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!
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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.