If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you already know about Belmond. Maybe you searched for “Belmond Peru” on Google. Maybe you’ve stayed at one of their elegant hotels elsewhere in the world, or you’ve been dreaming about the Belmond Hiram Bingham train since seeing it featured in a travel magazine. Or maybe, like so many of our clients, you’re simply curious about what makes a journey with Belmond so different — so unforgettable.

Let me share a quick story with you. Wes and Leesa, a lovely couple from the U.S., reached out to us not long ago, with this idea in mind.

“We’d love to explore Peru, and we want to do it using Belmond properties. We’ve traveled with Belmond before — and we loved it.”

And that’s exactly what we created for them — a two-week, deeply personal journey through Peru using Belmond’s hotels and luxury trains — but with our unique Across South America approach.

From sunrises over Machu Picchu to wine on their private terrace in the Sacred Valley, every detail was designed around their pace, their interests, and their wish to connect with the culture in comfort and depth.

After they returned home, they told us something that stayed with me:

“It was the best trip we’ve ever taken — hands down. And Palacio Nazarenas? It’s the nicest property we’ve ever stayed in. Anywhere.”

That’s the power of a Belmond journey, when it’s thoughtfully and lovingly crafted just for you.

But what truly moved me was what they added next:

“We’ve taken other trips using Belmond properties, but this… this was different. It wasn’t just about the hotels — it was the people you connected us with. The lunch with a local family in Cusco. The amazing guide, Marcia, in Lima, who brought the city to life. And all the little touches you designed for us — from the handwritten notes to the private moments we’ll never forget.”

That’s what we do at Across South America. We don’t just book hotels. We design once-in-a-lifetime trips — journeys that feel like a story unfolding just for you. With care. With heart. With deep knowledge of the places we love.

So if you’re curious about what it’s like to travel through Peru with Belmond, but even more — to do it with us — you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll share highlights from my recent podcast conversation with Antonella, Sales Director at Belmond Peru. You’ll find a full sample itinerary (like the one we created for Wes and Leesa), and personal insights from my own travels through Peru — from Lima’s rooftop pools to the starry silence of Lake Titicaca.

This is more than a travel guide. It’s an invitation into story-rich, soul-filled, luxury travel — the kind that stays with you long after you return home.

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Who We Are — and Why Travelers Like You Choose Us

Let me take a moment to tell you who we are — and why travelers like Wes and Leesa, who came to us seeking a tailor-made South America experience, chose to explore this extraordinary continent with Across South America.

We’re a boutique, women-founded travel company — family-run, with over 20 years of experience designing luxury, custom journeys across South America America. But more than that, we’re travelers, locals, and storytellers ourselves. We’ve lived these places. We know their rhythms. And we’re passionate about helping you experience them in a way that feels personal, immersive, and effortless.

Every itinerary we create is completely custom — thoughtfully designed around your pace, your passions, and what you want this trip to feel like. We don’t follow fixed routes. We don’t sell pre-packaged tours. Instead, we craft journeys that reflect your curiosity, your style, and your sense of wonder.

For our travelers, this isn’t just a vacation — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, rooted in real connection. Whether it’s a private cooking class in the Sacred Valley, a sunrise ceremony at Machu Picchu, or a luxury train ride through the Andes — we make it meaningful.

If you’ve been dreaming of a luxury South America trip that’s not just beautiful, but deeply you — we’d be honored to design it with you.

👉 Book your discovery call with us here— and let’s begin designing your version of this journey.

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Why Belmond Peru

If you’ve ever Googled “Belmond cruises” or “luxury trains in South America,” chances are you’re looking for more than just a vacation. You’re looking for meaning. For that slow, soulful, curated way of traveling that speaks to both your heart and your curiosity.

That’s exactly what Belmond offers in Peru — not just elegant hotels and luxurious trains, but a way of being in this remarkable country. It’s travel designed to help you feel deeply connected to each moment, each view, and each story.

In our recent episode of Stories Across South America, I spoke with Antonella, Sales Director for Belmond in Peru. She shared the beauty of these journeys — from the Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca — and why Belmond is not just about comfort, but about cultural presence, respect, and soul.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting these places myself, and what I found was something I now want to offer to you: an unforgettable, custom-made experience that honors the land, its people, and your own personal rhythm of travel.

