When visiting Peru, keep in mind that a destination like this deserves an exceptional journey. Keep reading to find out all about our experience and the enchanting train ride to Machu Pitcchu.
The adventures began from Lima Capital of Peru, at the Miraflores Park, part of the Belmond hotel group. Known for over 40 years of originality to create and expose some of the world’s greatest travel adventures, including one-of-a-kind hotels, trains, river cruises and safari lodges in stunning destinations across the world. Lima is also known for South America's culinary capital, full of world-class eateries and authentic local dishes that offer a mix of flavours. For dinner we tried out a very special Peruvian Japanese nikkei restaurant, Maido before flying to Cusco.
Things to see in Lima
Lima is full of historical attractions, one being the Larco Museum, inside an 18th-century building. The Larco Museum is a privately owned museum of pre-Columbian art, located in the Pueblo Libre District.
The Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral is also a must see sight when in Peru, built between 1602 and 1797. It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in downtown Lima, dedicated to St John, Apostle and Evangelist.
We arrived in Cusco the next day by plane, and stayed in Monasterio, another Belmond hotel, as this was part of the itinerary with inclusive tours, see more here. Cusco is known to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explored the sights and had dinner before setting off on the luxury train journey to Machu Picchu the next day.
Train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu
We boarded the train Hiram Bingham from Cusco towards Machu Picchu.
A bit of background on the name Hiram Bingham, Bingham was an American explorer who found Machu Picchu in 1911. He was the first foreigner to discover Machu Picchu and had many ideas on the importance of the location. It is a very downhill route about 400m deep with stunning views all around. The entertainment included traditional South American spirit, with live music serving an unforgettable experience.
The journey on board includes:
- Welcome drinks
- Lunch
- Live music
- Bus transfer from the station to the Inca citadel
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour in English/Spanish
- Afternoon tea at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Arriving in Machu Picchu
After a glorious 3.5 hour journey on the train we arrived in Machu Picchu - Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and began embracing the beautiful views of the mountains and ancient wonders surrounding us.
Restaurants and pubs
Lets take a look at Paddy's Irish Pub located in Cusco - This is the highest Irish-owned pub in the world. Established in 1996 serving all-day Irish breakfast, curry, pizza, a burgers, shepherd´s pies, and the traditional drinks like Guinness, Jameson Whiskey and Irish coffee. If you like sports then be sure to know this place shows football, rugby, and American football daily on a big screen.
Restaurant Mil , 45-minute drive from Cusco 3,500 metres above sea level is Latin America’s most talked-about dining experience. There are oxygen tanks available incase you feel breathless. This isn't just any regular restaurant.
"First you touch the earth, and then you eat from it,’ says star Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez"
Mil offers eight course meals to explore paired with flavours prepared in house, such as sun-dried cacao nib tea, using only regional ingredients. The menu includes grains, with protein featuring lamb, llama and alpaca, it doesn't get any local than this. Each meal is paired with either an in house coffee or beer.
Mil is ranked No: 36 out of 50 Best Restaurants in the world. Chef Virgilio Martínez alongside his wife Pía León and his sister Malena work to bring together an unforgettable experience. All three are part of the Mater Iniciativa research project, which focuses on designing gastronomic concepts and bringing together art, culture, cuisine, and academia.
Another restaurant by Chef Virgilio Martínez is Central, in Lima. Central has been ranked no: 4 in the world top 50 restaurants. The concept behind this is heavily focused on sustainability, recycling, composting and avoiding the use of waste ingredients. Visitors are given an insight into this diverse culinary world from just walking to the front door.
The menu showcases the native ingredients from the country's three main regions: the Pacific coast (and desert), Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest. Each course on the tasting menu reflects an entire ecosystem and the altitude at which it exists, the dishes are served on textured surfaces, including porous coral, solid rock, and custom-made plates.