Clients On the Go: Peruvian Adventures with Belmond
“I don’t know if I can stay anymore at a hotel that’s not Belmond,” says Poe Travel guest Zeynep after her recent trip to South America. . .
Photo courtesy of Poe Travel guests Zeynep & Emre
We love nothing more than hearing all about our beloved clients’ adventures, so when the Vurals returned from their recent trip to Peru with our pals at Belmond, we were over the moon (but completely unsurprised) to hear that they’d had a brilliant time.
The Belmond Experience
Before we share their day-by-day itinerary with you, we wanted to share a few lines about what Zeynep says really set their time apart, thanks to Belmond:
Unbeatable guide – Their guide, Jimmy, was with them for their epic journey through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco, and he was top-notch.
Incomparable accommodations – As we mentioned above, Zeynep’s love of the Belmond hotels was so strong that she may never stay at anyone else’s property again!
Access to elevated dining – Along with fabulous dining options at their hotels, Belmond’s concierge was able to get Zeynep and Emre access to some very hard-to-secure tables, including La Mar in Lima, where they ended up sitting right next to the owner of the restaurant—and Peru’s most renowned chef—Gaston Acurio.
Now, let’s see what exactly these two got up to during their South American adventure. . .
Day 1
Travel to Peru
After a mid-morning departure and a connection through Atlanta, the family landed in Lima that night. A private driver took them the short distance from the airport to a nearby airport hotel, a lovely place to rest their heads before continuing on.
Day 2
The Sacred Valley
This morning, the Vurals set off on a short flight to Cusco. They were met by a Belmond representative and transferred to the Sacred Valley with touring and a packed lunch en-route.
Their scenic drive took them through the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. They stopped at a traditional textile center, where weavers from over a dozen communities demonstrated their spinning, dyeing, and weaving techniques. They also visited the town of Pisac, known for its lively market of handcrafted goods including jewelry, ponchos, hats, and more.
Upon arriving at their hotel, the stunning Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, they enjoyed the rest of the evening to themselves to settle in.
Hotel Spotlight: Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
Nestled among the verdant fields and towering mountains of the Sacred Valley, you’ll find Rio Sagrado, designed in the style of a local village. Its two villas constructed from natural materials, along with its 21 beautiful suites, enjoy views of the mighty Urubamba River. With its lower altitude when compared to Cusco, this is the perfect place to acclimate before exploring more of Peru.
El Huerto restaurant celebrates Peruvian cuisine and features organic vegetables, spices, and fruits from the hotel’s very own garden. El Huerto Bar is the perfect place for a glass of wine or a tasty cocktail. Finally, head to the Mayu Willka Spa for an enticing range of facials, treatments, and reflexology.
Day 3
Ollantaytambo
The family spent their morning with a private guide exploring Ollantaytambo. The drive took them through a patchwork of fields blending into snow-capped mountains. The village of Ollantaytambo is home to one of the area’s most impressive Inca fortresses, while the town itself is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. The view from the top of the fortress is unparalleled, as is the sight of the soaring Sun Temple.
They also explored Moray, an intriguing Inca site where terraces are arrayed in concentric circles, before sitting down for a sumptuous banquet lunch prepared with local produce at Unu Restaurant in the Tiobamba community.
In the afternoon, it was off to Maras, known for its nearby salt pans, which have been harvested since pre-Columbian times. They were able to observe the locals collecting the salt in much the same way their ancestors would have done 400 years ago.
After such a busy day, it’s no wonder Zeynep and Emre spent the evening in the fabulous spa back at their hotel and then relaxing at leisure.
Day 4
Hiram Bingham & Machu Picchu
After breakfast at the hotel, the family was transferred to the train station to board the luxurious Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train.
The Hiram Bingham is the most stylish way to journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its lavish 1920s-style carriages ensure a magical journey never to be forgotten. With two Dining Cars, a Bar Car, open-deck Observation Car, and Kitchen Car, the train can carry up to 84 passengers. On the journey to Machu Picchu, our travelers enjoyed a gourmet brunch as they gazed through their window at the stunning Urubamba Valley. Zeynep called the experience “truly unforgettable.”
