On the second day of Engage!25 Peru, our attendees discovered more intimate ways to connect with one another and with the rich cultural fabric of Cusco. These smaller circles and shared tables are at the heart of Engage! Retreats. They’re moments where conversation flows, creativity is sparked, and authentic immersion takes center stage. A vibrant family-style courtyard lunch brought everyone together in celebration. Later, a series of small group cultural experiences offered the chance to dive deeper into the colors, flavors, and traditions of Peru. Together, they set the perfect rhythm for a day of connection and discovery.
A Colorful Courtyard Luncheon
The courtyard of Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, became the setting for a colorful midday celebration. Bright pompom garlands swayed in the breeze, woven fabric runners stretched across long wooden tables, and local musicians brought the scene to life with traditional Andean melodies. Places were set with a vibrant mismatch of glassware, napkins, and menus in bold hues, while vases brimmed with flowers. The effect was light, bright, and welcoming, echoing the joyful spirit of Peru.
The inspiration for the décor was rooted in Peru’s extraordinary textile heritage. It’s one where color and pattern are both art and language. For centuries, artisans have transformed natural dyes from plants, minerals, and insects into dyes rich with meaning. For example, red for life and strength, yellow for maize, blue for the sky, and spirituality. Patterns often marked a person’s village or social status, with the finest weavings valued above gold in Inca times. Against this cultural backdrop, our modern celebration became part of a centuries-old story.
The menu, too, created by Monasterio’s acclaimed Chef Jorge Muñoz, reflected the same philosophy of honoring tradition while innovating with contemporary flair. Served family-style, dishes like gyozas with Cusqueñean adobo and uchucuta, Andean curry tiradito, and traditional ceviche showcased decentralized Peruvian cuisine. The ubiquitous Pisco Sour provided a spirited toast to the occasion, its tart-sweet balance a perfect complement to the meal. As attendees passed dishes and clinked glasses, conversations were carried from morning sessions into the afternoon, and the air was filled with the laughter of friends old and new.
Engage!25 Peru Small Group Cultural Experiences
Following lunch, attendees had the chance to immerse themselves even more deeply in the culture of Cusco through a series of small group activities. Each was designed to showcase a different facet of Peru’s heritage through hands-on experiences.
Walking Tour of Cusco
A step-by-step journey through one of the world’s most storied cities. Guests wandered the cobblestone streets of Cusco. They paused to admire the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and visited Santo Domingo, a colonial-era church built atop the Inca temple of Koricancha. Stories of history, architecture, and faith revealed how the layers of Cusco’s past live on in its present, creating a vivid portrait of the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Ceviche Experience with Chef Jorge Muñoz
A culinary masterclass from one of Peru’s most celebrated chefs. In the kitchens of Monasterio, Chef Jorge Muñoz guided attendees through the intricate preparation of ceviche, the national dish of Peru. With its delicate balance of fresh fish, lime, chili, and herbs, this was haute cuisine rooted in tradition. Beyond technique, guests also learned more about Muñoz’s philosophy of sustainable, decentralized cuisine, which celebrates the biodiversity of Peru’s regions while innovating for the future.
Ceramics with Tater Vera
An experience in artistry and heritage. Tater Vera, the renowned master ceramist of Cusco, brought his UNESCO-certified workshop to Monasterio. Under Vera’s guidance, attendees were able to paint their own unique clay mugs. They also gained an insight into the glazed ceramic technique that was traditional here following the arrival of the Spaniards back in the 15th century. More than an art lesson, the session offered a connection to an art form passed down through generations.
Pisco Sour Masterclass
A spirited session in every sense! Led by a master mixologist, guests discovered the secrets behind Peru’s most iconic cocktail: the Pisco Sour. From shaking techniques to the delicate froth of egg white, each step is a blend of tradition, technique, and flavor. Along the way, attendees learned about Peru’s long tradition of distilling pisco. They left with both new skills and a touch of ‘liquid courage’ to carry them into the evening’s festivities.
Watercolor Painting
In the chapel, a tranquil space for lovers of art, guests picked up brushes to capture the beauty of Cusco in watercolor. Guided by a local artist, they translated light, shadow, and scenery into personal works of art. The experience offered a moment of calm and reflection amidst the lively energy of the day. It was a rare chance to pause, observe, and reflect on the city’s timeless charm.
If Machu Picchu was the grand, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, the daytime experiences enjoyed at Engage!25 Peru were its perfect counterpart: personal, joyful, and deeply connective. We once again proved that magic lies in balancing the monumental with the meaningful, creating memories at every scale.
See more from these experiences in our galleries.
