Overview
Lima is the entry and exit point for most visitors. The city offers a number of excellent lodging and eating options for newlyweds, but the real adventure begins after leaving the capital. Top of the list for most newlyweds is Machu Picchu, where you can take the most memorable photos of your trip.
But lesser-known places will pack an equal amount of romance and fun - Cusco, the Amazon and the Sacred Valley among them. As an adventure destination, you’ll have opportunities for ziplining, kayaking, horse riding, and biking.
Cusco
Cusco is the perfect getaway for honeymooners looking for a romantic Andean adventure. After taking in the city’s main sites, visit the Choco Museo where you can load up on sweets. A fun activity for couples is to join a chocolate-making workshop. The museum also offers tours to chocolate farm around 50 km from the city.
Come evening, take a stroll around this beautifully-lit city, and then go on a star-gazing tour at the Cusco Planetarium. The planetarium also organizes special trips that include Incan rituals with a shaman. For couples they will also organize a symbolic Andean marriage ceremony. The ceremony involves preparation of a special dish upon which is placed seeds, flowers, metals, llama fat, coca leaves and other sacred items. The ceremony can also be done as a renewal of vows.
Cusco offers a number of activities for newlyweds. Options include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and river rafting. The perfect way to round of a long day of adventuring is at the spa. The luxurious Samana Spa offers massages for couples, capped with a glass of champagne.
Machu Picchu
No matter how many photos you may have seen of the famous ruin, that first glimpse of Machu Picchu still manages to steal your breath away.
The most romantic way to reach the famous Inca ruins is on the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train. This Pullman train features an open observation car, gourmet dining service that serves a three-course meal and live music. The journey takes 3.5 hours and passes through some gorgeous landscapes.
Hiking offers a more adventurous way to reach Machu Picchu. The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day hike to the ruins. When you’re finished with your trek, relax with you mate in hot pools at Aguas Calientes.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley (El Valle Sagrado) of the Incas contains a wealth of archaeological treasures and quaint villages. It’s a great place to unwind for a few days, exploring the historic sites and enjoying the peaceful colonial towns, and mysterious ruins.
Pisac is one of the best places to make your base - the village is located at the foot of a stunning Inca fortress perched on the edge of a mountain. It’s perhaps best known for its market, which is held Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. This is a great opportunity to pick up some handicrafts to remember your special trip.
Honeymooners can enjoy peaceful walks in the valley and horseback trips to the ruins. Accommodation in the valley includes cozy inns, luxury hotels and haciendas.
Colca Canyon & Arequipa
This stunning canyon with a lunar landscape is located in a remote area of southern Peru, well off the beaten path. Adventuring honeymooners should consider a trip to the canyon, located a half-day journey from Arequipa. It’s a perfect place for short hikes and wildlife: the canyon is home to Andean condors, which glide majestically above the canyon rim.
Despite the remoteness of the area, Colca is home to a few excellent resorts and hot springs. La Calera Hot Springs has a gorgeous setting, warm pools and (for thrill seekers) zip-lining.
The desert skies and clear nights (May to October is best) also make for great stargazing opportunities. To make the most of this, visit the Casa Andina hotel after dark. The hotel has a small observatory, nightly sky shows and telescopes.
On your way to or from the canyon, make sure to spend a couple of romantic days in Arequipa, home to beautiful colonial-era architecture and excellent museums.
Paracas
Take a ride down the coast for 3.5 hours to the scenic coastal town of Paracas. This small seaside strip of hotels has a few great resort options for honeymooners. Walks along the beach and beautiful sunsets will set the mood for your romantic stay.
Resorts include the Hotel Libertador Paracas and La Hacienda Bahia Paracas. Both have private beaches and pools, with welcome amenities such as spa, Jacuzzi and sauna facilities.
After a day of relaxing poolside and a dip in the sea, you can opt for a boat trip out to Islas Ballastas. These islands offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting: you’ll spot cormorants, sea lions, Humboldt penguins and possibly dolphins.
Lake Titicaca
The deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca make for one of Peru’s most romantic getaways. A ferry ticket (valid for 15 days) will allow you to go island hopping around the lake. A highlight for newlyweds is a trip to Islas Uros, the floating islands. For an even more memorable experience, consider visiting the islands by kayak.
If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with a festival in the town of Puno, these are renowned for their brass bands and colorful festivals. When booking a room in hotel consider one night aboard the Yavari, an old steamship on the lake that now operates as cozy B&B (note that cabins have bunk beds).
Amazon
The Amazon jungle is a special place for honeymooners in search of wildlife and pristine nature. Romantic evenings are spent watching the sunset over the tranquil river, spotting colorful birds flittering over the trees and listening to the sounds of the jungle as darkness descends on your villa.
One memorable way to experience the Amazon is aboard a boat on a luxury cruise. You can enjoy champagne and gourmet meals as your ship floats downriver. These boats stop off at different locations each day for opportunities to explore the jungle on a guided tour.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, the Amazon region is home to a number of beautiful, upscale eco-lodges. Treehouse lodges are particularly romantic (your luxury room is literally elevated in a tree).
Special activities in the Amazon include wildlife watching (including pink dolphins), walking through the jungle canopy on elevated wooden platforms, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
