Insider's Guide to Peru with Orient-Express

Beginning the journey in Lima and making stops in Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Orient-Express provides luxurious and locally-inspired accommodations for an authentic journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Embarking from Lima, guests will begin their stay at the Miraflores Park Hotel, best known for its proximity to the many museums, galleries, archaeological sites, festivals and cutting edge cuisine in this great cultural city. Start by dining at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Mesa 18 by Toshiro, one of the city’s hotspots for its’ innovative fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.

Day 2: Lima to Cuzco

Depart for a short flight to Cuzco and check-in at Orient-Express’ newest Peru property, Palacio Nazarenas. Relax by Cuzco’s first outdoor infinity pool before beginning an afternoon with tour guide Jorge Escobar Medrano. Marvel at the religious art at Cuzco Cathedral and visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, once the temple of the Inca sun god. Unwind in one of the hotel’s 55 oxygenated suites and relax in the bathtub with a bath pillow filled with dried herbs from the hotel gardens that, when submerged in water, releases an exotic yet calming aroma.

Day 3: Cuzco

Start the day with breakfast prepared by Chef Virgilio Martinez in Senzo Restaurant before visiting the ancient religious site of Tambomachy and remains of Qenqo. Continue to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and take in the spectacular panoramic views of Cuzco. Lunch is served at the innovative MAP Café at the Pre-Columbian Art Museum filled with ancient pottery and Inca gold. After lunch Jorge will take the group for a walk through the streets to San Blas, the home to artisans and a vibrant culinary scene before returning to Palacios Nazarenas.

Day 4: Cuzco to Sacred Valley
Travel with host Nilda Callañaupa to Chinchero, a lofty Indian village with views of snowy peaks and visit a textile shop to discover the traditional weaving techniques used in Andean culture. Continue to Hotel Rio Sagrado, set among fields and the towering mountains of Sacred Valley. Before lunch, the group will take part in a shaman “offering to the earth” ceremony beside the river. At the hotel, El Jardin is the perfect outdoor location for a garden lunch made with locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can choose an after-lunch excursion of exploring Ollantayambo or shopping for world class pottery in Urubamba before returning to Palacio Nazarenas.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Start the morning by letting Orient-Express take you on a different journey aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham. Guests will be served a light early lunch in the dinner car while passing through the Peruvian countryside. After a short bus ride from the Poroy Station, guests will arrive in the breathtaking Inca citadel. Since its rediscovery in 1911, Machu Picchu has been considered one of the world’s most important archaeological monuments. Explore the ruins and the surrounding environment with the site’s former resident archaeologist. At the end of the day, guests will stay at Orient-Express’ 31-room Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Discuss the day’s excursion over dinner at Tampu Restaurant while taking in the wonderful views.

Day 6: Machu Picchu to Cuzco

Wake up early for a walk through Machu Picchu at sunrise followed by an optional hike to Inti Punku or up the mountain Huayna Picchu. In the late afternoon, return to Cuzco on the Hiram Bingham and travel through the countryside while enjoying a gourmet dinner, traditional Pisco Sours and live Peruvian music.

Day 7: Cuzco to Lima

Extend your trip for an extra night in Cuzco to experience the must-see Hotel Monasterio, filled with peaceful gardens and a rich property history. Originally built in 1595, and once the site of Inca Amaru Qhala’s palace, the historical landmark continues to combine old traditions and modern elegance, and is not to be missed before heading back to Lima.

For additional Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. information visit www.orient-express.com and for more information on the Insider’s Peru tour, visit www.orient-express.com/journeys.