8 days in Peru: Where to Stay, What to Eat, What to Do

Last month, we spent 8 days in Peru.  Here’s what the itinerary looked like:

Days 1-3 –  Lima
Days 3-7 – Cusco & Sacred Valley
Days 7-8 – Lima, Bellestas Islands, Huacachina

Getting There

Guess what? Unlike the trip to Brazil, I didn’t book the airfare for this trip on points . I actually bought a round trip LATAM ticket from Santiago, Chile to Lima, Peru for $140! So there was no need to use points to get there.  We also flew LATAM roundtrip Lima to Cusco and then took the train to get to Machu Picchu (but more on that later).

Accommodations

In Lima, we spent three nights in the Hilton DoubleTree El Pardo in the Miraflores section of the city.  The room was spacious and had a wet bar, desk area, and seating area with couch.  We were on the 12th floor, which features an Executive Club too, but as Hilton Honors Gold members we were not granted access to the club (only for Diamond members).  On our second night in this hotel we experienced an earthquake which registered 8.0 in the epicenter, further north in Peru.  While the building swayed and shook for two minutes, everything stayed in place and we did not experience any damage.    The atmosphere at the hotel was polished and clean.  The Miraflores location is close to restaurants, shopping, Starbucks, and a 10 min walk to the Pacific ocean coast.  The breakfast buffet served daily is complimentary for Gold members and is really good! There’s a nice selection of fresh fruit, baked goods, hot items, and the option to have a made to order omelette.  Verdict: it was a good stay and I would definitely return.

For our journey to Machu Picchu we stayed in the Hilton Garden Inn Cusco for two nights.  This Garden Inn is a bit nicer than others I have stayed in.  It’s designed according to the city, with lovely views and decor reflecting the native heritage.  Here, our room was smaller than the previous room in Lima but it was clean and well appointed and we were welcomed with a nice tray of chocolates waiting for us in the room.  This hotel has a restaurant onsite and we had a somewhat disastrous dinner there the first evening.  Five of us ordered different things and none of the food was very good which was pretty disappointing in Peru, a land full of great food.  The daily breakfast buffet at this property is also complimentary for Gold members and was decent – not outstanding and not terrible by any means.  The hotel is designed so that the main entrance is on the top floor and the guest rooms, restaurant, and bar are all below that main floor.  Atmosphere is casual and clean.  There is complimentary coca tea in the lobby which locals say helps you adjust to the high altitude.   The location is great with the main town, restaurants, train station all in close range.  Verdict: solid place to stay and I would return.

After being based in Cusco for two nights, we spent one night at Tambo Del Inka, in the midst of the Sacred Valley, in Urubamba, Peru.  This former SPG, now Marriott, hotel is wonderful.  I only wish we had more time to enjoy it.   First, location: it’s an hour from Cusco in the midst of the beautiful and picturesque Sacred Valley.   It’s twenty minutes from Ollantaytambo.  The property is located on the banks of the Urubamba river.  Second, atmosphere:  The grounds are beautiful, with amazing views right out of the lobby front door.   The property is well maintained with many amenities.  The ambiance just creates a sense of well being.   The onsite spa features a hydrotherapy circuit, with small pools of varying temperatures to use for relaxation.  There’s a game room with pool tables.  The hotel bar area is large and inviting.  The Hawa Restaurant is delightful.  Service is exceptional and you truly feel your stay is a special, personalized, luxurious experience.

At check-in we were told that we’d been upgraded to a ‘terrace room’ thanks to being Marriott Gold members.  We had a party of 5 in two rooms, one king and one double room.  They both had the same layout with an additional seating area, large en suite bathroom (including a bidet – yay!), and outdoor lounging area. The closet was large and well-lit.  The room had slippers and robes for each guest.  I wish all properties displayed this kind of thoughtfulness about guest needs.    Concierge placed a delightful welcome treat in the room for us: a basket of fruit and tray of chocolates.

As Gold members we received a complimentary 40 minute session in the hydrotherapy spa ($50) and complimentary Peruvian pisco tasting ($30) at the bar.  The daily breakfast buffet is normally $30 but $15 for Gold members.   The spread was expansive, but we actually liked the fresh fruit options at the DoubleTree in Lima better.   Verdict:  Honestly, I think this was one the best hotel stays we’ve ever had. The hotel truly helps you learn something unique about the destination.  Highly recommend.

After flying back to Lima from Cusco, we stayed our final two nights in an Airbnb in the Miraflores area, two blocks away from the DoubleTree Lima.   The apartment was spacious, comfortable, and well decorated but it was decidedly less guest friendly as there was no iron, blow dryer, or washcloths in the space.

Activities

In Lima, we took a City Sightseeing panoramic bus tour that departed from the Larcomar Shopping Center.   It is a 4 hour tour that took us through Barranco, Miraflores, Costa Verde, and the downtown historical plaza.  We saw a really cool parade that happens on the last weekend of every month with live drums and colorful dancers.

 

We also visited the Magic Water Circuit one evening and I highly recommend it!  There are beautiful fountains and water shows set to music and beautiful lights for only $1. Be sure to go once the sunsets.

On our last day in Lima we took a PeruHop day trip to the Ballestas Islands, which they refer to as Peru’s mini Galapagos, and the desert oasis Huacachina.   Dune buggy rides in Huacachina were another favorite activity.  Definitely do this!  It was a lot of fun going up and down the largest sand dunes in South America, with roller coaster like thrills.   The dunes provide a beautiful backdrop for great pictures as well.

In Cusco,  we took the Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Poroy Station to Machu Picchu station.  This train ride was exquisite.  The train is a replica of the Orient Express and is named after the explorer who ‘discovered’ the ancient Incan ruins.   The trip begins at 9:00 am and arrives at MP at 12:30 pm.   There is live music, open bar, and a three course lunch served on board.  This train ticket includes your ticket to Machu Picchu, a tour guide, and the bus ride from the train to the citadel.  Afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at Machu Picchu, is also included after your tour.  We spent the time from 12:30 – 4:00 pm touring the ruins.   It is much more impressive in person than pictures portray.   After a quick bite at the hotel, we took PeruRail’s Vistadome train service back to Cusco.  There was simple snack served on board (it wasn’t very good).   The Hiram Bingham was an absolutely lovely experience.  Knowing what I know now, if only able to take the train in one direction, I would take it on the way back from Machu Picchu instead of on the way there.  On the way there, there’s daylight and the views are lovely no matter which train you’re on.  On the way back, it’s dark and there’s nothing to see, so it would be nice to enjoy all the the fanciness of the Hiram Bingham at night time.

At Tambo del Inka, in Urubamba, we took a cooking class making ceviche and lomo saltado for lunch.   It was fun but really very simple as the ingredients were provided and we didn’t make the key ingredient sauces from scratch.  For the class you receive an apron, hat, and certificate of completion to take home.

 

Food

Peruvian food is outstanding and fun.   The flavors are delightful and there’s plenty of fresh seafood which I enjoy. In Lima, we ate at Tanta, a Gaston Acurio restaurant, several times and the food is good.  Siete Sopas is another must try with great soups, wings, bread and open 24 hours.  In the Sacred Valley, try the Hawa restaurant at Tambo Del Inka even if you aren’t staying there.

Returning Home

This trip was definitely more active and less relaxing but still very enjoyable.  The 3.5 hour flight from Lima back to Santiago, Chile passed quickly and we were back to reality.  I know there’s much more to see in Peru and I hope we’re able to return one day.  For now, our next travels will be within in Chile.   Any recommendations or suggestions?
-J