Our most historically iconic tour: Insider Access to Peru’s Hidden Gems
June 7- June 15, 2025
(with an acclimation suggestion June 2-7 in Ecuador to help you prepare for high altitude)
Every corner of Peru has an opportunity for incredible photographs and special experiences.
Whether it’s the towering Inca ruins and vibrant markets… or tranquil moments with alpacas and llamas.
It’s a great destination for photographers as well as other travelers looking for a unique and historically significant place to travel.
The most famous archaeological site — Machu Picchu — is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Inca people. The stunning views surrounded by mist and mountains, create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
But that’s not the only reason to go…
Peru is one of only a handful of places left in the world where locals still wear traditional clothing and sell handcrafted (truly crafted by hand) goods. Peruvians are known for their warm hospitality which also makes it less a trip of sights and more of a cultural exchange.
If you’re looking for a captivating destination with a rich tapestry of experiences, Peru is the answer.
With our insider access, you’ll experience authentic moments, meet local artisans, explore hidden ruins, and savor traditional cuisine.
And for those looking to maximize their South American adventure, we offer the opportunity to combine this trip with our Easter Island tour, creating an immersive journey through two of the world’s most captivating destinations.
The Focused Escapes ADVANTAGE
Flexibility.
It's just us. No strangers. We control our schedule. We aren’t rushed around like other tourists. And we make changes based on our wants/needs/weather.
More meaning. Less fluff.
Travel writers, bloggers and photographers help us find cool experiences others don’t know about. This makes our trips so much more interesting than most.
Authentic accommodations.
We choose upscale properties and prioritize our location to be right in the middle of things. This minimizes our driving/ walking time and maximizes our experience.
Photography guide.
Our guides are usually local photographers so you come away with stunning photos even if you're not a pro.
Highlights and Trip Summary*
* Note: This is an exploratory tour. That means it’s the first time we’re running through the itinerary with a group. Your price is lower to reflect this.
Visit Machu Picchu not once, but twice to ensure you come away with good photos.
Take a train ride to the top and skip the arduous climb.
See (and photograph) the lesser-known, yet equally impressive Maras salt fields.
See (and photograph) the lesser-known, yet equally impressive Moray crop terraces.
See (and photograph) the lesser-known, yet equally impressive Rainbow Mountain.
Experience a rare and ancestral Pachamama, coca leaf reading and mystic massage on a stone bed.
Benefit from a local photographer as your guide.
Get a fleeting chance to see one of the few places in the world where locals still wear traditional clothing and sell handcrafted goods.
Savor delicious, authentic Peruvian cuisine, from street fare to gourmet dishes with some spots picked by a food blogger.
Rest easy knowing that your early arrival days are included… your gratuities are taken care of and everything has been thought through so that you can show up with just a few dollars for spending money and you’ll have everything you need.
You can also combine this trip with our Easter Island tour and an Ecuador “relax-imation” stop below to maximize your South American adventure with 2-3 immersive cultural experiences in one trip!
Your itinerary at a glance*
*always subject to change based on weather and other circumstances
Ecuador “Relax-imation” Add-On
June 2-June 7, 2025
One of the biggest concerns/challenges people have when visiting Peru, is adjusting/acclimating to the altitude.
Instead of going from sea level to well over 10,000 feet, you might consider adding a stop on your flight into Quito, Ecuador.
This will maximize your overseas flight cost… allow you to see two countries in a single trip… and allow your body to recuperate after a long flight while at the same time adjusting early to a higher altitude.
We can help you fly into Quito and transfer to Cotocachi, Ecuador at 7,800 feet. You’ll take advantage of their amazing spa and swimming pool. You’ll shop in the leather village and hear local, Andean music. You’ll taste-test Ecuadorian chocolate and fruit. And then you’ll transfer back to Quito to take advantage of our favorite photo spots at 10,000 feet.
By the time you get to Peru, you’ll have had three nights at 7,800 feet followed by two nights at 10,000 feet and be ready to tackle the famed Machu Picchu.
You can also add our Easter Island tour right before this and do all three countries with one trans-Atlantic flight.
Prices for our relax-imation start at $3,999 in single rooms and $3,299 if you share a room with a friend or spouse.
Day 1 - June 7: Arrival into Cusco
You can schedule your arrival into Cusco (airport code: CUZ) anytime on this day but check in at the hotel isn’t until 3 pm. If you’re coming from Ecuador, you’ll use this day to fly to Cusco.
Your airport transfers are included.
