While planning my Silversea Expeditions cruise to the Gálapagos Islands, I knew I couldn’t fly all the way to Ecuador without visiting Peru – its next door neighbor! Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and I did not want to leave South America without seeing it. Silversea offers fabulous Pre-Cruise packages and I found one that was perfect for everything I wanted to see: Machu Picchu Grande Explorer.
This luxurious experience offers you a chance to indulge your senses with the scenic splendor and unique history of Peru. In 5 days, we explored Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu and enjoyed elegant hotels and transportation. An absolute highlight for me was taking the legendary Hiram Bingham train for a picturesque train ride to Machu Picchu. I felt the value was really impressive with all the inclusions such as 4 nights in five-star hotels, 2 flights, 2 train rides, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, transfers between airports and hotels, as well as daily breakfast, 1 brunch, 3 lunches and 1 dinner.
DAY 1: Lima -> Cusco
This adventures departs from Lima so I flew there from the U.S. a couple days before to explore this beautiful capital city and recover from any jet lag.
Lima is one of the largest cities in South America, so it’s absolutely vibrant and bustling. I found the colonial center to be very well preserved and charming to walk through. Plaza de Armas is Lima’s main square and home to the Cathedral of Lima which dates back to the 1600s. Along with amazing history and architecture, there are so many markets to explore. If you’re wanting to buy handcrafted souvenirs to take home, I’d recommend the Inca Market. But if you’re a foodie, like me, Surquillo Market offers incredible produce and Peruvian specialities to try.
On the day of our flight to Cusco, we were transferred to the airport and boarded a 90-minute direct flight to Cusco. If you fly on a clear day, you can enjoy the impressive views of the Andes on your journey over so make sure to book a window seat just incase!
We arrived in Cusco at night which is probably a good thing because you do not want a day of busy exploring on your first full day. Why? You need to give yourself time to acclimate and adjust to the change in altitude. They suggested to not drink alcohol the first day either. Instead, they provided coca tea which is a local remedy. Our luxury accommodation for the night was at the Belmond Monasterio Hotel. This former monastery has been in the heart of the city for centuries. I really enjoyed the central location, as well as the mix of old world charm and contemporary amenities.
DAY 2: Cusco -> Machu Picchu
Our first full day was such an exciting one! We departed our hotel early in the morning and boarded the famous Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train. I was beyond thrilled to be taking a once in a lifetime train journey to a once in a lifetime destination: Machu Picchu. The trip takes about three hours which gave us plenty of time to admire and take in the wonderful 1920s interiors. The service is also five-star and we were served a delicious lunch on board. I could’ve spent all day admiring the spectacular scenery of the Urubamba Valley from my window seat, or from the Observation Car. However, we had some epic hiking to do!
Before I knew it, we were pulling into the Aguas Calientes station at the foot of Machu Picchu. From here, we took a 25-minute bus ride through a winding road to ‘the Lost City of the Incas’, arriving around 1:00 PM. Around this time, many tourists are already on their way back to the train station so it wasn’t very crowded!
The setting of the ruins amongst green mountain peaks is an absolutely unforgettable sight. Silversea Expeditions provided us with a fantastic tour guide who took us on a stroll through the impressive Citadel. The Lost City of the Incas feels like a magical place, and I could almost feel its pulse while visualizing the lives of all the people who lived in this incredible site. We learned that excavations have only added to the mystery, revealing the skeletons of 173 people along with the artifacts and woolen clothing, though no gold.
After an amazing afternoon, we relaxed with afternoon tea at the Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. This is the only hotel located within the very grounds of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Lucky for us, this was our home for the night where we enjoyed dinner as well!
DAY 3: Machu Picchu -> Cusco
After an early-morning breakfast at the lodge, we had a wonderful opportunity to witness an incomparable sight: the sun rising over Machu Picchu. Thanks to the amazing location of our hotel, we enjoyed special time in the morning to enjoy the citadel with very few other visitors around.
Today we enjoyed an ample amount of time at the ruins, getting to explore on our own and take millions of photos! Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at the lodge before departing for the train station where we boarded the Vistadome Train. We enjoyed another picturesque ride for about an hour and a half and arrived at the Ollantaytambo train station. We then were transferred back to the historic Belmond Monasterio Hotel where we savored one more night there.
