Blue Parallel Hosts Luxury Travel Advisor Trip To Peru

Peru’s diverse geography opens the door to an incredible range of travel experiences, from exploring the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu and navigating the Amazon River to savoring cutting-edge cuisine in Lima and trekking through the Sacred Valley’s timeless landscapes.

In a recent action-packed journey to Peru, our Founder and President, Emmanuel Burgio and his wife Ana Ines, led three esteemed travel advisors on an immersive expedition through the country’s cultural heartland, offering them an insider’s perspective on Blue Parallel’s meticulously curated luxury experiences.

Dana Pesky Herrman [Global Travel Collection], Diane Sherer [Beyond Travel, Cadence], and Jess Thompson [Fairway Travel Services] joined Emmanuel and Ana Ines for five days, journeying from the terraced ruins of the Sacred Valley to the mist-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu and the cobblestone streets of Cusco. Together, they explored Peru’s most iconic landscapes while vetting our exclusive experiences, luxury offerings, and white-glove service.

Diane Sherer
“Traveling with Blue Parallel is a truly stellar experience! Every detail was thought through with care and precision. The logistics were seamless, the guides and drivers perfect, and the accommodations top notch. We never had to worry about a thing – BP anticipated every need and delivers a true, luxury travel experience, with soul. I loved every minute of it!"

Day 1–2: The Sacred Valley

Our journey begain in the Sacred Valley, which is nestled between the soaring Andes and the winding Urubamba River. A breathtaking region that showcases the heart of Peru’s Inca heritage, with ancient ruins, traditional villages, and fertile terraces that are still in use today.

Here, we enjoyed authentic indigenous experiences and epic outdoor adventures.

Authentic Indigenous Experiences

We visited Hacienda Huayoccari, a centuries-old working farm where the group savored homemade Peruvian lunch, including dishes crafted from heirloom ingredients such as Cusco corn—a legacy of Inca cultivation.

In the serene gardens of Huayoccari, a Paco (Andean shaman) guided us through a sacred ritual, weaving together coca leaves, llama fleece, and vibrant flowers to honor Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits).

During the ceremony, we were invited to set personal intentions as the shaman prepared an offering to unite the physical and spiritual worlds.

Although the ceremony was conducted in the native language of Quechua, we were joined by a private guide who translated everything, allowing us to feel completely immersed in the ritual and its symbolism.

As we made our way back to our Hotel Sol y Luna, we stopped for an authentic Peruvian experience at a local home. Guided by the local family, we explored their home and discussed life in the Sacred Valley.

They showed us their guinea pigs, which are a famous local delicacy, and invited us to taste chicha, Peru’s traditional fermented corn beer. Together, we sampled the purple-hued beverage, its sweet, earthy notes revealing centuries of perfected craftsmanship.

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Epic Outdoor Adventures

Our second day in the Sacred Valley combined epic outdoor adventures with the region’s fascinating history.

Our adventure began with an e-bike ride through the countryside, along winding trails through the Sacred Valley’s golden farmland. The electric assist made light work of the rolling terrain, so we could focus on the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us.

The patchwork fields of quinoa and corn stretching toward snow-capped peaks, with local farmers tending crops, made for a breathtaking backdrop. After biking for 7 miles and enjoying the views, we took a break to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Taking a slight detour off the trail to a secluded area, we came upon a gourmet picnic. Complete with a proper table with linen, silverware, a personal chef, and a waiter, we relaxed and discussed the adventure so far.

After the rejuvenating picnic, we made our way to the Moray ruins for a private tour of the mysterious archaeological site.

The Moray ruins are a striking series of concentric circular terraces carved deep into a natural depression in the earth. Most experts believe the Incas used these concentric rings as an agricultural research station, as the terraces create microclimates with temperature differences up to 27°F between top and bottom levels.

This ingenious design likely helped the Incas develop resilient crop varieties for their empire. Standing at the edge of the largest terrace, it was easy to see how innovation and an intimate understanding of nature were central to Inca engineering.

Our next stop was the Maras Salt Flats, an extraordinary site where thousands of white terraced pools are carved into the mountainside. Dating back to pre-Inca times, these salt pans have been carefully maintained by local families for centuries, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

During our tour of the site, our expert guide explained the intricate process of channeling mineral-rich spring water into the pans and allowing it to evaporate under the sun, offering us a deep appreciation for the skill and heritage involved in this timeless practice.

The geometric patterns created by the ponds, ranging in color from pale ivory to soft pinks and rust hues, stretched across the landscape, creating unforgettable views that blended natural beauty with human ingenuity.

On the way back to our hotel, we visited the Wayra Ranch and were granted the opportunity to witness a traditional paso horse show as we enjoyed our dinner. From the delicious meal, to the skilled horsemen, to the fascinating history of Peruvian Paso Horses, we became fully immersed in the complex history of Peruvian culture.

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Day 3: Macchu Picchu

Our luxury tour of Peru continued with a visit to what most people consider the crown jewel of Peru: Machu Picchu.

We had the opportunity to explore the 15th-century citadel’s enduring mysteries while walking among 200 mortar-free structures that showcase Inca engineering at its peak.

Luxury Train Ride: The Vistadome

Our tour of Machu Picchu started with a luxury train journey on board the Vistadome. Boasting plush seats framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the Vistadome offered uninterrupted panoramic views of the Andes as we wound our way through dramatic valleys, passing vibrant villages and terraced fields.

The journey crescendoed as the tracks hugged the Vilcanota River through its dramatic canyon, displaying nature’s dramatic grand entrance to Machu Picchu.

