Peru
Peru
A traditional nation set amidst landscapes of rugged intrigue and verdant paradise, Peru conjures images of iconic Inca ruins, neoclassical monuments in ambient plazas, llama herders in colourful hats, and the meandering lushness of the mighty Amazon River.
Poetic, arresting and deeply fascinating, the long and layered history of Peru has produced South America’s most famous and mysterious archeological sites, and a delightfully unique culture and cuisine. Begin your journey in Cusco, where elegant Spanish facades hang above narrow alleys where the jigsaw-like stone foundations of the old Inca capital epitomise Peru’s historic dimensions. Due north, the pine-covered foothills of the storied Sacred Valley are decorated by terraced citadels and attractive villages with wonderful markets. Sumptuous lodges with blissful hillside baths reward those who choose to hike the Inca Trail, while opulent trains will take you along spectacular mountainsides in luxury, arriving at Peru’s spellbindingly mystical Inca enclave: Machu Picchu, the outstandingly beautiful city in the clouds. With lots more to unearth, fly over the perplexing Nazca Lines, preserved in their eccentric glory for 2,000 years, and admire the aesthetically unique pre-Inca Chan Chan ruins from surfers’ paradise Trujillo.
Sample Amazonian chocolate and pisco sours in Lima, Peru’s hectic capital where stately museums and Baroque cathedrals jostle with sophisticated galleries and high-rise condos, or stroll under the graceful arches of Arequipa - the ‘White City’ constructed in ornate colonial styles from rock provided by the colossal Misti volcano. Majestic landscapes can be found in jagged Andean heights, Huacachina’s mighty yellow dunes, or in the cavernous Colca Canyon, where nesting condors soar masterfully over serene hills. Watch waddling penguins and howling sea lions on the Ballestas Islands, search think rainforest for Peruvian jaguars, or cruise the Amazon in style, watching for pink dolphins and giant river otters from a steamy river-facing jacuzzi. Despite such an exciting array of experiences, you’ll likely cherish most the memories of Peru’s people: invariably generous, with easy smiles and joyful festivals, brass bands and dance troupes, colourful textiles and ornate handicrafts - they’ll make you feel welcome from the moment you begin your Peruvian adventure.
Lose yourself in the bustling modern capital Lima, no longer just a stepping stone to the Andes or Amazon, and take a place at the chef’s table at Virgilio Martinez’s world-class restaurant to sample the dishes at the heart of Peru’s gastronomic revolution. Immerse yourself in the history and mystery of the Sacred Valley, taking a horseback ride, mountain biking or trekking to hidden archaeological sites before going white-water rafting on the Urubamba River. Travel to the traditional markets and haggle over vibrant hand-woven textiles in the market place. To get a true impression of how these communities exist, stay with a traditional weaving family in the Sacred Valley or take part in a traditional pachamanca dinner where meat and vegetables are cooked in an earth oven. Arrive at Easter to see the Semana Santa celebrations in Ayacucho or Cusco. Travel on the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes from where you will be transported to Machu Picchu for a private tour. Explore the Incan ruins at the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu with an expert guide having trekked the classic Inca Trail. Alternatively, escape the crowds by tackling a private trek to Machu Picchu’s sister site at Choquequirao. Step back in time by travelling to the islands in Lake Titicaca and spending the night in a homestay. Luxuriate in a great rail journey through the Andes aboard Belmond’s Andean Explorer train. Board a boat to the Ballestas Islands and enjoy a tranquil private tour to see penguins, sea lions and sea birds. Take a private flight across the mysterious Nazca Lines carved into miles of rock or go dune bashing across the empty expanses in a desert buggy. Head north to surf the breaks off the beaches of Mancora before tucking into fresh ceviche. Inland, uncover secret archaeology sites in the cloudforests of Chachapoyas and immerse yourself in the Amazon on a luxury river cruise that searches the tributaries and hidden waterways for wildlife and birds.
Take the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to world-wonder Machu Picchu
Watch out for wildlife on the ruggedly beautiful Ballestas Islands
Explore the Peruvian Amazon by kayak on a luxury river cruise
In the capital enjoy the comforts of chic city boutique hotels in Miraflores or Barancas. Elsewhere, combine nights in aristocratic colonial palaces such as Palacio Nazarenas and private casonas in Cusco owned by families descended from Conquistadors with mountain lodges or camping on the Inca Trail. At the foot of Machu Picchu stay in a designer lodge like Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or enjoy unrivalled positioning close to the iconic site at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. After your exertions relax and recharge at exquisite rural retreats in the Sacred Valley such as Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado or head north to indulge yourself at a castaway beach retreat. While immersing yourself in the Amazon Basin stay onboard seriously stylish and luxurious expedition boats like the Aria Amazon. Ask us as well about a luxury berth on board the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s only great rail journey, which rolls through the Puna and Andean foothills between several of Peru’s big-ticket sites.
The Peruvian winter (May – September), just after the rainy season, is the best time of year to travel, especially if you are planning to visit the Sacred Valley, stay in Cusco area or trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Skies are bright and blue although nights can get chilly. By its nature, in the Amazon you could encounter wet weather at any time although downpours tend to be short and sharp. Even during the wettest months (November to March) there are always breaks between showers and it's still possible to see wildlife.
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