ANDEAN EXPLORATION
The Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Expedition
with Judy Ramsey
October 27 – November 8, 2025
13 days/12 nights
This is a unique opportunity to authentically experience the essence of ancient Andean culture. Walk gently along the pathways of origin in the Sacred Valley of Cusco including Machu Picchu, travel to the highest navigable lake of the world, Lake Titicaca, and visit the Islands of Taquile and Amatani. This beautifully woven exploration into the Andean world through a native perspective combines visiting magnificent pre-Columbian archeological sites, exquisite Peruvian cuisine, with profound cultural immersion events allowing you to cultivate an intimate relationship to this land, its people, and customs.
Lima extension: October 23-25 are possible travel days to Lima. If you would like to experience the beauty of Lima and its shoreline against the ocean, you can choose when you want to arrive and depart. Judy will be arriving on Friday, the 24th, to assist your acclimation to Peru. She Will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport by a good driver who will take you directly and safely to the inn. Casa de Baraybar is in the beautiful area of Miraflores and is only one block from the ocean. Judy will arrange for any sightseeing you would like to do or suggest places you can relax along the oceanside park. You can even do a cycling tour of Miraflores, have a surfing lesson, or enjoy amazing coffee basking in the sun!
Day 1 LIMA Friday, October 24
Day 2 LIMA Saturday, October 25
Day 3 LIMA Sunday, October 26
Considerations: If you do not want to experience Lima, it is important to arrive at the latest by Sunday morning to allow for airline delays and to rest before experiencing higher altitude. It is critical that all group members be in Lima by Sunday so we can leave on time for the Sacred Valley early Monday morning. Thank you for your consideration.
Destinations: The Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca.
Description: High altitude, mountainous terrain with scenic drives, walks and day hikes.
Altitudes: Cusco 11,200 ft, Pisac 10,000 ft, Machu Picchu 7,500 ft, Amaru 10,500 ft, Lake Titicaca, 12,000 ft.
Length: 13 days / 12 nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Category: Boutique (3-star level)
Available: Small Private Group with Judy Ramsey
Pace: Moderate, with time for relaxation
Interests: Cultural & Culinary, Andean Heritage including textiles and music, Spirituality & Worldview, Sacred Geometry, Astronomy & Agronomy.
Accommodations
The Cusco portion is based out of Pisac Inn on the historic plaza of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Small and comfortable, our boutique hotel is charming, full of artistic details and old-world flair that celebrate local Andean heritage. Staying at Pisac Inn offers a unique travel experience, and settling into your room for the duration of your stay with no packing and unpacking allows you to create a personal relationship to the local land and people. There are a few nights at similar hotels, in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Lake Titicaca includes home stays on Taquile and Amantani Islands, with overnights at a hotel in Puno.Unucha Spa Treatments
Treatments inspired by the ancestral legacy of Andean pre-Columbian healing tradition offer a unique opportunity for deep relaxation and personal reflection. Try the herbal bath and massage combo. Reservations are required and we suggest making appointments ahead of time because space is limited. Treatments are not included in tour price.Socially Responsible Tourism
This opportunity to travel with a Socially Responsible Travel company adds value to your travel experience. Please see our Sustainability Section to learn more about our vision, our commitment to socially and environmentally responsible tourism, our cultural projects, and our international certifications.Amaru Traditional Community
This is a unique opportunity to visit and engage with a traditional community that is preserving their ancestral Andean way of life. The wisdom of the Amaru community members is the inspiration of the Kusi Kawsay Association.Kusi Kawsay Andean School
This is a unique opportunity to visit a social project that is making a huge impact on educational models by empowering youth, protecting the environment, and by advocating for human rights and social justice.Meals
Peruvian cuisine is a highlight of all our trips, especially those based out of Pisac Inn that include meals with exclusive daily set menus that are creatively designed and prepared by our chef at the Inn’s renowned restaurant, Cuchara de Palo, The Wooden Spoon. We use the finest local products with the clear intention of exploring the richness of Peruvian cuisine, while celebrating the diversity of legendary and nutritious ingredients that are fresh, organic and native of Peru. Sitting down for a lovely meal, including a soup or salad, main course, dessert and beverage is one of the trip highlights, with no dish repeated. On trips not based out of Pisac Inn we select the finest restaurants that are part of Peru’s culinary explosion and foodie scene. We love food and invite you to savor Peru’s culinary explosion.- Vegetarian and special diet menu available.
- Beer, wine and cocktails are available, but are not included in tour price.
- Meals not included in program will be at restaurants recommended by your guide.
Extensions: Add on extensions if you want to explore more areas of Peru.
Travel Information for more information and FAQs.
