For many intrepid travelers, getting “lost” in a place is at the heart of every authentic journey: you become so absorbed in a location and culture that you’re no longer thinking of a spot on the map but immersed completely in the here and now. That’s real travel.

But how many cities can claim to be “lost”?

Peru happens to hold one: the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu. Why it was constructed and what it was used for still remains secret: was it a ceremonial center, a royal retreat or an attempt by the Incas to preserve their culture in its waning years? The mystery of this spectacular archeological site lingers, as well as its astounding beauty.

On our small group, Peruvian adventure tour, you’ll gain a frame of reference—cultural, historical and present-day—for encountering the ancient wonder that is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. And, accompanied by a deeply knowledgeable Peruvian guide, you’ll connect with residents and local artisans. For example, at a local weaver’s cooperative, you’ll watch and talk with traditional craftspeople as they use the world’s oldest form of loom to create colorful, complex designs in wool blankets and garments. You’ll meet farmers that live in hillside villages that lie under the grand-scale peaks of the Andes, and you’ll greet Quechua dancers and musicians. You’ll tour the famous salt mines of Maras—worked by the Incas and still in use today. At the mysterious site of Machu Picchu itself, you’ll go on a private tour; and during a buffet lunch near the ruins, you’ll have the quiet opportunity to pause and reflect on what you’ve just witnessed and subsequently felt.

In Cusco, you’ll go deep into its everyday life by choosing from an array of activities where you can interact with Peruvians, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, shopping at a local market, participating in a cooking class or visiting a spectacled bear conservation project. Then, you’ll cap off your Peruvian adventure travels with a stay in the Pacific Coast city of Lima, the capital. This colorful, vivacious city is world-renowned for its artisan markets, archeological and art museums, historical architecture and Basilica Cathedral, a twin-towered, 16th-century structure deep in the heart of old Lima Centro.

If you’re considering a private custom tour in Peru, partner with us, and you’ll get the benefit of our 20 years of experience in the country and our local connections. We’ll help you arrange a private, guided exploration of Machu Picchu. Then, consider add-on adventures, such as:

• The city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site;
• Lake Titicaca, the largest lake (by volume) in South America and the birthplace of the sun, according to many Andean peoples;
• Colca and Cotahausi Canyons, claimed to be the two deepest in the world, each over twice the depth of the Grand Canyon;
  the Sacred Valley, a lush agricultural region high in the Andes;
• Kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding in the Pacific Ocean; or
• Browsing a bustling local market for fresh fruits and vegetables that you’ll use in a cooking class we can set up for you. Cuisine in Peru is a tasty fusion of Latin American, Spanish and Asian ingredients, and you’ll learn genuine methods for your meal’s preparation.

See this country in all its intricacies: within the intertwining threads of its cultural context, past and present. Let us help you lose yourself in its famous lost city—and, in the process, find the real Peru.