Log in
Work With Me

Tag: peru

  • Machu Picchu Without the Hike

    Richard Jarocki at Machu Picchu after reaching the ruins without hiking the Inca Trail
    You don’t have to hike the Inca Trail to experience Machu Picchu—train and bus transportation make the site accessible to non-hikers.

    A Luxury Traveler’s Guide to Machu Picchu by Richard Jarocki

    For most people, Machu Picchu conjures up images of strenuous hikes, early mornings, and dusty boots. But what if you could witness the same breathtaking wonder without breaking a sweat—and do it all in luxury? As someone who blends high-end travel with real, on-the-ground experience, I set out to explore Machu Picchu in style—and this is your guide to doing the same.

    This isn’t a backpacker’s trip. This is Machu Picchu, elevated.

    Getting There in Style

    You don’t need to hike the Inca Trail to reach this iconic site. There are two scenic train options that offer a luxurious way to get there:

    Belmond Hiram Bingham Train – The gold standard of train travel in Peru. Think polished wood interiors, white tablecloth dining, live music, and panoramic windows. A full brunch, cocktails, and a private guide at Machu Picchu are included. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it among the most luxurious train rides in the world. Read more

    Vistadome or Sacred Valley Train – Still upscale, with large viewing windows and comfortable seating. Ideal for travelers who want luxury without the full Belmond price tag.

    Pro tip: Spend a night or two in the Sacred Valley to acclimate before the train ride. It’s the perfect prelude to the trip.

    Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels Near Machu Picchu (and Cusco)

    You have several top-tier lodging options that offer incredible service, views, and proximity to the ruins:

    1. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

    Why it stands out: It’s the only hotel located right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. That means exclusive early access before the crowds.

    Ideal for: Those who want privacy, priority access, and round-the-clock service.

    2. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

    Vibe: Eco-luxury meets Andean jungle. Private casitas, organic gardens, and on-site nature trails.

    Highlight: Their on-site spa and focus on sustainability make it a perfect retreat.

    3. Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

    Perks: Exceptional Peruvian cuisine, cooking classes, and spiritual offerings like Andean rituals.

    Location: Aguas Calientes, the town just below the ruins.

    4. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

    Location: Sacred Valley (Urubamba)

    Highlight: Private train station on site. Ideal for a soft landing and full-service spa immersion.

    5. Alpaca Lodge & Explorations

    Location: Sacred Valley

    Vibe: This eco-conscious retreat provides private chalets with hot tubs and sweeping Andean views. The standout feature? Guests can pet and feed friendly alpacas on-site. With a focus on sustainability and serene design, it’s a perfect blend of luxury and authenticity for travelers seeking an unforgettable, immersive experience.

    Book: View Alpaca Lodge & Explorations on Airbnb

    6. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

    Location: Cusco city center

    Vibe: Housed in a historic colonial mansion with original Incan stonework, this hotel is both luxurious and culturally rich. Guests enjoy elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and one of the best breakfast spreads in Peru—served as early as 4–5 a.m. for early risers.

    7. Belmond Hotel Monasterio

    Location: Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas

    Vibe: A 16th-century monastery turned luxury hotel, combining historical charm with Belmond’s signature service. Known for its oxygen-enriched rooms and refined on-site dining, it’s an ideal base for unwinding after your Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu adventure.

    Visitors walking through the historic stone ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru
    Reaching Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail still involves walking through the archaeological site, including stone paths, steps and uneven terrain.

    Visiting the Citadel in Comfort

    The final leg of your journey begins with a 20-minute shuttle up a winding mountain road. While many arrive breathless and tired from the trek, you’ll step off refreshed and ready to immerse yourself.

    Private Guided Tours

    Flexible pacing tailored to your interests

    In-depth knowledge of Incan history, architecture, and astronomy

    Opportunities for quiet moments of reflection away from the crowds

    Pro Tips for a Seamless Visit

    Go early: First entry at 6 a.m. means cooler temps and golden light for photos.

    Skip the stampede: Afternoon entries (2–4 p.m.) can be calmer once large tour groups have left.

    Choose Circuit 2: This route offers panoramic views and includes key sites like the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza.

