Peru Tour Details
Destination: Peru & Machu Picchu
Travel Style: Classic Expedition
Group size: Min 2, Max 16
Activity Level: • • 3 • •
Starting Point: Cusco Airport, Peru (CUZ)
Ending Point: Cusco Airport, Peru (CUZ)
Peru Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive to Cusco
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Arrival Airport: Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
Arrival: Welcome to Peru! This incredible destination draws people from all around the world to visit the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at Cusco International Airport in Peru, you will disembark the plane and proceed to customs and immigration. After clearing customs and immigration, you will collect your baggage and enter the arrival hall. Your private driver and guide will greet you and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Your guide will be holding a sign bearing the name "Acanela Expeditions." Please contact your guide (or the country director) if need need further assistance with your airport transfer. If your flight is delayed, please contact both the country director and your Acanela agent directly.
Afternoon: Today we’ll arrive in Cusco, where we’ll check-in to our hotel and acclimate to the altitude with an introductory lesson on Peru and a tour briefing (hotel check-in is at 2pm). Surrounded by the breathtaking Andes, this picturesque city was once the capital of the Inca Empire and holds a rich history that’s still palpable today. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax and rest up, or head into the city for a little exploration of your own.
Dinner: In the evening, a traditional welcome dinner will be the perfect end to this exciting day. We’ll enjoy our welcome dinner at Nuna Raymi, a restaurant within walking distance of your hotel (about 5-8 minutes walking). During dinner we’ll have the opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture & cuisine as you ask our guide questions and prepare for the unforgettable adventures ahead of us. After enjoying dinner, we’ll return to our hotel to retire for the day. Before saying goodbye to your guide for the evening, please confirm with him the starting time for your experiences in the morning. Typically we arrange for a transfer to begin at 8:00am, but there can be some flexibility with advance notice.
Evening: Overnight at Tierra Viva San Blas
Day 2: Cusco to Machu Picchu
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Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel before starting the day. Breakfast is typically served between 6-10 am, but please speak with the hotel front desk for any seasonal or circumstantial changes to the schedule.
Morning: After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we will meet our guide at 8:00am in the hotel lobby to begin our experiences for the day. We will walk a short distance to our vehicle to begin our transfer to the hills above Cusco. We’ll travel along the sweeping Andean landscape on our way to Maras (the famous salt pools outside Cusco) for a tour of the famous salt pools. Marvel at this stunning scene as vast mountains kiss the bright blue sky and shelter the thousands of Salt Pools below. We’ll explore the surrounding ruins, learning of the once-powerful Inca Empire, before heading on to Sacred Valley train, for a private dining lunch experience at Mama Mary’s home and restaurant along the way.
Afternoon: After fueling up with a delicious lunch, we’ll depart on a picturesque train ride to Aguas Calientes, passing dramatic canyons and rushing rivers before arriving at the base of the famous Machu Picchu. We’ll have some downtime to settle into our hotel and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner: Enjoy a local dinner of your choice at your leisure. There are a number of popular restaurants in the area, so please speak with the hotel front desk for recommendations on the most authentic and best tasting places to try! Before retiring for the evening, please confirm with your guide the schedule for tomorrow as tomorrow morning you will depart to visit Machu Picchu!
The buses up to Machu Picchu begin around 5:00 am and each depart as soon as they are full (approximately every 15 minutes). The line to Machu Picchu can start well before the buses depart and can be more than 100 people standing in line at any given time. In order to board the bus and enter Machu Picchu, you have to be with a registered guide, so please don’t lose them before arriving at the ruins! Please confirm with your guide the time you want to head up to the ruins in the morning and your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at the designated time and then we will go to line up as a group.
Evening: Overnight at Tierra Viva Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Full Day at Machu Picchu
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Breakfast: Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Before sunrise, we’ll meet as a group in the hotel lobby with our guide before lining up to take the bus to Machu Picchu. Wait times for the bus up to the ruins can vary, so if you’re looking to get the very best photographs you’ll want to be on one of the first buses up. Please be sure to confirm times with the group and your guide the night before. We’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the sun crest over the mountains, bathing them in warm, morning light. Explore the ruins with your guide and take in their colossal majesty before the larger crowds appear. After we’ve taken countless photos, befriended the famous roaming llamas and alpacas, and enjoyed a history lesson about the significance of this ancient city, we’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes as a group by bus.
