Exploring Peru as a family: Inside a Bespoke journey of food, culture and local friendships

Our Bespoke Behind the Scenes series lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. From multi-generational family reunions to once-in-a-lifetime journeys that explore remote destinations, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design adventures that meet every need and desire. Here, our traveller Mike shares what made their family adventure to <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america/peru">Peru</a> such an incredible experience for both parents and kids. He also reveals the local connections, and now friendships, that Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/stephanie-gulledge">Stephanie Gulledge</a> fostered with her expert <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke">Bespoke</a> planning.&nbsp;<h2>Beyond the Landmarks: Experiencing Peru Through Local Insight</h2>While the jaw-dropping scale of Machu Picchu, historical impact of the Maras salt mines and the vast Incan agricultural site of Moray are all sights Mike and his family will remember from their Peru trip, it’s the moments of personal connection that continue to resonate with them the most.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People travel from all over the world to see these sites.&nbsp; What makes it so special for us is the guides B&amp;R pairs us with,” he says. “The amount of historical knowledge as well as local knowledge provide us with a nearly encyclopedic explanation of the sites with almost VIP-level access to the features of these wonders most people never get to see.”&nbsp;At the salt mines for instance, which are thousands of years old, their B&amp;R guide was able to get the family hands-on access to the incredible sight while other tourists were limited to viewing the sight from dozens of metres away.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Meaningful Cultural Encounters in Lima and Cusco</h2>Mike, his wife and two teenagers also had deeply meaningful moments with local friends of B&amp;R who welcomed our travellers into their homes and their traditions. In Lima, they spent a day with Brita, a chef who calls Peru’s capital city home. Their time was filled with a market visit to learn about local ingredients before heading to her home, with views of the Pacific Ocean, for a hands-on cooking tutorial and an intimate meal together. “She has worked at the best restaurants in the world, throughout the Americas and Europe, and opened her home to us and created unbelievable dishes for our family,” Mike says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And upon arriving in Cusco, the family met with shaman for a Despacho ceremony, an Andean traditional ceremony in which people give thanks to the land and ask for protection. “The sanctity of this ceremony was palpable, and we were all moved to be a part of it,” he adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;For B&amp;R Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/stephanie-gulledge">Stephanie Gulledge</a>, who is our specialist for Latin America, it’s being able to set the stage for these moments that make trips so special. “Our national guides and the other people who we meet along the way—they are the ones who bring the magic to the trip. We're so lucky to be able to connect our travellers with these amazing people in Peru,” she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Active Adventures and Unexpected Moments of Connection</h2>Stephanie describes Peru as a country that lends itself particularly well to multi-active adventures, something that was appealing to Mike and his family, who are keen to explore the places they visit through food, cultural experiences, and active adventures—hiking and kayaking among them. There were some unplanned activities, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;After kayaking in the Huaypo Lagoon, perched high in the Andes, and a picnic lunch, the family’s guides unveiled a soccer ball, having learned earlier during the trip that the teens loved soccer. “Quickly, a pick-up game was organized between my family, two guides, our driver, two kayak company employees and the cook from our picnic,” Mike says. “There were smiles, laughs, hugs, and some serious competition that afternoon that I know we will never forget.”&nbsp;He adds: “Any tour company can show us the sites and book reservations at restaurants, but making genuine personal connections with the local men and women we meet is what truly makes these trips special,” Mike says.&nbsp;

Experience Peru through a Bespoke family adventure filled with authentic cultural encounters, VIP access to ancient sites, hands-on culinary moments and meaningful local connections. From Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, this Bespoke journey blends history, adventure and unforgettable personal experiences.

Peru

With its unparalleled diversity and stunning landscapes, Peru is an adventure waiting to be embraced. From the Amazon's unique biodiversity to the towering Andes Mountains, the region promises both natural wonders and vibrant cultural experiences. In Lima, indulge in world-class cuisine and its lively nightlife. Explore the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and walk through Peru's rich history at Batán Grande, where ancient ruins tell tales of past civilizations.&nbsp;

Nature's playground, history's treasure

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on a luxury private Peru tour. Lima's cuisine, Sacred Valley, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca await. Expert guides since 1970.

