A Note from Our Co-founder "In 2023, I tackled the Salkantay Trek with one of my best friends. It was physically demanding and the weather tested our resolve, but it remains one of the most formative experiences of my life. There is no better way to truly disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the raw power of nature. My unusual tip for hiking at altitude is to bring menthol lozenges (I find it really helps with the breathing)! My other tip for visitors to Cusco: if you’re heading to Rainbow Mountain, trust me, take the earliest pickup. Beating the crowds to that summit makes the early start and the thin air entirely worth it." - Jackie Babbage, Co-founder
• Machu Picchu & The Great Treks Machu Picchu is more than a destination; it is a profound encounter with a lost empire. While the classic Inca Trail is iconic, there are alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek. These paths take you through diverse ecosystems—from frozen glacial passes to high-altitude cloud forests. It is a journey of resilience that rewards you with a perspective on human ingenuity that no bus ride can replicate.
Expert Insider Tip: The Salkantay Trek reaches heights of 4,600m. Give yourself at least three days in Cusco to acclimatise before starting. The weather is unpredictable, so high-quality waterproof layers are your best friend.
Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to disconnect and recharge.
• Sacred Valley & Indigenous Culture The Sacred Valley stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu, dotted with villages that seem untouched by time. Here, you’ll find terraced mountainsides and artisan communities who maintain centuries-old weaving traditions. Our experiences focus on genuine exchange—visiting textile workshops and local markets where the trade is rooted in community, not just tourism.
Expert Insider Tip: Visit the Pisac market early on a Sunday to see the most authentic exchange of goods. Don't just watch; participate in a workshop to understand the natural dyeing process using minerals and plants. Best for: Cultural enthusiasts and those looking to support local Andean artisans.
• Rainbow Mountain & High-Altitude Wonders Beyond the city lie the surreal, mineral-striped slopes of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). Reaching the summit at 5,200m is a literal breathtaking experience. Because of its massive popularity, the timing of your visit is the difference between a spiritual moment and a crowded trail.
Expert Insider Tip: Always opt for the earliest possible departure (usually 4:00 or 5:00 AM). Being among the first to reach the top allows you to experience the silence of the mountains before the bulk of the tour buses arrive. Best for: Photographers and hikers looking for a physical "bucket list" challenge.
• Cusco City: Living History & Local Flavors Cusco is a sprawling open-air museum. Expert local guides lead you through Sacsayhuamán, the massive hilltop fortress, and Qorikancha, the Sun Temple. You will see firsthand how Incan masonry has withstood earthquakes that levelled colonial buildings—a testament to a civilisation that engineered for eternity.
Expert Insider Tip: After a day of walking the steep cobblestone streets, reward yourself with a Pisco Sour and try alpaca. It is a lean, delicious local staple that is central to the region’s culinary identity. Best for: History buffs, foodies, and urban explorers.
• Know Before You Go
Acclimatisation: Altitude sickness (soroche) is real. Move slowly on your first day, stay hydrated, and embrace the local remedy: coca tea.
Weather: Even in the "dry" season, the Andes are unpredictable. Pack layers—the sun is scorching at noon, but temperatures drop toward freezing the moment it sets.
The Gifting Owl Promise: Our vouchers are valid for 3 years worldwide, with free exchanges. If your recipient's plans change, their adventure can, too.
Quick Verdict Cusco offers gifts that transcend typical travel. Whether it's the quiet solitude of a glacial lake, the physical triumph of the Salkantay Trek, or the simple joy of a shared meal in the Sacred Valley, these experiences offer a profound shift in perspective. Cusco rewards the open-minded traveller with memories that, like the Incan stones, are built to last a lifetime.