Lunch: Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, our group will walk approximately 10 minutes from the bus drop off location to our lunch spot for a hearty lunch featuring Peruvian and international plates at Chuta, a local restaurant. Following lunch we’ll receive instructions from our guide about our afternoon free time and the morning meeting time for the next day.
Afternoon: Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking in the city’s famous hot springs (additional cost), surrounded by rugged mountains covered in lush greenery. The hot springs form naturally, but are corralled into pool-like basins to allow people to soak and relax in them. After exploring the local sights and shops, we’ll board our train back to Ollantaytambo. Please note that every effort will be made to arrange an early afternoon train transfer to Ollantaytambo, but train times are subject to their availability at the time of booking. Depending on our departure time, enjoy dinner in Aguas Calientes at a local restaurant of your choosing or in Ollantaytambo (not included). Once we’ve boarded the train to Ollantaytambo, we’ll check into our hotel for the evening and relax.
Evening: Overnight at Hotel Pakaritampu.
Day 4: Explore the Sacred Valley
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Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel (breakfast times similar to previous hotels).
Morning: Our driver and guide will arrive at the hotel lobby to pick us up at 8:00am and we’ll set out to visit Ollantaytambo, a charming village in the Sacred Valley, where locals still live in homes built over 500 years ago. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern life will be a prominent sight as we explore the paths Incas once roamed. We’ll wander the city’s sophisticated streets, colossal fortress, and lively markets, giving us an in-depth look into the past. If we are lucky, we will take a journey into the neighboring lattice Valley where we will experience an Special Llama Blessing Ceremony with the local villagers. Time permitting, we may be able to purchase some local fruit and snacks and be able to give these to the school children that call these mountainous villages home.
Lunch: Following the llama blessing, we will depart for Apu Veronica for some yummy Peruvian eats.
Afternoon: Following our lunch at Apu Veronica, we’ll get to choose how to spend the afternoon. You can browse the artisan shops, stroll down narrow cobblestone lanes, and get to know the local people. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the incredible scenery and rich culture around you. If you kept your ticket from some of our previous ruin experiences, you can also explore the local ruins (somewhat of a hike) just a 5 minute walk from your hotel (to the base of the ruins). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or back at the hotel.
Evening: Overnight at Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Day 5: Sacred Valley to Cusco
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Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Start off the day meeting our guide in hotel reception (8:00am) for the return trip to Cusco. There’ll be plenty of adventure along the way, and we’ll stop at the lively city of Pisac—famous for its expansive textile market and Inca ruins. The market is an explosion of color and a favorite destination of many travellers; the stalls are overflowing with colorful handicrafts, and it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir. The Inca ruins are remarkable, as well. The fortress sits atop a hill, with agricultural terraces carved into the hillside. It’s believed these ruins were once responsible for guarding the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley.
Lunch: After exploring the ruins, we’ll break for a filling lunch at Doña Clorinda, a Pisac favorite.
Afternoon: We’ll arrive at our Cusco hotel mid-afternoon, and you'll have the remainder of the day to spend as you please. Take some time to unwind after our busy day of travel, relaxing at the hotel with a delicious dinner. Before retiring for the evening, please be sure to connect with your guide about the program for the upcoming day.
Evening: Overnight at Hotel Viva San Blas or similar
Day 6: Full Day Ancient Cusco
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Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: This morning we’ll begin our final day in Cusco exploring both the cultural and culinary highlights this ancient city has to offer. We’ll hit all the iconic sites on a walking tour of the historic center. Start at Plaza de Armas, the gorgeous town square. Pathways wind through a freshly landscaped green space, full of cheerful, vibrant flowers, and the area is flanked by the famous Cathedral of Cusco and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. The intricate architecture is stunning and perfectly displays a colonial baroque style. From there, we’ll head to Qoricancha—the most important temple during the Inca Empire. Now a museum, the complex includes the Temple of the Sun, dedicated to the sun god Inti, where the walls were once covered in glistening sheets of gold. We’ll also visit the mysterious Twelve Angle Stone, which showcases the Incas advanced craftsmanship.
