Highlights
- Enjoy gourmet dinners at Peru's best restaurants in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
- Stay a night at a luxury hotel near Machu Picchu surrounded by a misty cloud forest
- Ride a luxury Belmond train to Lake Titicaca and the jaw-dropping Colca Canyon
- End the trip by exploring the collection of prehistoric rock art at Sumbay Caves
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cusco, City Tour, Dinner at Chicha | Cusco |
| Day 2 | Transfer to the Sacred Valley, Visit a Llama Sanctuary, Dinner at El Huerto | Sacred Valley |
| Day 3 | Morning Yoga, Luxury Train to Machu Picchu, Spa Treatment | Aguas Calientes |
| Day 4 | Machu Picchu Tour, Train to Cusco, Dinner at Mauka | Cusco |
| Day 5 | Andean Explorer Luxury Train (Day 1) | Puno |
| Day 6 | Andean Explorer Luxury Train (Day 2) | Chivay |
| Day 7 | Visit the Sumbay Caves, Depart Arequipa |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, City Tour, Dinner at Chicha
Welcome to Peru! There's no time to waste, as the adventure starts right away. Upon arrival in the capital of Lima, you'll board a connecting flight one hour to Cusco, located in Peru's southern Andean highlands. This area has been settled for thousands of years; however, it wasn't until 1200 CE that Cusco was officially founded as a center for Inca rule, lasting until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Upon arrival, you'll check into the Hotel Monasterio. This former monastery dates to 1592 and is today part of the Belmond suite of luxury hotels. It offers luxurious colonial-style accommodation set around an expansive courtyard right in Cusco's historic center, just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas (main square). Within the monastery's cloisters is a fine restaurant, OQRE, serving gourmet Peruvian cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from the highlands to the coast. After all that traveling, it's a great place to sit down for a relaxing lunch amid splendid courtyard views.
After eating, meet a guide for a half-day walking tour of Cusco. Start at the Plaza de Armas (main square), with its 17th-century Baroque/Renaissance Cathedral. You'll also visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Cusco's religious/political center during the Inca reign of the 15th century. Dinner will be on the plaza at Chicha. This culinary gem celebrates the rich heritage of Peruvian cuisine while incorporating modern techniques. The tasting menu includes classics like ceviche, anticuchos (grilled skewers), quinoa salad, and pachamanca, a hearty stew cooked underground using hot stones.
Day 2: Transfer to the Sacred Valley, Visit a Llama Sanctuary, Dinner at El Huerto
Say goodbye to Cusco (for now) because this morning, you'll meet your driver for the 1.5-hour ride north of the city to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Extending along the Urubamba River, the valley encompasses picturesque villages, archaeological sites, and soaring Andes peaks.
The ride is a great opportunity to hit the highlights of Peru's gorgeous countryside. One stop you'll make is at the Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary to meet some of Peru's famous camelids. While here, you'll see a demonstration of traditional weaving using llama and alpaca fleece. You'll also stop at a prime lookout point where you can snap epic pics of the Sacred Valley stretched out below. Continue on to the town of Pisac, which is famous for its hilltop archaeological site featuring ancient Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers.
Eventually, you'll arrive at Hotel Río Sagrado. Located on the banks of the Urubamba River, this jewel in the crown of Belmond hotels offers beautifully appointed suites and villas featuring hardwood floors, traditional Andean stonework, and private terraces. Río Sagrado also features a heated outdoor pool and a spa offering indulgent therapies inspired by traditional Andean healing practices. Head to the pool for a dip or make a beeline to the swank bar and lounge. Dinner tonight will be at El Huerto, a fine countryside restaurant outside the town of Urubamba. It's one of the best in the valley.
Day 3: Morning Yoga, Luxury Train to Machu Picchu, Spa Treatment
Start the day early with a revitalizing yoga session in the fresh air and with views of the river. This is a twist on traditional yoga in that it's led by a local shaman and includes rituals to give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Afterward, you'll transfer to the train station in the Sacred Valley for the 3.5-hour ride to Peru's most famous ancient Inca site, Machu Picchu. During the trip, you'll enjoy first-class service as you marvel at views of the Urubamba River and Andes peaks through the windows. You can spend the journey in the train's observatory bar car, sipping a smart cocktail like a pisco sour.
