Curator’s statement
Peru exceeded all my expectations. Many people go to Peru to check off Machu Picchu off their bucket list, but there is so much more to see and do. The culture, food and history of the country blew me away. It's a great trip for couples, families, foodies and really any active traveler.
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Come hungry when you visit Peru, as your trip will start in lovely Lima, a culinary capital of the world. Central is often cited as the best restaurant in the world. A day tour of the bohemian Barranco neighborhood will give you a taste of all the art and culture that awaits you in the rest of the country. Enjoy the neighborhood's lovely parks and art, and don't miss the coffee and chocolate tasting experience.
From Lima, fly to the beautiful Sacred Valley (9,000 feet elevation). Here we stayed at the gorgeous Sol & Luna hotel. The grounds here were some of the most stunning I've ever seen, and I loved the horse ranch onsite and daily Peruvian horse show. Belmond Rio Sagrado is another super special hotel in the Sacred Valley. If you don't stay there, definitely stop by for happy hour at their bar on the river (try their Pisco Sour).
A day trip to Ollantaytambo is a must, and includes an authentic local market and a tour of an Incan archaeological site. The Sacred Valley also offers many special experiences such as eBike tours, hiking, cocktail-making, stand-up paddleboarding on the lakes and visiting a local potato farm (fun fact: there are 6,000 types of potatoes in Peru).
Picnic in a meadow in the lovely Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu is definitely the highlight of a trip to Southern Peru, and if you stay at the Belmond Rio Sagrado, you can catch the Hiram Bingham train right from your hotel. Set in the mountains high above the clouds, experiencing Machu Picchu is nothing short of spiritual.
The sun came out right when we got to the top of Machu Picchu
After the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (stay at least three days in the Sacred Valley), you will go on to the lovely small city of Cusco. Cusco sits at 11,000 feet elevation, but hopefully your stay in the Sacred Valley helped you acclimate slowly to the altitude. Cusco has the most beautiful cathedral in Peru, an entertaining local food market and unbelievable shopping. Our group all went home with many special purchases such as baby alpaca coats, scarves and sweaters.
In Cusco, Casa Clara is a small boutique hotel in an 18th century colonial house, with only eight rooms surrounding a lovely courtyard. Their coffee was some of the best I've ever had. I also loved Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel: a former convent with a lovely pool and spa onsite. If the altitude affects you, their suites (all their rooms are suites) are equipped with extra oxygen.
This is a great trip for couples, families and solo travelers. I can't wait to go back and bring my family.
Lovely hike from the village of Misminay
Need to know
Many of the streets and sidewalks in Peru are cobblestone, so wear your most comfortable walking shoes. You'll also want to pack layers, as they say you can experience all four seasons in one day in Peru.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Peru page.
Travel Advisor
Genny Montgomery
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