this lively capital of Peru.  B

Day 9

Farewell Cooking Class

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner