Peru Machu Picchu
Peru Andean Woman with baby.
Bedroom with balcony on the Peru: Journey to a Lost World journey
Peru floating island on Lake Titicaca.
Two women laughing on the Peru: Journey to a Lost World journey

Peru: Journey to a Lost World

South America
11-day Independent Tour
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Overview

The Highlights

  • Tours with private guide in Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco and Arequipa
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu, as well as plenty of time to explore the ruins on your own
  • Roundtrip journey on the Belmond Hiram Bingham day train, with fabulous meals and drinks included (note the Belmond Hiram Bingham will only be running three times a week through July 2022)
  • Three days on the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer, including meals, drinks and excursions
  • Exploration of Lake Titicaca’s floating islands and Taquile island
  • Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, housing an impressive gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru
  • Admire the traditional weavers at Awanakancha Center
  • Stays in fabulous luxury hotels, with breakfast included daily

The Tour

Experience Peru by luxury rail: the most exciting and comfortable way to drink in the majestic peaks of the Andes, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, and the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca.

IRT’s exclusive and private journey combines two phenomenal rail experiences: the Belmond Hiram Bingham day train, and the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train.

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When not in your luxury cabin aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, enjoy stays at five-star properties including Belmond Miraflores Park, Belmond Rio Sagrado, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and Belmond Hotel Monasterio. We are offering you simply the best Peru has to offer in trains, accommodation, guides and sightseeing. If you have ever wanted to see Machu Picchu — in luxury — this is the way to do it.

Our members have said this was one of the most “Wow!” journeys they had ever taken. They have loved the fabulous Virtuoso hotel accommodations. The included dining will show you why Peru is becoming a foodie capital of the world. The sights you will see both on the train and off you will never forget.

IRT Exclusive:  Read more about IRT’s Eleanor & Owen Hardy’s trip.  In short, they loved it.

Read more about the Belmond Andean Explorer, which debuted 2017.

Peru: Journey to a Lost World map

Countries Visited

  • Peru

Itinerary

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Day 1: Lima

Arrive at Lima International Airport, where you will be met in the arrivals hall and privately transferred to your hotel.

Check in to the Belmond Miraflores Park for a two-night stay in an ocean view Junior Suite. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.

Special IRT Virtuoso amenity at this hotel: 40-minute massage (1 per person, per stay)

Day 2: Lima

After your included breakfast, set out for a Lima city tour. Begin with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit the cathedral, with its splendid carved stalls and silver-covered altars surrounded by fine woodwork. Next, visit the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Continue to one of our favorite stops: the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, located in a unique 18th-century mansion. Inside you’ll see the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection.

Enjoy lunch at the Larco Museum’s Café del Museo restaurant, offering a variety of dishes, homemade and light. The restaurant provides a privileged view of the beautiful surrounding gardens and of the mansion, which was built on a Pre-Colombian pyramid from the 7th century.

Note: in 2024, the Larco Museum visit will be replaced by a private tour of the Museum of Art in Lima led by the museum curator. Gain exclusive access to the conservation workshop and watch the skilled restorers in action.

After lunch return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, enjoy an a la carte dinner at the fabulous Restaurant Tragaluz in your hotel.

Day 3: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

After an early breakfast this morning, transfer to Lima Airport for your scheduled flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the stunning landscape as you make your way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Visit Awanakancha Center, where weavers of more than 12 communities of southern Peru exhibit the spinning, dyeing and weaving of Andean traditional textiles, helping to preserve the traditional weaving patterns. Here you will find the finest of the traditional and industrial Andean textiles in South America.

Continue to the town of Pisac, renowned for its colorful market where the local Indians meet to sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. The handicraft market is open every day and is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artifacts. A box lunch will be provided.

Arrive at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado and check in for a two-night stay in a Deluxe Terrace Room. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude, to stroll the beautiful grounds or enjoy the jacuzzi or the pool.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, El Huerto, with its warm glow of candlelight and refined, sophisticated atmosphere.

