Romantic Andean Getaway

• Fall in love with Peru’s wide-eyed llamas, alpacas and delicate vicuñas at Awanakancha Living Museum.
• Walk the grounds of a stoically beautiful hacienda that specializes in corn production practices dating back to the Incas; try one of the world’s most unique corn varieties locally called choclo also known as Giant White Corn!
• Take the harrowing journey up Mountain Huayna Picchu that lovingly overlooks and protects the Machu Picchu ruins below.
• Spoil your taste buds as you embark on a journey tasting three exquisite Peruvian products: coffee, chocolate and pisco!
• Practice yoga by the shore of crystalline Lake Piuray before connecting with the still water on a stand-up paddle or kayak.
• Explore the vibrant marine life, idyllic beaches and soft sunsets of Peru’s Northern Coast.

DAY 1: Arrive at your hotel in Lima after your international flight to Peru!

Lima is a metropolitan city known for its colonial architecture and mouthwatering ceviche!

When your international flight arrives in Lima, look for your Kuoda host holding a sign with your name on it! We know you’ll most likely be a little tired after your long flight, so we’ll save you the stress of trying to navigate and bring you straight to your hotel where you can shake off that icky flight feeling with a shower and a sleep. Relax into the evening and enjoy a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Fly to Cusco and visit the Awanakancha Living Museum in Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley, lower in altitude than Cusco, offers gorgeous landscapes and a serene atmosphere.

This morning we’ll escort you back to the airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Watch the windows as the desert coast rises into the snow-capped peaks of the Andes!

Upon touch down in Cusco, we’ll bring you out for a tasty lunch, before taking you to the Sacred Valley, where the lower altitudes make it easier to acclimatize. Just 15 minutes outside of Cusco, true Peruvian countryside will stretch away on either side of you, sheep grazing tranquilly road-side. Impossibly steep peaks rise in the distance. Our first stop is at Awanakancha Living Museum. At this “living museum,” you’ll come face-to-face with some of South America’s most endearing inhabitants, including alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and guanacos, as well as learning about traditional weaving.

Day 3: Tour an ancient local hacienda and stop-by the agricultural ruins and vibrant market of Pisac.

The town of Pisac not only showcases Peruvian artistry and handicrafts, but also the Sacred Valley’s agricultural prowess.

After breakfast, your journey will take you to an ancient hacienda, nestled in the fertile valley next to the pueblo of Pisac. Step onto the family-owned hacienda grounds and step into centuries past while your hosts expound upon the growing process of Giant White Corn and its profound cultural significance in the Andes Mountains. This hacienda dates back generations, and you’ll immediately be immersed in local customs steeped in the spirits and mysticism of the Andes, and embraced by the warmth of local Peruvians.

Relish your time on the farm with a delicious multi-course lunch with sample dishes featuring none other than the “white gold” giant-kernelled corn, and make sure to visit the on-site stables housing the renowned Peruvian Paso horses. Watch the horses dance with their human counterparts in a “marinera” demonstration, and even go for a quick trot yourself if you feel up to the task!

From there, your exclusive tour of Peru will take you to another valley town – Pisac – where you’ll have the chance to rub shoulders with locals as you survey the artisan offerings of the market. Vegetables, textiles and silver jewelry are just some of the items that are sold here.

From here, continue up the mountain in your private vehicle for today’s final stop at the ruins overlooking Pisac. Here, you’ll learn about the complexity of the Incan agricultural system, their methods of cultivating thousands of varieties of corn and potatoes, and you’ll watch the sun sink over the tips of the Andes Mountains surrounding you.

Day 4: Meet with Andean shaman for a traditional wedding ceremony and offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth)!

The Andean despacho (offering) to Pachamama is a very integral rite in Andean culture to mark important life moments.

Performed by an Andean shaman amidst the splendor of Peru’s sierra, and in the presence of the Apus (mountain spirits) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), an Andean wedding ceremony is an incredibly mystical and meaningful way for a couple to bind their lives together or renew their vows to one another.

The ceremony begins in the morning and will include rites of purification and flowering, as well as rites of the four elements – water (purity), fire (strength), air (the Apus) and earth (Pachamama). Together with the help of your shaman you will make an offering to Pachamama, asking that she protect your union, before exchanging symbolic presents and drink to ensure the strength of your union.

Day 5: Enjoy a morning train through the cloud forest and visit the Machu Picchu Citadel!

Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.

Prepare for a climactic day! In the morning, we will board the train in Ollantaytambo for our journey to Machu Picchu. Watch the cloud jungle pass by through the large glass windows! Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, we’ll tuck in to an early lunch in order to refuel before ascending to Peru’s lost citadel.

After a bus ride to the gates of this wonder of the world, you will pass through the main gates with your private guide to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu. The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. Your expert guide will give you a private tour of the ancient city.

Upon conclusion of your tour, return for an evening in Aguas Calientes. Enjoy an excellent dinner on-site at your hotel and fall into bed, lulled to sleep by the sound of the cloud forest around you.

Day 6: Hike one of the coveted, limited-entry hikes, Huayna Picchu!

Huayna Picchu, a not to miss experience while exploring Machu Picchu!

Today you have the option to hike two different trails – Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, so it’s completely up to you on how you would like to culminate your Machu Picchu luxury tour. Feeling adventurous? Consider hiking the steep slope of neighboring Huayna Picchu, which offers unrivalled views over Machu Picchu. Please note that only a limited amount of hikers are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu each day and tickets will need to be purchased in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance.

In the afternoon, reconvene in Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Your Kuoda host will meet you at the station and bring you to your hotel for a well-deserved good night’s rest.