As Antonella beautifully said in the episode:

“Wherever there’s a Belmond property, there is something extraordinary around.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

Stories Across South America: Ep#14 What It’s Really Like to Explore Peru with Belmond Trains, Mountains & Magic 👇

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Peru Is So Much More Than Machu Picchu

Antonella began our conversation with a beautiful reminder:

“Peru is a complete destination. You have the coast, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon jungle — all within one country. It’s full of contrasts, textures, and experiences. Belmond only operates in the southern part of Peru, but that part alone can offer you two, three, even four weeks of wonder.”

So often, we reduce Peru to a single iconic image: Machu Picchu. But the country stretches far beyond that. It’s a tapestry of distinct regions — dramatic coastlines where Lima rests beside the Pacific Ocean, mountain valleys carved by ancient rivers, and lush rainforest that pulses with life.

Belmond’s footprint lies mainly in the southern region — and with good reason. It’s a place where you can wake in Lima’s historic center, wander the Sacred Valley of the Incas, ride a luxury train to a mountaintop citadel, then journey across Lake Titicaca to the edge of the Colca Canyon — all with private guides, comfort, and quiet beauty at every step

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Peru is More Than Machu Picchu: Peruvian Amazon Cruise: Delfin Cruise 2026

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Belmond’s Iconic Properties in Peru

I remember walking into the courtyard of Belmond Hotel Monasterio for the first time. The late afternoon light was pouring through the arches, the sound of a distant fountain echoing off stone walls, and I stood there — still, quiet — completely moved. It wasn’t just beautiful. It felt alive with history.

That’s what you begin to notice when you travel through Peru with Belmond. These aren’t just luxury hotels placed in convenient locations — they are living cultural landmarks. You’re not just staying near history, you’re sleeping inside it.

Every Belmond experience in Peru has been deliberately chosen for its proximity to something real — be it sacred mountains, ancient pathways, living cultures, or natural wonder. But beyond location, what makes Belmond so different here is the feeling:

It’s the staff who remember your name and share stories from their childhood village. The way the design honors both Inca foundations and colonial architecture. The intimacy of arriving somewhere that’s not built for the masses, but for those who want to understand where they are, not just pass through it.

During my own journey across Peru — from Lima’s coast to the high Andean plains — each Belmond property offered something more than luxury. They offered presence. A quiet, thoughtful way of traveling that invites you to go deeper. To listen. To feel.

Below, I’ve shared a closer look at each of Belmond’s iconic hotels and train experiences in Peru — through my own eyes, and with the insights Antonella shared in our conversation.

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel — Lima

Tucked into the fashionable Miraflores district and perched above the Pacific Ocean, this Belmond hotel is the perfect soft landing after your international flight into Lima. It offers elegant, spacious suites — many with sweeping ocean views — and one of the most iconic rooftop pools in the city. It’s calm, refined, and quietly luxurious.

What makes it even more special, as Antonella shared in our conversation, is the location:

“The hotel is right in front of the Pacific, in a beautiful part of the city. You’re surrounded by Lima’s coastal charm, but also very close to incredible food experiences — from local favorites to Michelin-starred restaurants, just walking distance from the property.”

Lima is not only Peru’s capital, it’s the culinary heart of South America — and Miraflores Park Hotel places you right in the center of that experience.

What we love: The seamless blend of city culture and coastal calm. You’re only a short drive from Lima’s historic center and cultural landmarks like the Larco Museum, but you return each evening to the serenity of the sea. Don’t miss a sunset yoga session or a cocktail overlooking the cliffs — it’s the perfect introduction to Peru’s elegance, energy, and flavor

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READ MORE: Top Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Lima

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Belmond Hotel Monasterio — Cusco

Once a 16th‑century Jesuit monastery, Monasterio now welcomes you into hushed corridors, vaulted ceilings, and cloisters where stone tells centuries of story. In the podcast, Antonella referred to properties in Cusco as places where you “go back in time” — where layers of Inca foundations rest beneath colonial walls, inviting you to pause, reflect, and sense each era.

What we love: You are right in the heart of Cusco, steps from the Plaza de Armas and the city’s main square, yet you retreat each evening into a sanctuary of quiet. Their collection of more than one hundred historic paintings, carved altars, and chapel chapels is compelling. The courtyard garden provides a place to sit, gaze upward at the arches, and feel how the past still breathes. And knowing that even simple things — like the door hinges or carved wood panels — often preserve original detail and heritage makes staying here feel like inhabiting a living narrative.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas — Cusco

This former convent (now transformed into a luxe, all-suite hotel) is a jewel — fragrant gardens, soft water features, and rooms suffused with natural light and local artistry. Antonella described how Belmond’s properties combine authenticity and luxury: Palacio Nazarenas embodies that union.

