Peru and Machu Picchu have been on my bucket-list for years! So when I was given the opportunity to be hosted by MIT and the swanky Belmond group, I knew I hit the jackpot!
Here’s how we spent our time experiencing Peru.
Stop 1: Lima
Our journey began at the beautiful Belmond Miraflores Park in Lima, Peru. Located on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, Belmond Miraflores is the perfect address to begin your exploration of the vibrant city of Lima. Our first meal together was in the beautiful flower-filled garden of Museo Larco followed by a guided tour of ancient Peruvian and Incan art, including a special collection of erotic art.
Stop 2: Cusco
The next morning we were on a short flight to Cusco. Formerly the capital of the Inca civilization and later conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s, Cusco is a unique mix of Incan ruins and Spanish colonial architecture with narrow cobblestone streets and lively squares. We were warmly welcomed at our second Belmond hotel, Monasterio, a former monastery, with a cup of coca tea. The main courtyard features a stunning 300-year-old cedar tree where you can breakfast in the mornings and enjoy cocktails in the evenings. Each hotel room is unique, and my two-story suite was exquisite. After briefly exploring the hotel's many hidden corridors, we were driven to the very top of the city for a private lunch overlooking all of Cusco. We feasted like kings and queens at over 11,000 feet, while a three-piece band serenaded us. We spent the rest of the afternoon on a guided tour of the city including a visit to the Santo Domino Temple, a church that was built on the foundations of a significant Incan temple.
Stop 3: Sacred Valley
The following day, we took an hour and half drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley where we had the privilege of visiting the incredible Ninos del Arco Iris Foundation. This non-profit supports vulnerable children ages 3-13 through education, health, and nutrition. We were treated to several beautiful songs, planted trees with students, andended our visit with a traditional Peruvian dance performed by two very talented students.
With our hearts filled, we traveled a short distance to Rio Sagrado, our third Belmond property. We toured the spacious rooms, beautiful spa and expansive resort grounds. We lunched along the Urubamba River and then played with the resort's friendly llamas and alpacas. This hotel is truly a peaceful retreat. On our way back to Cusco, we visited the magnificent Maras salt flats. Supplied by a natural water source, these 2000 Peruvian pink salt ponds have been hand-harvested in the same way for the last 400 years. Upon return to our hotel, Monasterio, we were treated to an exceptional dinner & opera performance at El Tupay.
Stop 4: Machu Picchu
The next morning we boarded the famous Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train for our journey to Machu Picchu. The swanky 1920's style carriages, including two dining cars, bar car, and an open-deck observation car, are the most luxurious way to travel through the Sacred Valley to the Incan citadel. Live music, a delicious brunch, and refreshing cocktails set the mood for 3 hours of non-stop fun! Upon arriving at the Aguas Calientes train station we took a short bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance where we checked into our fourth Belmond hotel, Sanctuary Lodge. With no delay, we entered the Machu Picchu citadel complex for a privately guided tour. Standing at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the ancient citadel is surrounded by massive Andean mountains, some soaring to 17,000 feet. The Inca people chose to build their cities at these high elevations to be closer to their sun god. Machu Picchu is comprised of agricultural terraces, homes, and temples; each stone of these giant walls hand-carved and laid with expert precision.
After leaving the citadel complex, we walked a hundred feet back to Sanctuary Lodge, which is the only hotel located at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once the citadel is closed for the day, the guests of the Sanctuary Lodge are the only people in the area. The stillness and quiet underscore the gravity of this ancient site.
Early the next morning, before the crowds arrived, we were given the opportunity to climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain. The lush, jungle flora and fauna and our wonderful guides were a welcome distraction from the thousands of steep stairs that we climbed to reach the 10,000-foot peak. But the 360-degree views were absolutely breathtaking and worth every step! Returning to the Sanctuary Lodge, sweaty and accomplished, we showered and became chefs during a cooking and Pisco Sour class. In late afternoon we returned to Aguas Calientes to board the Hiram Bingham for dinner, lively music, plenty of dancing, and some impromptu karaoke during our return journey to Cusco. Upon arriving in Cusco, we stayed at our fifth Belmond hotel, Palacio Nazarenas. Originally a 16th-century Spanish colonial home, built over an Incan foundation, this hotel with 55 spacious suites, the first outdoor heated pool in the city, and a world-class spa is an urban oasis.
Stop 5: Andean Explorer
The next morning we boarded the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train for a two night journey through the high plains of the Andean countryside. The Andean Explorer is a luxury hotel on tracks, with two dining cars, two bar cars, a spa car, and an open-air observation deck. Our journey began with delicious food, good conversation, board games, and views of ice-capped mountains and highlands filled with roaming llamas and alpacas. La Raya, at 14,000 feet elevation was our first stop where we were greeted by locals selling their llama and alpaca blankets, scarves, and toys. The next morning we awoke in Puno with the sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Mid-morning we departed by boat to the floating islands of Uros. The indigenous Uru people use the native Totora reeds to build floating islands, homes, and boats. Today approximately 1200 people live on 70 man-made reed islands. In the afternoon, we explored the city of Puno and then re-boarded the Andean Explorer for dinner, live music, and lots of dancing as we enjoyed our final night on this magical adventure. The last morning of our rail journey was marked by stunning views of the highlands and lakes as we made our way to the city of Arequipa.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience the warm people, rich history, and stunning natural beauty of Peru. The Belmond hotels and trains of Peru were exceptional in decor, authenticity and service. Thank you to the Belmond team who created a seamless luxury journey. The memories and friendships made will last a lifetime.
- By Mary Ann Erdos | Weekend Savvy Travel