Threads, highlands & heritage.
From Lima's color to Ayacucho's craft — seven days that redefine "handmade."
Peru moves at the pace of its markets — vibrant, layered, and full of stories. This is where you'll begin in Lima — wandering food stalls and a textile museum before meeting one of Noonday's artisan partners, a jeweler whose beautiful pieces you can shop firsthand.
From there, you'll fly into the Andean highlands of Ayacucho, sitting with women who've passed down natural dye and embroidery techniques for generations.
Come expecting colorful markets, mountain air, and hands steady with centuries of practice. Leave with a piece you helped make, and a deeper understanding of the artistry — and resilience — woven into every thread.
Trisha Heddleston
I've shared Noonday's collection for over a decade, traveling to artisan communities to meet the talented makers. I've sat with weavers in Guatemala, laughed with dye-masters in Ecuador, and shared meals with silversmiths in Peru — moments that remind me how, across cultures, we all share a desire to create, connect and care for those we love.
Ivonne Liebenberg
At 17, a three-day bus ride from Chile to Peru opened my eyes to poverty I'd never witnessed, planting a calling to fight it, amplify voices, champion education, and lead with compassion. Traveling with Noonday for seven years has been transformational. Now, as a guide, I’m eager to share that transformation with others.
Stitched into memory.
Arrival
Arrive in Lima and settle in. If time permits, a little exploring before a relaxed welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow travelers and begin the journey together.
Color
Wander Miraflores and Surquillo's markets on a guided walk through Lima's colors, spices, and street food, then explore the colorful Barranco arts district. Visit Museo Amano's pre-Columbian textile collection, tracing the roots of the craft you'll soon learn firsthand.
Linger
Spend the morning with a Noonday artisan partner, a jeweler who'll share his craft and beautiful pieces you can shop firsthand. In the afternoon, choose between an optional cooking class, free time to explore, or some spa time — then gather for dinner at Huaca Pucllana, dining amid the glow of illuminated ancient adobe ruins.
Highlands
Fly into Ayacucho, gateway to the Andean highlands, and receive a warm welcome from Noonday's artisan partners. Take a guided orientation walk around the historic Plaza de Armas, then settle into your hotel before dinner featuring traditional Andean specialties.
Craft
Travel to the village of Vinchos to sit alongside the women who've passed down natural dye and embroidery techniques for generations, creating your own piece by their side. Share a community-prepared lunch and leave with new friendships stitched in.
Threads
Continue your time with the artisans at their workshop in Ayacucho, deepening the skills and stories from the day before. Explore the city's vibrant markets for textiles and pottery, then gather for a farewell dinner together.
Homeward
Enjoy a final morning of free time before flying back to Lima and departing for home, carrying new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the artistry woven into every thread.
Included
- All ground transportation
- Domestic flight Lima–Ayacucho (round trip)
- Boutique accommodations, including all breakfasts
- Most other meals (3 lunches, 4 dinners)
- All activities in the itinerary (except optional cooking class on Day 3)
- Two Noonday Experience Guides
Not included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (required)
- Shopping budget, spa services & alcohol
- Optional cooking class on Day 3 ($60 per person)
- Airport transfers if you arrive outside of our group arrival/departure windows
- Gratuities for local guides & drivers
Ready to go?
Good to know.
How physically demanding is this trip?
The main consideration is altitude — Ayacucho, and surrounding areas, sit at over 9,000-10,000 feet, so some travelers may feel the effects as they adjust. We'll share tips on preparing beforehand, like considering medication from your doctor for altitude. All trips involve a fair amount of walking on any given day, with some uneven terrain and flights of stairs.
Where will we stay?
In Lima: INNSiDE by Meliá Lima Miraflores, a 4-star modern lifestyle hotel in the heart of the lively Miraflores neighborhood, with an outdoor rooftop pool and great views.
In Ayacucho: Casa Andina Standard Ayacucho, a cozy, art-inspired hotel full of charm, in a great central location.
Where will we fly in/out of?
You will fly in and out of Lima (LIM). International airfare is not included, so you can have flexibility in how and when you want to book.
Can I travel by myself?
Absolutely — many of our travelers come solo and leave with lifelong friends. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, you can select a single supplement at registration. If you register for a double room instead, we'll do our best to match you with another traveler after registration.
Is this trip for ladies only?
Yes — this is a women-only journey, designed for connection and community among female travelers.
Can I arrive early or extend my trip afterwards?
Yes, absolutely! We recommend arriving early if you can, especially for destinations with significant time changes, to give yourself a jump on adjusting. We'd love to help with recommendations on what to do, and can connect you with our on-the-ground tour operators if you'd like help organizing something bigger. Just ask!
Do I need to have traveled internationally before?
Not at all. Many of our travelers are brand new to international travel, and our guides are there to help every step of the way — from what to pack to facilitating the group moments that help us reflect, connect, and grow together.
What's included in the trip price?
All ground transportation, the domestic flight between Lima and Ayacucho, boutique accommodations with breakfast, most other meals, all itinerary activities (except optional cooking class on Day 3), and two Noonday Experience Guides. We intentionally leave a few meals open, so you have some flexibility.
What is the cancellation policy?
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What is the required traveler's insurance?
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Ready to go?
Trips are intentionally small and fill quickly. Sign up now, or reach out and we'll help you choose the experience that fits.
