The Incan Sanctuary
Peru: Ancient Sun Worshippers, Cloud Forest Citadels & Andean Mystique
Cradled high in the rugged spine of the Andes mountains, Peru is a mystical South American realm where megalithic stone cities built by the Incan Empire emerge from swirling cloud forests, and centuries-old Quechua traditions thrive amidst terraced mountain valleys. From the timeless granite majesty of Machu Picchu and the sacred agricultural rings of Moray to the azure high-altitude waters of Lake Titicaca and the colonial courtyards of Cusco, Peru offers a profoundly spiritual and visually awe-inspiring travel journey.
With India Holidays, experience Peru in unprecedented luxury. Board the legendary Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train from Poroy to Machu Picchu, sipping Pisco Sours in the 1920s Pullman-style bar car while listening to live Andean musicians; stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge—the only hotel located directly adjacent to the entrance gates of Machu Picchu; and explore the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and Huayna Picchu with senior private archaeologists.
From dining at Central in Lima (voted the #1 Restaurant in the World) to sleeping in a restored 16th-century monastery at Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and cruising on private reed boats across Lake Titicaca, our bespoke Peruvian journeys elevate ancient adventure into pure elegance.
The ancient stone citadel of Machu Picchu framed against the peak of Huayna Picchu
Signature Destination Experience
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
1920s Pullman luxury rail journey through the Sacred Valley with live Andean band and fine dining.
Machu Picchu VIP Access
Exclusive private archaeologist-led tours of the Intihuatana stone, Sun Gate, and Royal Condor Temple.
World #1 Gastronomy
Guaranteed reservations at Central (World's 50 Best #1) and Maido Nikkei in Lima.
Planning Your Journey
Optimal Travel Seasons & Month-by-Month Climate Matrix
Peru's Andean highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) experience two distinct seasons: the dry winter season (May to October) with brilliant blue skies and pleasant daytime temperatures (18°C - 22°C), and the rainy season (November to April). Coastal Lima is mild year-round with coastal sea breezes.
| Season |
Months |
Avg Temperature |
Traveler Experience & Highlights |
| Andean Dry Season |
May - September |
16°C - 22°C |
Optimal Hiking & Machu Picchu Views: Crystal-clear sunny skies across the Andes; crisp chilly nights; prime season for panoramic photography. |
| Shoulder Spring |
October - November |
17°C - 23°C |
Sacred Valley Wildflowers: Lush green mountain terraces, fewer crowds at archaeological sites, and warm afternoons. |
| Andean Green Season |
December - March |
15°C - 20°C |
Orchids in Cloud Forest: Intermittent afternoon showers; dramatic cloud formations rolling through the ruins; orchids in full bloom. |
| Autumn Transition |
April - May |
16°C - 22°C |
Post-Rain Emerald Landscapes: Terraces are intensely vibrant emerald green; rainfall diminishes; ideal weather for exploring Lake Titicaca. |
VIP Seasonal Advisory from India Holidays Concierge:
- Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters; our itineraries start with 2 nights in the lower Sacred Valley (2,870m) to ensure effortless acclimatization.
- Drink traditional Coca tea (mate de coca) or Munya mint tea upon arrival in the Andes to assist with altitude adjustment.
- Layered clothing is essential: mountain sunshine can be warm during the day, but temperatures drop toward freezing at night in Cusco.
- Your private luxury transport is stocked with bottled Andean spring water, organic Peruvian chocolates, and supplemental oxygen canisters.
Iconic Wonders
Top Iconic Landmarks & VIP Photography Coordinates
Every sight below includes private access privileges arranged by India Holidays, optimal lighting hours, and exact coordinates for capturing peerless architectural and landscape photography.
