When we travel, we try to pack an entire life experience in the span of a week. Typically we seek out the best of both worlds: ocean breezes and mountain views, metropolitan cities with a deep sense of culture embedded into them, or a pampered visit that still allows us to still be active when we want. Peru is blessed with picturesque landscapes endowed with Pre-Columbian history, and is firmly placed on every experienced traveler’s bucket list.
Some airlines are now adding direct routes to the country from the US such as LATAM which has offerings from DC, NYC, LA, Orlando and Miami. A Premium Business Class ticket will get you a lay flat bed, top-notch meals and of course much more room. It is recommended that you plan to stay at least a week (if not more) to get the full Peruvian vibe, as this is definitely not a quick getaway experience. For first timers touring Lima, be sure to include the Larco Herrera Museum, the Santo Domingo Convent and city’s Cathedral to view the tomb that houses Francisco Pizzaro’s body, plus the city’s catacombs, which date back to before they had cemeteries. Before feasting on a lunch of river prawns at the famed La Mar restaurant, do yourself a favor and stop at the Parque del Amor in the trendy neighborhood of Miraflores where you’ll see the most magnificent panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
In the Sacred Valley, the Tambo del Inka Hotel is definitely one of the most well-appointed and beautifully-located hotels in the Andes region. Designed as a mountain retreat, it offers quiet luxury, a gorgeous spa, heated outdoor/indoor pool, and is the perfect setting for having a Pisco Sour while watching the sunset behind the mountains. While in the city, take a trip back in time to Moray, home of the famous agricultural terraces used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory and believed by many to have mystical meanings. Nearby, the village of Maras, is a photographer’s dream and where some of the finest salt in the world can be found.
From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, travelers can opt to take PeruRail, located at Tambo del Inka Hotel for a scenic 2.5 hour trip along the impressive Urubamba River and the Inca Trail. The Incas considered this their “royal highway” and the 35-mile trail passes over at about 13,500 feet and takes about four days to hike. Many adventurists overestimate the fitness required for the intense trek and many medical emergencies happen along the trail, which is why the train is a safer choice.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, the Sumaq Hotel is a five- to seven-minute walk from the train station. The property is also walking distance to the bus that will take you up the mountain to Machu Picchu. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you’ll never be visually prepared once you hike up the mountain and look down upon the Lost City of the Incas. And for a pro tip, go before sunrise; watching the sun come through the ancient Gate of the Sun, will make your moment even more special.
Continue to treat yourself after your beautiful journey up Machu Picchu. Ride in style on the Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco. Decorated in the style of a 1920s Pullman car, there are dining cars that allow you to book a fine dining experience, complete with live music for the almost three-hour ride back across the Andes. A beautiful, yet historical hotel in Cusco, Palacio del Inka Hotel, is a great setting to round out your Peruvian vacation.