    Dining and Recharging

    After the citadel, indulge in a gourmet lunch at your hotel or opt for one of Aguas Calientes’ finer restaurants like Indio Feliz or Tree House Restaurant, known for their creative takes on Andean cuisine.

    Then unwind with:

    A massage using native botanicals

    A private soaking tub overlooking the river

    Afternoon tea and a glass of Chilean wine

    Stone ruins of Machu Picchu surrounded by cloud-covered mountains in Peru
    Machu Picchu’s preserved stone buildings sit high in the Andes, surrounded by steep mountains and shifting clouds.

    The Return: Reflect and Rejuvenate

    Early Riser Perks at Palacio del Inka
    If you’re staying at Palacio del Inka before or after your Machu Picchu visit, take advantage of their thoughtful early-morning amenities. The hotel begins serving breakfast as early as 4–5 a.m. to accommodate travelers heading out for sunrise tours. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference when your day starts before dawn.

    The train ride back is a chance to reflect on the scale of what you’ve just seen. Luxury trains often include dinner service, live music, or a glass of champagne as you cross back into the Sacred Valley.

    Once in Cusco, extend your journey with another few nights at Palacio del Inka or Belmond Hotel Monasterio. Add on curated experiences like:

    A private pisco tasting

    Artisanal market tours

    Day trips to nearby natural and cultural wonders such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Maras Salt Mines, or the agricultural terraces of Moray

    Agricultural terraces and stone ruins at Machu Picchu beneath a blue sky
    Machu Picchu’s stone structures and agricultural terraces reveal how the Inca built an entire city into the steep Andean landscape.

    Final Thoughts

    Machu Picchu doesn’t have to be a grueling expedition to be meaningful. With the right approach, it becomes something far richer—a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and luxury. Whether you’re sipping champagne on the return train or waking up in a centuries-old monastery, this journey offers moments of awe, reflection, and refinement.

    If you’re ready to experience Machu Picchu in comfort and style, this is your invitation to travel differently—and intentionally.

    Plan your curated luxury experience at Travel with Richard

    Visitor walking through a narrow stone passageway at Machu Picchu in Peru
    Even without hiking the Inca Trail, exploring Machu Picchu requires navigating narrow passages, uneven stone paths and steps.

    Follow My IG

  • Why I’m Heading to Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

    A Journey of Food, Culture, Altitude, and Intention

    If you know me, you know I don’t just travel for scenery or checklists — I travel for connection, culture, and the kind of inspiration you can’t Google. I curate experiences that leave an impression, not just on the photo roll, but on your memory. And Peru? It’s been on my radar for a long time.

    This May, I’m finally making it happen — a deeply intentional journey across Lima, Cusco, and the iconic wonder that is Machu Picchu. I’m flying into Peru with LATAM Airlines (first time), touching down in Lima before heading into the Sacred Valley. I’ve handpicked where I’m staying, where I’m dining, and the energy I want to absorb — because this isn’t just a trip. It’s a reset.

    Let me take you inside why Peru is next on my list.

    It Starts with a Flight

    Let’s begin with the air. I’m flying LATAM Airlines for the first time — JFK to Lima, and later Lima to Cusco and back. I’ve heard great things about LATAM’s service and how it sets the tone for a refined South American journey. The goal? Smooth, seamless travel, so I land ready to explore.

    This isn’t one of those quick weekend hops. It’s a full immersion — and that begins in the clouds, en route to a culture unlike any other.

    Stop One: Lima — Where the Flavor is as Bold as the City

    Lima is a culinary mecca, full stop. This city has carved out a global reputation as one of the world’s great food capitals. When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants named Central the #1 restaurant in the world, the spotlight got even brighter. But beyond the headlines, Lima is layered with depth: neighborhoods like Barranco and Miraflores, coastal energy, historic charm, and an obsession with ingredients that matter.

    I’ll be staying at two distinct properties to experience different sides of the city:

    • Souma Hotel – Barranco

    This boutique hotel is modern, minimal, and deeply rooted in its artsy neighborhood. Think morning walks to art galleries, intimate coffee shops, and a real sense of place.

