Ancient Mysteries Meet Natural Wonders
Peru is a country of vertical extremes – from Andean peaks that pierce the clouds to Amazon tributaries that feed the world's mightiest river. This carefully crafted journey takes you from the Lost City of the Incas to the heart of the rainforest, combining archaeological wonders with extraordinary biodiversity, all while maintaining the luxury and comfort you deserve.
Your 6-Day Peruvian Odyssey
Day 1: Lima to Sacred Valley
Morning: VIP arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Skip the altitude shock of going straight to Cusco – we're taking a private jet directly to the Sacred Valley, which sits 3,000 feet lower and allows for gentler acclimatization.
Afternoon: Explore the remarkable Pisac ruins with your private archaeologist guide, learning about Incan astronomy and agricultural innovation. The colorful Pisac artisan market offers the finest alpaca textiles and silver jewelry in Peru – your personal shopper knows exactly which stalls offer museum-quality pieces.
Evening: Check into Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, where your riverside villa is surrounded by towering mountains. Tonight's welcome dinner features pachamanca – a traditional underground cooking method that the Incas used for special celebrations. Local shamans will perform a Despacho ceremony, asking the mountain spirits for safe passage on tomorrow's journey.
Day 2: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Morning: While most visitors take the train, you'll experience a helicopter transfer to the start of the short Inca Trail (7km option). This isn't about endurance – it's about approaching Machu Picchu as the Incas did, through the Sun Gate.
The Trail: Your private guide, porters, and chef accompany you through cloud forest orchids and hummingbirds. Lunch is served trail-side with white tablecloths and proper china – because adventure doesn't mean sacrificing standards.
Afternoon: That first glimpse of Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate) is a moment you'll never forget. Descend to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – the only hotel at Machu Picchu itself.
Evening: As day-trippers depart, you'll have exclusive after-hours access to Machu Picchu for sunset photography. The play of golden light on ancient stones, without crowds, is pure magic. Return to the lodge for pisco tastings paired with innovative Peruvian fusion cuisine.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Deep Dive
Morning: Rise at 4:30 AM to be first through the gates at sunrise. The morning mist clearing to reveal the citadel is worth every minute of lost sleep. Those with energy can climb Huayna Picchu (the mountain that towers behind Machu Picchu in all the photos) for aerial views.
Afternoon: Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. This isn't just transportation – it's a rolling party with gourmet brunch, pisco sours, and live traditional music in cars designed to evoke 1920s elegance.
Evening: Check into Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, a former convent turned all-suite hotel. Your oxygen-enriched suite helps with altitude adjustment. Dinner at MAP Café, set within the courtyard of the pre-Columbian art museum, where each course is inspired by a different Peruvian culture.
Days 4-5: Amazon Luxury River Cruise
Day 4 Morning: Fly from Cusco to Iquitos, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Board the Aqua Nera, your floating luxury hotel for the next two nights. With just 20 suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, and interiors by an award-winning architect, this vessel redefines river cruising.
Amazon Activities:
Dawn Excursions:
Skiff trips to spot howler monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species
The morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photography
Morning Adventures:
Piranha fishing (catch and release)
Swimming in black water tributaries – high tannin content means no mosquitoes
Afternoon Experiences:
Village visits where shamans share medicinal plant knowledge
Blowgun target practice and sustainable fishing demonstrations
Night Safaris:
Spotlight searches for caimans and nocturnal birds
If lucky, spot a jaguar's glowing eyes on the riverbank
Onboard Luxury:
Observation deck with plunge pool
Spa treatments using Amazonian ingredients
Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino's tasting menus
Lectures by resident naturalists
Pisco sour making classes with jungle fruits
Day 6: Canopy Walk & Return
Morning: Experience the rainforest canopy walk – suspended bridges 115 feet above the forest floor offer a completely different ecosystem perspective. Spot three-toed sloths at eye level and orchids that never touch the ground.
Afternoon: Charter flight back to Lima, arriving in time for international evening departures. Or extend with our optional Lima culinary tour, exploring why Peru has been named World's Leading Culinary Destination multiple times.
Essential Packing
For the Mountains:
Layers for temperature variations
Sturdy hiking boots (broken in!)
Rain jacket (afternoon showers common)
Sun protection (UV is intense at altitude)
For the Amazon:
Long, lightweight pants and shirts (mosquito protection)
Quick-dry everything
Waterproof bag for electronics
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Reef-safe insect repellent
When to Go
May to September: Dry season in both regions, clearest mountain views
October to November: Fewer crowds, occasional rain, lush landscapes
December to March: Rainy season but fewer tourists, vibrant green scenery
Cultural Sensitivity
Your journey includes meaningful interactions with indigenous communities. We ensure all visits directly benefit local people through fair wages, school support, and craft purchases. You're not just observing culture – you're contributing to its preservation.
The Transformation
This isn't just about checking Machu Picchu off your bucket list. It's about understanding the sophisticated civilization that created it, then experiencing the natural world that shaped their beliefs. From sunrise at ancient ruins to sunset on the Amazon, each day reveals new layers of Peru's incredible story.
