From Arequipa to the great waters of Lake Titicaca, onward to Cusco and the hidden villages in between, this 15-day journey is an intimate cultural encounter with Peru off the beaten path. Limited to just 10 travelers, we move through spectacular and little-seen corners of this living land.

Alpaca is our guiding thread across the Altiplano and southern Andes—a bridge into a world of weaving, creativity, and reverence. We follow the warm, woolly pathway of spun fiber through the bracing high air, weaving together ancient knowledge and modern lives.

In the old wisdom of the Andean people, alpaca was considered a sacred link between humans and Pachamama—our living Earth.

Along the way, we meet skilled artisans, entrepreneurs, and cultural activists whose hands keep tradition alive. We visit International Folk Art Market textile artists Timoteo Ccarita and Benita Ccana in their village of Pitumarca, as well as the renowned Nilda Callañaupa at the celebrated textile cooperative she founded in Cusco.

We’ll also encounter lesser-known masters of thread, such as grandmother Santusa Cutipa, whose knowledge and stories endure in a small village tucked deep within the southern Andes.

We begin in Arequipa, at the base of the great Misti volcano. The “white city” of stone is rich with history, vibrant markets, and extraordinary cuisine—and it remains the world center of alpaca wool production.

From here, we travel to the Colca Canyon, famed for its Incan terraces, condor roosts, hot springs, and exquisite embroidery traditions. Then onward to Lake Titicaca at 12,500 feet—mythical birthplace of Andean civilization and home to island cultures that feel like time capsules, where quiet pervades and no cars exist.

We visit Taquile Island, where the finery of men’s sacred knitted hats symbolizes their worthiness as mates, and we learn about the extraordinary floating reed islands built and lived upon for generations.

Across the Altiplano we encounter small villages rooted in a life of respect for the land—where there is a culture of alpacaboys rather than cowboys. Following ancient trade routes south to north, our journey ultimately arrives in Cusco, historic capital of the Incan world, where the creative arts of this deeply rooted culture come together.

Accommodations reflect the richness of the journey: from a 17th-century mansion-turned-hotel in historic Cusco, to a riverside spa retreat with hot springs and thatched roofs. Yet perhaps the most meaningful stay is a homestays with heart-centered family in an old alpaca estate, whose care and warmth offer something increasingly rare in the modern world.

This journey is layered with depth. It is about handmade textiles and the warm fibers that arise from the land—but most of all, it is about the creative expression of people who have always known how to listen to Pachamama for guidance.

We look forward to welcoming a small circle of travelers into this remarkable living tradition.

Peru Alpaca and the Southern Andes is custom designed for IFAM and operated by Traditions Tours/Eric Mindling.  Our Tour Host and coordinator is Hillary Freeman. Please feel free to contact her with any questions at hillaryfreemantravels@gmail.com or 650-400-1106 

D/Arequipa  (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner included in tour price)

Our journey begins in the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa* , called the White City because of the volcanic stone used to construct the colonial era buildings. Sitting  on the edge of the southern Andes and framed by three volcanoes this city is the perfect place to begin our travels. With an elevation of 7,500 feet it allows our bodies to adjust to altitude before we head into the highlands. And being on the edge of the altiplano, an ideal environment for raising alpaca and vicuna, Arequipa is at the center of production of these luscious fibers. Check into our 18th century hotel located in the heart of gorgeous old town Arequipa and plan to meet with the group at 6pm for a briefing before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner at a renowned venue.

*You will connect through Lima (LIM) to get to Arequipa (AQP). As our tour ends in Cuzco (CUZ), it works well to purchase round trip airfare to Lima from your home, and a one way ticket Lima-Arequipa and a one way ticket Cuzco-Lima.  We meet at our hotel at 6PM the evening of the 10th. Plan to depart Cusco anytime on the 24th. 

