Peru’s Culture, Creativity, and Culinary Scene Explored with Gess

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
May 1 - 7, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
6 - 10
transportation
Group vehicle, train, plane
Your TourHero
tourhero
Gerardo Sandoval
bio

Hi! I’m Gerardo — a visual artist, photographer, and storyteller from Mexico.
I created this trip to Peru to connect with others through culture, creativity, and sensory experiences. Traveling for me is a way to expand perception — I love capturing emotions through photography, dancing under foreign skies, and getting lost in unexpected beauty. Join me on this journey to explore, create, and feel deeply in one of the most magical places on Earth.

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Peru > Peru’s Culture, Creativity, and Culinary Scene Explored with Gess

Street art, ancient ruins, and a culinary scene that’ll blow your mind…this trip is a true treat for anyone who loves culture, flavors, and a little adventure. Dive into Lima’s vibrant neighborhoods, snap mural pics in Callao, and sip pisco sours in Barranco before jetting off to the Andes for empanada tastings and jaw-dropping valley views. You’ll wander through salt terraces that look like something out of a sci-fi movie, take a train through the mountains, and spend a day exploring the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of The World. Plus, a hands-on cooking class in Cusco and plenty of free time to vibe with your crew are sure to spark creative inspiration. This journey connects you with Peru’s creative energy and legendary landscapes. Uncover this gem with a travel crew who values the experiences you do – join us!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · May 1, 2026 · Lima
Arrive in Peru at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check in at Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores (or similar)
Free night
Day 2 · May 2, 2026 · Lima
Breakfast
Explore Callao Monumental’s art
Lunch
Visit Barranco district
Pisco sour tasting
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 3 · May 3, 2026 · Lima & Sacred Valley
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Group transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Flight LIM - CUZ (not included in price)
Arrive in Cusco at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Group transfer to accommodation in Sacred Valley
Check in at San Agustín Monasterio de la Recoleta (or similar)
Empanada tasting in Pisac
Lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 4 · May 4, 2026 · Sacred Valley & Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Visit Maras salt terraces & Moray ruins
Picnic lunch
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Train to Aguas Calientes
Transfer to hotel
Check in at El Mapi by Inkaterra (or similar)
Free night
Day 5 · May 5, 2026 · Aguas Calientes & Cusco
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Shuttle to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of citadel and Huayna Picchu climb (if available)
Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Check in at Hotel Rumi Punku (or similar)
Free night
Day 6 · May 6, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Cusco city tour - Qorikancha, San Blas, Twelve Angled Stone, Main Square, San Pedro Market
Cooking class with lunch
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 7 · May 7, 2026 · Cusco
Breakfast
Group transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · May 1, 2026
Welcome to Peru!

-Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport and soak in your first moments of Peruvian energy. After a group transfer, check in at our hotel right in the heart of one of Lima’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

-Miraflores is the city’s modern playground, known for its ocean views, lush parks, and buzzing nightlife. Tonight is yours to explore at your own pace. Stroll the Malecón, hunt for street art, or just chill after your travels – Lima’s got you covered.

Day 2 · May 2, 2026
An urban canvas

-Start your day with breakfast, then dive into the creative pulse of Callao Monumental. This once-overlooked port district has exploded into a living museum, where massive murals and edgy street art tell stories of resilience and hope.

-After lunch, head to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian soul. This district is famous for its colorful houses, indie galleries, and laid-back vibes. It’s the perfect spot to experience Lima’s creative scene and maybe catch some live music.

-Wrap up the day with a pisco sour tasting, Peru’s iconic cocktail, before heading back to your hotel for another free night to explore or relax.

Day 3 · May 3, 2026
Sacred Valley bound

-Enjoy breakfast and check out, then transfer to the airport for your flight from Lima to Cusco.

-After landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the group heads straight to the Sacred Valley, a lush region that was once the breadbasket of the Inca Empire.

-After we check in and drop our bags, it’s time for empanada tasting in Pisac, a town famous for its vibrant market and Andean culture. Sample these golden pastries filled with local flavors, then enjoy lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari, a historic estate surrounded by stunning valley views.

-Return to your hotel for a free night, perfect for adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the mountain vibes.

Day 4 · May 4, 2026
Onto the next town, with cultural connections en route

-After breakfast and check out, set off to explore two of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating sites. First, the Maras salt terraces, where thousands of dazzling white pools have been producing salt since pre-Inca times.

-Then, visit the Moray ruins, a mysterious series of circular agricultural terraces that showcase the Incas’ innovative farming techniques.

-Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before transferring to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town, and taking some time to explore.

-Board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and enjoy the ride!

