Peru

Start off your custom active adventure in Peru’s capital, Lima. This vibrant metropolis boasts a list of must-eat restaurants as long as a llama’s neck, and also includes world-class museums such as the Larco Herrera Museum. Lima’s coastline is also home to some of the world’s best surf spots. When it comes to accommodation, Hotel B in the lively Barranco district or the exclusive 6-room Atemporal are the best boutique choices.

A one-hour flight brings you way up to Cusco (11,000 feet), the former Inca capital. Catch your breath (literally) by heading down into the Sacred Valley (7,000 feet) to go horseback ride, bike, hike or paddle along the Urubamba River. Sol y Luna hotel is the most perfect place to stay. Be sure to visit their foundation’s school, home to 150+ local students. Visit nearby markets, Chinchero weaving collectives, and the archeologial ruins such as of Moray or Pisac. Cooking and ceramic classes are also fun!

After acclimating to the elevation, Machu Picchu beckons. Climb aboard a 1920’s-style luxury Hiram Bingham train where performers entertain and vistas inspire. A short bus ride be the final stage before reaching Machu Picchu. Expert guides help you discover the grandeur of this enigmatic site. An overnight at Belmond’s Sanctuary Lodge is the ultimate retreat. Return back to Cuzco for a chance to explore this charming city. Stay at the Palacio Nazarenas or La Casona hotel in the center.

From Cuzco, you can fly to the heart of the Amazon and the Tambopata National Reserve for a stay Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazonica Lodge. Or head to Puno or Arequipa via the Belmond Andean Explorer train. On Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America, visit the Uros floating islands via private launch. Learn weaving techniques with the Aymara people before an exclusive lunch on Taquile Island. The waterfront Titilaka lodge is the ultimate basecamp and close to ancient marvels such as the funerary towers of Sillustani and the spooky catacombs of Pomata.

Other top active adventures in Peru include hiking among unique towering rock formations in Tinajani canyon or spotting condors in Colca canyon at Puqio tented camp. Vamanos!