Elite Artisans: The Spirit of the Andes Unveiled
ANDEAN HERITAGE – FLAVORS, MYSTERIES & THE SACRED CITY
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size: 2 to 6 people (for an intimate and privileged experience)
Ideal Period: April to October (for optimal discovery conditions)
Welcome to Peru, a land of incomparable richness, crowned for the 12th consecutive time as the World's Best Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards. This exclusive SWISSANDES tour plunges you into the heart of the living Andes, where every gesture carries a millennial heritage. Experience a deep immersion in textile art, ancestral pottery, natural medicine, and daily spirituality. This journey culminates with the discovery of the mystical city of Machu Picchu, all punctuated by 5-star gastronomic experiences. Every encounter is a genuine exchange, every moment a precious revelation.
Day 1: Lima – Gateway to Peruvian Elegance
Your odyssey begins in Peru's vibrant capital, where pre-Inca and colonial past blends with refined modernity.
-
Personalized Airport Welcome : Upon your arrival, a privileged welcome awaits you, ensuring a smooth transition to the luxury of your first accommodation.
-
Check-in at Belmond Miraflores Park : Immerse yourself in the discreet refinement of this iconic Lima hotel, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and impeccable service.
-
Dinner at Huaca Pucllana Restaurant (5-star) : A unique culinary experience awaits you, at the foot of the illuminated pre-Inca pyramids, fusing history and gastronomy. This exceptional restaurant offers a spectacular setting for an unforgettable first evening.
-
Welcome Cocktail : In the evening, a presentation of your program will be offered over a signature cocktail, inaugurating your journey under the sign of conviviality and anticipation.
Day 2: Cusco & Sacred Valley – Gentle Immersion and Living Traditions
Fly into the beating heart of the Inca Empire, where history whispers from every corner.
-
Flight to Cusco and Transfer to the Sacred Valley : A private transfer takes you directly from Cusco airport to your peaceful haven in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
-
Check-in at a Luxury Charming Lodge : Settle into an exclusive lodge nestled amidst magnificent landscapes, allowing for gentle acclimatization to the altitude.
-
Discovery of Chinchero and Traditional Weaving Workshop : Participate in an immersive day with a community of Andean weavers in Chinchero. Discover the secrets of natural dyeing and learn the ancestral art of weaving.
-
Authentic Andean Lunch (Gourmet Selection) : Enjoy a flavorful meal prepared with fresh local products, shared in a spirit of conviviality and exchange.
-
Gastronomic Dinner (5-star) in the Sacred Valley : Savor refined cuisine at your lodge or in an exceptional restaurant in the Sacred Valley, showcasing contemporary Andean flavors.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo & Pisac – Lands of Heritage and Creation
A day dedicated to connecting with the land, its knowledge, and its spirituality, set against a majestic backdrop.
-
Visit to an Agro-Ecological Farm in Ollantaytambo : Discover ancestral and sustainable agricultural practices that nourish the land and its inhabitants, testaments to millennial ecological wisdom.
-
Wood-Fired Bread Making Workshop : Participate in a comforting culinary tradition, where bread is kneaded and baked the old-fashioned way, for an unparalleled flavor.
-
Intimate Encounter with a Traditional Healer and Purifying Floral Bath : A unique spiritual experience, where a "Maestro" will share insights into Andean natural medicine, followed by a soothing ritual to harmonize body and mind.
-
Afternoon in Pisac – Pottery Workshop and Artisan Market : Get hands-on with a master artisan potter, then soak up the colorful and vibrant atmosphere of Pisac's artisan market to discover unique treasures.
-
Gastronomic Dinner (5-star) in the Sacred Valley : Enjoy a final exceptional culinary evening in the Sacred Valley.
Day 4: Toward the Sacred City – A Luxury Rail Odyssey
After the splendors of the Sacred Valley, a new adventure begins — leading you toward one of the world’s wonders in unmatched comfort.
An Enchanted Journey to Aguas Calientes aboard the Vistadome Train : Your day begins with a private transfer to the station, where you'll board the Vistadome Train. This panoramic ride is an experience in itself, winding through breathtaking Andean landscapes along the curves of the Urubamba River. Expansive panoramic windows offer spectacular views, turning the journey into a magnificent introduction to the grandeur of the Andes.
Check-in at a Luxury Hotel in Aguas Calientes : Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu, you’ll be escorted to your prestigious hotel (such as Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or a similar property).
Afternoon of Relaxation and Immersion : The afternoon is dedicated to rest and immersion in the lush cloud forest. Enjoy your hotel’s amenities, stroll through its verdant gardens, or mentally prepare for the sacred discovery that awaits.