Overnight at Hotel Casa de Melgar

B,L/Arequipa

We begin out our front door, spending the morning exploring the heart of this vibrant centuries old city. Our path will bring us to the San Camilo food market, thronging with life, and always the best way to take the pulse of the land one is visiting. For all the flavors arrive in the market. We follow with a guided visit to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, featuring ancient textiles and information about their use in the potent rituals of the ancient Andes.  After lunch and a break, we visit the home and workshop of Natividad Condori, an embroiderer originally from the Colca Canyon area, who has become a legendary innovator of her people's art while representing the stories of the migrants who came to the city in the 80s.

Overnight at Hotel Casa de Melgar

 B,L/Arequipa

Our morning is spent exploring a village out of time hidden in the heart of the city. The place is called the Convent of Santa Catalina. Long ago a large city block was walled off as a convent, and inside over the centuries a world unto itself emerged. Now open to the public, we explore with wide eyes. We then visit the Michelle Alpaca factory museum to learn about this iconic textile mill that works exclusively with alpaca fiber. Michelle is one of the leading global producers of alpaca yarns and tops. The arc of our journey takes us from this modern edge and then into the deep highlands to see the way these beautiful fibers have been worked with since time beyond memory.  Lunch will be at a local picanteria to delight our senses and celebrate. After a well deserved rest at the hotel, we will head to CITE AREQUIPA, a remarkable governmental office focused in assisting artesanos. There we will meet its director Jose Valencia and local designer and knitting artist Elsbeth Cardenas.

Overnight at Hotel Casa de Melgar

B,L,D/Yanque

Our two and a half days in Arequipa have given our bodies a chance to adapt to thinner air. We are now ready to climb into the highlands, so today we board our coach and travel. We will traverse the  plateaus in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home of alpacas, llamas, and the wild and beautiful vicuñas. We will stop as we travel to take in this stunning region and shoot some photos. Lunch will find us at a famous roadside eatery for soups, sandwiches and tea for the altitude. Passing pampas, wetlands and volcanoes, we end our day’s traverse descending into the Colca Canyon where we will take the afternoon easy in the 11,000 ft air. Arriving at Colca we visit Yanque village, meeting with master embroiderer Celestina Cayllahua, and a leader of "El arte de bordar" local artisans association. Our hotel, located on the outskirts of this pretty village, is the Colca Lodge. It overlooks the Colca river and has the delicious plus of onsite hot springs and a spa. A gorgeous way to ease into the altitudes. 

Overnight at Colca Lodge

B,L/Yanque

We begin our day early as we go in search of the majestic Andean Condor. We travel to an overlook above the Colca Canyon known for its breathtaking views and peacefully wait for these rare birds, the largest birds of prey in the world, to gift us with a fly by.  And being in a place of spectacular views, we will wander between overlooks and take in the awe. Later that morning, will pass by the gorgeous town of Maca, a major attraction of the area with its XVIIth century church and chance to try Sancayo, a local sour cactus fruit everybody loves. Arriving back to our hotel by lunch, we have afternoon free to enjoy the hotel facilities and an option to hike by the nearby archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo, the major Incan site of the whole area.  

Overnight at Colca Lodge

 B,L/ Yanque

After 2 nights at 11,000’ above sea level, our bodies are now ready for a bit more. We will leave  Yanque area for the day and embark on a day full of adventure and new experiences. We will drive up the Colca River valley towards the old town of Sibayo Rumillaqta, a place of proud traditions. This village of stone and thatch has been awarded for its pioneering work in community based tourism and textile knowledge conservation. Immersing ourselves in the village we’ll take a walk along an ancient trail with a pack of llamas, then spend the afternoon with the local weaver’s association "Sumaq Pallay", gathering at their communal center and learning first-hand about their techniques and achievements. Guided by expert hands, we will learn the technique of Alpaca fiber spinning using the traditional top-spin "pushka", and participate in a natural dye demonstration. For lunch, real Andean flavors will delight us at a nearby stone house! 