What we love: Each suite feels like a private retreat — stone walls, handwoven textiles, and in some rooms, the subtle assistance of oxygen enrichment to ease your adaptation to altitude. The hotel’s heated outdoor pool, tucked into the garden, is the only one of its kind in Cusco. You’ll walk through cloisters with flowering vines, discover hidden fountains, and feel unusually close to the layers of Cusco’s history — all while being treated to modern comfort and impeccable service.

Belmond Rio Sagrado — Sacred Valley

Nestled on the banks of the Urubamba River and set in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Rio Sagrado feels like stepping into a rural Andean village sculpted for luxury. In the podcast, Antonella emphasized that whenever Belmond has a property, there’s always something extraordinary around — and this property is a perfect example.

What we love: Because Rio Sagrado sits at lower altitude than Cusco, it’s an ideal place for acclimatization. Winding paths through lush gardens, terraces that cascade toward the river, and villas built of stone and wood keep you deeply connected to place. You can feed baby alpacas in the morning, join a Pachamanca (traditional earth-oven feast), or stroll in the gardens as hummingbirds flit between blooms. Its private train station is a standout — from January through April, the Belmond Hiram Bingham stops right there, meaning you step off your villa and board the train in style. The culinary experience is also rooted in local produce — trout from local streams, Andean grains, herbs grown on‑site — bringing the tastes of the Valley straight to your table.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Visit in Sacred Valley Peru

Belmond Las Casitas — Colca Valley

Perched high above the Colca Canyon, Las Casitas brings a sense of serene remoteness. Belmond notes that this property is nestled amid unique flora and fauna and offers sweeping canyon views.
Belmond

What we love: Each casita feels like its own sanctuary — private terraces, fireplaces, sometimes a plunge pool, and space to breathe in the highland air. You might wake to condors soaring overhead, join a local walk toward viewpoints, or simply watch the canyon change color at dusk. The touches are subtle but meaningful — blankets made by local weavers, gentle lighting that blends with the stone architecture, and staff who share local stories as naturally as water flows down the gorge.

A Special Mention: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – At the Gates of Machu Picchu

It’s hard to describe what it feels like to wake up just steps from the entrance of Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel still wrapped in early morning mist, before the day’s visitors arrive. But that’s exactly what you experience at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge — the only hotel located at the top of the mountain, right next to the archaeological site itself.

In our conversation, Antonella highlighted how unique this property is:

“People often don’t know that from Sanctuary Lodge, you can be the first to enter Machu Picchu in the early morning light — around 6 or 7 AM. It’s a completely different experience from visiting later in the day.”

She also shared something many guests overlook — while the lodge doesn’t offer direct views of the ruins, it does offer something just as powerful: the surrounding green mountains, the changing light, the stillness, and the mystical geography where cloud forest begins to merge with the Andes.

It’s not just a matter of convenience. It’s about immersion. When you stay at Sanctuary Lodge, you’re able to visit Machu Picchu twice — once in the afternoon when you arrive, and again at sunrise the next day when the “golden hour” paints the stones in a way that feels almost sacred. For those who love photography, history, or simply wish to experience the site in silence and reverence, this makes all the difference.

Add to that the property’s quiet gardens, attentive service, and thoughtful touches — from coca tea to calm your breath to locally inspired meals — and it becomes clear: this isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a way to truly feel the spirit of Machu Picchu, in a way few travelers ever get to.

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Belmond’s Trains in Peru: Journey as the Destination

There’s something undeniably nostalgic — even romantic — about traveling by train through the Peruvian Andes. It slows you down in the best way. Instead of rushing between destinations, you’re invited to linger. To watch the landscape unfold gently: misty valleys, grazing alpacas, highland lakes, crumbling ruins, endless sky.

Belmond understands this deeply. Their trains aren’t just modes of transportation — they are moving sanctuaries of elegance, music, and memory. They celebrate the in-between, the poetry of the journey itself.

When I rode with Belmond, I found myself standing in the observatory car, sipping a glass of wine as the sun dipped behind the mountains — and I remember thinking: this is how travel should feel. Connected, slow, intentional.

Antonella said it best during our conversation:

“We try to engage our guests in a slow travel culture. Everything moves so fast these days. But this kind of journey — this is meant to be remembered.”

From the grandeur of the Belmond Hiram Bingham on the way to Machu Picchu, to the three-day, soul-stirring voyage aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, these trains take you through not only space — but time, taste, and emotion.