Lunch: You’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of your choice.
Afternoon: From Lomo Saltado to Ceviche and Causa, Peru is known for having some of the best cuisine in South America. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring a local market and learning how to cook authentic Peruvian recipes in a hands-on cooking class.
Dinner: Gather ‘round the dinner table and dig into the delicious dish you created during the cooking class.
Evening: Overnight at Tierra Viva San Blas or similar
Day 7: Depart Cusco
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Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Check-out is at 11am.
Morning: After spending an unforgettable week in the heart of the Inca Empire, we’ll pack our bags and head to the airport for our connecting flights home. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end just yet, continue onwards to the Amazon basin, where we’ll arrive at the famous city of Puerto Maldonado—the entrance to the Amazon Jungle.
Departure Airport: Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
+ 4-Day Extension to Amazon Jungle
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Day 7: Arrive to Amazon Rainforest
Arrival Airport: Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM)
Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Puerto Maldonado around midday. A lodge representative will be waiting at the airport for transfer to the river port, followed by a short 30-minute boat ride to our lovely accommodation for the next three nights. After check-in, enjoy a late lunch in the main lodge before touring Concepcion Trails, our exclusive, property-owned nature trails. We’ll delve into the history and significance of the rainforest, learning about the flora and fauna within, its many uses, the changes it’s seen due to humans, and why it’s so important to the world.
Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner with a view in Hacienda Concepcion’s Casa Grande dining room.
Evening: At dusk, we’ll embark on the Twilight River excursion. We’ll navigate the Madre de Dios River by outboard motorized canoe as we learn about its expansive ecosystem, secluded Amazonian creeks, the interesting behaviors of its nocturnal animals, and the southern constellations lighting up the sky. Overnight at Hacienda Concepcion or similar.
Day 8: Explore Amazon Rainforest
Breakfast: Energize with a delicious breakfast buffet at the lodge.
Morning: Prepare for a day of new experiences as we get ready for a long, scenic trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve and on towards Lake Sandoval. We’ll soon understand why the Madre de Dios River is called the biodiversity capital of Peru, as we learn about the reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Sail by dugout canoe across this mirror-like oxbow lake that’s home to many diverse critters. Keep an eye out for the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman, and one of the world’s biggest freshwater scaled fish, the paiche.
Lunch: We’ll return to the lodge to refuel with a quick lunch.
Afternoon: Take a 20-minute ride by outboard motorized canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center, where we’ll learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA—Inkaterra Asociación (NGO). Ascend one of the two 98-foot towers and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops at 91 ft. high. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and look for white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys, and the three-toed sloth. After descending from the canopy, keep the buzz of energy going with a trek across the 656-foot wooden bridge hanging over the swamps. As we take in the lively forest around us, we’ll learn all about this flooded ecosystem.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the lodge before heading off on our next adventure.
Evening: Experience the surrounding natural wonders in a new way, with the Rainforest by Night excursion. We’ll learn about the area’s nocturnal animals, who display intriguing behavior patterns and enhanced senses as adaptation mechanisms. As we stand bathed in darkness, listen to the lively sounds of animals who’ve just awakened for the night and penetrate this hidden world. Overnight at Hacienda Concepcion or similar.
Day 9: Explore Amazon Rainforest
Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet at the lodge.
Morning: Today we’ll get an inside look to how the locals live, with the Native Farm excursion. We’ll visit a local farm, where ancient methods of cultivation are still used today, get to know the people, and taste some of the fresh crops during the visit. Next up is the Botanical Garden, which is home to an immense variety of medicinal plants that are part of the region’s “natural pharmacy.” As we learn about the plants and their many benefits, we’ll compare the medicinal uses of local medicines and traditional remedies.
