Peru for Everyone to Celebrate Life!
Visiting Peru was always on my bucket List, especially seeing the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu! So when I was invited to explore, site inspect Luxury Hotels and ride the Inca Rail - I could not hold back, I was in!
Peru is full of such unique cultures & beautiful topography with accessible beaches and rugged jungles dotted with Incan ruins to Lake Titicaca.
We first landed late at night after flying on JetBlue and arrived into Lima. Our wonderful Supplier partner picked us up, walked us across the street to get some much needed sleep in the Ramada, a 4-Star Airport hotel. The Next morning we were met with the owner of our Peru partner who would be hosting us for the next 5 days and teaching us all about the nuances and special touches of Peru.
Something that is very important when you are planning your trip is to take Altitude into consideration. Ideally you land in Lima, then next day you will fly to Cusco, which is at 11,500 feet so in order to avoid altitude sickness it is best recommended you be driven down to the Sacred Valley and stay there for a few days in one of the beautiful Luxury Hotels we recommend.
Luxury Hotels are very well appointed in Lima, the Sacred Valley and in Cusco. In fact, the Belmont properties all come with Oxygen pumped into the rooms which can really make a difference as you are drinking your Coco Tea and acclimating to the elevation. From a personalized Herbal harvesting to making your own distinct oil, to a Best Pisco Sour in Peru crafting class to feeding Llamas on the lawn….Peru has luxury for everyone at affordable costs to the American exchange rate!
The experiences that are highly sought after are of course seeing the iconic Inca Ruins of Machu Pichhu to the adventure sports of Surfing in Lima, to fishing in the Amazon. Peru has all of this to enjoy and with trusted and bilingual guides (they average 3 languages) you will ensure you are safe and well cared for. The recommended route for those wanting to lounge in the laps of luxury is the Hiram Bingham or Andean Explorer train with the former starting in Cusco and taking you up to Aquas Caliente which is just below Machu Picchu. Enjoy a delicious brunch with one of the Worlds top Bartenders, and dinner upon your return. Views Are spectacular, and of course the ultimate view is having your guide hold your hand, ask you to close your eyes and walk you to the premium viewing level to open and see centuries of architecture, knowledge and a sacred awe…
Hiram Bingham - style
As one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu does not disappoint. But I can not stress strongly enough the importance of a highly knowledgeable, and experienced guide that is just as excited to share this magical place with you as he was the first time he saw it. We were so fortunate to be guided by a master of story, history and who created an unforgettable experience as we journey'd to the magical city and once we arrived was full of suprises. If you are an Adventurer you can opt for the 1 day or full 4 day hike on the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu, but this is not for the faint of excercise as you will climb over 1200 feet. I want to go back and do the 1 day hike personally.
Of course we would not be complete in sharing our Peruvian discoveries without delving into the delicious and unique dishes created here. In Lima there are 3 MIchellen star restaurants alone with the star chefs now opening kitchens in Cusco. The BEST Pisco Sour I had while in Peru was in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel, a not to miss! Other unique meals were at a private Hacienda in the Sacred Valley where we were served a 4 course meal all grown on the land, and you can find their White corn at Trader Joes called, “Inca Corn”. Peru is known for some delicacies like Guinea Pig and they do eat Llama. (Ok I tried a Llama burger and it was very good!)
In Closing, I will visit Peru again…I could even seeing staying some extended time in Cusco. I highly recommend this destination for those open to culture, food, adventure and a wonderful welcome. We look forward to Spoiling you in Peru!!