Let me take you inside each one

The Belmond Hiram Bingham Experience

This is not just a train ride. This is luxury train travel at its most soulful and celebratory — where the moment you step aboard, you are transported into another era.

Antonella described it beautifully in our podcast conversation:

“It’s like stepping back into the elegance of the 1920s — two dining cars, a bar car, live music, extraordinary gastronomy… It’s an experience in itself before you even arrive at Machu Picchu.”

The Belmond Hiram Bingham departs from the Sacred Valley — either from the Poroy Station in Cusco, or from Urubamba or Río Sagrado (from January to April, the train can even stop right outside Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, which is just incredible for our guests). That’s where your journey begins — with white-gloved service, champagne in hand, and live Andean music welcoming you aboard.

Once the train sets off, it becomes a roaming celebration of Peruvian culture. You’re served a multi-course gourmet meal inspired by the regions you’re passing through: trout from the Andes, ceviche from the coast, native Andean herbs and tubers — all crafted with finesse by Belmond’s onboard chefs.

And as Antonella pointed out, this isn’t just about food or scenery. It’s about tempo and tone. Everything on board is designed to help you slow down — to truly feel what it means to travel with intention.

As the train glides past breathtaking landscapes, you can visit the open bar for a cocktail, mingle with fellow guests, and step into the observation car to take in the ever-changing views — from deep valleys to mountain ridges blanketed in cloud. There’s live music, laughter, and a sense of ease that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.

When you arrive in Aguas Calientes, Belmond continues to care for every detail. You’re met by a private guide, whisked into a small group, and taken on a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Everything flows effortlessly — no stress, no lines, just full presence in one of the most mystical places on earth.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey,” Antonella said.
“So we encourage our guests to really enjoy each moment — to remember it, because this is the kind of travel that stays with you.”

Why it matters: With the Belmond Hiram Bingham, you don’t just arrive at Machu Picchu — you earn your arrival. You step into the citadel already immersed, already softened, already connected.

For many of our travelers, this train isn’t just a highlight — it becomes the moment when Peru begins to live not just in their photos, but in their memory, their rhythm, and their heart.

Good to Know: Tips for Making the Most of Your Hiram Bingham Journey

Before you step aboard this legendary train, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you get the most from the experience — especially if you’re planning your first trip to Machu Picchu with Belmond:

1. Travel to Lower Altitude First
   We always recommend spending a few days in the Sacred Valley — ideally at Belmond Rio Sagrado — before boarding the train. This helps your body gently acclimate to the altitude and allows you to start your journey feeling rested and relaxed.
2. Pack Light — But Smart
   Although your main luggage will be transferred for you, it’s helpful to bring a small day bag with essentials: sunscreen, water, a light rain jacket, and your passport (required for Machu Picchu entry). Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the Citadel visit.
3. Stay Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge
   To extend the magic, consider staying a night at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge — the only hotel right at the entrance of Machu Picchu. This allows you to visit the site early the next morning for sunrise — a quieter, more mystical experience when the crowds haven’t yet arrived.

✨ Bonus Tip: Book early. The Hiram Bingham is one of the most exclusive train experiences in the world and seats fill quickly — especially during the dry season (May to October).

READ MORE: 5 Hidden Experiences on the Hiram Bingham Train Machu Picchu

The Belmond Andean Explorer: A Moving Sanctuary Through the Peruvian Highlands

If the Belmond Hiram Bingham is a celebration — short, elegant, joyful — then the Belmond Andean Explorer is a meditative journey, a slow and graceful passage across the high Andes, where time stretches out and the scenery speaks in silence and color.

Antonella shared with us just how unique this train is — and it’s true: the Andean Explorer is the first luxury sleeper train in South America, offering one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world.

“It’s a full experience,” she said.
“You don’t have to worry about anything — all meals are included, you sleep in your own cabin, there’s live music, an observatory car… even a spa for massages while you cross the Andes.”

From the moment you board in Cusco, you’re enveloped in a rhythm that feels ancient — mirroring the pulse of the land itself. The interiors are warm and sophisticated, inspired by Inca textiles and Peruvian craft. The observatory car is my personal favorite — open to the sky, with sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, llama-dotted plains, and the deep quiet of the Altiplano.

Over the course of 3 days and 2 nights, the Belmond Andean Explorer carries you from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, and eventually to the southern city of Arequipa, pausing at sacred, lesser-known places that are hard to reach otherwise.

One of the highlights is a stop at the archaeological site of Raqchi — a spiritual center and ancient storage complex, rarely visited on standard itineraries. You also visit La Raya, a mountain pass known for its breathtaking panoramic views and photography-worthy snow peaks.