Lunch: We’ll head back to the lodge for a nourishing lunch.
Afternoon: After lunch, take some time to relax and recharge before the Cocha water excursion. We’ll ride via dugout canoe on the property’s private natural pond, shaded by lush greenery. There’s a first time for everything, and we’ll give native fishing a go, applying the “catch and release” technique. Breathe in the fresh, jungle air and take in the surrounding labyrinth of dense shrubbery, towering leafy trees, and winding vines. As the sun peeks through the forest, partake in some birdwatching, looking for hoatzins, a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked wood rails—to name a few! We’ll disembark at the remains of Fitzcarrald steamboat, learning about its history and how it inspired the award-winning film Fitzcarraldo.
Dinner: We’ll have a farewell dinner at the lodge, feasting on mouthwatering Peruvian cuisine.
Evening: This evening we’ll take off on the Inland Collpa excursion, observing diverse species through “blinds.” This will allow us to see the animals’ natural routines without disruption; watch as they go about their evening and prepare for the night. This up close and personal look into the lives of the local fauna is the perfect way to end our Amazonian adventure! Overnight at Hacienda Concepcion or similar.
Day 10: Depart Amazon Rainforest
Breakfast: Rise and shine with an early breakfast buffet at the lodge.
Peru Before You Go
Itinerary Disclaimer >
Our itineraries are constantly updated throughout the year to incorporate improvements based on feedback from past travelers and new country developments. The information given in your final itinerary may be slightly different to that in this itinerary overview. It is important that you print and review a copy of your Final Itinerary a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been any changes. If you have questions, please contact your Acanela Agent. We are here to help you! Please note changes may also occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and seasonal changes to activity times and transport routes. This can happen with very little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. Request Full Itinerary >
Accommodation >
All our boutique accommodations are selected very carefully to ensure a quality experience for our travelers, while still maintaining a local and authentic experience. Please note that service and accommodation in other countries is different than Western Standards. The accommodation listed in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline and on some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our classic accommodation (boutique hotels normally have under 30 rooms). A similar standard of boutique accommodation will always be used in these instances. Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/double basis unless booked as a single (with an associated single supplement to cover the cost of only 1 person in a room).
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to regular check-in time (usually 2pm) or departing after regular check-out time (usually 10am). However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. In these cases we will store our luggage at the reception and explore our new destination. If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation, you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. Please Contact your Acanela Agent if you are in need of pre/post night accommodations.
Transport >
There are some long travel days and some rough traveling in areas away from main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimize our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives are the spectacular views and fun stops en route.
Additional Extensions >
Most of our trips are 1-2 weeks in length, with the opportunity to book optional extensions to extend your travel experience and visit additional locations and places. All of our destinations have optional extensions, so please contact your Acanela Agent if you would like to extend your trip and see more of the region while you are traveling.
Visas & Passport >
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Passports andVisas can take several weeks to process, so please familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
Travel Insurance >
Acanela requires that travelers get their own medical insurance to cover any medical emergencies that arise while they are traveling in international countries. We also strongly recommend purchasing complete Trip Insurance. Trip insurance is meant to protect you against unforeseen travel events. Things like your flight getting cancelled due to severe weather, your baggage getting lost or stolen or you having to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency.
Health & Vaccinations >
All Travelers need to be in good health to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully. As a rule we recommend you don't drink tap water while traveling, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available and your leader can recommend safe alternatives when available. Water consumption should be about two to three liters a day. For some travelers, the desert sand and dust can bring on bouts of asthma. If you suffer from asthma even occasionally, we recommend you bring your medication as it cannot be administered by your guide and may not be readily available while you are traveling.
Food and Dietary >
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.
Emergency Contact >
We encourage all of our travelers to register where they are traveling with their local embassy, if you are a US Citizen you can do this by enrolling in the STEP Traveler Program. On all of our itineraries we include details of your in-country guides, hotel staff, local emergency line (911), and US Embassy contacts so that you are prepared in case of emergency. It is also extremely important that you complete your guest forms prior to departure so that we your emergency contact details on file with our local and USA based teams.
