A Belmond Journey Through Peru: Exploring Lima, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu

Planning a trip to Peru? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving an adventure, you’ll find an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty in Peru. After experiencing the country for myself on my 10th anniversary trip, I can confidently say it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Here’s a suggested itinerary featuring luxury stays at Belmond properties and thoughtful activity recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Peru.

Days 1–2: Discover Lima’s Culinary and Cultural Highlights

Start your journey in Lima, a city known for its world-class food and deep cultural roots.

Stay: Belmond Miraflores Park – This hotel is both warm and chic. The lobby and bar area are decorated like an elegant and cozy home library, while the rooms lean more classic, light and airy. The rooms are filled with thoughtful touches, like bath salt and a bath bomb for the soaking tub, and wonderfully scented pillow spray. The hotel rooftop features a heated pool and a restaurant where breakfast is served daily. It offers beautiful views of both the city and the ocean. Tragaluz, the restaurant on the ground floor, is interesting and artistic and serves delicious meals.

Suggested Activities:

• Indulge in Great Food: Take a private chauffeured food-tasting tour, sampling ceviche, lomo saltado, and other Peruvian specialties at some of Lima’s top restaurants. If you’d prefer to enjoy a full meal at one restaurant, make a reservation at Central, one of the world’s best restaurants, known for its innovative approach to native ingredients. Other great options include Maido for Japanese-Peruvian fusion or La Mar for some of the city’s freshest ceviche.
• Plaza de Armas: Walk through the historic center, where you’ll find the impressive Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and Archbishop’s Palace. The colonial architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony at the palace offer a fascinating glimpse into Lima’s Spanish influence.
• Lima Art Museum (MALI): This beautifully curated museum traces Peru’s history through art—from pre-Columbian pieces to contemporary works. The building itself, a former exhibition hall, is also a piece of history.
• Huaca Pucllana: This pre-Inca pyramid is located in the heart of Miraflores. You can take a guided tour or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant overlooking the ruins.
• Casa de Aliaga: If you allow me to plan your trip, I can arrange for a private tour of this historic home, which has been owned by the same family since 1535. Its antique furniture and centuries-old artwork offer a rare look into Lima’s colonial past.

Day 3–5: Explore the Sacred Valley

Next, head to the Sacred Valley to immerse yourself in the heart of Inca history and Andean culture.

Stay: Belmond Rio Sagrado – This property is truly a natural paradise. Each room has a lush patio with stunning mountain views and sounds of the Urubamba River flowing past. Here you can bottle-feed young alpacas daily, or enjoy the spa’s steam room and outdoor hot tub. Rio Sagrado’s restaurant is truly farm-to-table – many ingredients are grown right on the property (which staff will glady give you a tour of!) or in the surrounding community.

Suggested Activities:

• Manos de Comunidad: Meet native Andean animals and watch artisans create textiles using traditional techniques. You can also learn the difference between high-quality and low-quality alpaca clothing, and purchase the good stuff here!
• Ollantaytambo: This ancient Inca fortress is known for its massive stone terraces and well-preserved urban layout. A guide can explain how the Incas transported and carved the enormous stones, and you’ll have time to wander through the charming village nearby.
• Moray: These circular agricultural terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory, create a striking visual effect. The site is remarkably well-preserved, and guides can explain how the Incas used it to experiment with microclimates.
• Maras Salt Mines: See the thousands of salt pools that have been hand-harvested for over 500 years. Local families still use the same centuries-old method, and you can buy some of their delicious salt to take home.
• Simply Relax: Take time to enjoy the natural beauty of the valley with cocktails by the Urubamba River.

Day 6: Ride the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu and Back

Travel to Machu Picchu in style aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train. With a station right in front of Rio Sagrado, catching thia train couldn’t be more convenient. While on board, you’ll enjoy a gourmet brunch paired with Peruvian wines as you travel through the Andean mountains. You can also grab a cocktail from the bar, enjoy the lively music, and take in breathtaking views from the open-air observation car.

Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a 20-minute bus ride up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your guide will take a small group through the ruins to teach you about the architectural brilliance and spiritual significance of the site. You’ll see key landmarks like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana (sacred sundial), and you’ll have plenty of time to take great pictures. You won’t have a chance to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain today, but I can incorporate that into a custom itinerary if it is something you are interested in.

After exploring, return for another night at Rio Sagrado via the Hiram Bingham, where you’ll be treated to a gourmet dinner and festive entertainment on the way back.

Day 7–8: Unwind in Cusco

End your trip with a relaxed stay in Cusco, the former Inca capital.

Stay: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – Located in a converted convent featuring original Inca stonework and colonial frescoes, this hotel is a great mix of old meets new. The property is in a great location with modern amenities (including the only outdoor heated pool in all of Cusco!), but you can see glimpses of its Inca history everywhere you turn. Enjoy a massage while seeing and hearing water gently flowing through original Inca drainage system thanks to the glass flooring under your face cradles. Breathe easy knowing that the Palacio Nazarenas pumps oxygen into the guest rooms to help travelers acclimate to the altitude!

Suggested Activities:

• Cusco Cathedral: Admire the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture. The cathedral houses a famous painting of the Last Supper featuring cuy (guinea pig) as the main dish.
• Qurikancha Temple of the Sun: Learn about the Inca’s most sacred site, which the Spanish built over when they constructed the Santo Domingo convent.
• Sacsayhuamán: Explore the enormous stone walls of this former fortress. Some of the stones weigh over 100 tons, and they were fitted together without mortar. It’s incredible to see.
• San Blas Neighborhood: Wander through this artsy district known for its narrow streets and local artisan workshops.
• Pisco Tasting: Sample Peru’s signature spirit at a local bar. If you’re interested in mixology, you can even learn to make your own Pisco Sour.

Getting Belmond Bellini Club Perks in Peru

When you book your trip to Peru with me, I can elevate your already incredible hotel stays at various Belmond properties by securing perks like:

• Complimentary breakfast daily
• Priority for a complimentary upgrade if availability
• Hotel credits to be used on property
• A VIP welcome & in-room treats

Peru is an extraordinary destination for history lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience. If Peru is calling your name, I’d love to help you craft a personalized journey filled with unforgettable moments.

Cick here to start planning your 2025 adventure today!