- Engage in this rare opportunity for authentic social interaction and cultural participation.
- Experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas stepping back in time, visiting the finest archeological sites, picturesque villages and colorful markets.
- Savor exquisite Peruvian cuisine and experience the exciting culinary explosion.
- Witness small town life in the Sacred Valley while staying at the charming Pisac Inn, or a selection of luxury hotels.
- Enjoy daily excursions with in-depth educational stories and the expertise of local native guides with their indigenous voice.
- Visit a traditional community and participate in their communal workday, a first hand cultural perspective that deepens appreciation of Quechua history and social life.
- Marvel at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Explore Cusco, capital of the vast Inca state and navel of the ancestral world.
- Visit Laje Titicaca, and the Isalnds of Taquile and Amantani.
- Join in our commitment to the preservation, protection and celebration of endangered Andean traditions and cultural heritage. Traveling with us directly supports sustainable tourism and cultural projects.
- Small private group, the cost of Cusco – Juliacca expedition starts from $4500 dollars per person.
- Early Bird Price $4300 dollars per person (payment by April 1).
Included:
- Airport transfers and all ground transportation upon arrival to Cusco airport and dpearture from Juliacca airport in a private tourist level vehicle
- Private, specialized, professional, English speaking native guides and interporeters on excursions and during special events.
- Entrance fees to all archeological and historical sites on daily excursions.
- Cultural group events with local Andean specialists like ceremonies, demonstrations or cultural included in program.
- Fresh, organic meals celebrating Peruvian cuisine as on program.
- Charming accommodations, standard double occupancy Single supplement is an additional $540. Unless you specify single accommodations, every effort will be made to place you with a compatible roommate. If no roommate is available, a single supplement may be charged.
- Visit our Social Projects: The Kusi Kawsay Andean School & Kusi Ñan Organic Farm, exceptional educational projects that honor Andean tradition with elements of Waldorf pedagogy.
- Visit Apu Runawana Weaving Society in the traditional community of Amaru.
- Machu Picchu, entrance, guide, tourist class train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo, tourist class bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
THE DEADLINE FOR FULL PAYMENT IS MAY 1, 2025. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO INCREMENTAL PAYMENT FOR THE TRIP, PLEASE CONTACT JUDY AT ramsey.judy003@yahoo.com
Full payment by May 1 assures we can get all our reservations for Machu Picchu train & site, and lodgings for the entire trip outside of Pisac.
Expedition costs do NOT include:
Airfare – international or domestic.
Judy will advise you about cheap flight fare. Note that the costs go up the closer we get to the departure date. Domestic flights for the group are purchased once we have confirmed everyone who is going. This is so we have everyone on the same flight going to Cusco and can take the van to Pisac together. These run between $250-$350 and fluctuate each year. You have the option when you purchase your flight to Peru to get a connecting.
Flight
From Cusco to Lima and go directly home vs. stopping for the day and going to the inn. You would then reserve your return trip originating in Cusco.
Lima lodging – $45-$55 for bed and breakfast, $65 single supplement.
This rate is divided between occupants of the room. On the return to Lima from Juliacca, Judy reserves rooms for everyone to ‘land in’, to refresh with showers, meals, and naps before going home. You can do additional shopping at this time. If you shop before going to Cusco at the beginning of the trip, the inn personnel will keep your goods for you until your return so you don’t have to carry them the full trip. Judy estimates that if you allow $250-$300 for all your Lima expenses, you’ll be good.
Meals and Sites in Lima
Airport transportation to/from
Transportation rate depends on how many people are in the taxi/van. Judy will send her arrival and departure times. If you are within an hour of arriving or departing with another participant, your fare will be less expensive. Single rates will apply for going to sites in Lima with your driver.
Experiences and sites – cost will vary depending on the event/site, but generally range from $10-$100. Everything is optional so you can manage your time and budget.
Spa Treatments
Unucha Spa has wonderful massages and herbal baths. At your orientation the first night in Pisac, there will be a signup sheet. Depending on the service, rates range from $80-$175.
Tips for the whole trip, including driver, restaurants or other services
The native dancing our first night in Pisac is done voluntarily by the community. Tips help to keep their cultural efforts going and are much appreciated.
Laundry
Can be done by the Pisac Inn so you don't have to pack more than 5-6 days of clothes if you don’t want to. Rates are around $9 a load.
Photographs
It is customary to tip 1-3 soles to local people that you photograph. It is a sign of respect. You will encounter many people, especially children, dressed in native dress and carrying baby alpacas, who will pose for you for a price. We will also visit sites like Amaru and the Lake Titicaca communities, where you can take as many photos as you want. They will not accept tips there.