-Check in and get settled. The evening is yours to relax in this mountain village, surrounded by lush jungle and anticipation for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 5 · May 5, 2026
Lost City legends, then coming to Cusco

-Today’s the day! Take the shuttle up to Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel perched high in the Andes.

-Explore the ancient stone city with a guided tour, uncovering stories of its mysterious past and ingenious architecture. If available, take on the Huayna Picchu climb for panoramic views that are totally worth the effort.

-After this bucket-list experience, catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

-Check in at our final hotel and enjoy a free night to explore Cusco’s cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife.

Day 6 · May 6, 2026
Uncover Cusco’s magic

-Embark on a city tour of Cusco’s greatest hits! Check out the golden temple of Qorikancha, the artisan neighborhood of San Blas, the famous Twelve Angled Stone, the lively Main Square, and the bustling San Pedro Market. Each stop reveals a different layer of Cusco’s rich history and living culture.

-Join a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to whip up classic Peruvian dishes. Our creations culminate in a delicious lunch – yes, you really made this!

-Afterward, the final night is yours to explore however you want. Enjoy!

Day 7 · May 7, 2026
Adiós Andes

-After breakfast, it’s time for a group transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

-Take one last look at Cusco’s red-tiled rooftops and Andean peaks as your Peruvian adventure comes to a close. Safe travels and hasta pronto!

Tour Price
USD 2,160
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Foodie fun, exploration, culture & history, community
Your local guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
The best tour company I've used!! I will start by saying that Roberto made this trip a dream come true, and I've never experienced a more organised tour. From the moment I first emailed him to inquire about the tour, to the last taxi journey to the airport for our flight home, my friend and I felt safe and well looked after the whole trip! We travelled to Chile, Bolivia and Peru and every aspect of the trip ran smoothly and if there were any questions, Roberto was only a whatsapp message away! From all the tours I looked at, Peru Inside Out was the most flexible and best value, and I would recommend their tours to anyone without a doubt!
An Tran
Excellent service – We used Peru InsideOut for a 13 day trip to Peru. Roberto was very professional and helpful from the initial quote request to the last day of the tour. He arranged all the hotels and guided tours very well. No issues at all with airport pickups and drop offs. The guided tours were very good. We met both Roberto and Karla in Arequipa- both are very friendly and nice people to interact with. Someone from his team was in touch with us daily in Peru to make sure things were going well. We had a very enjoyable Peru trip thanks to Peru InsideOut. Roberto is highly recommended!
Neeraja A
GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE – We were referred to Peru InsideOut by a friend who had traveled with them. We gave them a list of what we wanted to do (Inca Trail, Cusco, Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Lima, Sacred Valley, La Paz) and they sent us a few proposed itineraries. They were patient as we had many questions and made a few changes. We ended up booking a 16 day trip. Most of the trip was Private - just the 6 people in our family and a local guide and driver. The local guides were great - especially Huber on the Inca Trail. They gave us a choice of either Basic or Comfort Accommodation - we looked at the accommodation on line and chose the Basic - it was all pretty good. A few of the day tours were group. They were also able to accommodate one person bypassing the Inca Trail - they provided a separate itinerary for those days. We were always able to contact their office as they provided a cell phone and were accessible on whatsapp. We also booked some shore excursions through them as we ended up taking a cruise to get to South America. The shore excursions worked out well. All of the travel with this company was good value and exceeded our expectations.
Mike M
Accommodation
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores (or similar according to availability)

This modern hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima features comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and on-site dining. It's known for its convenient location near beaches, parks, and attractions, making it a great base for exploring the city. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

San Agustín Monasterio de la Recoleta (or similar according to availability)

San Agustín Monasterio de la Recoleta is a charming boutique hotel set within a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery in the Sacred Valley. Surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes, it offers a peaceful atmosphere close to key archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Maras. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

El Mapi by Ikaterra (or similar according to availability)

Located in Machu Picchu Pueblo, this hotel offers a cozy and contemporary atmosphere with efficient service and a welcoming vibe. Guests can enjoy panoramic windows, a café, and a serene spa after visiting Machu Picchu. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Hotel Rumi Punku (or similar according to availability)

This quaint hotel in Cusco is set in a historic colonial building, featuring rustic rooms, charming courtyards, and terraces with views. Guests appreciate the delicious free breakfast and helpful staff, as well as its proximity to Plaza de Armas and other attractions. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 2 nights accommodation in Lima

  • 1 night accommodation in Sacred Valley

  • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes

  • 2 nights accommodation in Cusco

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local guides during activities

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

Not included
  • Flights

  • International airport departure tax

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses

  • 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.