Luxury Hiking & Biking in Peru | Butterfield & Robinson

Explore Lima, the food capital of South America, sampling everything from cutting-edge restaurants to traditional tastes of Peru’s culinary legacy. Bring on the ceviche!  Barranco is a historic areathat is a home to poets, writers, musicians and artists - galleries and folk art shops - Many food connoisseurs believe that Peru is home to the best Japanese food found outside of Japan. Tonight, we will have the opportunity to experience a tasting menu dinner at Maido restaurant,where Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, or Micha, takes Peruvian-Japanese fusion to a whole new level!

fish market -f ish traders and chefs looking for the best catch for their restaurants - experince vibrant daily life in the peruvian capital -fresh fruit and veg market

cusco & sacred valley of the incas

Hike, horseback ride and mountain bike your way through Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Venture beyond Machu Picchu and deep into Peru's untouched nature, history and cuisine.

Insider Access

Regional Expertise

Unforgettable Experiences

Peru is a place of staggering contrasts and vivid moments. Trace ancient footsteps to Machu Picchu at sunset, wander colonial streets in Cusco and find out why Lima is a global food capital. Cruise through the Amazon’s tangled beauty, watch macaws cut through the jungle sky and meet tradition head-on at Lake Titicaca. This is Peru—layered, living and endlessly compelling.

A land of striking contrasts, discover Peru

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Hike the Inca Trail, bike the Sacred Valley and eat at Lima's finest restaurants on a tailor-made Peru itinerary. A private Machu Picchu journey worth

Peru Private Tours: Inca Trail, Sacred Valley Cycling & Lima's Best

Experience Peru on a holistic level and leave feeling empowered, renewed and—most importantly—connected.

Want to see Machu Picchu after the tourists have gone? We find the best way is to sleep next door at the stunning Sanctuary Lodge. During waking hours you’ll explore the ruins of the Sacred Valley and hike the cloud forests of the Inca Trail before hopping the Hiram Bingham Train back to Cusco for a final night dinner in an ancient Incan palace.While this is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list activity, the Inca Trail itself is a challenging hike without any options for easy-outs or modifications. There is no road or helicopter support, making rescues challenging and reserved for emergencies.

Authentic Food

Great Walks

Welcome to the Sacred Valley, where llamas have the right of way and ancient Incan echoes still bounce off the ruins. Hike past soaring peaks to Machu Picchu the proper way—on foot—then toast your triumph. Cap it off with a ride on the Hiram Bingham train. Epic? Absolutely. Otherworldly? You’ll see.

Discover the Lost City

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Spend 4 nights hiking to Machu Picchu in a small group with a guide who knows exactly when to arrive before the crowds. The Inca Trail, done right.

Peru Hiking Tour: Machu Picchu, Inca Trails & the Perfect Sunrise Arrival

Rich History & Culture

Local Connections

Authentic Flavours

This is Peru at its most extraordinary. An intimate passage through ancient Inca citadels, sacred Andean valleys and one of the world's most celebrated culinary scenes. From the bohemian streets of Lima and a private dinner at Kjolle to a trek along the legendary Inca Trail, a sunrise at Machu Picchu and the golden colonial streets of Cusco, every day brings a deeper connection to the living culture, ancient spirituality and breathtaking landscapes that make Peru unlike anywhere else on Earth. A limited edition journey designed to be experienced on its own or combined with Part Two as the ultimate Peruvian grand journey.Extend your adventure with <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/peru-where-the-andes-meet-the-amazon">Peru: Where the Andes Meet the Amazon.</a>

Explore Peru's most iconic destinations on a private luxury tour. Trek the Inca Trail, discover the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu, and uncover the ancient capital of Cusco — with exclusive local connections, private guides, and extraordinary culinary experiences throughout.

Off the Beaten Path

Wildlife & Nature

Authentic Tastes

From the depths of the Colca Canyon to the elegant colonial streets of Arequipa and deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, this is the side of Peru that few ever get to see. Watch condors soar above one of the world's deepest canyons, dine privately within the candlelit cloisters of a 16th-century monastery, and spend three extraordinary nights aboard Aqua Nera—exploring remote river systems, ancient communities and the staggering biodiversity of the Amazon Basin. A limited edition journey designed to be experienced on its own or combined with the first chapter of this ultimate Peruvian grand journey.Start from the beginning with <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/peru-inca-trails-culinary-masters-andean-rituals">Peru: Inca Trails, Culinary Masters &amp; Andean Rituals.</a>

Explore the Colca Canyon, colonial Arequipa and the Peruvian Amazon on a luxury small group tour. Watch condors soar above one of the world's deepest canyons, discover Arequipa's 16th-century Monastery of Santa Catalina, and cruise the Amazon River aboard the elegant Aqua Nera.