DAY 4: Cusco -> Lima
After a wonderful night’s sleep, we started our day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then boarded the coach for a city tour of Cusco! This tour included a visit to the Koricancha, also known as “The Temple of the Sun”. This was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, and used to be covered in gold leaf and filled with golden images.
We also explored the main square, Plaza de Armas, where the magnificent 16th-century cathedral is also located. We admired the architecture, inside they have a unique rendition of The Last Supper painting.
Before departing for Lima, we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch. After a delicious meal, we were transferred to the Cusco Airport and flew back to Lima. Our home away from home in Lima was another fabulous five-star hotel in the center of the city: Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel.
DAY 5: Lima -> Gálapagos Islands Silversea Cruise
I had already explored a lot of Lima earlier in the week so on this day, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before arriving at the airport to begin my incredible Gálapagos Islands cruise with Silversea!
Just like their cruises, Silversea Expeditions provides luxurious and fascinating pre and post cruise adventures. I enjoyed being so well looked after and it certainly started my trip off the right way!
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Ketki
February 12, 2019 at 7:10 amSilversea Expeditions cruise and pre and post tours look so well curated with utmost precision and detail to luxury. Covering 3 cities and all important landmarks in just 5 days and that too like royalty would have felt like a dream. Would definitely look them up!
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2019 at 2:10 pmYes, exactly! They did an amazing job and we never felt rushed.
Darah
February 12, 2019 at 7:36 amWow! I would love to travel on that train. A great lunch and then ending with a hike in Machu Picchu. You can’t beat that! It seems like Silversea cruises is a great company that provides a lot more than just cruises.
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2019 at 2:11 pmThey are certainly one of my favorite cruise companies!
Marvi
February 12, 2019 at 8:20 pmWow.. this is an entirely new way of exploring Machu Picchu that I have read of.. and definitely the most luxurious one..:) sunset and sunrise here sounds incredible.. I personally did not know that there is an accommodation for travelers here though.. good to know! ??
Carmen Edelson
February 13, 2019 at 2:11 pmYes and the accommodation is amazing! Thanks for reading, Marvi 🙂
Madison
February 13, 2019 at 2:36 pmI’ve been slowly realizing that I want to visit Peru, but these photos just put it to the top of my list! Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing the info!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:48 pmI hope you can start planning an amazing trip there!
Sarah Marier
February 13, 2019 at 2:44 pmWhat a fun trip!! Peru is definitely on my bucket list!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:49 pmSo glad to hear that, Sarah!
clare @ oh these are the good old days
February 13, 2019 at 6:20 pmwow, i really am filled with wanderlust looking at these. i really hope to make it to lima one day. beautiful.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:49 pmI hope you get to as well, Clare!
Kait | Slumber & Scones
February 13, 2019 at 8:38 pmThis sounds like such an amazing trip, and Machu Picchu is so beautiful! It must have been incredible to see that sunrise.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:50 pmYes, it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Krizzia Scollon
February 14, 2019 at 3:33 amI always loved to see Machu Picchu! Looks like a great place to unwind and relax!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:50 pmIt’s certainly a very special place!
Helen
February 14, 2019 at 9:25 amThese are fabulous pictures! Looks like such a fun trip!
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:50 pmThank you so much, Helen!
Tessa Christianson
February 14, 2019 at 11:14 amI have always had this trip on my bucket list but this post and all the beautiful pictures just reminded me of how amazing it is! I HAVE to get this on my calendar soon.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:51 pmYes, I hope you get to!
Joanna Clute
February 14, 2019 at 4:23 pmWow, what a fun trip! I am so jealous! I would love to go visit this area.
Carmen Edelson
February 15, 2019 at 1:51 pmIt’s worth every penny for sure!
Nesher Asner
August 20, 2019 at 11:45 amWe are looking online at different Galapagos cruises, and will probably go with SilverSea. Their website does not list the cost for the Peru/Machu Picchu add-on. May I ask the approximate cost?
Thanks, and thanks for the inspiring post!
Carmen Edelson
September 6, 2019 at 2:24 pmI hope you do – they are wonderful! You have to request a quote which is at the top of their website 🙂