Elite Traveler Summer 2020

ANDEAN ADVENTURES PERU

There are countless ways to explore Peru, but by far the most phenomenal is from the region’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer, perfect for those who prefer their morning coffee at 13,000 ft with views over snowcapped mountains or Incan ruins. During this journey, you will visit five Belmond hotels in Peru and end your trip with a two-night train trip from Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire; stopping in Puno, located along Lake Titicaca and dating back to colonial times; and ending in Arequipa, the ‘White City’ whose city center was deemed a Unesco World Heritage Site for its opulent European-inspired architecture. Belmond Andean Explorer is one of the highest train journeys in the world, and the 35-cabin train is outfitted with Peruvian design details like brightly colored handwoven fabrics (including linen walls), local art and alpaca-style textures. Each room has large windows overlooking the epic landscapes. There is also a spa, luxury lounge and dining cabins offering locally inspired gourmet cuisine (the sumptuous interiors are akin to a Michelin-starred restaurant). However, most of the excitement lies outside of the train itself. There are wonderful excursions in several cities that unite guests with local tradition. In Cusco, the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado will be your base: Bike along the beautiful Lake Huaypo and the Sacred Valley of the Incas; help cook Pachamanca (a meat-centric dish prepared with hot Andean stones sourced from deep within the ground); and on Sunday, witness Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol’s morning mass spoken in the native language, Quechua, followed by a traditional costumed parade. An hour’s drive away, Belmond Hotel Monasterio is surrounded by talented artisans; join them as they teach you how to knit the Andean way, and tour artisans’ ateliers. There are also fabulous markets here, and you can accompany the hotel chef to the San Pedro market, then cook several Peruvian dishes with them. At Belmond Las Casitas, tour the colonial churches at Maca and Yanque, or take a baking class with locals. For many, the most anticipated excursion is visiting Machu Picchu; Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel at the entrance of the ancient site. In the morning before crowds arrive, a guide will take you on a walk, hike or climb to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu — you won’t see one other person on this expedition — while your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the history of the grounds and the ancient civilizations that helped create this magical destination. -ER From $7,305 per person. Contact Nathaly Meija, sales, Belmond Andean Explorer, perures. fits@belmond.com, +51 1 610 8300, belmond.com