Feedback >
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travelers. Leave us Feedback >
Packing Tips >
Having good walking shoes or sandals is a must. We also recommend bringing sunglasses & a scarf (or hat) to protect yourself from the sun / heat. During the day we recommend having a daypack (backpack) or a money pouch on you. Your daypack will hold all the items you should have with you during the day, and your money pouch will hold all your important documents & cards you don’t want to lose (see documents section above).
Please note that some religious sites in Europe, Asia, and Africa that you may be visiting require a more "modest" dress code. This means that you should bring at least one shirt that covers your chest, shoulders, and stomach and a pair of pants that covers your knees and ankles. Examples of these sites include The Vatican in Italy, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Grand Mosque in Morocco, and many more. View our Ultimate Packing List & Regional Packing Guides >
Climate Charts >
Depending on when you are traveling your experiences may be slightly different than what is indicated on your itinerary so please ensure that are prepared for the weather.
While it is perhaps most well-known for containing one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, Peru is a country shrouded in rich culture and history of ancient civilizations. Peru contains 84 of the 103 ecosystems in the world and 28 of the 32 climates, making it the most ecologically diverse country in the world. Within its borders, there are three distinct regions: the coastal region, the highlands, and the Amazon, all of which have their own unique climates. And while the country is certainly travel-friendly all year round, the various regions and climates make different times of the year ideal for travel. Read more about the Best Time to Visit Peru >
Guides >
All Acanela Expeditions are accompanied by one (or multiple) of our Guides. The aim of the Guide is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your Guide will provide information on the places you are traveling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While guides are local to each of the areas you are visiting, you can expect them to have a knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Acanela we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit.
Each Acanela trip is designed around an artisan(s) in a foreign nation. Our artisans include women with families who are battling against poverty, men who have faced challenges of disaster or disease, and individuals who have never had the opportunity to receive a formal education. Our artisans have incredible talents and abilities in diverse areas such as culinary arts, outdoor & adventure, art & design - but lack the resources to share those talents with the world. Our mission is to discover these men and women, help them develop as individuals & leaders, and empower them to build their own sustainable business enterprises. All our boutique expeditions incorporate instructional classes and experiences from our local artisans, giving them a further means to monetize their skills.
Local Currency >
When it comes to how much money you need on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t.
The local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/), but recommended amounts are listed in USD to accommodate universal travelers, however the local currency is needed in the country you are visiting. For meals that are not included on your trip we recommend bringing the equivalent of 10-15 USD for lunches and 15-20 USD for dinners. These are indicative prices only. If you are in a tight budget, are happy to eat just local food and are not afraid of an upset tummy every now and then, you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to try just the finest food at the finest restaurants, then you can expect meals to cost as much as in western countries.
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to the equivalent of an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved.
ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only.
Check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are traveling to and what their fees and charges are. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions. Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day. If bringing over cash, please note USD100 bills with serial number CB or BE and any other USD bills that are old, torn, written or stamped on will not be accepted by local banks.
Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. We suggest carrying small notes of local currency around as you go. It’ll make tipping easier. See our South America Tipping Guide >
Safety & Rules >
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We encourage you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your guide will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Guide has the authority to amend any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
When walking through touristy areas of cities you may be approached by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or take you to a local shop. They will either ask to be your local guide for the day or expect money when you arrive at your destination. Please note these people are not registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly 'no thank you should suffice.
While traveling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
Read Acanela’s Most Frequently Asked Questions >
Traveling in a Group >
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
A Better Trip for a Better World >
We believe in sustainable eco-tourism that leaves a low impact on the environment and a positive impact on the local artisans, peoples, and communities who are a part of the experience.