Overnight Colca Lodge

B,L,D/Puno

Today is another early day, for we have ground to cover, crossing the highlands towards the legendary Lake Titicaca.  But first, a generous Andean-style breakfast and farewells after this short, but sweet visit. We will make a few fascinating stops en route to the great lake. The first will be at 16,000’ Patapampa pass, which offers magnificent views of mountain ranges and valleys. Later, we will visit the Alpaca research center led by DescoSur, perhaps the most important development NGO in the Southern Andes. Hosted by scientific experts, the visit will introduce us to the role they play in empowering local communities in the conservation and improvement of their camelid population. As we travel the views will be consistently breathtaking, and mid-afternoon will find us at the mystical and mysterious sacred funerary site of Sillustani, with its amazing rock towers. This is an awe-inspiring place. By late afternoon we come to the city of Puno and head straight to our hotel, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. 

Overnight at Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno 

B,L/Puno

We spend the day on the great lake. Titicaca, 12,500’,  is the mythical origin of humanity in the ancient stories of Peru. You will see that it is a place of considerable presence and power.  We navigate its blue waters in a private boat with the support of a local guide. We head early across her waters to the island of Taquile. An ancient world unto itself, Taquile has no roads, no cars,  no noise. We explore by foot with Juan Quispe, a community leader and a master of the refined knitting practiced here. We will visit his home, the communal craft market and wander to a sandy beach. Those brave enough to dip into the chilly water, are more than welcome! Returning to Puno, we stop at the floating reed islands of the Uros people and learn about this unique culture. After a nice break, this afternoon we will have a very special exchange with a local documentary filmmaker, historian and Anthropology PhD for NYU, Ximena Malaga. With her guidance, we will learn and reflect upon the southern Andes social dynamics through history and how they impact the contemporary textile production.

Overnight at Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno 

 B,L/Puno

Today we stay closer to home, slowing down. We will travel into corners of Puno city to meet some impressive artisans and entrepreneurs. These women are the true force of the textile industry in this region. We first meet local entrepreneur Mery Mamani. Mery will explain to us the process that took her from selling goods for tourists in Lima to becoming a successful businesswoman in the textile industry of Puno. She will take us then to visit the workshop of her colleague and associate Nelida Cruz, who has decades of experience exporting textile goods. We will dialogue about their production process, anecdotes and challenges in their business. Since Nelida's place is located not so far from downtown Puno, we will have the chance to walk through Puno wavey streets and enjoy downtown attractions, grab lunch or a coffee or take care of anything we may need. The rest of the afternoon will be free until our 6:30pm briefing.

Overnight at Sonesta Posada del Inca Puno 

B,L,D/Ñuñoa

Our migration into deeper Peru continues as we point northwards into the Altiplano. We are heading towards the lovely old town of Ñuñoa. But we’ll have some fun before we get there, visiting  the pretty village of Palca, which happens to be the hometown of two of the best textile crafters in all of Puno. They represent two different ways to excel at weaving. Santusa Cutipa is a weaver awarded with the title Maestra Regional Artesana as well as a highly regarded national folkart prize.  Her work is unique, as she's determined to recreate the crafting weaving techniques of her ancestors like no other. We’ll also visit the home of Teodoro Pacco, both a weaver and a visual artist with a more contemporary philosophy, who has shown in contemporary art fairs in Lima. We travel on through the gorgeous Tinajani Canyon then stop for lunch in the cheese-producing town of Ayaviri. Afternoon finds us arriving in Ñuñoa where we will meet Dominique, our host for these next days. Dominique runs the family property, Hacienda Esmeralda and our time here will allow us to dig deeper into the world of alpaca ranches, and their struggles amidst global warming.  Once again we enjoy the simple privilege of staying in a family property and immersing ourselves in a cozy and slow world. We have arrived in the middle of nowhere, the edge of forever, a land of cowboys (alpaca boys really), starry nights and astonishing landscapes. Sigh and remember a slower world that once was, and here, still is. 

