This journey is much more than a visit to Peru's iconic landmarks. It blends the country's remarkable history with its vibrant culinary traditions, local craftsmanship, and welcoming culture.

Over eight days, you will explore the colonial streets of Lima, discover the ancient heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco, journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, all while enjoying carefully selected local food and beverage experiences woven naturally into the itinerary.

Along the way, you'll enjoy experiences that most visitors never encounter. Share a home-cooked meal while learning family recipes, mix Peru's signature Pisco Sour and Chilcano cocktails, visit local craft breweries, savor a traditional Pachamanca feast cooked beneath the earth, and travel through the Andes aboard the scenic PeruRail train.

Every experience has been chosen to deepen your understanding of Peru's people, traditions, and remarkable regional flavors.

As with every Brews Cruise Insiders Experience, this is a small-group journey designed for travelers who prefer meaningful connections over rushed sightseeing. There will be time to explore independently, ask questions, and enjoy spontaneous moments, while local experts and your Brews Cruise host provide the stories and context that bring each destination to life.

Whether it's your first visit to Peru or you've dreamed of returning, you'll come away with a richer appreciation for one of the world's most fascinating cultures.

Your Peruvian adventure begins as you arrive in the vibrant capital city of Lima, where you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. After settling in, take a little time to relax, stretch your legs, or simply soak in the excitement of knowing the journey has officially begun.

This evening, we'll gather for our first Insiders Experience as we raise a glass together at Cervecería Nuevo Mundo, one of Lima's pioneering craft breweries. Enjoy a tasting of locally brewed beers while getting to know your fellow travelers and learning about the week ahead. It's the perfect introduction to Peru's emerging craft beverage scene and a relaxed way to ease into the adventure before we begin exploring one of South America's most fascinating destinations.

Today we discover why Lima has become one of the world's great culinary capitals while exploring the city's remarkable colonial history. Our day begins in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, where elegant plazas, grand churches, and beautifully preserved architecture tell the story of Peru's Spanish colonial past. From the magnificent Cathedral of Lima to the fascinating San Francisco Monastery and its famous catacombs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the history that shaped modern Peru.

This afternoon, we'll step beyond the typical tourist experience with an exclusive visit to "My Mother's Kitchen," where you'll enjoy an authentic home-cooked Peruvian meal prepared using recipes passed down through generations. More than simply lunch, this is an opportunity to experience Peruvian hospitality firsthand while learning about the traditions, ingredients, and family recipes that have helped make Peruvian cuisine one of the most celebrated in the world.

To round out the day, you'll discover Peru's national spirit as you learn to prepare two of the country's classic cocktails: the iconic Pisco Sour and the refreshing Chilcano. Guided by local experts, you'll gain an appreciation for the history, craftsmanship, and culture surrounding pisco, providing the perfect introduction to the flavors that will accompany us throughout our journey.

The evening is yours to relax, explore Miraflores, or simply reflect on a day that perfectly blends history, food, and local tradition.

Today we leave Peru's Pacific coast behind and journey into the Andes as we fly from Lima to the ancient city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco offers a dramatic change in both scenery and pace. Upon arrival, we'll take things slowly, giving our bodies time to adjust to the altitude while we begin to soak in the atmosphere of one of South America's most captivating cities.

Our hotel is located in the heart of Cusco, placing you within easy walking distance of lively plazas, colorful markets, centuries-old churches, inviting cafés, and artisan shops. This afternoon is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to explore at your own pace, enjoy a leisurely coffee overlooking a historic square, or simply wander the narrow cobblestone streets where Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture stand side by side. It's the perfect introduction to a city where every corner tells a story.

This slower pace is all part of the experience. Acclimating properly to the altitude helps ensure you're ready for the adventures ahead in the Sacred Valley and, ultimately, Machu Picchu. By day's end, you'll already begin to understand why Cusco is considered one of the world's great cultural destinations—a place where ancient traditions remain a vibrant part of everyday life.

Today we immerse ourselves in the remarkable history of Cusco, a city where the legacy of the Inca civilization and the influence of Spanish colonialism exist side by side. Our guided exploration takes us to some of the region's most significant sites, including the magnificent Cathedral of Cusco, the sacred Temple of the Sun at Coricancha, and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Along the way, you'll discover how this mountain city became the political, spiritual, and cultural center of the vast Inca Empire.

Following our guided tour, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and continue exploring Cusco at your own pace. Browse colorful artisan markets, visit a local café, or simply relax in the Plaza de Armas while watching everyday life unfold in one of the world's most fascinating historic cities. With its blend of Inca foundations, colonial architecture, and vibrant modern culture, Cusco rewards those who take the time to slow down and look a little closer.