Evening: Gastronomic Prelude (5 Stars) at the Foot of the Sacred Mountains : A refined dinner awaits you at your hotel or in one of Aguas Calientes’ exceptional restaurants. Savor delicate cuisine — the perfect prelude to your magical encounter with the Inca citadel. The sound of the river and the energy of the surrounding mountains create a uniquely soothing atmosphere.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Archaeological Revelations and Pure Wonder
The highlight of your trip: the discovery of one of the world's most mysterious and captivating ancient cities, enhanced by exclusive touches.
-
Dawn over the Lost City and Intimate Visit : An early morning start will allow you to reach the Machu Picchu site to witness dawn, a moment of pure magic where the first rays of sun illuminate the ruins. An exclusive breakfast facing the citadel will precede your exploration.
-
Private Guided Tour with an Archaeologist : Accompanied by a private archaeologist, you will delve into the heart of Inca secrets, gaining a deep and personalized understanding of each temple, each terrace, away from the crowds.
-
Gastronomic Lunch (5-star) at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge : After this fascinating immersion, an exceptional lunch awaits you at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right at the entrance of the site, offering you the privilege of savoring a refined meal with an incomparable view.
-
Grand Return to Cusco by Luxury Train : In the afternoon, a luxury train will take you back to Cusco, concluding this extraordinary day in comfort and elegance, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
-
Check-in at Palacio Nazarenas (Cusco) : Upon your return, a private transfer will take you to the sumptuous Palacio Nazarenas where you can relax and soak in the serene atmosphere of this historic gem.
Day 6: Cusco – Capital of Knowledge and Colonial Elegance
Your day is dedicated to an in-depth discovery of Cusco, a city where Inca heritage merges with colonial grandeur.
-
Gentle Stroll through the Colonial Center : For gentle acclimatization and deep immersion, a guided walk invites you to soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Cusco's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Exploration of Qorikancha and Cusco Balconies : Discover the majestic Temple of the Sun, Qorikancha, then admire the magnificent colonial balconies that adorn the streets, testaments to the opulence of the era.
-
Artisanal Chocolate Tasting and Meeting a Chocolatier : A gourmet moment for discerning palates, discover the secrets of Peruvian cacao production and savor exceptional chocolates.
-
Dinner at Chicha (5-star), Revisited Andean Cuisine : Savor Andean cuisine reimagined by the renowned chef Gastón Acurio, a refined immersion in Peru's authentic flavors, in a chic and friendly setting.
Day 7: Cusco – Andean Wellness and Departure to Lima
Enjoy a moment of pure well-being before your return to the capital for the final moments of your odyssey.
-
Relaxing Massage with Andean Oils : Treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation in a luxury spa, where ancestral techniques and Andean essential oils will soothe your body and mind.
-
Free Time for Last-Minute Shopping : An opportunity to find precious souvenirs or luxury artisan pieces in Cusco's select boutiques.
-
Flight to Lima and Check-in at a Luxury Hotel : A private flight will take you back to Lima. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your prestigious hotel.
-
Farewell Gastronomic Dinner (5-star) : For your last Peruvian evening, savor an exceptional farewell dinner at a world-renowned restaurant in Lima, celebrating the flavors that have marked your journey.
Day 8: Departure - Farewell to Peru
Your luxury journey in Peru comes to an end, leaving you with cherished memories and a palate amazed by the flavors of an exceptional culinary destination.
-
Morning : Private Transfer and International Departure: Enjoy a final refined breakfast at your hotel before being transferred by private vehicle to Lima's international airport for your return flight, your heart filled with Peruvian splendors.
Your Trip Includes
Every detail of your Exclusive Odyssey has been meticulously designed to exceed your expectations and ensure an experience of absolute fluidity and refinement:
-
Exceptional Accommodations : Stay in high-end 5-star hotels and lodges, carefully selected for their character, comfort, and luxurious authenticity.
-
Gastronomic Excellence : All meals included, served in prestigious 5-star and gourmet restaurants, offering an exploration of Peruvian and international flavors.
-
Flights and Private Transfers : All domestic flights and private transfers in luxury vehicles with dedicated chauffeurs, as well as journeys on luxury trains (Vistadome).
-
In-depth Local Expertise : Accompaniment by an expert French-speaking guide specializing in Andean culture, and a private archaeologist for Machu Picchu.
-
Authentic Immersion : Participation in artisanal workshops (weaving, pottery, chocolate), privileged encounters with local communities, and cultural ceremonies (healer, floral bath).
-
Wellness and Harmony : Soothing treatments like Andean oil massages for deep reconnection.
-
Cherished Memories : A personalized recipe book to extend the culinary magic, and an artisanal textile kit offered to each participant.
Exceptional Testimonial
"This trip was much more than just a tour; it was a true soul-to-soul encounter with Peru and its people. We were welcomed like family members, learning to weave the fibers of the past, to listen to the stories of the mountains, to feel the earth beneath our feet. Never has an organized trip touched me so deeply or transformed me so much. A profoundly human and infinitely precious experience." — Isabelle D., Brussels