Upon arrival a Belmond representative met them to assist with boarding their bus to Machu Picchu for the afternoon. Their bags were taken ahead to the hotel while they enjoyed their tour.
A privately guided tour of Machu Picchu and its surrounding complexes is the best way to experience what was probably the Inca Empire’s most amazing urban creation. It stands 2,430 meters above sea level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest and features giant walls, terraces, and ramps that seem as though they’ve been carved from the rocky escarpments. It’s breathtaking to behold.
Reflecting on this beautiful day, the Vurals spent the rest of the evening at leisure at their hotel, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Day 5
Machu Picchu & Cusco
An early start this morning saw the family set off with their Belmond guide on a Machu Picchu hike. This hike is only recommended for travelers comfortable with heights and with a decent fitness level, as it is pretty strenuous. Thankfully, this bunch was up for the challenge and were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the magical lost city.
Afterwards, they enjoyed the afternoon relaxing before departing in the evening to board the Hiram Bingham for their journey to Cusco, complete with a delectable dinner onboard. They arrived in Cusco just in time for a private transfer to Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, to settle in for the night.
Hotel Spotlight: Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel
Located only a few blocks from Cusco’s main square, Monasterio is a restored 16th-century national monument. Along with 117 enchanting rooms and suites, the hotel is home to a collection of Cusquenian art that you can’t help but admire. Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites is completely different in size and format, as the original architecture of the monastery is delightfully unchanged.
Oqre restaurant features regional recipes and Peruvian classics reinterpreted in a more modern way. El Tupay, open three times a week, stages a vibrant opera night with Cusco’s finest tenor and soprano. Lobby Bar’s colonial-style atmosphere is the perfect place to sample coca or a pisco sour.
Day 6
Cusco
This morning, the family enjoyed a private half-day tour of Cusco with their Belmond guide. They visited the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, an important Incan temple devoted to worship of the sun.
They continued on to Qengo, one of the finest examples of artfully carved rock showing complex patterns of steps, seats, geometric reliefs, and a puma design.
Their afternoon and evening were spent at their leisure, simply exploring Cusco on their own.
Day 7
Lima
After a morning transfer and short flight to Lima, the Vurals transferred to Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, for a quick lunch and time to settle in before their afternoon tour of Lima.
They visited UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plaza Mayor along with the cathedral and its splendid carved stalls and gold-plated altars. Other points of interest included the Government Palace, City Hall, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Next, they explored the Santo Domingo Convent, walking through its cloisters in the footsteps of Peru’s most important saints. They also visited the fascinating Larco Museum, located in a unique 18th-century mansion and featuring many treasures, including a collection of ancient Peruvian gold and silver and its renowned display of erotic ceramics.
The rest of the evening was spent relaxing and exploring on their own. This was the evening that they wound up sitting next to one of Peru’s most renowned chefs at La Mar!
Hotel Spotlight: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
Situated on the Pacific coast, Miraflores Park boasts an unparalleled location in Lima. This urban sanctuary with its 87 suites offers mesmerizing ocean and parkland views. A rooftop pool on the 11th floor, a sublime spa, and renowned restaurants complete the perfect picture.
Tragaluz restaurant offers a variety of international dishes with Asian, Mediterranean, and Peruvian touches, as well as innovative cocktails and aperitifs. The Observatory on the 11th floor offers spectacular views of the surrounding sea and one of the best breakfasts in Lima. Belo Bar has an extensive menu of cocktails, light meals, and snacks.
Day 8
Lima Departure
The Vurals spent a few hours today soaking up the last of Peru before their late-afternoon transfer to the airport for their overnight flight home.
If you would like to Go Away to Peru, simply contact us. We will create a customized itinerary to suit your interests and travel wishes.