The altitude in Cusco needs to be taken seriously if you’re not acclimating first in Ecuador. We can meet in the afternoon to enjoy a cup of coca tea (an Andean specialty, helpful for acclimating to the high altitude) and dinner is on your own but we’ll have options for you nearby depending on how hungry you are.
You’ll sleep well at the Palacio del Inka.
Meals: on your own on this travel day as everyone will be arriving at different times. Your hotel is included in your fee.
Day 2 - June 8: Free Time and Art Workshop
Today is light. If you’re coming from Ecuador and you’re feeling up to it, you can walk across the street from the hotel to reach Qorikancha (the “Temple of the Sun”) or wander by yourself (or with others) through the cobbled streets of Cusco.
In the afternoon there is an optional activity to engage creatively with Cusquenian art. By blending traditional techniques—like gold leaf application—with modern elements like augmented reality, you’ll create a tiny Andean keepsake.
In the evening we’ll share our first dinner together as a group.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner. Lunch is on your own (or you may not want it if you’re tired).
Day 3 - June 9: Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll visit the iconic Sacsayhuamán Fortress, one of the Inca Empire’s most impressive achievements.
Set high above Cusco, this fortress offers remarkable panoramic views of the city and a sense of awe because each stone weighs up to 100 tons, yet they seamlessly fit together without mortar.
It's a long-standing mystery and symbol of Incan ingenuity.
In the afternoon, we’ll descend into the San Blas neighborhood which is known for its vibrant artistic community, charming cobbled streets, and artisan workshops. It’s a great place to discover crafts, interact with local artisans, and experience the rich tradition of Andean artistry.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4 - June 10: Ollantaytambo and Huilloc
Starting the day in Ollantaytambo allows you to step back into a living example of Inca city planning, where narrow, cobbled streets have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. (Amazing!)
Exploring the Ollantaytambo Ruins is a highlight because it's not only a stunning archaeological site but also the site of the Inca’s only major victory against the Spanish conquistadors.
From there, we’ll visit Huilloc to add a personal and immersive experience. You’ll be warmly welcomed with local music, and a resident interpreter will introduce you to the artistry and symbolism of traditional Huilloc clothing.
Trying your hand at weaving, even briefly, under the guidance of a community member, is an authentic and meaningful way to connect with the local culture.
We’ll then share a traditional lunch with the Huilloc community which is another highlight. This meal goes beyond just food—it’s an opportunity to connect and exchange stories with the community, enriching your understanding of daily life in the Andes.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the freedom to wander Ollantaytambo’s charming streets or relax back at the hotel, giving you time to absorb the day’s experiences at your own pace. This day combines history, culture, and personal connection, making it not only cool but deeply meaningful.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 - June 11: Maras and Moray
Moray is a fascinating stop, as you’ll see the Inca's agricultural genius at work again in its famous circle terraces.
These terraces, each with its own microclimate, were likely used by the Incas to experiment with crops at varying altitudes, showing their advanced understanding of botany and microclimates. The unique circular layout, set against the Andean landscape, creates a striking visual that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Maras offers a completely different experience, yet is equally captivating.
The salt mines here are still operational and date back to pre-Inca times. These thousands of salt ponds, clinging to the mountainside and shimmering in shades of white, pink, and gold, form a dramatic landscape that is as mesmerizing as it is photogenic.
Seeing this ancient, sustainable method still in use today is a reminder of the Andean people’s deep connection with the land.
After exploring Maras and Moray, you’ll return to the hotel for an ancestral tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits), an experience that goes beyond sightseeing. This ceremony, led by locals, allows you to honor the natural world in a way that has been practiced in the Andes for centuries. The coca leaf reading provides a unique opportunity to connect with traditional Andean spirituality, where the leaves are believed to hold insights and guidance.
The day concludes with a mystic massage on a natural stone bed, flamed with essential oils, creating a peaceful, rejuvenating end to the day. This experience blends the mystical and the sensory, grounding you in the power of nature and tradition.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 – June 12: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
After breakfast, we’ll board our train through the Andes with its panoramic windows that offer unobstructed views of breathtaking Andean landscapes as we pass by.
This is a unique travel experience that sets the stage for the day’s main event which is our first trek to Machu Picchu, itself.
You can expect a moderate amount of walking on this day to reach the main entrance of Machu Picchu and then 1-2 hours of walking around the site on uneven pathways with some steep stone steps and some terraced areas — all at high altiutude.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel, perched dramatically on a mountaintop which alone, is no small feat.
The precise stonework, terraced fields, and intricate layout all speak to the ingenuity of the Inca people. And it’s not just a place to see, but a place to feel, as it holds a mystical, almost timeless quality that many visitors find deeply moving.
