Minnow Hamilton just returned from her trip to Peru and it was an unforgettable one! She found Peru to be so rich in history and culture with warm and welcoming people wherever you go. Staying at luxury properties, as always, take the trip to another level and this trip did not disappoint in that department.
Read on for more information on where to stay in Lima, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Starting in Lima
When you visit Lima, you’ll want to stay in either Mira Flores or The Baranco District. You’ll find the classic Belmond Hotel in Mira Flores with seeping views of the sea from the rooftop pool and the chic artsy Hotel B is in The Barranco district.
Hotel B is a Relais Chateaux hotel in the Barranco district. It used to be a family home and since they have maintained the integrity of the original house, the rooms are all different. What’s interesting about this hotel is that it’s an art gallery. It has a very nice rooftop bar as well that is incredibly popular for sunsets. The Barranco district is formerly the bohemian neighbourhood which has been recently gentrified and is now filled with many artisan shops, cafes and restaurants as well as galleries and museums.
What to see in Lima
Larco Museum – This museum is privately owned and houses 5000 years of Peruvian pre-Colombian art and history. Once you are finished in the museum be sure to check out the café and restaurant on the terrace for traditional Peruvian food. It’s a beautiful setting in the garden and a great little gift shop there a well.
Where to eat in Lima
Maras – Rafael Piqueras’s restaurant in the Westin features a fabulous gastronomic experience.
Maido – Ranked as the 6th restaurant in the world featuring fusion cuisine of Japanese and Peruvian dishes.
La Rosa Nautica – A beautiful restaurant overlooking the water and specializing in fresh seafood.
Carnaval – Ranked as the 13th best bar in the world. Known for their out of the box and creative cocktails.
Chez Wong – Award winning chef who hosts guests in his own house and is recommended by Anthony Bourdain. A must try is the ceviche and they are only open for lunch.
Where to Stay - The Sacred Valley
Tambo del Inka
We stayed at Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. This has all the comforts – a great spa, good food and large rooms. Great for groups or large families. The location is perfect if you want to walk into Urumbamba and explore the markets, restaurants, shops.
Sol Y Luna
Sol Y Luna is a very gracious resort set in the Sacred Valley owned by a French woman - and it shows. Guests stay in cozy casitas that are made from local stone and decorated individually with sweeping views of the mountains. All residences are decorated in beautiful textiles and have local murals painted on the walls. The location is within walking distance to the town of Urumbamba and the premium rooms offer a king bed or 2 double beds with an outdoor Jacuzzi on a private terrace and a nice large sitting area for drinks and snacks.
Inka Terra Urumbamba
The new Inkaterra is beautiful, it feels more rural and ranch-like. It’s further from Urumbamba town and is surrounded by massive views of the mountains. You feel like you’re far from everything, but it’s only a 10-15-minute drive into the town. All rooms are private casitas have a king bed or 2 twin beds with a fireplace and a terrace to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views.
Belmond Sacred Valley
Set in the Andean mountains beside the flowing Urumbamba river is a tranquil property that is easily accessible to town. Each room sits on a raised terrace that leads down to the waters edge. The rooms are decorated in wooden decor and locally woven furnishings. They offer a variety of activities from horse back riding, kayaking, yoga and feeding baby alpaca’s for the kids.
Cusco
Antigua Casona San Blas – This boutique hotel is in the San Blas neighbourhood which is one of the oldest districts and a short walk to the main square. The property is Peruvian run and has the perfect local touches.
Machu Picchu and Aqua Calientes
We stayed at The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel which was a huge hit. It felt like staying in a jungle and had a very strong sense of place. Hot water bottles and working fire places in each room were appreciated as well.
Regardless of which way you see Peru, you are guaranteed to have a culturally immersive experience filled with warm personal interactions. It’s truly a beautiful country, but my take-away is that it’s best seen on foot if you can do the hiking. There are ways to stay in luxury and be adventurous at the same time! For those a bit less outdoorsy, Enjoy the many 5 star hotels dotted around the Sacred Valley, take first class train rides, visit salt mines and so…many….markets…you will never want to rest. It’s a place where you are constantly looking up and around for fear of missing something. And we didn’t even mention the Pisco sours!
To learn more about how we can create the perfect vacation offering VIP treatment at the worlds finest properties and provide you with preferred partner amenities, please contact a TWIL Travel Advisor for all the details.