The Experience
Peru is truly an epicenter of culture, cuisine & history and there is no better time to visit than during the iconic Inti Raymi Festival. The historic sites of Cusco come to life with performances, dances and ceremonies that have been taking place for hundreds of years. Immerse yourself in the heart of the action and meet some of the individuals making this festival come to life.
Over the course of 7 days, we also experience a Peru that few get to see (and taste!). Meander through the colorful markets of Pisac, meet with the man who is revolutionizing Peruvian cuisine with the potato, spend a day in a rural community meeting with local children & weavers and uncover breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Stay in some of Peru’s finest 5* properties and delve into Peru’s iconic food scene during gourmet dinners in the valley.
Rituals & Traditions in the Heart of the Andes
People come from all over the world to experience the iconic Inti Raymi festival. This is a time of celebration and arguably the best days of the year to be in Cusco!
Peru’s Incredible Festival of the Sun
The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) is one of the largest and most important celebrations in the times of the Incan Empire, celebrating the Sun God Inti and marking the winter solstice and Incan New Year. Celebrations today involve more than 800 actors, dancers, and musicians in colorful costumes who perform a series of scenes, dances, performances, and other events.
Experience the Festival of the Sun in all its beauty and authenticity. Discover Corps will take you behind-the-scenes to meet with some of the actors involved in the festival and to see some of the costumes up close and personal. We’ll then join our guide to experience the festival like a local. Walk in the footsteps of the Incans and see Cusco come to life as performances fill the streets!
Where You’ll Stay
Start your trip in the Sacred Valley at the 5-star Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. All rooms in the Casa Hacienda are stand-alone luxury casitas feature breathtaking views of the valley, immersing you in open space, serenity and relaxing solitude. The charm of this property cannot be described with 360-degree panoramas of the mountains and a spa that is unrivaled.
We’ll continue on to the cloud forests of Machu Picchu where we’ll base ourselves at the 5-star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This is an intimate property with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. The property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty with 214 bird species and the largest orchid garden in the world.
End the journey in Cusco at the 5-star Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. This five-century old mansion with original Incan walls that sits directly across the from the iconic Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun. The colorful rooms surround a traditional courtyard where you’ll enjoy morning breakfast & coffee. At your doorstep is the oldest living city in South America – Cusco.
Itinerary Overview
Land in Cusco and venture off to the magical land known as the Sacred Valley. Settle into our 5-star hotel and spend the first days visiting with children in a local village, meeting the area’s most famous hat maker and enjoying lunch with Manuel Choqque, a man who is revolutionizing Peruvian cuisine. Venture to Machu Picchu by train and uncover the World Wonder before
staying at our eco-hotel tucked in the cloud forests. Return to Cusco for the grand finale of the trip – the Inti Raymi Festival. We’ll have the unique opportunity to meet some of the locals behind the festival before joining our guide on a journey though the festivities. This is an unparalleled experience that only happens once a year! Fly home or continue on to the extension to the Amazon Rainforest.
Optional Post-Trip Extension
Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.
Traveler’s Journal
Patricia J.
Seattle, WA
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Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$5,495 Adult
$5,195 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $995. You are required to pay this SRS fee if we are unable to find you a suitable roommate.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation at a range of hand-picked 5-star boutique properties
- All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer
- All meals from welcome dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day
- An active daily itinerary that includes all scheduled activities & access to the Inti Raymi Festival
- A bilingual, licensed guide that will be by your side through the entire journey
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
- Alcoholic beverages
- International airfare
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Questions? Schedule a personal travel consultation with one of our expert Travel Specialists.
2024 Dates
June 19-25, 2024 Full
2025 Dates
June 19-25, 2025 Limited to 16 travelers