Peru Highlands Explorer

Your journey will begin with two nights in Peru’s capital, Lima. Here you’ll experience everything from the city’s mouthwatering food scene, to its unique character and history, intriguing museums and attractive downtown.

Your concierge can arrange any private tours you wish and you’ll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.

Northwest of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of Peru. The valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization, the river that winds its way through the valley floor believed to be aligned with the cosmos.

The valley is also home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries. During your two nights here you can visit local markets and get an insight into community life today.

You can reach Machu Picchu by climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both scenic sites offer incredible, sweeping views, but vary in route. Huanya Picchu is a steeper route for the confident hiker as you pass sheer drops and it takes around two hours. Machu Picchu Mountain is a rewarding three-hour ascending hike taking you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the vistas.

Your private guide will then take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints.

At the end of your visit to Machu Picchu you’ll once again board the train and head to Cusco. You’ll have two nights to enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is an enthralling city where you can find Incan ruins next to (or underneath) Spanish colonial architecture.

Here you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Inca Empire and the country’s colonial past as you encounter splendid landmarks, atmospheric squares, intriguing archaeological sites and ancient ruins.

Boarding the Belmond Andean Explorer in Cusco, you’ll start to unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast towards Puno. On the way you’ll disembark to visit Raqch’i, once an important control point for the Incas and today a fascinating archaeological site, as well as enjoy the first of many splendid meals in the dining car.

On your second day, you’ll awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca. Tours will allow you to explore the eclectic beauty and rich diversity of life on the lake, the largest in South America. Highlights include a traditional boat ride out to the Uros Islands, man-made lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished.

Journeying onwards to reach Arequipa, excursions take you to the spellbinding, rugged scenery of Lake Lagunillas and the Sumbay Caves, home to cave paintings are estimated to be almost 8,000 years old.

Blending a dramatic geography of volcanoes and canyons with sleepy Andean valleys, Incan ruins and centuries-old colonial villages, the Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most beautiful and traditional locations. Packed with opportunities for adventure activities, from white-water rafting, hiking and spotting the soaring Andean condor, as well as chances to relax in hot springs and take life at a slower pace.

You will have the chance to explore the towns of Yanque and Maca to see their colonial churches and learn about unique local crafts.

Overlooked by the Andes mountains, UNESCO-protected Arequipa is known as the ‘White City’ (thanks to its buildings being constructed from white volcanic ‘sillar’ rock). Spend your time here soaking up the splendour and enjoying the views and likely sublime weather.