Perspectives from Peru: A Photo Adventure with Danielle

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
May 1 – 7, 2026
activity level
Light/Moderate
group size
6 – 10
transportation
Van, train
Your TourHero
tourhero
Danielle Hardy
bio

Hiya! My name is Danielle, an avid traveler and lover of adventure. I curated this Peru trip because I believe in a true growth mindset that is inspired by stepping outside of cultural norms to experience something new! For me traveling is about tapping into your creative self, tasting good food, meeting interesting people, and lots of laughter. If you're ready for an adventure with like-minded travelers, I'd love for you to join me!

Peru > Perspectives from Peru: A Photo Adventure with Danielle

A week in Peru unfolds as a living canvas filled with the textures of Andean life, the flavors of traditional feasts, and the colors of landscapes that defy imagination. Travelers can look forward to wandering Cusco’s historic streets and artisan-filled San Blas neighborhood, capturing vibrant scenes in the bustling San Pedro Market, and exploring iconic Inca sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo through the lens. The adventure continues with a visit to the dazzling salt pools of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, followed by a hands-on Pachamanca lunch experience with a local community. Find yourself face-to-face with adorable alpacas and vicuñas at Awanakancha. In the Sacred Valley, the group will photograph the ancient terraces of Pisac, the fortress town of Ollantaytambo, and enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.

The journey peaks with a photo session and guided exploration at Machu Picchu, then shifts to the surreal slopes of Rainbow Mountain, where mineral-rich earth paints the landscape in streaks of red, yellow, and green. Each day offers new perspectives and hands-on creative opportunities, blending photography, culture, and connection in a way that makes every moment and every image unforgettable.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · May 1, 2026 · Cusco
Arrive in Cusco
Transfer to hotel
Check-in at Tierra Viva Cusco Centro (or similar according to availability)
Welcome dinner at Roots Cuisine and Coffee
Day 2 · May 2, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Cusco walking tour: San Pedro Market, San Blas neighborhood
Cusco city tour: Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent, Saqsaywaman, Kenko, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay
Day 3 · May 3, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Maras salt mines visit
Moray terraces visit
Traditional Pachamanca lunch at Corcor Community
Return to Cusco
Day 4 · May 4, 2026 · Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Visit Awanakancha
Sacred Valley tour: Pisac terraces and market, Ollantaytambo fortress and town
PeruRail Expedition train to Aguas Calientes with lunch
Check-in at Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (or similar according to availability)
Day 5 · May 5, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Machu Picchu guided tour
Return to Cusco on PeruRail Expedition train
Check-in at Tierra Viva Cusco Centro (or similar according to availability)
Day 6 · May 6, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Guided trek to Rainbow Mountain with lunch
Return to Cusco
Farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi
Day 7 · May 7, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Group transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · May 1, 2026
Welcome to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas

-Touch down in Cusco, the storied heart of the Andes and the former capital of the Inca Empire, where cobblestone streets and centuries-old plazas set the scene for our creative journey.

-After a smooth transfer and check-in at our cozy hotel, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at Roots Cuisine and Coffee, kicking off our adventure with a taste of local flavors and a chance to connect as a group.

-Cusco’s vibrant energy, rich history, and a blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influences will inspire us from the start, setting the tone for a week of photography, culture, and creativity in one of South America’s most photogenic cities.

Day 2 · May 2, 2026
Markets, artisans, and living history

-Our day begins with a stroll through the lively San Pedro Market, where the colors, textures, and aromas of Andean life burst into view-perfect for candid photography and cultural immersion.

-Next, we’ll wander the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, famed for its artisan shops, narrow lanes, and creative spirit.

-The afternoon brings us into Cusco’s layered past: we’ll marvel at the grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Andean and European artistry, and explore the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the sacred Inca temple of Qorikancha.

-We’ll also venture to the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán fortress, the sacred site of Kenko, the military outpost of Puka Pukara, and the ritual baths of Tambomachay. Each offers a unique perspective on the city’s cultural and architectural legacy.

Day 3 · May 3, 2026
Incan ingenuity in the Andes

-Today we head into the heart of the Sacred Valley to explore two of Peru’s most extraordinary sites for creativity and photography.

-Our first stop is the Maras salt mines, where thousands of dazzling white salt pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a geometric landscape that’s been harvested by local families since Inca times.

-Next, we visit the mysterious Moray terraces, a series of circular depressions believed to have been an ancient agricultural laboratory, showcasing the ingenuity of Inca engineering and their deep connection to the land.

-We’ll enjoy a traditional Pachamanca lunch at the Corcor Community, where food is cooked underground with hot stones-a centuries-old Andean ritual that brings us closer to the region’s living heritage.