Then you reach the shimmering blue of Lake Titicaca. As Antonella shared:

“You wake up on the train, and you see the sunrise over the lake. It’s quiet, pink skies, a cup of hot coffee in your hand — it’s unforgettable.”

You’ll step off the train and onto a traditional boat ride to the floating Uros islands, where Aymara families welcome you into their lives and homes, sharing stories of how their islands are rebuilt every 30 years. Then it’s on to Taquile Island — known for its UNESCO-recognized textile traditions — where you can walk, read, paddleboard, or just absorb the lake’s mystical calm.

On the final day, the train glides toward Arequipa, with a stop at the Sumbay Caves, where you’ll see ancient rock paintings — some over 8,000 years old — hidden in the mountains.

And then there’s the quiet magic of life onboard:

Live piano music in the lounge

Thoughtfully prepared gourmet meals with regional flavors

Fine wine

Suite cabins, some with twin beds or bunk options for friends or family groups

A peaceful spa car, where you can have the best massage of your life as the Andean plains roll by outside your window

“This is not just a train,” Antonella told me.
“It’s a journey through time. Through landscapes. Through silence. It’s luxury, yes — but it’s also about memory and feeling.”

What I love most is how intimate it feels. It’s not a large group tour. It’s not loud or rushed. It’s quiet. Thoughtful. Every guest has room to reflect, to dream, to look out the window and feel something shift inside them.

Good to Know: Tips for the Belmond Andean Explorer

1. Pack Warm Layers
   The train travels through high-altitude regions, and while the cabins are cozy, mornings and evenings can be chilly. Bring a warm jacket, scarf, and layered clothing — especially for Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon extension.
2. Choose Your Cabin Style Early
   The train offers suite cabins, twin beds, and bunk-style rooms — but space is limited. If you’re a couple or traveling with friends or family, book early to get the configuration that best fits your group.
3. Add a Stay at Belmond Las Casitas
   If your journey ends near Arequipa, we highly recommend adding a few days at Belmond Las Casitas in the Colca Valley. As Antonella shared, you can even have breakfast with a view of the flight of the condors. It’s the perfect soft landing after the train — remote, restful, and quietly stunning.

Your 2026 Belmond Journey Through Peru: This is how an itinerary can look like.

Days 1–2 – Arrive in Lima. Stay at Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel. Private guided tour of Lima’s historic center, early dinner by the Pacific Ocean.

Days 3–4 – Flight to Cusco. Stay at Hotel Monasterio or Palacio Nazarenas. Adjust to altitude. Light walks in the heart of the city, visits to local artisans.

Days 5–7 – Drive to Belmond Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley. Visit Ollantaytambo, hike to lesser-known ruins, enjoy afternoon picnics by the river.

Day 8 – Board the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu. Live music, traditional dishes, and a private guide await.

Day 9 – Early morning entry into Machu Picchu. Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Take in the golden hour light and the quiet.

Days 10–11 – Return to Cusco. Enjoy the Opera Dinner or relax at the spa.

Days 12–14 – Board the Belmond Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca. Visit La Raya, floating islands, and Taquile. Sleep in your suite cabin under the stars.

Day 15–16 – Stopover to Belmond Las Casitas in Colca Valley. Enjoy a traditional breakfast near the condor lookout.

Day 17–18 – Continue to Arequipa via the Sumbay Caves. Final dinner with Andean plains as your backdrop.

Day 19 – Departure or onward travel.

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Let’s Plan This Journey Together

Designing a journey with Belmond isn’t just about choosing elegant hotels and scenic train rides — it’s about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels completely aligned with you. At Across South America, we don’t sell tours. We listen. We get to know what matters to you — whether it’s slow mornings in the garden with a book, private access to Machu Picchu at sunrise, or a train ride where every window becomes a frame for wonder.

We’ve been there. We’ve stayed in every property, taken every route, and built relationships with the people who will welcome you along the way. When you plan with us, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re gaining a local advocate, a storyteller, and a team who will handle every detail with care and creativity.

So when you’re ready to start planning your unforgettable Belmond journey through Peru, we’re here to make it seamless, soulful, and deeply personal..

👉 Book your discovery call with Clara and Maria— and let’s start planning your dream journey through Peru.

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More Great SOUTH AMERICA Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to SOUTH AMERICA? Check out these other Peru Itineraries:  Peru and Galapagos in 10 days. , Peru and the Amazonas in 13 days.

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