Llama & Alpaca Journey

The Andean Camelids Experience is an eight-day cultural journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lares, and Machu Picchu.

The itinerary explores the connection between alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, guanacos, and Andean life through wildlife encounters, textile traditions, mountain communities, astronomy sessions, and cultural ceremonies.

The journey combines meaningful cultural experiences with comfortable stays in hotels and remote mountain lodges.

This journey is ideal for curious travelers of all ages who are interested in Andean culture, wildlife, weaving traditions, astronomy, and local communities.

The itinerary is designed to be accessible and engaging rather than physically demanding, making it suitable for couples, families, and multi-generational groups looking for a culturally immersive experience.

The journey has an easy-to-moderate activity level.

Most days focus on cultural visits, archaeological sites, village experiences, and gentle walks. The itinerary also includes a light hike to La Gruta and walking through historic and archaeological areas.

Previous trekking experience is not required, but guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and spending active days at altitude.

Guests will meet alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos while learning about their role in Andean life.

The journey also includes visits to weaving communities where guests discover how alpaca wool is spun, naturally dyed, and transformed into textiles using ancestral techniques.

Additional experiences include camelid storytelling, encounters with grazing herds, and a traditional livestock blessing ceremony with a local family.

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the journey to begin acclimatizing.

The itinerary includes stays in Cusco at approximately 3,399 m or 11,152 ft and Huacahuasi Lodge at approximately 3,835 m or 12,585 ft.

During your first days at altitude, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, avoid excessive alcohol, and limit strenuous activity. Your guide will monitor your wellbeing throughout the journey.

Accommodations, ground transportation, and the meals specified in the itinerary are included throughout the journey.

The program includes stays at an MLP hotel in Cusco, Lamay Lodge, Huacahuasi Lodge, and a partner hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests should inform their Travel Specialist of any allergies or dietary restrictions before arrival.