SACRED ANDES
About this journey
In the Andes, mountains, earth and water are part of everyday cultural life. Their meaning is carried through ritual, story and knowledge passed from one generation to the next. This private journey is designed for travellers who prefer depth to distance covered. You will spend time with practitioners, weavers and island hosts, while local guides bring the history of each place to life. From a spiritual practice at Killarumiyoc to meditation at Aramu Muru, the journey moves through Machu Picchu, Cusco and the island communities of Lake Titicaca at an unhurried pace.
Itinerary
A gentle arrival in the Sacred Valley
Fly from Lima to Cusco, where your guide welcomes you before continuing by private transport into the Sacred Valley. Along the way, mountain slopes give way to cultivated fields and villages beside the Urubamba River. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a quiet afternoon, with time to adjust to the altitude, rest and take in the landscape that will surround you for the next three nights.
Killarumiyoc, an encounter with Andean spirituality
Travel to Killarumiyoc, where carved stone and an open mountain setting frame an encounter with Andean heritage. Explore the site with your guide, then sit with an Andean spiritual practitioner who shares their understanding of gratitude, reciprocity and the relationship with the earth. A guided practice invites respectful participation, with time for conversation and reflection before you return to your hotel.
The valley, through your own interests
Discover Moray's circular terraces and the salt pans of Maras, following the stories of ingenuity and work held within these distinctive landscapes. Your guide offers insight into their history and the connections between the land and the people who shape it.
Alternatively, choose a visit to Chinchero, where the village's heritage comes into focus through an encounter with local weavers. Discover natural dyes, traditional techniques and the meanings artisans give to their patterns, with time to observe and participate. Your preferred experience will be arranged when we personalise the journey.
Along the Urubamba, to Machu Picchu
Board the morning train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The railway follows the Urubamba between steep mountains, and the landscape grows greener and more enclosed. Leave your overnight belongings at the hotel, then continue by bus to Machu Picchu. Your guide leads you through its terraces, pathways and architecture and explains how the site was shaped by its mountain setting. Return to the village for a relaxed evening.
A return through the valley
After breakfast, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private vehicle through the Sacred Valley. Pause at Awanakancha to meet Andean camelids and see how their fibres become woven pieces through knowledge passed across generations. Then continue to Cusco, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Cusco, history & living heritage
Discover Cusco through its monumental architecture and the daily life around it. Visit the stonework of Sacsayhuamán above the city, then Qorikancha and the Cathedral, where different periods of history meet. A local market introduces the ingredients and exchanges of Andean daily life, and a walk through San Blas reveals narrow lanes, artisan workshops and a quieter neighbourhood atmosphere. Your guide ties these places together through the stories, beliefs and traditions that shaped the city.
Across the Andes, towards Lake Titicaca
Follow the Ruta del Sol from Cusco to Puno, travelling through valleys that gradually open into the broad landscapes of the altiplano. Discover the painted interiors of Andahuaylillas and the Inca remains of Raqchi before pausing at La Raya to appreciate the mountain scenery. Continue towards Pukará, whose heritage introduces an earlier chapter of the region's history. Lunch along the route offers a welcome pause before your arrival in Puno.
Alternatively, choose a scenic train journey from Cusco to Puno, dedicating the day to the changing landscapes of the Andes and the pleasure of travelling by rail.
Titicaca, traditions across the water
Cross the lake to two island communities. At Uros, meet your hosts and learn how totora reeds form the floating islands and shape daily life. At Taquile, follow paths between terraced fields and stone walls with wide views over the lake. Here you will discover a textile art recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a living tradition practised by both men and women, with the men especially known for their intricate knitting. Your guide shows how patterns and garments express identity and belonging. Enjoy lunch on the island before returning to Puno by boat.
Aramu Muru, a place of energy & reflection
Journey to Aramu Muru, regarded by local spiritual practitioners as a significant place of energy and connection within the Andean landscape. Its striking rock formations provide a distinctive setting to explore the stories and beliefs associated with the site. With your guide and a local practitioner, discover how this place is understood today through perspectives rooted in Andean tradition. A guided spiritual encounter, followed by time for meditation and quiet contemplation, invites you to experience the surroundings in your own way. Return to Puno after an unhurried day in the highlands.
Farewell to the highlands
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Juliaca Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, you may have a final moment in Puno before leaving the highlands.
Included / not included
INCLUDED
- Handpicked stays in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco and Puno, with daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout, with local guides who bring each place to life.
- Scenic train journey along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu Pueblo, with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Private encounters with Andean spiritual practitioners at Killarumiyoc and Aramu Muru.
- A boat journey across Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating islands and Taquile, with lunch on the island.
- Guided visits to Cusco's landmarks, a local market and the artisan quarter of San Blas.
- Your choice of Moray and Maras or a weaving encounter in Chinchero.
- Scenic Ruta del Sol journey to Puno, with lunch along the way.
- Entrance fees to the places you visit.
- Dedicated support throughout your journey, with local coordinators.
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights, unless otherwise specified in your proposal.
- Meals not featured in the itinerary.
- Optional experiences and extensions.
- Late check-out and additional hotel services.
- Gratuities.
- Travel insurance.
- The scenic train from Cusco to Puno, available as an optional extra.
HAND PICKED HOTELS
Choose a stop on the journey to see the accommodation available. Warm hospitality, elegance and an unbeatable location; if you have a place in mind that you don’t see here, we’ll book it for you anywhere in Peru.