Day 7: Visit the Huayoccari Hacienda for an enchanting horseback ride and gourmet lunch.

The Sacred Valley is known for its kind people and breathtaking snow-capped mountain views!

After breakfast this morning, we are visiting the Hacienda of Huayoccari. Tucked away in the lush, vegetation-filled private estate of the Lambarri-Orihuela family, this centuries-old hacienda is still family-owned and operated. As you walk through the hacienda, remember to stop and look at the private collection of pre-Colombian, Inca, and colonial artefacts including an impressive collection of ‘Qeros,’ the traditional drinking vessels.

You will start the morning by taking a tour on horseback off-the-beaten-path communities surrounding the hacienda. Peruvian Fine-Step horses, or “Peruvian Paso” horses, are small and elegant creatures known for their smooth gait and friendly disposition. Afterwards, return to the Huayoccari Hacienda for a delicious fresh gourmet lunch.

Day 8: Explore the hidden cobblestone streets of historical Cusco and taste your way through the most iconic Peruvian products.

Tucked into the Andes Mountains, the city of Cusco lies at 11,150ft (3,300m) above sea level!

It’s time to get acquainted with Cusco, a gorgeous city that wins the heart of most every traveler that passes through it. Get to know the real Cusco during a private tour. After breakfast, meet your guide and wander among the archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas staged a great battle against the conquistadors. Return to the city and roam the atmospheric streets of the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, which is known for its free-spirited scene. Explore Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo monastery (a colonial structure built on top of the ancient Inca temple of the sun); see where the locals make their grocery runs at the open-air San Pedro market and pass the famous 12-angled stone, whose image appears on the bottle of the local Cusqueña beer.

At the end of the tour, your guide will suggest places to enjoy a delicious local lunch.

Day 9: Fly from Cusco to Tumbes via Lima and settle into your beachside resort.

The northern coast is known for its sandy white beaches and summertime glow.

Time for a change of scenery today! Early this morning we will pick you up from your Cusco hotel to continue your romantic encounter or Peru honeymoon in Peru’s northern beaches. We will send you on your way to Tumbes in the north of Peru via a connecting flight in Lima.

A host from your beachside resort will be waiting to meet you at the airport in Tumbes, ready to accompany you on a breathtaking coastal road trip to Mancora.

Check in to your beautiful hotel and instantly begin enjoying its comforts on this simply lovely stretch of coast.

Day 10: Spend the day soaking in the serenity of this tranquil corner of Peru.

Ask your resort staff about possible excursions and activities!

Spend the day reveling in the luxury and tranquility of your hotel and enjoying these wonderful beaches. Relax, take a surf lesson, or ask your hotel about sites of interest and places to visit whilst you are here.

Day 11: Last day to enjoy the northern beaches of Peru!

Ask your resort staff about possible excursions and activities!

This is your last day to fully relax, and throw your cares away. Maybe go snorkeling in the lively Organos Bay and discover its unique marine wonder world, including a coral reef and its colorful inhabitants. This beautiful bay is an ideal spot to enjoy snorkeling, an activity suitable for almost every level of expertise.

If it is your first time snorkeling, you will be given some basic techniques so that you will be able to learn all you need in just one day. The only requisite is to know how to swim! Delight your senses and encounter the magic of the northern coast.

Day 12: Bid farewell to Peru!

Feel free to sleep in and savor your last moments on the beach.

Going home is the worst part of any private Peru vacation, but at Kuoda, we’ll do our best to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. First, we’ll bring you to Tumbes airport for your return flight to Lima. In Lima, a Kuoda host will meet you and take you to the restaurant in Costa del Sol before returning to the airport for your journey home! Buen viaje!

Like the sound of this Romantic Andean Getaway private tour? Get in touch with Kuoda and we’ll start crafting your very own customized private travel experience to Peru for you and your loved one!

Notes: There are many additional activities that can be added to the Romantic Andean Getaway private tour, as our tours are entirely customized to your interests, hobbies, and expectations! Please note that Huayna Picchu has a limited entry quota per day and needs to be booked months in advance.

• Share a leisurely horseback ride on the outskirts of Cusco city surrounded by mountains and the Sacsayhuaman Incan ruins.
• Participate in the building of a traditional Peruvian cooking pit called a Pachamanca, which is assembled using hot Andean stones, and delight in the veritable feast that follows!
• Visit a Sacred Valley brewing company in a picturesque location and sample their locally inspired craft beers.
• Tour one of Cusco’s open produce markets to handpick some fresh ingredients before entering the kitchen and learning how to make some traditional Peruvian dishes from local chefs.
• Spend the afternoon getting to know the a Quechua weaving community near the ancient salt flats of Maras, learning about ancient patterns and techniques handed down through generations.

• Personalized itinerary planning: Work with a Kuoda Travel Designer to create the trip of your dreams.
• Kuoda hosts take the hassle out of traveling. They’ll be there to assist you – whether with luggage, check in, transport or translating – at every destination during your private tour of Peru.
• Got a question or query? Kuoda operate a 24-hour, seven day a week customer service operation and can provide updates and assistance whenever you need it.
• With Kuoda, you’ll never be bundled in with big groups; each visit, activity, tour and experience will be completely private and conducted by your very own expert, English-speaking guide.
• Our private tours of Peru are fully flexible, which means we can modify them to suit your travel mood. So if you want to cut an activity or add on a new one, just say the word!
• All necessary adventure and trekking equipment will be provided so all you need bring is yourself.
• Receive a customized Kuoda Travel kit upon arrival.