Peru: A Journey Through the Soul of the Andes

The adventure began with a warm welcome in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. After a seamless private transfer, guests settled into the Courtyard by Marriott Lima Miraflores, a refined haven that married historic architecture with contemporary comfort. Nestled near the elegant district of Miraflores, the hotel served as an ideal starting point for discovering a city undergoing a renaissance of culture, cuisine, and cosmopolitan charm.

Lima, once nicknamed “Lima the Ugly,” revealed itself to be anything but. Strolling through its impeccably landscaped parks and along the dramatic Pacific cliffs, guests discovered a city rich with pre-Colombian heritage, burgeoning art scenes, and world-renowned gastronomy. A guided city tour brought them face to face with Lima’s colonial past—visiting the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the eerie catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco. The journey transitioned smoothly through the city’s modern neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores, where the legacy of ancient civilizations, like the Huallamarca and Pucllana sites, stood in elegant contrast to sleek architecture and ocean views.

From Lima, travelers flew high into the Andes to Cusco, before descending into the lush Sacred Valley. Along the way, they explored the Andean highland village of Chinchero, home to masterful weavers and ancient Inca ruins. Terraced fields and a colonial church built atop an Inca palace told stories of resilience and tradition. The tour continued to the salt pans of Maras—ethereal white terraces glistening under the sun—and the mysterious agricultural laboratory of Moray, where concentric rings formed a living testament to Incan innovation.

An invigorating river rafting expedition awaited the next day on the Urubamba River. Guests floated past Andean landscapes and terraced mountains, navigating gentle rapids and soaking in the wild, breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley. Equipped with wetsuits, life jackets, and expert guides, the experience provided both adventure and tranquility.

The journey then moved by rail aboard the panoramic Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to one of the world’s most iconic wonders: Machu Picchu. With a private guide leading the way, guests ascended the winding mountain path to reach the ancient citadel. Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu revealed its secrets one stone at a time—intimate temples, sweeping terraces, and mystical stonework showcasing the peak of Incan architecture and astronomical alignment. A luxurious lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant complemented the spiritual energy of the site.

That evening, guests checked into the eco-luxury haven of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Scattered casitas nestled within lush gardens and forests offered serene river views, wood-burning fireplaces, and cozy alpaca-wool accents. Spa treatments featuring coca leaves and eucalyptus brought local healing traditions to life, and candlelit dinners showcased refined Andean cuisine.

The following morning allowed time for further exploration. Guests hiked to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, once the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu for Incan elites and Inca Trail pilgrims. As the morning mist lifted, they were rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the sacred city, basking in the first golden light of the sun.

After bidding farewell to Machu Picchu, the group boarded the Vistadome train to Poroy and continued on to Cusco. Upon arrival, they checked into the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a luxurious retreat housed within a restored 16th-century convent. The hotel’s exhibition halls, oxygen-enriched rooms, and spa treatments infused with ancient Andean rituals offered a seamless blend of heritage and indulgence.

The final chapter of the journey explored Cusco’s complex layers of history. A private guide led the way through the Temple of the Sun, where intricately carved stone walls whispered tales of Incan spiritual devotion. The majestic Cathedral showcased colonial masterpieces, while the surrounding ruins—Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay—stood as sentinels to a past that still breathes through the stones.

From the bustling culinary avenues of Lima to the misty heights of Machu Picchu, the journey through Peru was an exquisite fusion of culture, history, nature, and soul-stirring luxury. It was not just a vacation, but a voyage through time—one that lingered long after departure.