With free time in the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to relax and reflect on the day's powerful experiences. Also to check your photos and see what you’d like to do differently tomorrow because unlike other tours, we’re going back again in the morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7- June 13: Machu Picchu
Day 7 is an exceptional part of our journey because it allows us a second opportunity to experience Machu Picchu in different lighting, enhancing your appreciation for its architecture and setting.
Visiting early in the morning (6:30am) may also mean quieter conditions, allowing you to connect more deeply with the site’s mystical energy and capture different photos, especially if the weather was cloudy or misty on the first visit.
The afternoon is flexible based on the wants/needs of the group. We have some activity ideas or we can just chill and reflect on our adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 – June 14: Rainbow Mountain (Palcoyo)
For those willing to try the hike on Rainbow Mountain, we have this day here.
It’s weather permitting and a moderate hike — approximately 1.5 -hour walk (45 minutes to reach the third colored hill) without significant slopes, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level.
We picked this trail with our inside connections because there are no significant slopes and its not the standard path most tourists take which means fewer people in our photos and a better experience.
If you don’t want to do this climb, we can arrange other activities for you or you can simply rest, shop or visit more in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 - June 15: Departure
Schedule your departure for today or opt to extend your stay in Peru.
This trip is designed for healthy 30 to mid 70 year olds and is best done NOW while you’re still physically capable!
Activity Level: Moderate to Difficult
While we’ve made this trip easier on your body (by offering the Relax-imation option in Ecuador and taking a train to Machu Picchu instead of hiking), this is still a highly active itinerary.
Daily walking is a key part of the itinerary. The best locations involve uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, stairs, and, in some cases, inclined pathways.
Being in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu means high altitudes, which can add to the physical demands.
This said, there’s some flexibility built into the itinerary, with opportunities for downtime and optional activities. If you are a healthy adult who can shop or walk for at least an hour or two at home, you can likely do this tour. We know where to get oxygen if you start to feel sick.
If you have health conditions or concerns please speak with us before booking.
Price:
This is an exploratory trip so you’ll get the best price we’ll ever offer. This trip includes beautiful accommodations, a mix of traditional and trendy meals, and lots of hands-on experiences.
The total cost of this trip is $7,299 (single occupancy).
But you can save by inviting a friend or spouse. The cost goes down to $6,699 per person in a shared a room.
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, activities, guide and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees - including 2 entrances to Machu Picchu.
We also pay all of your gratuities (including the guides and drivers) so you don’t have to hand out cash at every stop.
On the arrival and departure day there may be a meal or two that you’ll need to cover depending on your flight time. Other items not included are any incidentals such as laundry or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
Your Registration Includes:
Seven nights’ hotel accommodation in private rooms…
Airport transfers on arrival and departure in Cusco if you stick to our itinerary…
Breakfast, lunch (except for 2), dinner, coffee, tea, water daily
Entrance fees for all sites and activities in the itinerary including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu
Transportation throughout the excursion on a modern air-conditioned bus…
Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Gratuities for your guides and entertainers
Pre-trip guidance including what to expect, what to pack, travel tips, and more
Access to local families only reachable through our connections
Access to photography hot spots
Airport transfers are included if you stick to the itinerary but if you arrive early or stay late, you’ll need to arrange your own transfers and any extra nights through the hotel
Your registration fee does NOT include:
Airfare to and from Cusco (CUZ) airport
Travel insurance (We recommend buying a family plan through Allianz but please do your own research)
Meals on your arrival and departure day
2 lunches on your own
Any incidentals or souvenir purchases
Extra alcohol that you may wish to purchase
Any camera or video gear you want to bring
*Your Gratuities/Tips are Included
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, activities, guide and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees. We also pay all of your gratuities.
On the arrival and departure days, you’ll need to cover your expenses based on when your flight arrives/departs. Other items not included are any incidentals such as laundry or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
Who is this tour right for?
Participants are typically mid-30s to mid-70s, fun and healthy, with an interest in taking good photos.
We attract travelers who don’t like typical tourist tours. Our guides have a background in photography and they take us to the most photogenic places off the beaten tourist path.
We use local travel writers, bloggers and photographers to create our itineraries. And we stay flexible so we can take advantage of spur-of-the-moment opportunities on the ground.
Beginner photographers welcome!
This is a travel tour built for people who like to come home with great pictures. It includes extended times in each location and the itinerary gets us in all the right places in the right light.
There are no photo skill or gear prerequisites. DSLRs, point and shoot cameras, iPhones and travelers without cameras or other smartphones are all welcome.