    • JW Marriott Lima – Miraflores

    For the ocean views, high-end amenities, and perfect service. This is where I’ll relax, recharge, and indulge in world-class hospitality between culinary stops.

    While in Lima, I’m planning meals at a few of the most celebrated spots — but I’m also leaving room for the unexpected. That’s the key. A meal in a tucked-away cevichería, a rooftop bar recommendation from a local bartender, or a late-night anticucho plate from a street vendor with a crowd around it. The real Lima reveals itself between the reservations.

    Culinary Curiosity Meets Curated Dining

    Beyond Central, I’ll be diving into Peru’s Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion), Amazonian ingredients, and the creative reinvention of traditional dishes. From high-end omakase to hidden pisco bars, this city doesn’t just feed you — it tells you a story with every plate.

    And yes, expect full reports. I’m treating this as both exploration and research. Peru’s culinary culture is going to reshape how I think about flavor, balance, and storytelling through food.

    Then It’s Onward — to Cusco and the Sacred Valley

    From Lima, I’ll fly into Cusco — a city that sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level and feels like you’ve stepped into a living museum. But don’t let the altitude fool you. Cusco is alive. Colorful markets, cobblestone streets, Andean traditions, and a magnetic energy that you just feel in your bones.

    Staying at: Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

    This is a property I’ve had my eye on for years. Built into a 500-year-old mansion, Palacio del Inka is luxury infused with Incan heritage. Walls that tell stories. Courtyards that hold silence. Service that’s seamless. It’s not just about where I sleep — it’s about staying somewhere that anchors you to the place.

    From this base, I’ll explore the city’s museums, sip coca tea in hidden courtyards, browse handwoven alpaca textiles, and adjust to the altitude — slowly and deliberately.

    Because after Cusco comes the crown jewel.

    Machu Picchu — A Journey, Not Just a Destination

    Let’s be honest: Machu Picchu doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s one of the most iconic destinations on Earth. But while millions have visited, very few experience it intentionally. I plan to do just that.

    I’m taking the scenic route — literally — with a train ride through the Sacred Valley, passing small villages, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes that feel unreal. I want to absorb every detail on the way in. The buildup matters. The approach is part of the magic.

    When I arrive, I’m not just going for the photo. I’m going for the feeling — to stand in a place built centuries ago with purpose, alignment, and spiritual meaning. I want to breathe in the air and feel the enormity of what was created there — without machinery, without shortcuts, with only vision and will.

    Machu Picchu isn’t just about what you see. It’s about what you sense.

    Why Now? Why Peru?

    Because I believe in intentional travel — and I’ve been craving something grounded. Something real. After spending the last few years immersed in luxury cars, fine dining, Grand Prix weekends, and curated experiences around the world, I wanted a journey that connects earth with elevation, flavor with soul, and heritage with personal growth.

    Peru is that.

    It’s a country of contrasts:
    Urban and ancient.
    Refined and raw.
    Coastal and mountainous.
    Mystical and modern.

    And it’s been whispering to me for a while now.

    Travel as a Reset

    This trip isn’t about escape — it’s about returning to curiosity.

    It’s about recalibrating creativity, finding new sensory inspiration, and experiencing a place that’s built on layers. I’m going to connect with chefs, explore sacred spaces, take in panoramic views, and travel inward, even as I travel outward.

    As always, I’ll be doing it with intention — and a little style.

    What to Expect

    I’ll be documenting the journey as I go — expect highlights from hotel stays, restaurant deep dives, cultural moments, and maybe a few unfiltered thoughts about what it feels like to slow down in places that make you feel alive.

    There will be:

    • Insider looks at both boutique and luxury hotels
    • Culinary recaps and restaurant features
    • Cultural insights from both modern Lima and ancient Cusco
    • Scenic vignettes from Machu Picchu
    • Notes on flying LATAM and travel logistics for anyone planning a similar trip

    Final Thoughts

    I’ve traveled a lot. But this one’s different.

    This isn’t about luxury for the sake of luxury — it’s about choosing depth over excess, meaning over motion. Peru has something most destinations don’t: soul. And I’m going there to feel it fully.

    I’m not going to check it off a list. I’m going to let it change me.

    Follow along.