Airline & Route: Iberia - London Heathrow- Madrid- Lima- Madrid- London Heathrow on an Airbus A350

Flight Experience:  This was my first time flying with Iberia, and my experience was very positive. The on-line check-in process was simple and easy to use, while the staff at the bag drop were friendly and efficient.  Our long-haul flights on the A350 were particularly comfortable. The quiet cabin and advanced air-conditioning system made a noticeable difference.

Although we travelled in economy, the wider aisles and larger overhead storage bins (reducing the need to put bags under the seat) meant the cabin felt less cramped than economy cabins on several other airlines. In economy there is also the option to upgrade to ‘Extra’ seats, which offer additional leg room, a good alternative to Premium Economy. For those who don’t sleep well on planes, the entertainment system offered a wide range of movies and series to choose from.

Airport Experience:  With the installation of the 3-D scanners at Terminal 5, getting through security and into departures is now much smoother. Connecting through Madrid was also very simple - the airport is large but easy to navigate, with dining facilities available, even late at night. 

We arrived in Lima on a lovely Peruvian summer’s day. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Lima is the third most populated capital in South America with around 11 million inhabitants living across 43 districts.

With history dating back to around 100CE and a way of life shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, Asian, and African influences, Lima offers a vibrant mix of culture and cuisine. We experienced this first-hand with a city highlights and gastronomy tour, before visiting the Metropolitan Office to meet the team and hear from our suppliers at an Academy afternoon.

Highlight: Our gastronomy tour ended at Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, where we enjoyed exquisite Peruvian inspired dishes overlooking the ruins of an adobe and clay pyramid dating back to 500CE. A fantastic (and filling!) experience.

Interesting Destination Fact: Did you know, the Incas cultivated the potato? Today, Peru grows over 3000 varieties of the humble staple! With 90 microclimates, Peru offers a wide variety of local ingredients.

Where we stayed: 4*+ AC Hotel Lima Miraflores 

Hotel Tip: Located steps from the Larcomar Shopping Centre in Miraflores, this stylish hotel offers a prime location to explore the Miraflores coastal path. Upgrade to a Seafront Room to enjoy uninterrupted ocean and sunset views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The journey to Machu Picchu began with an early flight to Cusco, followed by a coach ride into the Sacred Valley. We visited the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, stopped at Pisac to explore its ruins and market, and enjoyed a memorable lunch by the Urubamba River at the beautiful Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado. A real treat.

Day two continued with further cultural immersion before visits to Moray and then the Maras Salt Pans, where we witnessed traditional salt production amid the valley’s stunning scenery.

Our final day here began with great anticipation as we continued to Ollantaytambo, taking in the fortress ruins before boarding the PeruRail Prime train for the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Marvelling at the architecture, while learning the history and significance of the citadel, surrounded by cloud forest and mountains, it is easy to see why this is a Wonder of the World. 

Highlight: When it was time to return to Cusco, we were lucky enough to take the PeruRail First Class train, complete with a three-course meal and live music in the bar car. Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience on its own, but combining this with the journey on the 1st Class train elevated the day to another level.

Interesting Destination Fact: Machu Picchu is actually the name of the highest mountain surrounding the citadel, not the site itself. 

Where we stayed: 5* Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Hotel Tip: If you are after some R&R during your trip, this is an excellent choice for an extra night. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the quality of this hotel, breakfast accompanied by live traditional music certainly got the day off to a good start. You can also indulge in spa treatments after a busy day of sightseeing as the hotel's on site spa is open until 10pm.

Situated at 3400m above sea-level, Cusco offers a unique combination of Incan masonry and Spanish colonial architecture, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes mountains.  Our day began with a walking tour around the city, followed by a visit to San Pedro Market, which offered an excellent opportunity to find souvenirs and experience the region’s varied produce. That eveing we enjoyed Cusco's lively nighttime scene, which includes a wealth of traditional restaurants - a great place to sample the Andean delicacy of cuy (AKA guinea pig!).  