Later this afternoon, we'll gather for another signature Brews Cruise experience as we visit Cervecería del Valle Sagrado to sample locally crafted beers inspired by the ingredients and traditions of the Andes. It's an opportunity to meet fellow travelers, learn about Peru's growing craft beer movement, and see how modern brewers are putting their own distinctly Peruvian twist on time-honored brewing techniques. It's a fitting way to end a day that connects Peru's ancient past with its vibrant present.

Today we journey into one of Peru's most breathtaking landscapes as we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled between towering Andean peaks and nourished by the Urubamba River, this fertile valley was once the agricultural heart of the Inca Empire and remains a place where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive.

Along the way, we'll visit the charming village of Chinchero, renowned for its skilled weavers and vibrant textile traditions, before exploring the remarkable engineering and ingenuity found throughout the valley.

As we make our way toward Ollantaytambo, we'll pause for a uniquely Brews Cruise experience at Cervecería del Valle Sagrado. Here, we'll enjoy locally crafted beers paired with light appetizers while learning how Peru's modern craft brewing movement draws inspiration from native ingredients and the agricultural abundance of the Andes. It's a perfect opportunity to relax, share stories with fellow travelers, and toast the spectacular scenery that surrounds us.

Our day concludes in the historic town of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca settlements in Peru. With its original stone streets, flowing irrigation channels, and dramatic mountain backdrop, it feels less like an archaeological site and more like a living piece of history.

As evening falls, take time to wander the village, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and appreciate the slower rhythm of life in the Sacred Valley before tomorrow's journey brings us even closer to the legendary Machu Picchu.

This morning begins with a chance to further explore Ollantaytambo, one of the few Inca towns that has remained continuously inhabited for centuries. We'll visit the impressive archaeological site overlooking the village, where massive stone terraces, ceremonial temples, and panoramic views offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. Standing atop these ancient ruins, it's easy to understand why Ollantaytambo played such a vital role in the history of the Sacred Valley.

Before continuing our journey, we'll gather for one of Peru's most memorable culinary traditions: a Pachamanca lunch. Prepared using a centuries-old Andean cooking technique in which meats, vegetables, and herbs are slow-cooked underground with heated stones, this communal meal is much more than lunch. It is a celebration of the land, the harvest, and the enduring customs that continue to bring families and communities together throughout the Andes.

This afternoon, we'll board the scenic PeruRail train for one of South America's most spectacular rail journeys. As the train follows the winding Urubamba River through dramatic mountain valleys and lush cloud forest, anticipation builds for tomorrow's visit to Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll through the lively village, browse local shops, or simply relax and soak in the excitement. Tomorrow, one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological treasures awaits.

Today is the day you've been anticipating since you first dreamed of visiting Peru. This morning, we'll ascend to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most celebrated achievement of the Inca civilization. As you walk among its remarkably preserved temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, your local guide will reveal the history, engineering, and enduring mysteries of this extraordinary mountaintop sanctuary. It's an experience that no photograph can truly prepare you for.

More than a famous landmark, Machu Picchu is a place that inspires reflection. Surrounded by towering emerald peaks and often shrouded in drifting mountain mist, the setting is every bit as breathtaking as the ancient city itself. You'll have time to absorb the atmosphere, appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship of the Inca builders, and understand why this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to captivate travelers from around the globe.

After our guided visit, we'll return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a well-earned lunch before boarding the PeruRail train back through the spectacular Sacred Valley.

As the mountains slowly give way to the valleys below, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on one of the world's truly unforgettable travel experiences.

This evening, we'll return to Cusco, where you'll have one more night to enjoy the charm of Peru's historic Andean capital.

As our journey through Peru comes to a close, you'll enjoy one final morning in the remarkable city of Cusco. Whether you choose to browse for handcrafted souvenirs, revisit a favorite café, or simply take one last walk through the city's historic streets, it's an opportunity to savor the atmosphere of a place that has captivated travelers for centuries.

Later today, we'll board our flight back to Lima, where you'll connect with your evening flight home or begin an optional extended stay.

Although the journey may be ending, the memories are only beginning to settle in. From the colonial grandeur of Lima and the living traditions of the Sacred Valley to the unforgettable experience of standing among the ruins of Machu Picchu, you've experienced Peru through the eyes of the people who call it home.

As with every Brews Cruise Insiders Experience, our goal has been to offer more than a sightseeing vacation. We hope you leave with a deeper understanding of Peru's history, culture, cuisine, and craft traditions, along with new friendships and stories you'll be sharing for years to come. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon. Safe travels!