1
Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu Peak
Best: 06:30 AM - 09:00 AM
15th-Century Incan Lost Citadel (UNESCO Wonder of the World)
Built by Incan Emperor Pachacuti high on a granite ridge 2,430 meters above the Urubamba River. Tour the Temple of the Sun, the sacred Intihuatana sundial, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Plaza.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From the Guardhouse terrace at 07:00 AM as morning mist lifts to unveil the stone citadel framed by Huayna Picchu (GPS: 13.1631° S, 72.5450° W).
2
Sacred Valley of the Incas & Ollantaytambo
Best: 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Urubamba River Valley of Royal Agricultural Terraces
A lush valley sheltered between soaring Andean peaks, featuring the monumental stone fortress of Ollantaytambo where the Incas defeated Spanish conquistadors, and Pisac's colorful handicraft market.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: Looking up the 17 massive agricultural stone terraces of Ollantaytambo rising to the unfinished Sun Temple (GPS: 13.2583° S, 72.2636° W).
3
Cusco Imperial City & Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Best: 08:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Historic Capital of the Incan Empire & Spanish Baroque Mansions
The Navel of the World in Quechua. Explore the monumental zigzag megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuamán with stones weighing over 120 tons, the Qorikancha Sun Temple, and the Plaza de Armas cathedral.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: In front of the colossal megalithic stones of Sacsayhuamán capturing the precision interlocking mortarless joints (GPS: 13.5080° S, 71.9822° W).
4
Moray Incan Agricultural Laboratory & Maras Salt Mines
Best: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Concentric Sun Terraces & 3,000 Terraced Evaporation Pools
Moray features four colossal amphitheater-like circular stone terraces creating microclimates with temperature differentials of 15°C, beside Maras where thousands of pale pink salt pans have evaporated water since pre-Incan times.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From the rim of Moray's largest circular amphitheater capturing the concentric geometry stepping down into the earth (GPS: 13.3298° S, 72.1972° W).
5
Lake Titicaca & Uros Floating Reed Islands
Best: 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM
World's Highest Navigable Lake at 3,812 Meters
The sacred lake from which Incan mythology holds that the first Inca, Manco Cápac, emerged. Visit the indigenous Uros people living on artificial islands constructed from buoyant totora reeds, and Taquile island weavers.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From the bow of a traditional totora reed boat with an arched puma head carving on the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca (GPS: 15.8205° S, 69.9722° W).
6
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Best: 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
5,200-Meter Geologic Wonder of Mineral Stratified Colors
A breathtaking natural marvel where weathering and mineral sediments have created vibrant turquoise, gold, magenta, and lavender stripes across the mountain ridge in the Vilcanota range.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From the viewing ridge at 5,036 meters capturing the full rainbow mineral stripes against the snow-capped peak of Ausangate (GPS: 13.8694° S, 71.3031° W).
7
Historic Lima & Miraflores Malecón Cliffs
Best: 05:00 PM - 06:45 PM
Colonial City of Kings & Pacific Oceanfront Cliffs
Peru's coastal capital featuring the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Monastery with its subterranean catacombs, and the clifftop Miraflores Malecón overlooking Pacific surf breaks.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From the clifftop park of Miraflores looking down at the curving coastline and ocean waves at sunset (GPS: 12.1281° S, 77.0361° W).
8
Intihuatana Stone & Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Best: 07:30 AM - 09:30 AM
The Hitching Post of the Sun & Incan Royal Gateway
The sacred sculpted granite monolith at Machu Picchu designed by Incan astronomers to track the solstices, and the Sun Gate offering the triumphant original entrance view of the citadel.
VIP Photo Vantage & Coordinates: From Inti Punku looking down the ancient stone pathway framing the entire citadel of Machu Picchu nestled between mountain peaks (GPS: 13.1678° S, 72.5372° W).
Masterpiece Expedition
9-Day Peru Incan Empires & Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham Tour
An aristocratic 9-day private voyage through Lima fine dining, Sacred Valley luxury retreats, the Hiram Bingham train, and Machu Picchu sunrise.