Overnight at Hacienda Esmeralda home stay

 B,L,D/Ñuñoa

We came here to visit the alpaca farms, and we will visit one of the most prominent in the Ñuñoa area. To do so we have to take the road up the Andes once again. Early morning, hearty breakfast, warm clothes, and off we go! This morning we are visiting the a local Alpaca expert, Eloy Enriquez, a notable community member of Ñuñoa, and regular judge in Alpaca contests. We will learn with him about the genetic management of alpacas and the ins & outs of running his business. We will then visit a local artisans association who make excellent quality hand knitted goods. For lunch will head back to our home base, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon which may include a visit to the nearby natural hot springs, interesting attractions around our property, or even a visit to a breathtaking pre-Incan site. In the evening, simple fun: dinner board games, mulled wine.

Overnight at Hacienda Esmeralda home stay

B,L/Cusco

Today we begin the final leg of this pilgrimage we’ve enjoyed through the vast and spectacular southern Andes and the Altiplano.  We are heading to Cusco, the former capital of the Incan confederation and the heart of hearts of the Peruvian Andes. Our journey today will be rich. First we cross La Raya pass: Waters on one side flow to Lake Titicaca, waters on the other drop into the Amazon basin. We ourselves descend into a valley among mountains, following the Vilcanota River as it grows from a creek to a white water river, carving the famed Peruvian Sacred Valley in the process. We will stop at the impressive and imposing Inkan ruins of Racchi for a guided tour of this important site.  And we’ll visit the town of Pitumarca, one of the most famed textile areas in the Cusco region. Here we’ll meet two IFAM artists, the renowned power couple Timoteo Ccarita and Benita Ccana and learn about their community and progress toward national recognition. We will joyfully arrive in Cusco by late afternoon, having come from the edge of forever to the heart of hearts in just one day. Not too bad! And now we begin to celebrate this gem on earth while easing into the delight of our lovely hotel in a converted 17th century mansion in the center of historic Cusco.

Overnight at Hotel Costa del Sol Windham

B,L/Cusco

After a relaxed morning, we begin our time in Cuzco with a walking introduction to this city, providing you with the insights to continue exploring on your own. We then visit to the Center of Traditional Textiles (CTTC) of Cusco, to meet its legendary leader, activist and notable IFAM artisan, Nilda Callañaupa. We will share time with Nilda, learning about her experience in organizing a paramount women's empowerment project through textile and community.

After lunch, the early afternoon will be spent learning from skilled weavers at CTTC about the art of weaving as we will have the chance to create our very own piece.

The afternoon and evening are free, wander to your heart’s content.

Overnight at Hotel Costa del Sol Windham

Our final day in Cusco will include a morning walk along a thread of the ancient Incan Trail. Mid morning we enjoy a guided tour of the recently excavated site of Inkilltambo. We will then take the old pathway back to the city. This 1.5 mile trek will take us by the Temple of the Moon and into the upper side of San Blas area, where we may choose to continue by bus or going downstairs into the heart of the city's art area.

The rest of the day is your for free to enjoy. We will meet early evening for a final briefing before we head to a memorable farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the city.

Overnight Hotel Costa del Sol Windham

 B

Plan to depart anytime today. Book a flight from Cusco to Lima and then onward, or sign up for our extension to Machu Picchu to visit one of the most spectacular archaeological sights on earth.   

Hillary Freeman is our fantastic host for this journey to Peru and she will be your support before and during this journey.   Please feel free to contact her with any questions at hillaryfreemantravels@gmail.com or 650 489-1054.  

Hillary describes herself as a leader, mentor, educator, polymath, and travel expert. She has been traveling since she was 5 years old, as both of her parents were avid adventurers. She has lead 25+  international travel adventures to 9 countries in Asia, Europe, Central America and South America. Hillary is a people person. She looks for the light in everyone she meets.  She ensures travelers safety while helping them immerse in the experiences. Humor, fun, activity, and camaraderie are key components to trips she leads.  Hillary is a mother of two and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, playing tennis, and all water sports. Her water polo team won a gold medal in the senior Olympics.  Hillary’s academic interests range from human culture, philosophy, and the arts to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).