Machu Picchu is just the beginning. Sacred Valley markets, Andean train journeys, and Lima’s world-class food scene make Peru unforgettable.
Peru is a country that has many layers, and a lot of depth. Too many visitors arrive, tick off Machu Picchu, and leave – missing the extraordinary richness that surrounds it. Make no mistake – Machu Picchu is incredibly special – but a well-crafted itinerary will take you through some of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes on earth, and into a culinary culture that has become one of the fastest-growing and most exciting.
Most trips begin in Lima. The Miraflores and Barranco districts have evolved into world-class dining destinations, with many Michelin-starred restaurants, and it has truly become a foodie’s paradise. Michelin starred or not, the restaurant scene here is booming, and not to be missed.
Next fly to Cusco and allow two to three days to acclimate to the altitude before attempting Machu Picchu. The city itself is amazing, built on the foundations of the Inca capital and filled with colonial churches constructed from repurposed Inca stonework. Or, alternatively, head straight to the Sacred Valley and visit Cusco after. The Sacred Valley shines – visit the fortress at Ollantaytambo, the salt mines in Maras, and the agricultural terraces of Moray, and learn about the Incan agricultural practices that make you realize why the food in this country is out of this world.
From the Sacred Valley, head to Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes is the finest way to arrive at Machu Picchu — a beautifully restored Pullman service with brass fittings, white tablecloths, and brunch served as the Urubamba gorge passes through the windows.
There is nothing quite like the experience of finally setting eyes upon Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan ruin from the 15th century that wasn’t discovered until 1911. Built high up in the mountains and a trek to get to, the engineering behind this settlement is a masterpiece in and of itself. Surrounded by mountains and cloud forest, the setting is in a way unearthly, mystical and hard to conceive until you’ve seen it.
Fifi + Hop arranges private guided access to Machu Picchu, permits for the Inca Trail or the less-traveled Salkantay route, and connections throughout the country. If the Amazon is on your list, we plan that too.