3 Things We Wish You Knew About Peru

by Shawna Huffman Owen, André Koester, and Monique Owen, Luxury Travel Advisors

Together, Shawna, André, and Monique escorted a small-group wellness journey to Peru last Spring. Here are their insights.

Shawna: Trains and boats are a formidable way to discover the country. I personally love the iconic Hiram Bingham train, which transports travelers to Machu Picchu. Think 1920s-style carriages, white table cloths, and a bar car complete with a local band for an unforgettable ride. Another favorite, the Belmond Andean Explorer, is South America’s first luxury sleeper train and my preferred way to travel from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca and onto the Colca Canyon — a hikers paradise! Interested in discovering the world’s largest rain forest? Amazon riverboats are the way to go. We can’t say enough about the luxurious small-ships by Aqua Expedition and their amazing naturalists.

André: Machu Picchu is a highlight, but there is much more to see and do in Peru! You could spend a week exploring the Incan treasures and ruins of the Sacred Valley. The charming city of Cuzco is full of colorful markets, local boutiques, and great hotels. Beyond Incan history, Peru has a gorgeous section of the Amazon rain forest and one of the highest and oldest lakes in the world, Lake Titicaca. The capital and gateway to the country, Lima, has become a foodie destination both for its street food and its Michelin-starred restaurants and deserves a stopover on either end of your trip.

Monique: Peru is a wonderful destination for the whole family! The hiking can be tailored to different levels, and what’s not to love about quirky llamas? I just had a client with children ages 12 and 10 return from a special Thanksgiving trek and these awesome kiddos nailed the same hike as my group of adults last year!