BP On The Ground: Exclusive Cultural Experiences In Peru

From the culinary delights of Lima and the bustling streets of Cusco, to the timeless wonders of the Sacred Valley and ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. Every corner of Peru invites discovery and connection with its extraordinary heritage.

Two of our Travel Experts recently journeyed to Peru to rigorously vet our private Peru experiences, including the accommodations, exclusive cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary recommendations. Their action-packed research trip included visits to Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Lima

Our journey to Peru started in the country’s modern-day capital, Lima. Lima is a hot spot in the culinary scene, thanks to the city’s astounding mix of indigenous, Spanish and Asian cultures. It’s also a great destination for cultural experiences as you can visit colonial sites and fascinating museums throughout the city.

Cultural Sightseeing Tour

We were introduced to the city’s historic quarter with a sightseeing tour to highlights such as the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the UNESCO status Convento de San Francisco, and Lima’s cathedral.

While visiting the Convento de San Francisco, we explored the site’s extensive library and eerie catacombs. The architecture was breathtaking and a beautiful insight into the city’s history.

Blue Parallel can also arrange for a guided visit of the Aliaga mansion, the private house of the Aliaga Family. The mansion was originally built in the colonial period of 1535 for Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the conquerors of Peru, close to Francisco Pizarro.

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VIP Museum Tour

In the afternoon, we visited the Larco Museum which showcases a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from different regions of ancient Peru. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the museum’s collection ranges from gold and silver objects and jewelry to pottery, including erotic pottery, which the museum is known for.

Blue Parallel’s connections on the ground open the door to many VIP experiences in Peru, including the chance to visit the Larco Museum with the head of the Museum, Andres Alvares.

Authentic Walking Tour

We also explored the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco with our private guide. As we wandered through colorful streets, we slowly understood why this area has been coined the “Soho of Lima.”

Barranco is home to famous art galleries, chic boutiques, and hip coffee shops all housed within colonial mansions that once belonged to the high society of Lima. This lively neighborhood is filled with street art, live music, and popular bars.

Perched on the cliffs of the Pacific coast, Barranco also boasts mesmerising seaside vistas. After admiring the views, we took a close look via the la Bajada de los Baños, a charming walkway that leads to the sea.

Taking in the refreshing coastal breeze, we tried a traditional Peruvian snack of picarones. Picarones is a local dessert made from a dough typically composed of squash and sweet potato, which is deep-fried into golden, doughnut-like rings. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served drizzled with a sweet syrup.

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The Sacred Valley

We left Lima for the Sacred Valley, a must-see during any luxury vacation in Peru and a highlight of our Peru tour. The Sacred Valley is a gateway to Inca culture, boasting several well-preserved ruins, and is a place of stunning natural beauty thanks to its location at the foot of the Andes mountains.

Private Shaman Experience

Our first experience in the stunning Sacred Valley was a private spiritual experience with a Paco, an Andean shaman. The ceremony took place in beautiful gardens where we could immerse ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounded us.

The shaman performed ancestral Peruvian rituals using items such as coca leaves, llama fleece, sea shells, and flowers which are traditionally used to thank the creator and symbolically unite the universe. We were invited to set an intention and make requests of the divine as the shaman prepared an offering to the Apus and Pacha Mama.

Horseback Riding

Our tour of the Sacred Valley continued on horseback as we embarked on a private riding excursion on Peruvian Paso horses.

Peruvian Pasos are native to Peru and have deep roots in Peru’s history, with origins tracing back to the horses brought by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Over time, they were selectively bred to navigate the challenging terrain of the Andes and coastal deserts.

During our private horseback riding excursion, we witnessed Incan farming terraces, traditional villages, adobe construction, and fields of crops like corn, potatoes, and quinoa. Throughout the excursion, we were in awe of the towering snow-capped Andes mountains that acted as a backdrop to the region’s stunning scenery.

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Mountain Biking To Moray

The outdoor adventures continued as we enjoyed an exciting mountain biking excursion to the unique terraced ruins of Moray.

The trail began with rolling hills before we passed through cornfields where local families were working. The landscape was very impressive and full of color and it was wonderful to watch locals weaving using ancient techniques.

Then we arrived at a secluded spot in front of the impressive Andean mountain range. Here, it is possible for Blue Parallel to arrange for a gourmet picnic lunch, but we continued our biking adventure straight to the ruins of Moray.

Our expert local guide led a private tour around the ruins, offering insights into this fascinating site and its historical significance.

Maras Salt Pools Tour

We continued our exploration of the Sacred Valley in Maras, a pre-Incan site renowned for its striking salt evaporation ponds, known as the Salineras de Maras.

These ancient salt mines consist of over 3,000 shallow, terraced pools carved into the mountainside. Fed by a subterranean saltwater spring, the pools rely on natural evaporation to produce high-quality salt, which is harvested manually by local families using traditional techniques.

We explored the Maras salt pools with a private guide while taking in breathtaking views of the Andean mountains and valleys.

Blue Parallel can also organize a private tasting of pisco, a famous local brandy, at an exclusive house in the village of Maras.

