FLAGSHIP PERU

Arriving in Lima, you’ll be taken to your home for the night, Belmond Miraflores Park, which sits in one of the capital’s sleekest neighbourhoods, just minutes from the Pacific coast. Luxuriate in the Zest Spa, or by the rooftop infinity pool, and tear yourself away to discover the Peruvian capital’s enticing blend of colonial architecture, museums and burgeoning foodie scene.

You’ll get to try your hand at whipping up Peruvian cuisine with a ceviche cookery class, and taste incredible dishes with a dinner at Astrid y Gaston. The following morning you’ll jet off to Arequipa, the gateway to the Colca Canyon high up in the Andes.

An exhilarating 4x4 drive through Pampa Galeras National Reserve brings you to the Colca Canyon, the deepest in the world, and Belmond Las Casitas, a tranquil hideaway by the river in the heart of the canyon, offering all-inclusive excursions and dining. Lose yourself in the unspoilt serenity of stunning landscapes and relax in natural thermal baths engulfed by magnificent Andean scenery.

The enormous condors here are famed - watch them grace the skies, sweeping up close as they emerge from the depths of the canyon, only to plunge back down into the abyss. They have long been important in indigenous Andean religion, and watching them glide majestically through the mountains, it’s easy to see why they have captivated people for so long.

Visit sleepy hamlets, hike to rarely-seen Incan ruins, explore the gorge by bike or on horseback or fish in the glistening valley waters.

Next, you’ll take a 4x4 transfer to another of Peru's natural wonders: Lake Titicaca.

Mythological Lake Titicaca, in Peru's traditional heartland, is shrouded in legend and has been the ancestral home of a number of Peruvian cultures for centuries. We’ll take you to the reed-formed island of Uros, where you can expect to see llamas, flamingos and colourfully-dressed villagers fishing from tightly-weaved reed boats, while on Taquile Island you’ll come across groups of local men taking ownership of their age-old knitting responsibilities.

While exploring the lake, the surrounding pre-Inca ruins and the cloud-piercing peaks, you’ll stay at Titilaka in Puno, which gazes out across shimmering waters believed to have given birth to the father and mother of the Incas.

Enjoy a journey aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Puno to Cusco. The tracks snake up through snow-capped peaks to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes before passing the temple of Viracocha en route to the Grand Canyon of the Urubamba, following the Huambutio Vilcanota River as far as Lake Muina. Stopping frequently to enjoy the spectacular terrain, this is a magical way to reach Cusco.

Inca-built walls line the city's cobblestone streets, which meander between grandiose cathedrals, bustling plazas and colonial mansions. This enchanting city is a haven for those who delight in a little café hopping, with quaint little eateries hidden around every corner. Stay at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, a hotel that's not only one of the best in the city but also, as a former palace, one of the most elegant. 

With every inch of Cusco covered, you’ll hop back on the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Peru’s most iconic sight: Machu Picchu.

On arrival in Machu Picchu, check into Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, perfectly poised just minutes from the ancient citadel, and unwind with a spot of yoga or indulge in a massage before settling in for the night.

The next morning you’ll take the short walk to Machu Picchu – we recommend rising as early as possible to experience it at sunrise – and on a private tour you’ll learn all about this astounding ancient city. Built around 1430, the Lost City of the Incas was rediscovered in 1911, but is still shrouded in mystery. The site was abandoned by the Incas during the Spanish conquest, and they took many of its secrets with them.

Take the Belmond Hiram Bingham train one last time to reach the final stop on your Peruvian odyssey, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you ever wanted to escape from the world, explora Valle Sagrado is the place for it, with no Wi-Fi, no TVs, and no mini-bars, allowing you to really switch off and feel closer than ever to your surroundings.

Spend your days visiting local villages and markets, rambling across enchanting natural landscapes and stumbling upon Incan ruins. All your excursions and meals are included, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, or head out on an adventure by rafting down the Urubamba River or trekking, riding, mountain biking, paragliding and hot air ballooning. After three nights here, your Peruvian trip has come to an end and we’ll take you home via Cusco.