A Journey Through Peru’s Cultural Heartlands & Wild Frontiers

Check in at Atemporal, a relaxed and elegant townhouse in the Miraflores district. Ease into the trip with a walk around nearby parks and a stop at El Mercado for lunch. For sunset and dinner, head to Barranco for cocktails and ocean views.

Insider tip: Stick to one neighborhood per outing. Lima traffic can be intense.

Start the day at Museo Larco, a beautiful introduction to Peru’s pre-Columbian history. Later, if you’ve planned ahead, have lunch at Central or Kjolle—Lima’s standout culinary experiences. Spend the afternoon strolling the Malecón or relaxing back at the hotel.

Insider tip: Lima’s fine-dining scene is globally acclaimed. Book reservations well in advance.

Fly to Cusco and check in at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, an oasis in the heart of the old city. Take it slow: Sip coca tea, stroll through San Blas, and enjoy the calming courtyard at the hotel.

Spend the morning visiting Qorikancha and the cathedral. Browse artisan boutiques or head up to the Sacsayhuamán ruins for sweeping views over the valley. Lunch at Cicciolina offers a refined take on Andean ingredients.

Take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and check in at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. After arrival, skip the main site for now—slow down. The lodge offers excellent guided nature walks that include orchid trails and hummingbird gardens. Staying at Inkaterra gives you access to their in-house naturalists. Join a guided walk to truly appreciate the biodiversity around you.

Don’t miss the unique Andean sauna experience and the small-but-atmospheric spa.

Insider tip: Leave a small bag at your hotel in Cusco. The train to Machu Picchu has strict luggage limits, and traveling light will make transitions much easier.

Rise early for your visit to Machu Picchu. A guide will help bring the site’s history to life. Walk through temples, terraces, and sun gates as the morning mist lifts. Return to the hotel for check-out and take the train back to the Sacred Valley. Spend the night at Tambo del Inka.

Explore the Sacred Valley in depth. Visit the circular ruins of Moray, the salt terraces of Maras, and the village and fortress of Ollantaytambo. Stop for lunch at MIL, Virgilio Martínez’s high-altitude restaurant and research lab overlooking Moray.

Insider tip: The Sacred Valley is vast. Hire a driver for the day to cover more ground comfortably.

In the morning, visit the Pisac ruins and browse the lively market below. Return to the hotel for a relaxed afternoon. Tambo del Inka has a tranquil riverside setting, a good spa, and excellent cocktails.

Return to Cusco in the morning and fly to Puerto Maldonado. A boat will take you deep into the rainforest to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Settle into your eco-cabana and join an evening jungle walk with a naturalist.

Insider tip: The humidity hits hard. Quick-dry clothing and mosquito spray are essential.

Start with a canopy walk at dawn, then paddle across Lake Sandoval for wildlife sightings. Later, take a guided forest walk or unwind in a hammock overlooking the river.

Insider tip: Many excursions are short and customizable—let your guide know your energy level.

Take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima, where you’ll connect to your international flight. If you have a long layover, the Wyndham Costa del Sol at the airport is a convenient stop to refresh.