Day 1
Arrival in Lima & Belmond Miraflores Park
Lima
Morning: Land at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM); VIP tarmac escort and chauffeured Mercedes-Benz transfer.
Afternoon: Check into Belmond Miraflores Park on the clifftop malecón; relax with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
Evening: Welcome multi-course dinner at Central by chef Virgilio Martínez (voted World's #1 Restaurant).
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima (Ocean View Suite)
Day 2
Lima Colonial Heritage & Flight to Cusco / Sacred Valley
Lima to Sacred Valley
Morning: Private tour of Lima's colonial Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, and the pre-Columbian gold art at Larco Museum.
Afternoon: Short 1-hour flight to Cusco; scenic chauffeured descent into the lower, oxygen-rich Sacred Valley (2,870m).
Evening: Check into Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort; relax by the indoor/outdoor heated lagoon pool.
Luxury Overnight: Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley
Day 3
Moray Circular Terraces & Maras Pink Salt Mines
Sacred Valley
Morning: Private 4WD tour to the concentric amphitheater terraces of Moray with your private agricultural archaeologist.
Afternoon: Explore the 3,000 pale pink salt evaporation pans of Maras; private picnic lunch in an organic Andean farm.
Evening: Traditional Pachamanca earth-oven dinner prepared with hot river stones and Andean herbs.
Luxury Overnight: Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley
Day 4
Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train to Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Morning: Board the 1920s vintage Belmond Hiram Bingham train from the resort private railway station.
Afternoon: Savor gourmet 3-course Andean lunch with free-flowing champagne and live acoustic music as the train winds through the canyon.
Evening: Arrive at Aguas Calientes; private check-in at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge directly adjacent to the citadel gates.
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu (Only Hotel at Citadel Gates)
Day 5
Sunrise Over Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu Climb
Machu Picchu
Morning: 06:00 AM private early entry to Machu Picchu; watch sunrise illuminate the ancient stone temples before day-trippers arrive.
Afternoon: Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or ascend Huayna Picchu for a bird's-eye view across the citadel.
Evening: Private champagne dinner on the garden terrace of Sanctuary Lodge with views of the cloud forest mountains.
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
Day 6
Scenic Return to Imperial Cusco & Hotel Monasterio
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Morning: Leisurely second morning visit to the ruins or stroll through the orchid gardens of Aguas Calientes.
Afternoon: Return aboard the luxury train to Poroy; private chauffeured transfer to Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.
Evening: Check into your oxygen-enriched historic suite in a restored 1592 monastery; dinner at Illariy.
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Hotel Monasterio / Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
Day 7
Sacsayhuamán Megalithic Fortress & San Blas Artisans
Cusco
Morning: Private tour of the 12-angled stone, Qorikancha Sun Temple, and the colossal megalithic walls of Sacsayhuamán.
Afternoon: Walk through the cobblestone art quarter of San Blas; private visit to master alpaca textile weavers.
Evening: Dinner at Chicha by Gastón Acurio, tasting modern interpretations of traditional Andean culinary classics.
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
Day 8
Rainbow Mountain Private Helicopter Tour or Day Trek
Cusco Highlands
Morning: Bespoke excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) to view the vibrant mineral stripes, or private scenic helicopter flight.
Afternoon: Afternoon relaxation with Andean hot stone massage using sacred coca and eucalyptus oils at the hotel spa.
Evening: Farewell celebration dinner in the candlelit courtyard of Palacio Nazarenas.
Luxury Overnight: Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
Day 9
Fly to Lima & International Departure
Cusco to Lima Departure
Morning: Breakfast in the courtyard of Hotel Monasterio; private flight back to Lima.
Afternoon: Day room at Belmond Miraflores Park; final ceviche tasting and pisco sour masterclass.
Evening: Chauffeured transfer to Lima Airport with VIP lounge access for your flight home.
