A Scenic Journey through Peru

Day 1:

You will first fly into Lima, and will probably arrive later in the evening. Keep things easy by checking into the Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham, a convenient thirty-second walk from the airport terminal building and get some rest before your domestic flight the next morning.

Day 2:

In the morning, take a short and scenic flight over the Andes to Cusco. The elevation in Cusco is over 11,000 feet high, so to better help acclimate to the altitude, you won’t be staying here right away but instead in the Sacred Valley. Depending on where you stay in the valley, you will be at an elevation between 7,000-9,000 feet. On your way out of town, stop for a visit at Sacsayhuaman to get your first preview of the Inca ruins and their amazing feats of architecture. There are many different towns and locations to stay within the Sacred Valley, but a few recommendations are:

• Andenia Boutique Hotel - A small boutique hotel is a hidden garden-like setting.

• Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba - Stay here for some amazing valley views

• Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel - Close to Ollantaytambo train station, which will come in handy in a few days.

Start your day early to make the most of your time and try some coca tea for a similar wake-up effect to coffee. It can also aid in altitude sickness symptoms. Depart from your accommodations in the Sacred Valley for Maras. The Maras Salt Mines are a fascinating network of terraced ponds. They have been used since Incan times to extract salt, which are still in use today. Salt water flows down from the mountains through ancient aquifers. After exploring Maras, head to the nearby archaeological site of Moray. The drive between Maras and Moray offers picturesque views of the Andean countryside, so be sure to have your camera ready.

Explore Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory from Incan times consisting of several terraced circular depressions. It's believed that the Incas used Moray to experiment with different crops and agricultural techniques due to its unique microclimates. Take your time to wander around the terraces and soak in the history and ingenuity of the Inca Civilization. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscapes in the area. Spend a relaxed evening at your hotel and do some stargazing outside.

There are many ways to explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas, but today you are going to do the express version. Get ready for another early wake-up and check-out from your hotel. You will make your way to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train ride is about ninety-minutes. Make sure you book yourself in the Observation car for some extra-special views of the Urubamba River. Upon arrival into Aguas Calientes, you will board a bus that will take you to the entrance gates of Machu Picchu.

Tickets and times to visit Machu Picchu are specific and limited daily. Your guide will have everything arranged in advance so you don’t need to worry (however, don’t forget to bring your passport with you, as it will be checked!). For a one-day visit to Machu Piccu, I would opt for the Circuit 2 tour. This is one of the many Circuits Machu Picchu offers, and it provides expansive views and is also the longest singular circuit. Explore the ancient city and learn about its history, architecture and significance as you make your way through the circuit. Keep in mind that you cannot go backwards, so be sure to get all your photos in as you move along. Once you have completed the circuit, grab some lunch either at the Sanctuary Lodge (another Belmond property) right at the entrance gates or back down in Aguas Calientes. By the time you board the train back to Ollantaytambo, it will be late afternoon. Your driver and bags will be waiting for you as you continue on to Cusco.

Day 5:

After a good night's sleep from such a busy day, wake up in your Cusco hotel to explore the city. Hotel recommendations in Cusco are all in close proximity to the main square - Plaza de Armas. Inkaterra La Casona, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, and Belmond’s Monasterio and Palacio Nazarenas are all great options.

Start the morning with a half-day walking tour to familiarize yourself with Cusco. Visit the San Blas neighborhood, the Cusco Cathedral and more, seeing both original Inca architecture and subsequent Spanish Colonial-style buildings. Visit the many shops and restaurants that Cusco has to offer. Limo, Cicciolina and MAP Café are all great recommendations for lunch. You can sit in the main square to both people and dog-watch. It's common for local dog-owners to let their dogs stroll free throughout the city during the day. For dinner, check out Mauka. Pía León is co-director of world-renowned Central with her husband, Virgilio Martínez.

Day 6:

In the morning, check out of your hotel in Cusco and head to Wanchaq Station for your next adventure. You will board the Andean Explorer, a Belmond train, for a three-day / two-night journey through the Andean highlands. Warm greetings with champagne are had all around. Train tickets are all-inclusive (food, drink & tours), so you will be exceptionally taken care of over the next few days. You will be shown into your cabin, which will be your temporary home for the next few days. There are 3 different options, all with full and private bathrooms. After settling in, head to the observation deck to catch amazing views as you leave the city of Cusco behind.

A tour stop at Raqch'i, an Incan archaeological site, allows you to see a different type of ruins than you have seen so far. Later, towards sunset, you will make another stop at La Raya for your highest elevation that day, and a chance to buy some local souvenirs. The train will pull into its stop in Puno that evening so guests can rest without a moving train and without missing any of the amazing scenery.

Day 7:

An early wake up call allows for amazing sunrise views over Lake Titicaca. Fuel up with some breakfast on board before heading out for a full-day tour of the lake. You will get to visit to the Uros Islands, a collection of small floating islands made entirely of totora reeds. Your next stop is to the picturesque island of Taquile for lunch. After you return from your tour, the train will continue on to its evening destination in Saracocha.

Day 8:

Another sunrise at Saracocha gives you stunning lake views on both sides. Resist the urge to go back and nap after this, as some of the best scenery of the whole trip is about to come.

After breakfast, head straight to the observation car. A final tour stop to the Sumbay Caves is next with a short hike down to see cave paintings dating as far back as 6,000 B.C. While some guests will continue on a few more hours to the final destination of Arequipa, you will get off at a slightly earlier stop to instead make your way out to the Colca Canyon. Arriving to Las Casitas, a Belmond hotel, you will check into your very own casita, including a private plunge pool and amazing valley views.

Day 9:

An early-morning departure brings you to the Cruz de Condor to get a glimpse of Andean condors during their morning flight. These birds are the largest birds of prey in the world and can have wingspans of over ten feet. Continue for more impressive and scenic views of the Colca Canyon, pre-Inca terraces, some of which are still in use today. Have a local lunch in the village of Chivay. In the afternoon, back at La Casitas, take advantage of some of the many on-site activities offered, such as the Peruvian Paso horse show, feeding the resident baby alpaca, trout fishing or a cocktail class to make the local version of the Pisco Sour using Sancayo, a local cactus fruit.

Day 10:

Finally a chance for a slow morning before you check out of Las Casitas and make your way toward your final destination, Arequipa. Spot wild vicuna and guanaco, as well as plenty of llamas and alpacas during your drive to the other side of the Misti Volcano. Stop at a viewpoint over 16,000 feet, the highest of the entire journey. Once you reach Arequipa, check into your final hotel, Cirqa. The building for this hotel dates as far back as 1540, and the walls are made of volcanic rock called sillar. Grab a drink on the rooftop before heading to dinner on site as the room rates are half-priced.

Day 11:

Take the morning and afternoon to explore Arequipa, also known as the White City. Your hotel is just a block away from the main square, making it a perfect starting spot. A tour of the Santa Catalina Monastery is time well spent. You can also check out Museo Santuarios Andinos to see Juanita, a well-preserved Incan mummy found frozen on a mountaintop from more than 500 years ago. Once your time in Arequipa comes to an end, it’s time to head to the airport for a short domestic flight back to Lima, before catching your international flight back home.