An Unforgettable 40th Birthday in Peru

Lima

• Plaza Mayor - a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Cathedral - Splendid carved stalls, silver-covered altars surrounded by fine woodwork.

• Government Palace

• City Hall

• Archbishop's Palace

• San Francisco Monastery - Houses the largest exhibition of Colonial religious art in America.

• Larco Museum - In a unique 18th-century mansion and features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and a famous erotic archaeological collection.

Cusco

• Awana Kancha Center - Weavers from more than 12 communities of Southern Peru exhibit the spinning, dyeing and weaving of traditional textiles. The four types of SA camels are all there.

• Visit Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple & Koricancha, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Inca's principal religious building dedicated to the worship of the sun.

Pisac

Pisac market - Colorful market where the locals sell their merchandise. The handicraft market is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artifacts.

Sacred Valley

• Chinchero - A small Andean Indian village located high on the plains of Anta. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley and snow-capped mountains. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. The Sunday market is less touristy than in Pisac.

• Ollantaytambo - the site of one of the great Inca fortresses and sacred areas in the Urubamba Valley. The town is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. You can climb the 16 terraces and get a great view down the valley.

• Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and stay overnight at the only hotel at the base of it (Belmond). Wake up at sunrise to be at the gates when it opens and embark on a mystical walk into the Incan ruins.

• Do the Sun Gate hike - It's easy and you'll get to see all of the highlights of Machu Picchu.

• Hike Huayna Picchu - You need to reserve this in advance, and while I am deathly afraid of heights and didn't want to do this, looking back, I am SO glad I did. Experience of a lifetime.

• Take the Hiram Bingham train to Cusco from Machu Picchu - the train ride itself is a highlight of the trip, taking you through the beautiful landscape of Peru

Day Trips

• Rainbow Mountain

Lima

Central Restaurant - One of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had. The chef uses everything from every elevation of land found in Peru (from within the sea to the treetops.)

La Mer - Our first intro to Peruvian ceviche and salsas. Get the pisco-sour. Get them everywhere, actually.

Barranco Beer Company - Tasty Peruvian-brewed beer.

Maido - Peruvian Japanese fusion.

Astrid y Gastón - Ceviche like you've never had before and never will again.

Belmond Miraflores Park rooftop pool - Overlooking the city, great views and good cocktails.

Cusco

Fallen Angel has to be one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had - super trippy and really good food.

Sacred Valley

Lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari - It feels like you're at a monarch's home surrounded by expensive art.

Machu Picchu

Tampu Restaurant at Belmond Hotel (views!)

Illariy

Breakfast/lunch spot at the Belmond Cusco. You're basically dining in the cloisters of an old monastery.