Luxury Overnight: Departure / Flight
Legendary Accommodations
Palatial 5-Star Sanctuaries & Ultra-Luxury Lodges
India Holidays guests enjoy preferred VIP status, complimentary room category upgrades upon availability, personalized private butler service, daily gourmet champagne breakfasts, and bespoke welcome amenities across these world-renowned properties.
5-Star Ultra-Exclusive / Only Hotel at the Citadel Gates
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Citadel Entrance
The only hotel located directly beside the entrance to Machu Picchu, allowing guests to step into the ruins at sunrise before any tour buses arrive. Features 31 luxury rooms and orchids gardens.
Signature Suite: Presidential Suite with private furnished garden patio facing Huayna Picchu peak
VIP Privilege: Guaranteed first-entry access to Machu Picchu without queuing for shuttle buses.
5-Star Historic Palace / National Cultural Monument
Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
Plaza Nazarenas, Cusco
A restored 1592 Jesuit monastery and national monument centered around a courtyard with a 300-year-old cedar tree. Features rooms equipped with oxygen enrichment systems to prevent altitude sickness.
Signature Suite: Royal Suite with original baroque frescoes, private dining room, and oxygen enrichment
VIP Privilege: Complimentary oxygen-enriched room systems and private art tour of the monastery.
5-Star Sacred Valley Sanctuary / World's Best 50 Hotels
Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Nestled along the Urubamba River, featuring its own private train station with direct rail service to Machu Picchu, indoor/outdoor heated pool, and the 500 sqm Kallpa Spa.
Signature Suite: Senior Suite with private riverside balcony and outdoor fireplace
VIP Privilege: Direct boarding of the train to Machu Picchu from the resort private train station.
Epicurean Delights
Peruvian Ceviche, Andean Quinoa & World-Best Gastronomy
Lima is officially the culinary capital of the world, home to multiple Top 50 World's Best restaurants. Peruvian cuisine fuses indigenous Incan ingredients with Spanish, African, Japanese (Nikkei), and Chinese (Chifa) traditions.
Authentic Sea Bass Ceviche Clasico
Pacific Coastal Tradition
Fresh wild sea bass cured in zesty fresh lime juice (leche de tigre) with thinly sliced red onions, aji amarillo peppers, sweet glazed sweet potato (camote), and giant Andean choclo corn.
Lomo Saltado Wok-Fired Beef Tenderloin
Chino-Peruvian (Chifa) Heritage
Prime beef tenderloin strips flash-seared in a smoking wok with red onions, ripe tomatoes, soy sauce, pisco, and fresh cilantro, served over crispy hand-cut french fries with garlic rice.
Causa Rellena with King Crab
Pre-Columbian Potato Heritage
Silky chilled terrine of golden yellow potatoes whipped with spicy aji amarillo chili paste and fresh lime juice, layered with sweet Peruvian king crab meat and creamy avocado.
Traditional Pisco Sour & Lucuma Gelato
National Cocktail & Andean Superfruit
Quebranta pisco shaken with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters, paired with creamy gelato made from indigenous Andean lucuma fruit.
Fine Dining & Epicurean Advisory:
Peru is exceptionally rich in vegetarian superfoods: over 4,000 native varieties of potatoes, quinoa, kiwicha, and corn. World #1 restaurant Central offers dedicated vegan/vegetarian tasting menus.
Seamless Transit
Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train, Private Mercedes & Helicopters
Traversing Peru's dramatic mountain geography is effortless with India Holidays private fleet of luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, and private domestic flights.
Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
1920s Pullman cars with polished wood, brass finishes, observation bar car, live Andean musicians, and gourmet dining.
Andes Scenic Helicopter Charters
Private helicopter flights over Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, and high Andean glaciers.
Chauffeured Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Sprinters
Executive luxury vehicles equipped with oxygen systems, Wi-Fi, and experienced mountain chauffeurs.
Essential Cultural Etiquette & Travel Wisdom
Sacred Respect for "Pachamama" (Mother Earth)
Treat Incan archaeological ruins and sacred stones with great reverence; never climb or sit on ancient stone walls.
