Home to the great Inca Empire, Peru has a wealth of historic sites, the most famous being the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu. But there are also compelling monuments in the beautiful city of Cusco, the Inca capital sacked by the conquistadors, who built their own churches and homes on the secure stone foundations of the previous civilization.
On this itinerary, you can explore the highlights of Peru, from Lima to Machu Picchu, with Belmond, plus take in special experiences off the beaten track.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Arrive in Lima and get escorted to Belmond Miraflores Park. Relax by the rooftop pool or explore this vibrant city at your leisure. Mr. Harper says there are several museums that will appeal to the inquisitive traveler, especially the Museo Larco, which displays one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian art in an 18th-century colonial mansion constructed atop the remains of a seventh-century pyramid.
The next day, join a special tour to visit the historic city center and many other fascinating sites, and browse for items by Peruvian artists and artisans.
Fly to Cusco, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on your way to Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado.
During your stay in the Sacred Valley, you’ll visit ancient settlements and small Andean villages located high on windswept plains, and explore the superb collection of colonial and folk art at Hacienda Huayoccari. Off the beaten path, this 17th-century estate was owned by the Lámbarri Orihuela family and offers a wonderful collection of Peruvian art from different eras. Take time to tour the estate and eat at the restaurant, which serves traditional Andean fare.
Board the Vistadome train and enjoy panoramic views on your way to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” which wasn’t known to the outside world until a Yale professor brought global attention to it. Visit the citadel and its surrounding area by private guided tour.
Spend the night at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located beside the citadel. Hike to Inti Punku or up Huayna Picchu, the site’s highest mountain, or continue exploring this magnificent citadel on your own.
Return to Cusco aboard the luxurious 84-passenger Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
Once the imperial capital of the Incas, Cusco is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere and possesses a charming combination of the Inca and Spanish colonial cultures.
From your base at Belmond Hotel Monasterio, begin your day with a visit to Cusco’s central market, a wonderful way to discover Andean culture and daily life. Spend your remaining time visiting the cathedral, Coricancha or “Golden Temple,” which is contained within the massive baroque Convento Santo Domingo. Before the Spanish conquest, it was the Temple of the Sun, the epicenter of the Inca empire, served by about 4,000 priests. At the summer solstice, a solid gold sun disc reflected light onto a throne where only the Incan emperor was entitled to sit.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will be met and assisted with your connecting flight home.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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