Maras Salt Mine, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Peru

Adventures in Peru

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

£4,715pp(ex. flights)

From zip-lining and biking to surfing and off-the-beaten-track trekking, this unique Peruvian journey offers an insight into the nation’s adventuresome spirit.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Scenic Sunset, Surfer Silhouettes, Seagulls, Pacific Ocean, Lima, Peru 1

Surf in Lima

Challenge yourself to a private surfing lesson off the coasts of Miraflores and Barranco.

Inca Terrace Ruins, Moray, Sacred Valley, Peru 2

The Sacred Valley

Explore the Sacred Valley, perhaps travelling over it on a series of zip lines.

Hiram Bingham Train, Sacred Valley, Peru 3

Hiram Bingham Train

Dance and dine between Machu Picchu and Cusco on Belmond’s iconic Orient Express.

Mountain Pods

Sleep in perspex pods that hang from the mountainside in the Sacred Valley.

Why we like it

This action-packed journey through Peru encompasses the highlights of Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu, but explores them in a much more adventurous way. Packed full of unique experiences, not least sleeping in a hanging mountain pod and riding Belmond’s iconic luxury Machu Picchu train, this itinerary showcases the best of the colourful country while leaving plenty or room for personalisation.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Peru on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Days 1-2

    Lima

  • Day 3

    Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

  • Days 4-6

    Sacred Valley

  • Day 7

    Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

  • Day 8

    Machu Picchu - Cusco

  • Days 9-11

    Cusco

Days 1-2

Lima

Surfing in Lima, Lima, peru

Have a private surfing lesson off the coast of Miraflores and Barranco.

Day 3

Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Days 4-6

Sacred Valley

Sleep in perspex pods that hang from the mountainside in the Sacred Valley.

Day 7

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Day 8

Machu Picchu - Cusco

Hiram Bingham Train, Sacred Valley, Peru

Dance and dine between Machu Picchu and Cusco on Belmond’s iconic luxury train.

Days 9-11

Cusco

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

Spend time in the Inca capital of Cusco, a lively colonial city set around a main plaza.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Maras Salt Terraces, Cusco, Peru
Maras Salt Terraces, Cusco, Peru

Explore the Sacred Valley

Visit the isolated weaving villages, local markets and Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley, trying your hand at Peruvian cooking or making a ceramic cup using local techniques and designs. Take a trip to a local children’s school, jump on an Andean horse, raft the mighty Urubamba River or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board. Jump on a mountain bike for a ride through Andean villages to see traditional farming methods still in use against the backdrop of glaciated mountains, and make visits to salt terraces.

Sleep in a Mountain Capsule

Climb 400 metres up a rock face in the Sacred Valley using a series of pathways and ladders to reach the Skylodge, a transparent capsule that hangs on the side of the rock face. Settle in to watch the sunset, eat a tasty meal cooked by your guide and tuck up for an incredible night under the stars high up in the Sacred Valley. The next day, witness the sunrise from a unique perspective that few visitors see before descending back to the valley floor on an exhilarating series of zip wires.

Inca Doorway, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru
Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

Visit Machu Picchu

Visit the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu perched high above the cloud forest, touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate Inca stonework. Indisputably a wonder of the world it is an almost unfathomable achievement of human culture and architecture and the very definition of ‘must see’. Serious climbers can reach the top of Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain overlooking Machu Picchu.

Hiram Bingham Train, Sacred Valley, Peru
Train, Peru

Journey on the Hiram Bingham Train

Travel on Belmond’s iconic Hiram Bingham train, named after the American explorer who made public the existence of Machu Picchu. Walk through the beautiful 1920s Pullman carriages that are furnished in polished wood and brass, and sit down for one of the world’s most unique and scenic dinners in the luxurious dining car.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

Experience Cusco

Spend time in the Inca capital of Cusco, a lively colonial city set around a main plaza to learn about the mysterious legends of the empire. Head to a hilltop artists’ studio to peruse delicately painted ceramics, photograph the friendly alpacas, and take a traditional cooking class inside the Pre-Columbian Art Museum of Cusco. Blend your own infusion of mango, coca leaf or hot pepper Pisco Sour, then sit back and listen to live music for the rest of the evening.

