IN THE heart OF THE ANDES

From CUSCO’s cobbled streets and ancient Incan citadels to the floating islands of LAKE TITICACA, PERU is best explored slowly—preferably in a Pullman-style train carriage with a pisco sour in hand.

- BY CRISTINA AL TOZANO

At the beginning of the 20th century, American explorer and politician Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ruins of the Incan city of Machu Picchu and introduced them to the world. Today, that same spirit of wonder is rekindled aboard Belmond’s luxury train named in his honour, which whisks travellers from the colonial city of Cusco to the archaeological site, passing through the spellbinding landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

The journey feels like stepping into another era, where the romance of rail meets the mystique of ancient history. The carriages, decorated in an elegant Pullman style, consist of a dining room where you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the way there and a gourmet dinner on the way back, an observation car with large windows and panoramic balconies to marvel at the landscape, and a comfortable bar with live music.

Exploring the sacred Incan city, nestled among emerald terraces and jagged peaks, is nothing short of exhilarating—especially in the company of the train’s expert guide, who shares the story of this astonishing citadel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

FROM COLOURFUL CUSCO TO THE ANDES

Back in Cusco, take things slowly. Check in at the Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, while sipping an herbal infusion made with muña and coca leaves to combat soroche or altitude sickness. The city sits at over 3,300 metres above sea level, so this thoughtful welcome helps you settle in comfortably as you sink into a cosy armchair. Located in the heart of the Quechua capital, this former 16th-century convent—now a national monument—houses a beautiful collection of Cusqueña paintings and the Oqre restaurant, where classic Peruvian recipes are reinterpreted with flair.