Origins
Private journey proposal

Origins

A private journey through volcanic landscapes, sacred waters and the quieter heart of the Andes — seventeen days across the far south of Peru, from Arequipa and the Colca Canyon to Titicaca, the hidden canyon of Tinajani, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Destinations
Southern Peru
Duration
17 days
Price
On request
Your journey begins here

The journey in brief

There are countries one visits, and others that dwell within you long after your return. Peru is one of them — provided you know where to look, and with whom. We spent twenty years building this journey. Traversing the Andean highlands, earning the trust of the communities who live across these territories, finding paths that escape the crowds and lodges that turn each stop into a moment in itself. This journey favours depth over highlights — from the volcanic stone of Arequipa to the Colca Valley, the shores of Lake Titicaca and the remote rock formations of Tinajani, before reaching Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Boutique hotels, remote lodges and tented camps, chosen for their location, character and deep relationship with the surrounding landscape — from historic properties in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco to small high-altitude lodges in Colca, Titicaca and Tinajani, followed by exceptional stays in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. Some journeys move you. This one transforms you.

I
Private journey
Only you and your travel companions
II
Spanish- and English-speaking guides
Selected for each itinerary
III
Handpicked accommodations
Charming hotels, lodges, camps, homestays
IV
A human pace
Designed for immersion, not for ticking boxes.

The journey, day by day

Arrival by the Pacific
01
Day 1

Arrival by the Pacific

Airport welcome and private transfer to Barranco, along the Pacific. Settle into Hotel B, with the rest of the day free — to rest, wander the neighbourhood or enjoy the hotel's art collection.

Lima, Then South
02
Day 2

Lima, Then South

A private day in Lima, with a car and guide at your disposal, shaped around your own interests: historic Lima, markets and gastronomy, the Pacific Malecón, contemporary art, architecture or selected galleries. Late-afternoon flight to Arequipa and private transfer to CIRQA.

Arequipa in White Stone
03
Day 3

Arequipa in White Stone

A day devoted to Arequipa and its distinctive identity, shaped by volcanic sillar stone, colonial architecture and one of Peru's strongest culinary traditions. Historic centre, the Santa Catalina convent, local markets and selected sites with a specialist guide — leaving time to enjoy CIRQA itself.

Into the Colca
04
Day 4

Into the Colca

Leave Arequipa and climb gradually into the high Andes toward the Colca Valley. Settle into PUQIO before exploring the nearby archaeological site of Uyo Uyo and the agricultural landscape around Yanque. Depending on energy and preference, the afternoon can extend into a gentle walk, cycling, or horseback riding.

Condors of the Colca
05
Day 5

Condors of the Colca

An early exploration of the canyon to observe Andean condors, away from the busiest viewpoint — from Del Cura or, for the more active, from Chimpa. Return to PUQIO for another night in the Colca Valley.

The Road to Titicaca
06
Day 6

The Road to Titicaca

A quiet morning at PUQIO lodge. The road then crosses the altiplano to Lake Titicaca, through vast plains, lagoons, and high passes. Arrival at Titilaka in the late afternoon.

A Day by the Sacred Lake
07
Day 7

A Day by the Sacred Lake

A deliberately slow day at Titilaka, to acclimatize and rest at an easy pace. Enjoy the calm of the lake, the lodge and its cuisine without a long programme — walking, kayaking, cycling, birdwatching, or simply time beside the water, shaped by weather, light and personal interest.

Across the Lake to Amantani
08
Day 8

Across the Lake to Amantani

Leave Titilaka by boat for one of the quieter floating-island communities. A walk along the lakeshore and a private offering ceremony to Pachamama, before navigating further into Lake Titicaca toward Amantani. Settle into Amantica Lodge. For photographers, the day can close with a walk toward the island's summit for sunset — or the ascent can be kept for sunrise the following morning.

From Sacred Waters to Stone Giants
09
Day 9

From Sacred Waters to Stone Giants

After a quiet morning on Amantani, cross the lake toward Chifrón. A private vehicle awaits on the mainland for the journey across the altiplano to the little-known canyon of Tinajani. Arrival at camp and time to settle in, surrounded by immense red-rock formations.