Snorkelling with sea lions
Snorkelling with sea lions

Suggestion: Galapagos Islands Extension

Consider flying out to the remote and remarkable Galapagos Islands, the pristine archipelago that can be explored during eye-opening sailing voyages or through carefully planned island-hopping trips. For up close and personal encounters with fearless sea lions, penguins, tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas (to name very few), these islands are unmissable and combine beautifully with an adventure in Peru.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Belmond Miraflores Park £££££

  • Peru
  • City

An elegant high-rise property overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Belmond Miraflores Park is an exclusive all-suite hideaway in the residential district of Miraflores in Lima, known as The City of the Kings.  Two immersive restaurants, the 11th-floor Observatory and The Tragaluz offer romantic chandelier-clad and al fresco dining options, while a heated rooftop infinity pool, gym and Andean-inspired spa round up the luxe on-site facilities. Its 89 plush suites, all with handsome views towards the coastline or cityscape, fuse large marble bathrooms with authentic Peruvian aesthetics, and some even offer private indigenous flower garden terraces and panoramic plunge pools.

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Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba £££££

  • Peru

Burrowed in the Sacred Valley of the Incas close to the village of Yucay, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a colonial-style property set at the base of striking green mountains within 100 acres of private land. The Mayu Spa, complete with a healing garden, plunge pool, and dry sauna, offers a series of physically and spiritually soothing experiences from a privileged spot in between an organic orchard and an enchanting peppertree forest amidst the evergreen mountains of the Sacred Valley.

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El MaPi £££££

  • Peru

A contemporary property with lofty ceilings and panoramic windows, El MaPi is a down-to-earth accommodation nestled within the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Completely restored by a renowned Peruvian architect, El MaPi blends classic features with modern aesthetics and utilises restored furnishings and recycled materials as part of their sustainability practices.

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Inkaterra Machu Picchu £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

Tucked away in 12 acres of private Peruvian cloud forest, Inkaterra Machu Picchu is an estate built to replicate a traditional Andean village. Occupying a riverside location and set amongst stone pathways, terraced hills and waterfalls, the village accommodation is surrounded by a plethora of stunning bird species that includes the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock.

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Belmond Palacio Nazarenas £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

A former 17th-century palace and convent that became one of Cusco’s most stylish hotels, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is built on Inca foundations and combines colonial history with contemporary indulgence. Precious Inca stonework, gold-framed paintings and colonial frescoes are offset by an inviting outdoor pool and daring Peruvian cuisine that makes use of indigenous herbs and edible flowers from the garden. Its 55 suites are set around sheltered courtyards, where trickling fountains provide a melodic backdrop. Rooms are enriched with oxygen to assist guests with acclimatisation and each suite is uniquely decorated with Peruvian flourishes and embroidered silk sheets.

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Casa Andina Premium Cusco £££££

  • Peru
  • City

A restored 17th-century colonial mansion, Casa Andina Premium Cusco is situated close to Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Sun. Three majestic courtyards adorned with antiquated artworks, coupled with a gourmet restaurant and drinks lounge with a roaring fireplace offer a calming respite from the bustle of Cusco.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,715 Per person

When to travel

Peru in January

January begins the rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon as they reach the summer months. Along the coast, this can be one of the best times to visit, although it is a hotspot for locals.

Peru in February

As the rains continue, February can be a good time to avoid crowds. While Machu Picchu remains open, trekking in this area is a challenge as the Inca Trail closes for the month. Heavy rains in the Amazon increase water levels on the river, making wildlife viewing slightly more challenging however it does allow you to adventure into areas otherwise not reachable by boat in other months of the year.

Peru in March

March can be a good time to visit Peru. As the rainy season draws to the end, the coast will still be experiencing summer weather while inland you can expect rains. This can be one of the least crowded months for Machu Picchu and the local tourism on the beaches has subsided as children go back to school.

Peru in April

April is considered one of the best times to travel to Peru with pleasant temperatures and avoiding the busiest period. As there is still some rain, the landscape is vibrant.

Peru in May

As the dry season begins and winter sets in, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is green with life from the rainy season.

Peru in June

June marks the start of the peak season in Peru. Skies are clear, making for picturesque sightseeing. As this is officially the start of winter, cooler temperatures are expected especially in the evenings.

Peru in July

July begins the peak travel season as international holidays open. With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, this is also the peak time for trekking the mountainous landscapes of the Andes.

Peru in August

August continues the peak season throughout the country. With cooler evening temperatures, brings a morning fog in the Sacred Valley, which clears to blue skies by the afternoon. Expect dry, sunny weather in the Amazon during this time.

Peru in September

As spring draws in during the month of September, expect cloudy mornings which clear to blue skies in the afternoon. Showers become more likely as this is considered the shoulder season before the green season begins.

Peru in October

Temperatures begin to increase in October as summer approaches. As the dry season comes to an end, the chance of precipitation increases along with clouds.

Peru in November

Temperatures rise in November with rain increasing from the middle of the month. As a shoulder season, this can be a good time to travel to avoid crowding in Machu Picchu.

Peru in December

Weather in December sees increased temperatures as summer begins, along with the start to the rainy season. Rising water levels in the Amazon makes wildlife viewing slightly more challenging along the shores.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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