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Machu Picchu

From the Sacred Valley, we continued to the most famous site in Peru: Machu Picchu. These iconic ruins are a remarkable remnant of the Inca Empire at the height of its glory and its unique location overlooking a lush rainforest in the heart of the Peruvian Andes make it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

There are several ways to visit Machu Picchu, from luxury camping along the Inca trail to a day tour from an exclusive lodge located near to the site. During our research trip, we experienced and vetted some of the different options available with Blue Parallel.

Premium Train Journeys

Our tour of Peru included two premium train journeys to and from Machu Picchu: the Vistadome and the Hiram Bingham.

The Vistadome Train

The Vistadome is a VIP train service that offers a scenic and comfortable journey to iconic destinations, including Machu Picchu.

The train has been designed with panoramic windows on the sides and roof which delivered unparalleled views across the Andean landscapes. Along the way, we admired lush valleys, towering mountains, and rushing rivers.

The Vistadome train allowed us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Peru as we traveled to Machu Picchu.

Hiram Bingham Train

The Hiram Bingham train is renowned as one of the world’s most exclusive train experiences, and it offers an opulent journey from Cusco to the famous Inca citadel.

The train is styled after the luxurious Pullman trains of the 1920s, featuring elegant carriages with polished wood, brass details, and plush seating. The Hiram Bingham train includes a dining car, an observation car with an open-air deck, and a bar car, creating a lavish and memorable travel experience.

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Machu Picchu, Circuit 2

New guidelines on how to visit Machu Picchu were introduced in June 2024, this included alterations to the circuits and pathways throughout the site. During our Machu Picchu tour, we followed Circuit 2.

Also known as the Inka Citadel Circuit, this route is regarded as one of the best ways to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site as it opens the door to both the agricultural and urban sectors of the ancient city.

We were able to explore both upper and lower terraces and had access to a wide array of areas within the site.

Machu Picchu Mountain

The next day, we returned to the site to hike up Machu Picchu Mountain.

Machu Picchu Mountain, or Montaña Machu Picchu, is one of the two prominent peaks overlooking the ancient Inca citadel. Rising approximately 10,111 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Andes, the winding Urubamba River, and the Machu Picchu ruins below.

We hiked to the summit, walking over well-maintained stone steps that were constructed by the Incas and ascending through the lush cloud forest. Along the way, we were treated to stunning vistas, including fields of wild orchids.

There was also a sense of tranquility as not many other people were doing this trail.

Cusco

Our cultural tour of Peru ended in Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Cusco is a captivating city steeped in history and is known as the “navel of the world,” serving as the political, religious, and cultural center of the Incas. Today, Cusco’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture reflect a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences.

Sacsayhuaman Tour

The first cultural highlight we visited in Cusco was the Sacsayhuaman ruins.

As Cusco was the capital of the Incan civilization, and Sacsayhuamán was the seat of imperial power, one of the fiercest battles between the Spanish conquerors and the Incan army took place here.

The remaining ruins of the citadel are made up of three tiers of zigzagging walls built using the Inca technique of perfectly cut stones that don’t require mortar. During our privately guided tour, we explored the site and enjoyed views of the city below.

Market Tour

Cusco’s San Pedro Market is a culinary treasure trove, offering delicious and authentic Peruvian cuisine.

We visited this bustling site with our local guide, and it was a feast for our senses. As we wandered through the market, we got a real sense of the Cusquenian way of life and were invited to explore vast local produce.

There were also lots of beautiful artisanal products and traditional handicrafts on display.

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Private Peruvian Cooking Class

Following the market tour, we continued to a luxury restaurant where we enjoyed a private cooking class with a personal chef. The chef guided us through a tasting experience and invited us to sample exotic fruits, cheeses, chocolate, and other local ingredients he would be using in his cooking demonstration.

Our personal chef then prepared an exquisite meal tailored to us, using the ingredients we found in the San Pedro Market earlier that day. We were shown how to create authentic Peruvian dishes and learnt local cooking techniques.

City Art Safari

The next day, we embarked on a unique city tour with Roger Valencia, a prominent Peruvian figure known for his extensive contributions to tourism, conservation, and sustainable development in Peru.

His former experience as both a Blue Parallel guide and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism in Peru, means Valencia has incredible insider knowledge of superior travel experiences in Peru.

He guided us around the city of Cusco, focusing on famous and iconic art sites.

Musical Performances

We ended our cultural tour of Peru with two breathtaking musical demonstrations in the heart of the city.

As we listened to these fantastic traditional artists, we enjoyed the unique sounds created by these different instruments that were used by Peruvian civilizations dating back to pre-Incan times.

Following the demonstration, we were invited to play some of these special instruments which was incredibly fun.

Enjoy Exclusive Cultural Experiences In Peru

Peru opens the door to many unique cultural experiences, from private encounters with local families to guided luxury tours of historical wonders.

With each research trip we embark upon, we broaden our expertise in the countries we operate. Our research process allows us to keep up-to-date with the latest, unique experiences and allows us to establish and build strong relationships with our team of guides, experts, locals and scholars on the ground.

For more information on our luxury Peru tours, contact one of our travel experts today.