Highlight: The architecture and artworks within Cusco Cathedral offer a fascinating insight into how Catholic and Incan iconography were blended to facilitate society’s conversion to Christianity. 

Interesting Destination Fact: The city was designed by the Incas to be in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal, with the fortress of Sacsayhuaman acting as the head.

Where we stayed: 5* Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Hotel Tip:  Make sure to try the hotel’s ‘Marquez Table Experience’ and take a complimentary coca tea in the beautiful courtyard.  

We arrived in Puno on the Titicaca Train, after a scenic rail journey through the Altiplano.  Although this is a 10-hour journey, the hospitality, entertainment and opportunity to spend time in the observation car, meant the time flew by. 

After breakfast, we boarded our boat from the hotel jetty to visit two local communities. This provided a fascinating insight into daily life on the highest navigable lake in the world.  We also took to the water in kayaks, slowing the pace down to enjoy the scenery and views across to Bolivia. 

Highlight: Taking the Titicaca Train through the Altiplano made a long journey into a once in a lifetime experience.

Top Tip: For any clients who are looking to visit this area, the kayaking excursions are a great way to experience the Lake and despite the altitude, were not too physically strenuous.

Where we stayed: 4* Casa Andina Premium Puno

Hotel Tip:  As the hotel is slightly further out from the town centre and given the quality of the food from its wonderful restaurant, opting for half-board meal basis is a good idea.

From Puno, we took the Interoceanic Highway across the Altiplano towards Colca Valley passing through La Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca.  This dramatic, varied landscape is home to herds of wild vicunas and other camelids and when the weather is good provides views of several volcanoes. 

With a bright and clear morning ahead, we began the short journey to Colca Canyon from the hotel, but before we had even reached our breakfast spot, we spotted four condors gliding above Condor Cross.  These large birds have a wingspan of up to three meters and are an incredible sight to witness.

Highlight: Enjoying a private gourmet breakfast at the canyon’s edge in Tapay with condors flying overhead. 

Interesting Destination Fact: Colca Canyon is 3500m at its deepest point, making it twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Top Tip: The best time to visit Colca Canyon for weather and condor sightings is the dry season from May to September. 

Where we stayed: 5* Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel

Hotel Tip: With stunning views and llamas and paso ponies roaming the grounds, this hotel offers a tranquil yet luxury hideaway in the Colca Valley. The private breakfast at Tapay is only available to those staying at the property and is a truly unique experience - a magical way to celebrate a special occasion.

Surrounded by volcanoes, Arequipa is the second most populated city in Peru.  Known as the ‘White City’ due its use of the volcanic stone sillar in its constructions, Arequipa has a laidback feel as well as upmarket restaurants, bars and shops. 

On arrival, we visited the a few of the city’s main sites including Santa Catalina Monastery, a large complex found in the historical centre and Plaza de Armas to see the beautiful Basilica Cathedral de Arequipa.  

Highlight: Sitting on a terrace overlooking the Plaza del Armas and Cathedral, with the shadow of the volcano in the background and a sunset that lasted for around an hour, changing through colours of pink, orange, red and purple. 

Top Tip: Arequipa is a lovely, underrated city. Make sure to factor in plenty of time to explore it properly.

Where we stayed: 5* Cirqa

Hotel Tip: With exceptional food and service, this is a truly unique property that will not disappoint. You will benefit from having at least two nights, to make the most of the courtyard hot tub and rooftop terrace alongside any excursions.

Our trip to Peru was a truly unforgettable experience - rich in culture, history and astounding natural beauty. Travelling on a private tour gave us the flexibility to adapt our plans on the go. Private tours also offer the unique opportunity to tailor an itinerary to suit your needs and interest. I learnt so much about this beautiful, colourful country and would absolutely recommend it as a destination to anyone who has a passion for adventure and travel.

Make sure to add some rail journeys into your plans, as these were surprising highlights of our trip. I wish we had a little bit more time to slow down and take it all in, so I would highly recommend adding an extra few days into your travel plans to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all this fantastic country has to offer.