Peru: Luxury Highlights & Belmond Hiram Bingham Experience

Explore the highlights of Lima on a private excursion. Stroll through the beautiful city center visiting the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Explore other highlights of the city gaining insights into Peru and her capital city. The country of Peru was once populated with many different civilizations and indigenous empires. The Incas are just one of the many people to have called Peru home creating a country rich with history and heritage. Visit the beautiful Larco Museum, considered one of the best museums of Peru, and view the many artifacts that document Peru’s illustrious past. (Private Activity. Lunch is not included. The museum opens every day of the year.)

Enjoy a wonderful culinary-inspired tour of Lima where you will learn of the burgeoning Peruvian culinary scene and popular art. Test your senses by tasting the products in a local market, visit Chinatown (the largest in South America!) to sample some Peruvian-Chinese fusion food and tour the Historic Centre of Lima observing its important monuments. As a special treat, you will try the exquisite Peruvian Creole dishes of a recognized and awarded local chef. You will also visit a local restaurant where you will be able to go in the kitchen to partake in the making of ceviche with an awarded chef, a great gastronomic experience! Finally walk around the streets of charming Barranco neighborhood, which is described in the book ‘La Ciudad y Los Perros’ by famed Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, and visit a private collection of the best Peruvian handicrafts. (Full-day tour, Private Activity, Lunch Included)

Discover the architectural jewels of this world Unesco site, the city of Arequipa! Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena and walk in meditative silence among its beautiful, cloistered walls. Head to the landmark Plaza de Armas and see the Church of the Society of Jesus and its Sistine Chapel. Explore the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, one of Peru’s most unique colonial structures. Feast on regional delicacies in the local restaurants, followed by a visit to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which opens up to an exquisite view of Arequipa Valley and the Chachani, Misti and Pichu-Pichu volcanoes. Walk through the Yanahuara district and admire its Andalusian-style churches. A stop over at the Santuarios Andinos Museum to see the 500-year old famed Juanita Mummy exhibit of Lady of Ampato makes for a splendid end to this historical tour! (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; The museum is closed on Mondays)

After a drive through the picturesque countryside, arrive at the sleepy village of Pisac, along the banks of the Urubamba River. Head up to the Pisac archaeological complex, which features four sections on a mountain ridge. See the spectacular agricultural terraces and the main fortress, called Q’alla Q’assa. At the back towards Kitamayo Gorge, Inca burial sites adorn the cliff walls. Nearby, there’s the pink granite ceremonial complex, highlighted by the Sun Temple. Continue to the citadel sector. Further ahead is Kinchiraqay that has thatched red adobe granaries. Learn about Pisac’s history, its connection to the partridge, and its significance in the Inca Empire. Later, visit the bustling market in Pisac town, with stalls selling colorful local handicrafts and souvenirs. Take time to enjoy the diversity of Peruvian products, and try regional street foods. Stop for lunch at Sarapampa Hacienda. Also located on the banks of Urubamba River, the hacienda has produced Cusco’s famous giant white corn for three generations. Members of the Sumar family, who own the property, will greet you and tell you about the ancient methods they use to produce this traditional crop. Then gather around the table to enjoy a meal that draws on the rich farming heritage of the Sacred Valley and features traditional dishes. Soak in the intimate atmosphere that feels more like a family get together than a meal in a restaurant, before you drive back to your hotel.

(Duration: full day: Start time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees included)

Through the numerous explorations available to guests, you will be able to discover the magical beauty of the Sacred Valley that formed the heart of the ancient Inca empire. Set off on a hike to the imposing Sun Gate or Inti Punku, which marks the beginning of the trail through the magnificent sanctuary of Macchu Picchu. Experience the beauty of the Andean highlands and windswept plateaus at Huaypo Lake, before hitting local trails that pass by lagoons, picturesque cornfields and quaint farm communities. Witness the natural splendor of the Urubamba River valley as you visit the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, with its ancient ceremonial sites and cobblestone streets that frame silvery water channels. Pisac is another key Inca site where ancient citadels perch on majestic hilltops, and the town market is filled vibrant handicrafts on Sundays. For more detailed information on all the activities offered by Explora Sacred Valley, please visit their website: https://www.explora.com/explorations-lodge/machu-picchu-sacred-valley/

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you begin the day’s adventures with a visit to the archeological site of Moray. Here you will see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction – a series of concentric terraces built of stone and compacted earth with a built-in irrigation system. Believed to have been used for agricultural research, it stands testimony to the Incas’ intelligence and talent for construction. The largest of the terraces descend to a depth of about 150 meters! From this hugely interesting site, proceed to the equally interesting salt ponds of Maras town. Still operational, these salt ponds are believed to have been in use since Inca times and were managed through an intricate system of water supply channels. Enjoy spectacular views of the salt pans and the surroundings as you trek up to the vantage viewpoint. They are a sight to behold, thanks to the patterns they form and their stark white color set against the green mountain slopes. Break for lunch before you move on to your last stop – Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca towns and that was once guarded by a fortress and served as a stopover point for royals during long journeys. Walk past the ruins of a civilization known for its brilliant craftsmanship and astounding masonry. Head back to your hotel for dinner after a day filled with learnings and discoveries. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

The most iconic archeological wonder of South America is yours to explore. Travel to the lost city of the Incas via Hiram Bingham train and spend the afternoon at the sacred citadel with a private guide. Learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Marvel at the surroundings and soak in the wonders of this magical place, hidden amongst the green summits of the high Andean cloud forest. (10:00 to 20:00, Guided Machu Picchu tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with private local guide. Lunch, cocktails, dinner Included)

If you are physically fit and want a postcard view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, then be among the first in the morning at the gate of Machu Picchu as you explore on your own the mountain opposite the ruins, Wayna Picchu. The trail is steep but worthwhile with great birds-eye views of the lost city and the surrounding peaks of the Andes. Because of the narrow trail and popular demand, there are only two timings allowed for the climb which must be booked in advance. Please let your travel consultant know if you’d rather do the climb from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We recommend rising early to get the best views before the heat and the crowds arrive! After the exertion of Wayna Picchu take a second day to explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Independently view the ruins again, deepening your impressions and gaining a richer understanding and appreciation for this amazing world wonder. (Self-exploring Activity; Machu Picchu opens at 0600 hrs; Please note that the maximum time permitted at the ruins is 4 hours)

Discover Cusco’s heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes. )

While on the cruise you will enjoy the best of the Amazon River. Daily you will explore the jungle with outings that range from nature hikes, canopy walks, kayaking and boat expeditions depending on the season of the year. Also meet with local indigenous communities to learn about the culture of the region in addition to marveling at the natural beauty. The activities and cruise are organized to give you a deep insight of the Amazon River and opportunities to spot the wildlife that live camouflaged in the jungle. Backed by an incredible sense of perfection and the highest service imaginable, the knowledgeable staff will enhance your trip through the Amazon rainforest with insightful information and assist you with whatever query you might have.

Explore the Marañon River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as other neighboring rivers (the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate). Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle in search of Amazon wildlife and birds on night safaris, and learn about wildlife preservation efforts in Peru’s Amazonia.