Discover Peru: Luxury Adventures Through the Andes
The Call of the Andes: Rediscovering Wonder in Peru
There’s something magnetic about Peru — a land that buzzes with history, altitude, and the kind of quiet power that makes you slow down and listen.
After a busy 2025 crafting journeys for my clients, I finally carved out time to explore this bucket-list destination myself… tracing ancient footsteps along the Inca Trail, wandering the Inca sites of the Sacred Valley, and standing in the misty silence of Machu Picchu.
And let me tell you: it’s every bit as breathtaking as you imagine…and then some!
Lima: The Gateway to Flavor
Our journey began in Lima, Peru’s culinary capital, where we based ourselves at the effortlessly elegant Hotel B — a restored Belle Époque mansion turned boutique art hotel in Barranco. Between bites of fresh ceviche, sips of pisco sours, and dinner at the famed Mérito, I quickly learned that Peruvian cuisine is as complex as its history. Hotel B’s creative energy, paired with Lima’s dynamic food scene, made the perfect first taste of Peru’s cultural heartbeat.
The Sacred Valley: Where You Find Your Rhythm
From Lima, we flew into Cusco and descended into the Sacred Valley — the perfect place to acclimate before tackling the altitude. (Pro tip: do not start in Cusco — your lungs will thank you later.)
Our home here was Sol y Luna, a breathtaking Relais & Châteaux property surrounded by gardens bursting with color and mountain views that make you pause mid-conversation. Beyond its beauty, what makes Sol y Luna extraordinary is its heart — the Sol y Luna Foundation, which provides education and support to children in the local community. Staying here isn’t just luxurious; it’s deeply meaningful, knowing your visit helps sustain this incredible initiative.
Days were spent hiking from Moray to Maras, learning how Incan engineers shaped the land for crops centuries ago. Later, we sipped local "wines" made from ancient Andean ocas (a cousin of the potato) by the Master of Potatoes, Manuel Choqque and returned each evening to our cozy casita, where the fireplace crackled and the stars felt close enough to touch.
Sleeping Under the Stars: Starlodge Adventure Suites
Next came one of the most unforgettable nights of the trip — suspended above the Sacred Valley at Starlodge Adventure Suites, a truly one-of-a-kind stay for those craving a little thrill. Imagine glass-domed pods anchored to the side of a cliff, where the Milky Way feels almost within reach. Falling asleep to the sounds of the wind and waking up to the first light of the Andes was equal parts humbling and exhilarating — the kind of experience that strips away distraction and reminds you how small (and lucky) we are.
Luxury Among the Mountains: Explora Valle Sagrado
After our adventure in the sky and our zipline descent, we settled into Explora Valle Sagrado, a minimalist-chic lodge that blends sustainable design with seamless service. Explora’s all-inclusive concept focuses on curated explorations — guided hikes, bike rides, and cultural immersions designed to showcase the Sacred Valley’s lesser-known corners.
Here, everything was intentional — from the thoughtfully prepared meals, the personally curated pisco tastin to the expert guides who helped us uncover stories of the land. It was the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, offering space to recharge before the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail: A Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit
There’s no other way to put it: the Inca Trail is hard (even the 1-day trek!). But it’s also sacred.
Our wake-up call came before dawn, fueled by coca tea, carbs, and adrenaline. The air was thin, the climbs steep, and the weather wildly unpredictable… sunshine one minute, mist and rain the next.
Our guide, Efraín, seemed to know the land as if it were an old friend; pointing out plants used in traditional medicine, stories of the Inca, and when to pause just long enough to catch your breath (and your next incredible view). Having a private guide meant we could hike at our own pace, stop for photos without pressure, and truly experience the journey rather than rush through it.
But then the clouds parted, revealing emerald mountains rolling endlessly into the horizon, and suddenly, every sore muscle felt worth it.
By the afternoon, we reached Machu Picchu… a sight so majestic it silences even the most talkative traveler. As the sunshine hit the ruins, I realized that no photo or postcard could ever capture its energy.
Machu Picchu: Lost City, Found Perspective
We returned the next morning after a massage and comfy bed in Aguas Calientes for a guided exploration of the citadel — arriving early to avoid the crowds and watch the mist rise off the stone terraces. The serenity of those first few hours was pure magic.
Our guide’s stories made the ancient walls come alive — tales of astronomy, spirituality, and the incredible precision of Incan architecture. Having everything prearranged (permits, train tickets, timed entry slots) allowed us to simply be present. No stress, no confusion, no “wait, which circuit did we buy?” moments… just awe!
Cusco: A Storied Farewell
Our final days were spent in Cusco, surrounded by cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a vibrant local energy. We stayed at the Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, a former 16th-century monastery that now blends old-world charm with five-star comfort. Each courtyard seemed to hum with history — a perfect place to reflect on everything we’d seen and experienced.
From sunrise hikes to quiet evenings with muña tea, Cusco offered the perfect ending — a gentle return to reality with a touch of magic still lingering in the air.
Why Peru Deserves a Place on Your 2026 Travel List
Peru isn’t a place to rush. It’s a destination that rewards patience, curiosity, and intention.
With the country’s high season (June–August) booking up months in advance — and the Inca Trail permits selling out even earlier — it’s essential to start planning now if this adventure is on your radar.
Whether you’re chasing the sunrise at Machu Picchu, sipping coffee in the Sacred Valley, or exploring Lima’s culinary scene, Peru offers a beautiful mix of challenge, culture, and connection.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Machu Picchu
Trust me on this one: Peru is a destination where having the right local team changes everything.
Working with a trusted travel advisor ensures:
Access to the best guides and porters who know every twist of the trail
Seamless logistics (trains, permits, tickets, and transfers that actually make sense)
Acclimation planning to keep you healthy and comfortable
Exclusive campsites and lodges away from crowds
Fair treatment and pay for everyone behind the scenes
And most importantly: the continuity of a journey that tells a story from start to finish.
When you go with the right people, it’s not just a hike. It’s a pilgrimage.
Final Thoughts
Peru challenged and grounded me in equal measure. It’s a place that demands you show up fully (hydrated, humble, and ready to be amazed).
And if you do it right, you’ll come home with more than just beautiful photos — you’ll come home changed.
So if Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Peru in general has ever whispered your name, let’s start planning your 2026 adventure now. The trail is waiting.