Photography Etiquette with Indigenous Weavers
Always ask permission before photographing Quechua women in traditional Andean dress and their alpacas; offer a small tip.
Accepting Coca Tea
Accepting offered mate de coca is customary and highly practical for altitude acclimatization.
Tipping Customs
A 10% gratuity is standard in high-end restaurants; tips for private guides and chauffeurs are warmly appreciated.
Visual Splendor
Curated Visual Gallery of Peru
Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, ancient monumental wonders, vibrant streetscapes, and serene natural vistas captured by world-renowned travel photographers.
Machu Picchu Citadel and Huayna Picchu
New Seven Wonder of the World
Ollantaytambo Incan Stone Fortress
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Sacsayhuamán Megalithic Stone Ramparts
Cusco Incan Citadel
Moray Concentric Incan Agricultural Terraces
Andean Earth Amphitheatre
Lake Titicaca Traditional Totora Reed Boat
Uros Floating Islands
Rainbow Mountain Mineral Stratified Peaks
Vinicunca Andean Wonder
Fresh Wild Sea Bass Ceviche with Leche de Tigre
World #1 Peruvian Gastronomy
Lima Miraflores Pacific Oceanfront Cliffs
Malecón Coastline
Concierge Knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions by Discerning Travelers
Expert advice curated directly by our senior expedition planners to assist you in designing a seamless and unforgettable journey.
What makes Peru an unforgettable bucket-list luxury journey?
Peru combines Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—with the world's #1 dining scene in Lima, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, and 5-star palace hotels.
Do Indian citizens require a visa for Peru?
Indian passport holders who hold a valid visa with at least 6 months validity from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, or Schengen area can enter Peru visa-free for up to 180 days!
How do you prevent altitude sickness in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Our itineraries spend the first 2 nights in the lower Sacred Valley (2,870m) to acclimatize gently. Our Cusco hotels feature oxygen-enriched rooms, and private vehicles carry oxygen.
When is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
May through October is the dry Andean season with clear blue skies and minimal rain, providing the best conditions for mountain views and photography.
Can Indian and vegetarian meals be arranged throughout Peru?
Yes, Peru is home to ancient vegetarian superfoods (quinoa, sweet potatoes, corn, avocados), and top restaurants in Lima and Cusco excel at crafting customized vegetarian menus.
Why is staying at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge so advantageous?
It is the only hotel situated directly beside the citadel gates, allowing guests to enter before the public tourist buses arrive from the valley below.
Handcrafted Journeys
Featured Luxury Expeditions & Private Tours
All itineraries are completely customizable with private chauffeur-driven luxury sedans, five-star heritage hotels, and dedicated English-speaking certified Egyptologist or royal historians.
Classic Incan
7 Days / 6 Nights
Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham & Sacred Valley Luxury
Starting From
₹98,000 / person
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Stay at Machu Picchu Gates
- Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train Sacred Valley to Citadel
- Tambo del Inka Sacred Valley Luxury Resort & Private Station
- VIP Fast-Track Access to Machu Picchu with Archaeologist
Signature Tour
9 Days / 8 Nights
Grand Peru: Lima World-Best Dining, Sacred Valley & Cusco
Starting From
₹145,000 / person
- Central Restaurant Tasting Menu (World's #1 Restaurant)
- Belmond Hotel Monasterio Oxygen-Enriched Royal Suite in Cusco
- Moray Concentric Terraces & Maras Salt Mines Private 4WD
- All First-Class Rail & Private Chauffeured Transfers Included
Grand Expedition
12 Days / 11 Nights
Andean Empire: Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Rainbow Mountain
Starting From
₹178,000 / person
- Lima • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cusco • Lake Titicaca
- Private Reed Boat Navigation on Lake Titicaca to Uros Islands
- Scenic Private Helicopter Flight Over Rainbow Mountain
- Belmond Luxury Hotels Throughout Your Entire Journey