You'll arrive in Aguas Calientes, a river town and the main hub for trips to Machu Picchu. Your accommodation is Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, an intimate, 5-star hotel nestled in a misty cloud forest. Its 12 acres (4.8 ha) are tucked away amid terraced hills, waterfalls, and ancient stone pathways. On this property are 83 whitewashed adobe casitas featuring king beds, private terraces, plunge pools, and surrounded by lush gardens. A walk around these grounds reveals over 200 species of birds—so don't forget your binoculars.
Lunch will be served on the hotel terrace, which overlooks the Vilcanota River. After the meal, you'll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy a spa treatment, like a deep-tissue or hot-stone massage. Dinner will also be at the hotel's gourmet restaurant and includes three courses. Try to get to bed at a reasonable hour—you're off to Machu Picchu tomorrow!
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour, Train to Cusco, Dinner at Mauka
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get an early start to beat the crowds as you board a bus for the 25-minute ride up the mountain from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Along with an expert guide, you'll tour this ancient citadel (and UNESCO World Heritage Site), which sits at 7,970 feet (2,430 m) and dates to around 1450 CE. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu (which translates to "Old Mountain"), was built around 1450 CE as a royal sanctuary and retreat for Inca Emperor Pachacutec.
Your guide will lead you around the site to its famous landmarks, including astronomical/ritual stone structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Many landmarks, like the Sacred Plaza and Inca Bridge, showcase the Incas' architectural prowess. The agricultural terraces are also impressive, demonstrating the Incas' skill at cultivating crops on steep hillsides. After the tour, you'll head back down the mountain and break for lunch at a traditional Peruvian restaurant.
Then it's time to board the luxury train for the four-hour return trip to Cusco. Upon arrival, you'll return to the Hotel Monasterio and then head out for dinner. Tonight's sumptuous meal will be at Mauka, located just a couple of blocks from the Plaza Mayor. This upscale eatery takes diners on a culinary journey through Peru, sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients from local purveyors. The menu features elevated takes on Peruvian classics, like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef tenderloin), ceviche, and aji de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew).
Day 5: Andean Explorer Luxury Train (Day 1)
The last leg of the adventure is the most thrilling as you board another luxury train for a multiday ride to the highlights of Peru's far south. The Andean Explorer luxury rail line offers various routes around the Andes, including today's journey from Cusco to Puno. A large and colorful city in southeastern Peru, Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America by volume.
The ride to Puno takes around 10-12 hours. During the trip, you'll enjoy onboard entertainment, live music, and gourmet dining. Throughout the journey, you'll be treated to views of the passing Andean landscapes, including snowcapped peaks, terraced hillsides, and picturesque villages.
For the remainder of your time in Peru, you'll sleep on board the train in luxurious, well-appointed cabins. The Andean Explorer's sleeper cars feature single or double beds, private bathrooms, and all the amenities needed for a comfortable journey. Of course, each gourmet meal you take on the train will be prepared by onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients. For a bit of fun, head to the train's piano bar for canapés and live music.
Day 6: Andean Explorer Luxury Train (Day 2)
Welcome to Puno! You'll likely pull into the station in time to catch the sunrise over Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (12,507 feet/3,812 m). Enjoy a full Peruvian breakfast on board the train before meeting your guide for a memorable day trip. Together, you'll transfer from the city of Puno to the lake and the famous Uros Islands—human-made floating islets constructed out of the abundant reeds that grow around the lake.
The Uros were one of the first ethnic groups to populate this Andean region thousands of years ago, even before the Incas. They'll welcome you to the island to learn about their culture and traditions. The residents are happy to share, too, as they supplement their hunting/fishing economy by offering guided tours and selling traditional handicrafts.
At the end of the day, you'll return to the Andean Explorer and continue your journey east from Puno to Lake Saracocha. This remote lake is famous for its crystalline waters and the surrounding rugged peaks. It's a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path destination great for immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Peruvian Andes. Dinner will be served on board the train.
Day 7: Visit the Sumbay Caves, Depart Arequipa
Rise early to witness the first rays of sunlight gild the waters of Lake Saracocha. Then, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board the Belmond. A little while later, you'll embark on a tour of Sumbay Caves, famous for its extensive collection of prehistoric rock art. These were believed to have been created by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. This ancient art depicts a variety of subjects, including animals, humans, geometric patterns, and ritual scenes.
Return to the train in time for lunch, and continue on to Arequipa. Upon arrival in the city, you'll transfer to the airport in time to make your connecting flight home. See you next time!
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