Wild landscapes, ancient stories, and shared moments we’ll hold onto forever
The Moment
There was a moment, as we were traveling from the Sacred Valley towards Machu Picchu, that felt like something out of a dream. As we sipped wine and swayed gently to the rhythm of the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, the scenery outside began to shift—from golden valleys to a lush, mist-draped world. We were entering the cloud forest, where the air grew thicker, the greens deeper, and everything felt just a little more enchanted. My family was all around me, laughing, eyes wide with wonder—and in that moment, I knew we were somewhere rare. Not just on the map, but in our lives. And we were lucky to be there together.
Why We Chose It
When we travel as a full family—three generations deep—our destination must deliver more than just beautiful views. It has to spark curiosity, invite movement, and pull us into something new. That’s exactly why we chose Peru. My dad, or Papa as the grandboys call him, has a firm rule when it comes to traveling with his grandsons: every trip must include adventure. And Peru delivered in every way. Whether they were zip lining through the Sacred Valley or kayaking across the glassy waters of Lake Huaypo, the boys were fully immersed—wide-eyed, laughing, and all in. It’s the kind of travel that doesn’t just entertain—it connects, stretches, and stays with you.
The Morari Memo Highlights
Linger Here: Exploring Peru with Belmond
One of the most memorable parts of our trip to Peru was experiencing it through the lens of Belmond’s collection of extraordinary properties—that turned each stop into an experience. We began our journey nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River at Belmond Rio Sagrado, a sprawling hideaway facing the Andes Mountains. From there, we boarded the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, where polished wood, white tablecloths, and live music turned our ride into an experience all its own. At the summit of Machu Picchu, we spent the night at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the entrance of the ancient citadel—a privilege that gave us early access and moments of stillness before the crowds arrived. We ended in the heart of Cusco at Belmond Monasterio, a former 16th-century monastery turned elegant hotel, where history echoed through the stone walls and peaceful courtyard. It wasn’t simply a place to rest—it was a curated progression through Peru’s beauty, from riverside calm to mountaintop wonder to city elegance.
Insider Tip: We chose to start our Journey at Rio Sagrado because of its lower elevation (9,000ft) compared to Cusco (11,152ft). It gave us a gentle and scenic place to acclimate.
Savor This: Laughter at El Huerto
After a full day exploring the magic of Machu Picchu, we gathered for dinner at Tampu, the restaurant inside Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. We sat at a long table, our whole family together, and were treated to a beautifully plated, multi-course meal featuring Peruvian delicacies that honored the region’s flavors and traditions. As we dined, the soft sounds of traditional Andean music, played live by local musicians, added a layer of warmth and connection to the experience. It was one of those rare meals that felt both elevated and grounding—delicious food, soulful music, and the quiet awe of knowing just how close we were to one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Feel That
Visiting Machu Picchu wasn’t just a bucket-list moment—it was an experience that added real depth to our journey through Peru. As we walked through the ancient citadel, learning about the brilliant engineering, sacred rituals, and deep connection the Incas had with the natural world, the site began to feel less like a historic monument and more like a living story. The way they aligned their structures with the sun, the respect they held for mountains and rivers—it all spoke to a wisdom far beyond its time. Standing there, surrounded by clouds and stone, it was impossible not to feel the presence of something greater. It reminded us how much intention and reverence—both for creation and the Creator—can shape the way we live, and how travel, at its best, opens our eyes to something greater than ourselves.
The Morari Detail
As our time at Belmond Rio Sagrado came to a close, we were surprised with a small but deeply thoughtful gesture that left a lasting impression. The staff gifted each of us a personalized luggage tag, handcrafted from traditional Peruvian textiles—each one woven with care, rich in color, and full of the spirit of the Sacred Valley. It felt like a piece of the journey we could carry home with us—something beautiful, meaningful, and made with heart.
A Moment to Take With You
If there’s one thing we’ll take with us from Peru, it’s the spirit of adventure—Climbing new mountains, tasting new flavors, and discovering just how much joy there is in the unknown when you do it together.
📌 Location: Peru
🛎️ Stay: The Grand Tour with Belmond
🗝️ Curated for: Cultural immersion seekers, celebration travel, wellness-focused retreats
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