Special IRT Virtuoso amenity at this hotel: 40-minute massage (1 per person, per stay)

Day 4: Sacred Valley

After your included breakfast, depart this morning for an excursion to Chinchero, a small Andean Indian village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 12,340 feet above sea level, about 18 miles from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon.

Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. The village is mainly composed of mud brick (adobe) houses, and locals still go about their business in traditional dress.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming Hacienda Huayoccari, with its vast collection of colonial and folk art. The Hacienda is located on the summit of a hill sheltered amidst Andean peaks, offering one of the finest views of the Valley and a lovely garden.

In the afternoon visit the town of Ollantaytambo, the site of one of the great Inca fortresses and sacred areas in the Urubamba Valley. The town is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas.

The 16 massive terraces are a testimony to the magnificent Inca masonry. Climb to the steep 16 massive terrace stone steps up to the imposing fortress at the top of the mountain – around 260 steps! (Walking sticks recommended.)

From here the view down the valley is superb, and you can admire the huge monoliths that form the Temple of the Sun.

This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, El Huerto.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

After your included breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to meet the fabulous Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu.*

The Belmond Hiram Bingham is the most luxurious way to travel to Machu Picchu – a magical journey never to be forgotten. As passengers step on board they are encompassed in a world of polished wood, gleaming cutlery and glittering glass — and stellar service.

The train consists of two dining cars, an observation bar car, and a kitchen car, and can take up to 84 passengers. En route to Machu Picchu, a brunch will be served as you watch the stunning landscape unfold.

Upon arrival, take a short bus trip up to Machu Picchu, and check in to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right at the ruins, for a one-night stay.

Your stay includes buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (premium alcoholic brands and special wines excluded) and a full mini-bar.

Visit this unique Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes on a guided visit. Machu Picchu stands 7,970 feet above sea-level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest—an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height.

Its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally into the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Entrance to the citadel is included.

Later, enjoy afternoon tea at the hotel. Dinner also included at the hotel this evening. Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.

Special IRT Virtuoso amenity at this hotel: 40-minute massage (1 per person, per stay)

*Note the Belmond Hiram Bingham will be replaced with the first-class Vistadome service on certain departures through July 2022.

Day 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco

This morning, we highly recommend rising early to take a walk through Machu Picchu at sunrise. Many travelers consider this to be the highlight of a visit to Machu Picchu.

This morning you will have the opportunity to take one of two hikes with your guide. The first option is to the Inti Punku, or famous Sun Gate, which is the entry point to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. This two-hour visit offers excellent views of the ruins.

The second hike, about 2.5 hours long, is a climb up the Huayna Picchu, the area’s highest mountain and actually part of the ruins. From this vantage point you are afforded excellent views of the surrounding area, as well as a unique view of the famous ‘lost city’. Please note: this hike is extremely challenging and steep!

In the late afternoon, board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will board the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Cusco.

The train departs early evening. An elegant dinner will be served on board (including soft drinks, Peruvian wine and Pisco sours), followed by evening entertainment. Arrive into Poroy Station approximately 9 p.m. On arrival, transfer to the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, where you will check in for a two-night stay.

Special IRT Virtuoso amenity at this hotel: 40-minute massage (1 per person, per stay)

Day 7: Cusco

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco, which includes a visit to the cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple & Koricancha, a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Inca’s principal religious building dedicated to the worship of the sun.

Your tour also includes a visit to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman; Kenko, the amphitheater and religious center; Tambomachay, the Inca Baths and center of worship to the water god; and finally Puca-Pucara, the red fortress built to protect Tambomachay.

Enjoy an a-la carte lunch at Limo Restaurant. Limo is a must for connoisseurs and lovers of Peruvian high cuisine and environments that combine tradition and contemporary design. We highly recommend it!

The afternoon is at your leisure in Cusco.

