From Connection to Discovery: Genesis & Eric’s Journey Through Peru

Some journeys begin with a dream.

Others begin unexpectedly — through a professional encounter, a conversation, or simply the feeling that you are in good hands.

For Genesis Licona and Eric Bula, their journey through Peru was a little bit of both.

Genesis first came to Peru as a guest attending the Peruvian Congress of Pediatrics, where our team at Amancaes Boutique Tour Operator had the opportunity to assist her during her stay in Lima. What began as a professional connection soon became something more meaningful: the opportunity to help her and Eric discover Peru together.

When the time came to explore the country beyond the conference, they trusted us to design and coordinate their journey. And, as we would learn at the end of their trip, a journey they would wholeheartedly recommend to the people they know.

It began in the Andes

Their Peruvian adventure officially began in Cusco.

After an early morning departure from Lima, Genesis and Eric arrived in Cusco and immediately continued toward Ollantaytambo, where their next adventure was already waiting.

There was no time to waste.

They boarded the Vistadome Observatory train, beginning one of the most memorable journeys through the Sacred Valley toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

With panoramic views of the Andes unfolding along the way, the train ride became part of the experience itself.

By the afternoon, they had arrived at their hotel, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, surrounded by lush vegetation and the extraordinary natural environment of the cloud forest.

The following day would bring the experience they had been waiting for.

Machu Picchu: a moment to remember

There are destinations that look beautiful in photographs. And then there are places that simply have to be experienced. Machu Picchu is one of them.

Early in the morning, Genesis and Eric made their way toward the archaeological sanctuary, where they embarked on the route to Machu Picchu Mountain.

The hike offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the ancient citadel below.

But beyond the physical journey, there was something particularly special about experiencing it together.

Standing in front of one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological wonders, surrounded by the peaks of the Andes, created one of those moments that remain long after the trip is over.

For us at Amancaes, seeing travelers experience that emotion is one of the greatest rewards of what we do.

From MaPi to the heart of the Sacred Valley

After their visit, they returned to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train back toward Ollantaytambo. This time, the destination was Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, where they spent the night surrounded by the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

The following morning, their exploration continued.

Their full-day journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas introduced them to some of the most remarkable cultural and archaeological treasures of the region.

At Pisac, they explored the colorful local market and the impressive archaeological complex overlooking the valley. They continued to Ollantaytambo, one of the most fascinating surviving Inca settlements, where ancient stonework and living traditions come together. After lunch, the journey continued toward Chinchero, a community particularly renowned for its textile traditions and ancestral weaving techniques.

By the time they returned to Cusco, the Andes had already revealed several different faces.

And the journey was only beginning.

Through the highlands: the Ruta del Sol

The next morning began early.

At 6:00 a.m., Genesis and Eric departed Cusco to begin the scenic journey toward Puno aboard the Inka Express.

Rather than simply being a transfer between destinations, the route became another opportunity to discover Peru.

Along the way, they visited the historic church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, the archaeological complex of Raqchi, and the high-altitude landscapes surrounding La Raya. They also visited the ALCRA Pukara Museum, before continuing toward Puno.

By late afternoon, they arrived to their GHL Hotel in Puno, ready for another very different chapter of their adventure.

Lake Titicaca: life above the water

The following morning, they set out early toward the legendary waters of Lake Titicaca.

Their first destination was the floating islands of the Uros, where they learned about the traditions and daily life of communities whose relationship with the lake has been preserved across generations. From there, they continued toward Taquile Island. The island is home to Quechua communities known for their remarkable textile traditions and distinctive social organization.

Genesis and Eric enjoyed a traditional lunch with local residents before walking through the island's hills and taking in the extraordinary views across the lake. It was a day that offered something different from the archaeological wonders of Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Here, the most important attraction was not a monument. It was the people, their traditions and their relationship with the land and water around them.

From Titicaca to the Colca Canyon

The next morning brought another early departure.

Leaving Puno behind, Genesis and Eric traveled toward the Colca region, crossing some of the highest landscapes of the southern Peruvian Andes. Along the way, they encountered high-altitude lagoons, flamingos and other birds, traditional Andean landscapes, alpacas and llamas, and dramatic rock formations.

The route reached some remarkable elevations before continuing toward the Mirador de los Volcanes, at approximately 4,910 meters above sea level.

After arriving in Chivay, they had time to explore the town before relaxing in the thermal waters of La Calera.

Their accommodation at Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca provided the perfect setting to slow down after another day of discovery.

The flight of the condor

The following morning, another unforgettable experience awaited.

They traveled toward the Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Colca Canyon.

From here, the immense scale of the canyon becomes almost impossible to comprehend. And then, if nature cooperates, comes the moment everyone hopes to see: The flight of the Andean condor.

With its enormous wingspan soaring above the canyon, the condor became another unforgettable symbol of their journey through Peru.

The route continued through traditional villages such as Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, with stops at viewpoints offering extraordinary views over the valley and its pre-Inca agricultural terraces. Before reaching Arequipa, they also traveled through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas and other Andean wildlife.

Peru had once again changed its scenery completely.

Arequipa: the final chapter

Their final day in Peru began in the beautiful city of Arequipa. After having a good breakfast at their Casa Andina Premium Hotel, they were ready to explore.

Known as the White City, Arequipa offered a completely different atmosphere from the highlands they had just crossed. Their city tour took them to Carmen Alto, where they enjoyed panoramic views of the Chili River valley and the surrounding volcanoes.

They continued to Yanahuara, with its traditional architecture and iconic viewpoint, before exploring the historic Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. The journey through Arequipa's colonial heritage continued at the Church and Cloisters of La Compañía de Jesús, followed by the magnificent Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Walking through its colorful streets, courtyards and cloisters was a fitting final experience before their departure. That evening, they transferred to the airport for their flight back to Lima and their international connection home.

Nine days had passed. But the memories were only beginning.

A trip built on trust

Behind every destination, there was something Genesis and Eric could rely on throughout their journey:

Someone was there.

From their early morning airport transfer in Lima to their arrival in Cusco, from the train stations in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes to their hotels in the Sacred Valley, Puno and Colca, every connection had been carefully coordinated.

Their journey involved early departures, trains, buses, private transfers, high-altitude destinations, different hotels and multiple regions of Peru.

That level of logistics requires more than simply booking services.

It requires coordination.

Communication.

Attention to detail.

And, above all, trust.

For us at Amancaes, that is what personalized travel should mean.

From professional connection to personal recommendation

Perhaps the most rewarding part of Genesis and Eric's journey came after they returned home.

They shared with us how happy they were with the experience and how much the journey meant to them.

For Genesis, who had first encountered Peru through her professional visit, exploring the country with Eric created an entirely different connection with the destination.

And for us, knowing that they left Peru with wonderful memories — and with the desire to recommend Amancaes to their friends, family and acquaintances — was the greatest compliment we could receive.

A five-star experience is not simply about where you stay or what you see.

It is about how you feel throughout the journey.

Safe.

Supported.

Cared for.

Free to enjoy every moment.

For Genesis and Eric, Peru became much more than a vacation. It became a story they will carry with them — and one they are eager to share with others.

Ready to create your own Peruvian story?

Peru is waiting.

And your story could be next.