-After a day filled with inspiration and new perspectives, we return to Cusco, our cameras and minds buzzing with fresh ideas.

Day 4 · May 4, 2026
Enter the Sacred Valley

-We set off for a day immersed in the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture.

-As we head off to Pisac, we'll first stop at Awanakancha, a living museum of Andean culture where travelers can interact with local artisans, learn about traditional weaving techniques, and see native camelids like alpacas and vicuñas up close. Not just a visually rich experience, this destination also offers meaningful opportunities to speak with the artisans about their craft and way of life. We always ensure these interactions are respectful and consent-based, in line with sustainable tourism practices.

-We'll continue to the Pisac Terraces and Market, where ancient agricultural ingenuity meets a bustling marketplace alive with local artisans and colorful crafts.

-Explore Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town crowned by a mighty fortress-a place where history, architecture, and daily life blend seamlessly.

-After soaking in the valley’s creative spirit, we board the PeruRail Expedition train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

-As the train winds along the Urubamba River, keep your camera ready for dramatic landscapes and glimpses of remote Andean villages.

-We check in at our hotel in Aguas Calientes, buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 5 · May 5, 2026
Machu Picchu awaits

-The day we’ve all been waiting for is here: a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel shrouded in mist and mystery.

-As the sun rises over the emerald peaks, we’ll capture the iconic stone terraces, sacred temples, and panoramic vistas that have inspired travelers and artists for generations.

-Our guide will bring the site’s rich history and spiritual significance to life, revealing the secrets of its construction and the enduring legacy of Inca culture.

-After soaking in the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we return to Cusco by train, hearts full and memory cards brimming with unforgettable images.

Day 6 · May 6, 2026
Seeing nature's work of art

-Our adventure continues with a trek to Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most surreal natural wonders. Known locally as Vinicunca, this vibrant peak is streaked with mineral-rich colors that create a true artist’s palette against the high-altitude sky.

-Along the way, we’ll photograph grazing alpacas, sweeping Andean vistas, and the ever-changing light that makes this landscape so magical.

-After our exhilarating hike and a well-earned lunch, we return to Cusco for a festive farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi. We’ll share stories, relive our favorite moments, and celebrate the friendships and creative sparks that have made this journey so special.

Day 7 · May 7, 2026
Remember to share your shots!

-Our final morning in Cusco is a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences, images, and connections we’ve made throughout our Peruvian adventure.

-After checking out and a smooth group transfer to the airport, we say our goodbyes-grateful for the culture, creativity, and inspiration we’ve shared.

-Though our journey together ends here, the memories and creative energy we’ve gathered will continue to shape our stories and our art long after we return home.

Tour Price
USD 1,595
per person
Flexible payment plans available
16 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Photography, city, culture, food, adventure, sightseeing
Your local guide
Travel Buddies Peru is all about creating epic, small-group adventures that blend culture, thrill, and authentic local experiences. With expert guides and carefully curated itineraries, they take travelers beyond the usual tourist spots—whether it’s sandboarding in the desert, hiking to ancient Inca ruins, or sipping pisco at a historic vineyard. Their trips are designed for curious, adventure-seeking travelers who want to explore Peru in a fun, immersive, and hassle-free way. If you’re looking for a trip that mixes adrenaline, history, and unforgettable moments, Travel Buddies Peru delivers.
Accommodation
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro (or similar according to availability)

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro is the perfect mix of cozy and convenient, located just a short walk from Plaza de Armas and Cusco’s best historic spots. The rooms are stylish yet warm, with comfy beds, strong WiFi, and a quiet atmosphere to rest after a day of exploring ancient ruins and vibrant markets. With super helpful staff and easy access to Cusco’s top attractions, it’s an ideal spot to recharge before your next adventure. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (or similar according to availability)

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu is a hotel located in the quietest area of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba River and surrounded by the cloud forest. Its strategic location in the gateway town of Machu Picchu makes it the perfect place to stay before venturing to the ancient ruins. The property features a breakfast room, a bar, a unique panoramic elevator, and a lounge with a wood-burning fireplace. Comfortable guest rooms offer cable TV, a minibar, and private bathrooms with showers. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 5 nights in Tierra Viva Cusco Centro (or similar)

  • 1 nights in Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (or similar)

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 3, 4, 6

  • Dinner on day 1, 6

  • Cusco walking and city tours

  • Maras salt mines and Moray terraces tour

  • Visit to Awanakancha

  • Sacred Valley tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo

  • Machu Picchu guided tour

  • Rainbow Mountain guided trek

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • A local tour guide

  • Rountrip PeruRail Expedition train tickets

  • Roundtrip bus tickets in Machu Picchu

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jan 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jan 27, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jan 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.