Explore Peru with us
I, Dani Elsener, would love to take you on an exclusive tour through magical Peru.
13 unforgettable days in Peru
Lima—3 nights filled with culture, Pacific Ocean views, and world-class cuisine
Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, is the ideal starting point for a trip to Peru. Over the course of three nights, visitors will discover a fascinating blend of colonial history, modern coastal city life, and world-renowned cuisine. Particularly worth seeing are the historic center with the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, and the San Francisco Monastery; the elegant Miraflores district with the Parque del Amor and the Malecón waterfront promenade; and the artistic Barranco district with its colorful colonial houses, galleries, street art, and the romantic Bridge of Sighs.
A special highlight is Peru’s exquisite cuisine, which makes Lima one of South America’s most important culinary capitals. The city blends indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences into a unique culinary experience. Be sure to try fresh ceviche, tiradito, lomo saltado, anticuchos, and Nikkei cuisine, which combines Peruvian and Japanese flavors. From traditional markets and small “huariques” to award-winning gourmet restaurants, Lima offers a culinary experience of the highest caliber.
Arequipa – 2 nights
Today, we continue with a flight from Lima to Arequipa. The city lies at 2,325 meters above sea level. Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” captivates visitors with its colonial architecture made of light-colored volcanic rock and its impressive location at the foot of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. The historic center, with the Plaza de Armas and the imposing cathedral, is among the most beautiful cityscapes in the country. A highlight is the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery, a small town within the city featuring narrow alleys, courtyards, and tranquil monastic quarters. Also worth seeing are the Museo Santuarios Andinos, home to the famous mummy “Juanita,” as well as the traditional neighborhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, which offer magnificent views of the volcanoes.
Colca Canyon – 1 night
The drive from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon takes you through one of Peru’s most impressive highland landscapes. From Arequipa, the route heads north via Yura toward the Colca Valley, passing volcanoes, vast plains, and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot vicuñas and alpacas.
The highest point of the route is at Patapampa, also known as Mirador de los Andes, at an elevation of over 4,800 meters .
From there, a spectacular view of the surrounding volcanoes opens up before the road descends toward Chivay. From Chivay, it’s just a few kilometers to Yanque, where the hotel is situated in a quiet location near the Colca Canyon. The next morning brings another highlight: a visit to the Cruz del Condor, where Andean condors circle majestically above the canyon in the morning thermals. The view into one of the deepest canyons in the world, surrounded by terraced fields, volcanoes, and small Andean villages, is unforgettable.
Arequipa and Train Ride to Lake Titicaca – 1 Night on the Train
After the unique experience in the Colca Canyon, you’ll return to Arequipa, where the next highlight awaits in the evening. The Belmond Andean Explorer turns the journey from Arequipa to Puno into an extraordinary experience. The journey begins in Arequipa in the evening, when you’ll be welcomed aboard the elegant luxury train. As the city lights slowly fade away outside, you’ll enjoy the atmospheric ambiance on board, a fine dinner, and the comfort of your private cabin. Overnight, the Andean Explorer rolls through the Andes, making the journey itself part of the adventure. The next morning, you’ll wake up to the quiet expanse of the Peruvian highlands as you approach Puno on Lake Titicaca. This journey combines nostalgic train charm, excellent service, and spectacular scenery into a particularly stylish way to travel between Arequipa and Puno. After breakfast, you’ll explore the Uros Islands and Taquile Island.
The Uros Islands are floating islands made of totora reeds on Lake Titicaca, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life of the Uros community.
Taquile Island is known for its breathtaking views across the lake, its peaceful village atmosphere, and its intricate textiles, which are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Andean Explorer Train to Cusco – 1 night on the train
The overnight train ride from Puno to Cusco on the Belmond Andean Explorer is a particularly atmospheric way to experience the Peruvian highlands. In the morning, you’ll wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Altiplano over a leisurely breakfast. Along the way, the train makes a stop in Marangani , where the excursion to Raqchi begins . This significant Inca site, featuring the imposing Temple of Wiracocha, offers a fascinating insight into Inca history and architecture. The journey then continues toward Cusco, where you’ll arrive after experiencing a stunning blend of luxury, culture, and scenery.
Cusco – 4 nights
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, combines colonial splendor with striking traces of Inca culture. Among the most important sights are the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the Qorikancha Sun Temple, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the city. As you stroll through the artists’ quarter of San Blas, you’ll discover narrow alleys, white houses, small studios, and beautiful views of Cusco. The city is also the ideal starting point for excursions to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Day Trip to Machu Picchu
The trip to Peru is worth it just for the ride on the legendary Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu Village : in a stylish setting, you’ll enjoy excellent service, fine cuisine, and impressive views of the Andean landscape and the Urubamba Valley. After arriving in Machu Picchu Village, the journey continues uphill to the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where a guided tour brings the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this unique place to life. Amid temples, terraces, and spectacular panoramic views, you’ll gain fascinating insights into Inca culture. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a stylish aperitif at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located right at the entrance to the historic site, where you can reflect on the experiences of this extraordinary day in an exclusive setting. The return journey is then comfortable and stylish.
Day Trip to the Sacred Valley
This varied day trip from/to Cusco takes you to the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas and beautifully combines culture, crafts, and history. The first stop is the Awanacancha Textile Center, where you’ll get to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas up close and learn more about traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques. Next, the tour heads to Pisac, where the colorful market—featuring handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and local specialties—invites you to browse. Above the town, the archaeological site of Pisac impresses with its Inca terraces, temple complexes, and sweeping views across the valley. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the region’s most significant Inca sites, whose massive terraces and stone structures vividly illustrate the architectural mastery and strategic importance of this place. After an eventful day, you’ll return to Cusco from the Sacred Valley with many memories.
Lima – 1 night
Today you’ll fly back to Lima, where you can reflect on this unforgettable journey at your first-class hotel. The next morning, you’ll begin your journey home to Europe.