Onboard service included locally inspired snacks and refreshments, which gave us a taste of the region’s traditions. The journey itself was a highlight — a serene and scenic prelude to the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu that awaited us.

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Machu Picchu Luxury Tour

No trip to Peru is complete without a tour of Machu Picchu.

Together, we followed Circuit 2A, one of the more comprehensive routes through the citadel. This circuit through Machu Picchu guided us through the heart of the ancient city, passing by former storehouses and residential quarters, as well as key structures such as the Temple of the Sun.

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking these awe-inspiring ruins before continuing our luxury Machu Picchu tour on Circuit 3B. This path unveiled the religious core of the citadel, taking us deeper into the site’s ceremonial side. We stopped at the Room with Three Windows, where trapezoidal portals framed the Andes like a sacred triptych dedicated to the Sun God, Inti.

Luxury Train Ride: The Hiram Bingham

After a day exploring the highlights of Machu Picchu, we departed Aguas Calientes aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train. Named after the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu, this train features luxurious 1920s Pullman cars fitted with polished brass, a full bar, and wide viewing windows.

The Hiram Bingham train is a unique way to end a tour of Machu Picchu and combines old-world glamour with modern comfort. While the hills of the Andes slowly faded into the distance, local musicians performed live on the train while delicious pisco sours were being served.

Day 4–5: Cusco

Our luxury tour of Peru continued in Cusco—the former capital of the Inca Empire and a city where colonial churches sit atop Inca foundations. Here, history lives in the cobblestones, the cuisine, and even the music.

Cultural Sightseeing

Our fourth day in Peru began at the Traditional Textile Center of Cusco, where we learned about the history of traditional Incan weaving practices and observed the incredible and quick skill of the women weavers.

We then visited Sacsayhuamán, the fortress where the Incas made their last stand against the Spanish. Here, we were joined by Roger Valencia, the former Minister of Tourism of Peru. Together, we listened to Roger Valencia’s extensive knowledge as we traced our hands along the zigzagging walls of stones cut so precisely that not even a credit card can slide between them.

Our guide explained how these massive blocks were hauled uphill, only to be dismantled by the Spanish to build Cusco’s cathedrals.

That afternoon, the Monasterio Hotel’s chapel transformed into a private concert hall for a local musician and master of traditional Peruvian instruments. Together, we enjoyed a live performance and an insight into the rich musical heritage of the Andes.

From bone flutes to drums made of puma skin, each piece carried on the memories of Peru’s past. A highlight was being able to try our hands at the charango, a tiny, armadillo-shell guitar, under León’s amused guidance.

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Culinary Explorations

On the final day of our luxury trip to Peru, we visited the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to learn more about the artistic traditions and cultural practices of various pre-Columbian societies, including the Inca Empire.

Then, we toured San Pedro Market’s vibrant stalls with a local chef, sampling creamy Andean cheeses, sipping earthy chicha morada, and even tasting chocolate ground fresh from local cacao—each flavor a chapter in Peru’s culinary story.

After touring the San Pedro Market and selecting our fresh ingredients, we were brought back to a local restaurant for a cooking demonstration. We prepared classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.

The chef demonstrated traditional techniques, from perfectly balancing citrus in the ceviche to achieving the ideal sear on the beef, while explaining how these recipes reflect Peru’s cultural heritage.

After hands-on practice, we savored the dishes we’d prepared. The experience offered more than just a meal; it provided a deeper appreciation for Peru’s culinary traditions and the skill behind its iconic dishes.

Our tour of Cusco continued with a walking tour of the city that sits 11,000 feet in the sky. Starting at Cusco’s Gothic-Renaissance cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, we observed an impressive collection of over 400 works of art, including pieces from the respected Escuela Cusqueña and Andean wood carvings.

We continued to the Cathedral, the Company of Jesus Church, La Merced Church, and finally Qorikancha, which was once the most important Incan temple to the sun god Inti. Throughout this tour, we learned about the complex history and vibrant culture of this unique 500-year-old city.

Dana Pesky Herrman
“Blue Parallel planned an exceptional five-day journey through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. As expected from this ultra-luxury DMC, every detail was flawlessly executed. Blue Parallel is renowned for its access to authentic, meaningful experiences, and all of their people were outstanding. I would highly recommend Blue Parallel—they deliver exceptional access, elevated experiences, and flawless execution every step of the way."

Luxury Accommodations In Peru

Excellent accommodations can elevate a great trip into an unforgettable one. In a country as rich in culture and natural beauty as Peru, where you stay plays a vital role in your overall experience, whether you’re waking up to the gentle rhythms of the Sacred Valley or returning to comfort after exploring Cusco’s storied streets.

During our tour of Peru, we stayed in two luxury accommodations.

Sol y Luna

Tucked away between the great Andes Mountains, Sol y Luna Hotel is a quiet and luxurious retreat in the Sacred Valley.

Composed of cozy ‘casita’ houses made of local stones and decorated individually. It also boasts a restaurant that utilizes ingredients from their garden and an intimate spa with indigenous healing techniques.

Hotel Monasterio

Hotel Monasterio is only a short distance from the Plaza de Armas, making it an ideal home base for exploring the historic sites of Cusco.

With a historic chapel on site and opulent rooms with views of the city skyline, it offers refined accommodations perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Explore Peru With Exclusive Experiences

From the spiritual traditions of the Sacred Valley to the engineering marvel of Machu Picchu and the living history of Cusco, this journey through Peru revealed a country where ancient wisdom and modern luxury intertwine at every turn.

For more information, contact one of our Travel Experts today.