How We Define Activity Levels
We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.
Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.
Interest-Free Payment Plans Available
Experience the flavors, history, and culture of Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley on a small-group Perú cultural and culinary tour.
Explore local markets, taste ceviche and pisco, join hands-on cooking classes, and meet artisans and community hosts for authentic cultural immersion!
Wander ancient Inca sites — including the unforgettable Machu Picchu. This adventure blends food, culture, and adventure in a way that feels personal, connected, and unforgettable!
Trip Highlights
- Tour the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving by train through the lush landscapes of the Sacred Valley, where each turn of the tracks reveals breathtaking views and anticipation builds for your first glimpse of this world wonder.
- Connect with Shipibo-Konibo artists and discover the Amazonian tradition of kené—intricate, hand-painted geometric patterns that embody their spiritual worldview and preserve centuries of cultural memory.
- Shape clay with your own hands in an interactive pottery workshop led by master artisans Alcione & Bernardino, whose work reflects both ancient Incan techniques and contemporary creativity.
- Learn and work alongside the Ocutuan community, gaining hands-on experience in traditional Andean farming practices that honor the rhythms of the land and the wisdom of generations.
- Savor the art of Peruvian cuisine with a lively ceviche and pisco sour class in Lima, blending the bright, fresh flavors of the coast with the festive rhythms of local music.
Our Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
- Be warmly greeted at Lima’s airport with a personalized pickup and private transfer to your boutique hotel in the capital. As you drive along the coast and through lively neighborhoods, catch your first glimpses of Peru’s unique rhythm—colonial balconies draped in flowers, bustling markets spilling onto the sidewalks, and the Pacific shimmering on the horizon.
- Settle into your hotel and take the afternoon at your own pace. You might choose to rest after your travels, wander the streets in search of your first pisco sour, or simply sit in a shaded courtyard with a coffee, letting the sounds of the city wash over you.
- In the evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner at Siete Restaurante, a celebrated culinary gem where contemporary Peruvian cuisine draws inspiration from the coast, mountains, and jungle. Surrounded by warm company and the aromas of fresh, local ingredients, savor each bite while your tour leader shares stories and a preview of the adventures ahead—setting the tone for a journey steeped in flavor, culture, and connection.
Day 2: Arts of Lima
- Begin the day with a visit to the Shipibo community, where vibrant textiles and intricate kené designs tell stories passed down through generations. As you meet local artists, learn how each geometric pattern reflects a deep spiritual worldview and a living connection to the Amazon.
- Continue your artistic immersion at the Larco Museum, wandering through galleries that hold 5,000 years of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. From finely crafted ceramics to gold and silver treasures, every piece offers a tangible link to Peru’s layered history.
- Shift into the present day with an Urban Art & Graffiti Tour in Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district. Stroll past colorful murals, meet street artists, and discover how this neighborhood’s creative energy speaks to both heritage and modern identity.
- End the evening with a lively group dinner at a beloved neighborhood spot, where the warmth of casual hospitality meets the comfort of classic Peruvian flavors—perfect for sharing stories from the day and deepening the connections within your group.
Day 3: Flavors of Lima
- Start your day with a boost of energy at Ciclos Coffee Shop, where the rich aromas of freshly roasted beans fill the air. Guided by a passionate barista, learn about Peru’s diverse coffee-growing regions and taste the subtle differences in each brew, from bright citrus notes to deep chocolate undertones.
- Step into Peru’s coastal culinary heritage with a hands-on Ceviche & Pisco cooking class. Under the guidance of local chefs, prepare the country’s signature dish with the freshest catch of the day, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs—then shake up your own pisco sour. As you cook, live Peruvian music fills the room, infusing the experience with rhythm and joy.
- In the afternoon, explore the pre-Inca archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid that rises unexpectedly in the heart of Lima. Walk among its storied walls and imagine the ceremonial gatherings that took place here over a thousand years ago.
- Enjoy a free evening to follow your own rhythm—whether that means dining in a hidden neighborhood gem, returning to a favorite café, or simply unwinding and reflecting on your journey so far.
Eimy, Perú's Regional Director
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Where We Stay
At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.
The Heart Experience
What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From being welcomed into Quechua communities and traversing lands steeped in history to savoring Perú's explosive tapestry of flavors, every detail is designed to connect you with Perú's soul and reflect our commitment to community and regenerative travel.
Meet Eimy
Perú's Regional Director & Senior Tour Leader
Eimy designed the Cultures & Flavors Lima, Cusco & the Sacred Valley tour to spotlight the country’s vibrant culture, layered history, and rich regional traditions. She brings together thoughtful community visits, meaningful conversations, and flavorful moments that reflect the heart of Peruvian identity.
Some of her favorite highlights include:
- Exploring the extensive art scene in Lima with visits to the Larco Museum and an Urban Art & Graffiti Tour
- Supporting the Sacred Valley Project, which contributes to the education of young girls in the Ollantaytambo region
- Tasting single-origin Peruvian coffee at one of Barranco’s most beloved cafés, guided by passionate baristas who celebrate every step from bean to brew
- Exploring the ancient ceremonial grounds of Huaca Pucllana, where Lima’s pre-Inca heritage comes alive amid towering adobe pyramids
- Learning to cook Pachamanca, a traditional ancestral dish that is cooked in a hole beneath the earth
This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.
How We Define Activity Levels
We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.
Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.
What is included:
Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.
Pay in Full & Save
Enjoy 5% off when you pay in full up to 180+ before departure.
Starting at
Standard Plan
Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.
Starting at
Interest-Free Plan
Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.
Starting at
Add Peace of Mind with Heart of Travel Trip Protection
Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible.
See what’s included
Hear What People Are Saying
This Peru trip was wonderful, thoughtfully planned, with numerous opportunities to meet and support local artists and communities. The HOT guide, Eimy, was great, as were the local guides hired in Lima and Cuzco. The lodgings were nice and the food was fantastic!
Another bucket list trip thanks to the Heart of Travel team! Peru was spectacular! There wasn’t a moment that wasn’t perfect. I cannot say enough good things about the delicious food, the meaningful activities like the local farm visit and girls school tour, the breathtaking sights including Machu Picchu, and the excellent care by the guides to help our group acclimate to the altitude. This is my third Heart of Travel trip and I already have two more booked. Thank you a million times for the memories!
This was a trip of a lifetime! From beginning to end, we loved the thoughtful approach to engaging with locals and celebrating the diversity and cultures of Peru. We would love to return and explore more with Heart of Travel!
What to expect when booking!
Reserve Your Spot
Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure!
Get Trip-Ready
As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants.
Travel & Connect
A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.
Keep the Journey Going
We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.
How We Define Activity Levels
We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.
Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.
Interest-Free Payment Plans Available
Trip Protection Available
Have more questions?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.
No question is too small!