Acanela is Latin for the Cinnamon, as our organization was founded on the connection between cuisine and culture, and the power that the cooking experience has in bringing people of different backgrounds together. As travelers, we strive to share that love and connection with the world. We have the power to elevate artisans in developing nations, as we have found that poverty-stricken people in developing nations are often the most talented. That is why we created Acanela, to give these artisans the opportunity to share their talents with the world. Traveling allows us to band together, and make an impact in the lives of artisans in developing nations. Each of our trips is created in collaboration with these talented artisans, with experiences coming directly from locals.
We have built strong connections with local communities, artisans, minority populations, refugees, and wildlife conservation centers, and - all of which directly rely on the assistance of donations and products purchased by our travelers and other visitors. We ensure our travelers have an opportunity to interact with locals, to learn from them, partake in activities with them, which help towards sustaining their businesses, communities, and livelihoods.
While on an Acanela Trip you will meet plenty of local people. Depending on which trip you choose there's a chance to enjoy a meal in a local family's house, spend a night in a family guesthouse or local boutique hotel, and participate in a special llama blessing ceremony with Juan and his family. These experiences will give you a better understanding of the way of life for the people of Peru. You'll also have some fun by learning how to make some of Peru’s most famous dishes, like Lomo Saltado.
We use local guides with wide experience and knowledge of cultural traditions and an ability to interpret the cultural heritage of the people in the places visited. We constantly work with local people and assist them to grow and improve the quality of their businesses and services. By booking an expedition, you'll be helping us to support service providers, artists, small businesses, guesthouse owners and disadvantaged communities.
This year didn’t pan out the way any of us planned to say the least! Most of us had to postpone any travel plans we had. Instead of traveling overseas, we adventured close to home and maybe even got around to a couple of house projects that we were always putting off.
The Amazon is famous for its biodiversity, curious wildlife, and impenetrable jungles. But, when you think of the Amazon Rainforest, you probably think of Brazil. What a lot of people don’t know is that portions of the Amazon are also in Northern Peru, and even extends into parts of Colombia! The Peruvian Amazon is waiting to be explored, so here is why you NEED to go there!
The Peruvian Amazon is home to some of the most interesting animals on the planet. Here are five you can encounter on your Andean adventure.
Virtual tours are an interactive experience and thanks to the internet, we can basically go anywhere in the world! They are hosted on a video conference platform, like Zoom, and allow people to sign on and experience it in the comfort of their home. We are so excited to announce the launch of FREE (donation based) virtual tours to support locals around the world while bringing adventure to your home!
One of the newly added Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set amongst the Andes Mountains in Peru. It has quickly become a bucket list-worthy spot to visit, but when is the best time to go? The answer is here! Keep reading to know the best time for you to visit Machu Picchu!
Rated as one of our top 20 destinations to visit in 2020, a trip to Peru is truly incomplete without a visit to the former capital of the Incan empire and UNESCO heritage site, Cusco. Situated in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 3,400 meters, Cusco is vibrant in its colonial historic architecture, incredible local cuisine, cobblestone streets and markets abundant in textiles of every color. Cusco serves more than a gateway to Machu Picchu and here's why you might want to spend a few extra days in this city, with our list of things to do in Cusco.
Are you thinking about traveling to Peru? Already have your trip booked and you’re stressed with what to know before you leave? Being a large, beautiful, unique country, it can be overwhelming with all that there is to know in preparation for your trip. Here are 10 things to know before traveling to Peru!
Trying to plan a family getaway but not sure where to start? We know it can be difficult to travel with the whole family. After all, how do you find a destination that is appealing to both adults and kids of various ages? Luckily, we have done the work for you! Read below to discover five of the top family-friendly destinations in the world.
Seattle resident Nikki Rymer had always wanted to visit Machu Picchu — and thanks to Acanela, she finally got her long-awaited chance to travel to Peru. It was a dream come true, and after she returned home, we loved hearing a little more about her experience. Here’s everything that she told us about her trip.
Best friends Anna and Jillian have always loved traveling with each other. When they found out that Acanela was offering a two-for-one discount on its classic Peru expedition, they jumped at the chance to visit South America together. After their trip ended, Anna told us a little more about traveling to Peru with her best friend.