The Canyon of Giants
10
Day 10

The Canyon of Giants

A full day to explore Tinajani and the surrounding highlands. Walk through the canyon among its extraordinary eroded rock formations, discover stands of Puya raimondii, and the archaeology, flora and stories tied to this remote corner of the Andes. Return to camp for a quiet evening by the fire.

Across the Southern Andes
11
Day 11

Across the Southern Andes

Continue toward Cusco through the highlands. Visit Raqchi and its remarkable Temple of Wiracocha, then the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, before reaching Cusco. For particularly active travellers, Pallay Punchu can be added as an early detour — optional: the walk reaches around 4,900 metres and can take several hours at altitude, a demanding addition to an already full day. Arrival in Cusco in the evening.

Cusco, Where Two Worlds Meet
12
Day 12

Cusco, Where Two Worlds Meet

A day to discover Cusco at an easy pace. With a private specialist guide: the Qorikancha, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, selected colonial and Inca architecture, and the city's markets and neighbourhoods. The afternoon stays open — for galleries, shopping, or simply enjoying the city.

The Intelligence of the Andes
13
Day 13

The Intelligence of the Andes

Travel into the Sacred Valley through Chinchero, where a private textile experience introduces fibres, natural dyes, symbolism and knowledge passed between generations. The road continues through agricultural landscapes to Moray, whose concentric terraces let the Incas work across different microclimates. Lunch at MIL Centro, where Virgilio Martínez and his team research this same Andean ecosystem and reinterpret its biodiversity through contemporary cuisine. At Maras, thousands of salt pools have been worked for centuries and if you feel like up for a little walk we go down After dark, a private Andean astronomy session — with an astronomer and high-precision observation equipment — explores the southern sky and Andean cosmology.

The Journey to the Sacred City
14
Day 14

The Journey to the Sacred City

A relaxed morning in the Sacred Valley before travelling to Ollantaytambo station. The Vistadome Observatory train toward Machu Picchu Pueblo, continuing directly to Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, a first entrance to Machu Picchu as visitor numbers begin to ease and the light changes across the mountains.

Machu Picchu at First Light
15
Day 15

Machu Picchu at First Light

Return from opening time for a second visit to Machu Picchu, including Huayna Picchu, subject to ticket availability. After lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo and return by Vistadome to Ollantaytambo. Visit the living Inca town before continuing to Explora Valle Sagrado

A Day in the Living Valley
16
Day 16

A Day in the Living Valley

A slow morning at Explora before visiting a flower-growing farm in the Sacred Valley. An integration lunch with a local family, followed by a visit to the corn museum, just steps from the lodge. A brief return to refresh and collect luggage, before reaching Pisac around 3pm, in one of its quieter moments, then on to Cusco.

Leaving the Andes
17
Day 17

Leaving the Andes

Private transfer to Cusco airport and flight to Lima, connecting with your international flight.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

01 / 10

Miraflores Park Hotel

MIraflores

Cirqa

Arequipa

Puquio

Yanque

Titilaka

Puno

Amantika

Amantani Island

Tinajani Lodge

Tinajani Canyon, Ayaviri

Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco

Rio Sagrado Hotel

Urubamba

Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu

Explora Sacred Valley

The proposal

Your journey, what it includes

Price
On request
Private proposal tailored to your dates, pace and interests

Included

  • ✓Arrival assistance in Lima and private transfers
  • ✓Domestic flights Lima–Arequipa and Cusco–Lima
  • ✓All accommodation mentioned, in a double room
  • ✓Meals included in lodge and camp programmes
  • ✓Private ground transport and private boat on Lake Titicaca
  • ✓Return Vistadome train between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • ✓Machu Picchu admission, with Huayna Picchu subject to availability
  • ✓Private guides and escorts throughout the journey
  • ✓The textile experience in Chinchero, lunch at MIL Centro, the Andean astronomy session and the integration lunch with a visit to the corn museum

Not included

  • −International flights
  • −Mandatory insurance
  • −Meals not specified in the programme
  • −Drinks with meals (except water)
  • −Tips

Adapt this journey for you

Receive the detailed programme and discuss your travel requirements with our team.

Adapt this journey