This evening, dinner is included at El Tupay, the restaurant at Hotel Monasterio. Enjoy classic international cuisine featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a warm and intimate setting. It’s a magical evening to close out your time in Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco – Puno

This morning you will be transferred to Wanchaq train station, where you will board the beautiful Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train. Settle in to your private cabin, your home for the next two nights. All meals are included on board.

Marvel at the breathtaking scenery as the train travels from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, traversing the highest plains of the Andes, to the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca. En route, visit the temple of Raqch’i and enjoy dusk at La Raya.

Day 9: Puno

After breakfast on the train, depart for a full-day tour on Lake Titicaca where you will explore two of the lake’s famous islands.

First, head out across Lake Titicaca toward Uros, a group of man-made floating islands constructed entirely out of reeds. The friendly Uru people are happy to welcome you to their islands, and will share with you their history, culture and traditions.

Then, travel on to Taquile, an island untouched by the mainland’s modernity. The local inhabitants, known as Taquileños, still wear traditional clothing and are known for their high-quality handicrafts. While the women make yarn and weave, knitting is actually done exclusively by men.

After, return to the train for a delicious dinner and a good night’s rest in your private cabin.

Day 10: Puno – Arequipa

Depart Puno aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer. Disembark this morning for a tour to the Sumbay Caves. These caves feature more than 500 paintings and engravings of local wildlife, including herds of guanaco, a relative of the llama that still lives in Peru’s high sierra. Afterwards, the train continues to Arequipa.

Upon arrival in Arequipa train station, you will be met and transferred to the Casa Andina Premium Hotel, where you will check in for a one-night stay.

This evening is at your leisure.

Day 11: Arequipa

After breakfast this morning, tour Peru’s White City, so called because of the white volcanic rock, sillar, used in its buildings. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the former cloisters of the Jesuit orders and the picturesque suburbs of Yanahuara and Chilina, with magnificent views of the Misti Volcano. Continue to the Santa Catalina Convent, constructed to shelter the daughters of the wealthiest families of the city with a religious vocation.

Lunch is included in a local restaurant. Later this afternoon, you will be transferred to the Arequipa Airport for your flight to Lima.

On arrival in Lima you will be met and escorted to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel where you can rest until it is time to return to the airport for your international flight.

Dates & Prices

2024 Dates

April 1 - 30

May 1 - 31

June 1 - 30

July 1 - 31

August 1 - 31

September 1 - 30

October 1 - 31

November 1 - 30

December 1 - 31

*Numerous departures throughout 2024. Contact us for exact dates according to train schedules. Belmond Hiram Bingham does not run on the last Sunday of every month.

Accommodation refers to cabin type on the Belmond Andean Explorer.  Only nine suite cabins are available per departure.

  • Please note: all prices are subject to change according to availability of room type at hotels and availability of cabin type on train.
  • Prices are per person.
  • Price does not include regional flights (Lima – Cusco & Arequipa – Lima): $550 per person (estimated and subject to change; flight cost will be confirmed at time of booking).

Our Process

This is a suggested itinerary for a wonderful private journey. It will be fully customized for you.  Please contact us at (800) 478-4881, or (502) 897-1725, or email us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com, to schedule a brief conversation with one of our specialists to discuss our process.

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Travelers should be aware that the journey involves high altitudes.

Price includes:

  • Meet & greet services on arrival in Lima, Cusco & Arequipa airports / train stations
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide, with porterage handling included (two pieces per person)
  • Sightseeing tours on a private basis with an English-speaking guide; entrance fees included (except on Belmond Andean Explorer, which will be shared tours)
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary, including all meals while on the Belmond Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham
  • All luxury accommodation based on double or single occupancy (as booked) and on a bed & breakfast basis unless otherwise stated
  • Full board meals at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
  • IRT special hotel amenities as outlined

Latest News: View information about the Belmond Andean Explorer & the Belmond Hiram Bingham.