Peru, the third-largest country in South America, is a bucket list staple for millions who hope to visit ancient Incan sites and Machu Picchu. But beyond these landmarks is a world of authentic Peruvian experiences, and for those seeking luxury, it is a paradise playground. Let’s discover 8 reasons to enjoy a luxury travel in Peru.
Discover Peru’s landscapes alongside a luxury tour company, explore the lavish side of the country’s urban hotspots, indulge in world-class cuisine, and so much more. Welcome to the eight reasons to enjoy luxury travel in Peru.
1. Luxury Tours Are Redefining Peruvian Tourism
Blessed with an abundance of captivating attractions, luxury tours have gripped Peru’s tourism scene, creating the ideal environment for endless enjoyment. These tours blend the excitement of witnessing iconic sights with lavish conveniences, comforts, and services, giving you the chance to rediscover Peru.
Although each tour is unique, expect overnight stays in high-end boutique hotels, private transfers, expert guides, and personalized services distinct to your needs. While some focus on one destination, such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or the Nazca Lines, there are also various multi-destination luxury tours. These make seeing the best of Peru a seamless, deluxe experience.
2. High-End Peruvian Accommodation Outdoes the Competition
Luxury travel in Peru has decidedly left sub-par, dated accommodation behind and embraced innovative, modern, and refined upscale properties. Splurging on overnight stays in Peru results in a trip that is second to none, with several of the best luxury hotels in the country housed within former palaces and mansions.
Personal concierge services, mini-fridges stocked with hand-picked champagne, and oxygen enrichment room treatments are commonplace. In Cusco’s heart, you’ll find Palacio del Inka and the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, whereas Lima answers with palatial mansions-turned-hotels, including the Belle Époque, Hotel B.
3. Luxury Train Travel Elevates Cross-Country Traveling
There’s traveling in style, and then there’s traveling in the lap of utter luxury. In Peru, this means boarding the world-famous Belmond Andean Explorer. The first luxury sleeper train in South America takes exploring Peru to a new level, whether from the open-air observation car or the full-service spa car.
However, luxury train travel in Peru isn’t a novelty, and various other operators offer unique adventures. PeruRial showcases a luxurious trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, known as the Gateway to Machu Picchu. At the same time, the Vistadome train boasts a unique car design with huge domed windows providing unparalleled views of the countryside.
4. Peruvian Gastronomy Is in a League of Its Own
Annually, the World Travel Awards names the World’s Best Culinary Destination, a title Peru has claimed several times. This symbolizes Peruvian cuisine’s influence, impact, and innovation on the world stage, evident in the country’s many fine-dining restaurants and gastronomic experiences.
Lima is nirvana for culinary explorers courtesy of its diverse cultural heritage and several of the best restaurants in the world. Offering tasteful Peruvian and Venezuelan fusion is Mérito, whereas Central focuses on indigenous ingredients and traditional foods, with Astrid y Gastón a must-try for refined seafood.
5. Elegant Amazon River Experiences Defy Imagination
Traversing the majestic landscapes of Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and similarly, cruising down the Amazon River guarantees unforgettable memories. Until recently, though, most excursions along its waters focused little on luxury travel. Luckily, this isn’t the case anymore.
The Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria, one of the largest protected areas of jungle in the Amazon, is the only part of the region accessible by luxury boat. Various companies operate on its waters, and these high-end ships display abundant amenities such as spa decks, multiple swimming pools, and Michelin-starred cuisine.
6. Luxury Hiking Excursions Unlock Peru’s Landscapes
Planning an active vacation to Peru hardly needs to involve roughing it anymore, with several hikes and treks featuring affluent eco-lodges and high-end hotels. Stay at the world-renowned Titilaka Hotel on the banks of Lake Titicaca, where days are filled with tailored hiking trips and island cruises.
Alternatively, head for the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an award-winning eco-lodge in the Peruvian Amazon. Here, expertly trained “Explorer Guides” accompany hiking excursions, elevating your time in nature with insights and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of local flora and fauna.
7. Peruvian Cities Uniquely Express Luxury
Peru’s cities have always been enchanting, but add a tinge of luxury to the criteria, and the country’s hubs take on a new life. In Lima, experience Peruvian cuisine while chasing some thrills at Sky Dinner, enjoying tasteful dishes high above the city streets. From sky to surf, elevate your time in the city with chartered luxury yacht trips to Callao.
Alongside Machu Picchu, Cusco offers many fascinating highlights, such as guided tours to Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. Further south, in the country’s second city, Arequipa, luxury excursions throughout the UNESCO World Heritage City Center and guided hikes to the surrounding volcanic peaks are in a league of their own.
8. Luxury Travel Off Peru’s Beaten Path
Although the country’s northern regions see only a fraction of the tourists the rest of Peru does, they hold a treasure trove of luxury experiences few ever enjoy. Trujillo, the City of the Eternal Spring, is home to tailormade adventures taking you to the Sun Pyramid (Huaca del Sol) and the Moon Pyramid (Huaca de la Luna).
Along Peru’s northern shorelines lie several out-of-this-world resort towns, with Máncora taking first place in both luxury and beach quality. Permeating through its streets is a trendy atmosphere with dozens of high-end boutique retailers, gourmet restaurants, and near-perfect surf conditions. Or head for Lobitos, the epitome of secluded beach opulence.
Conclusion
When many think of Peru, luxury travel seldom comes to mind, and that’s precisely where the country’s luxurious side shines. It’s unexpected, creative, and captivating. And best of all, it’s easy to find if you know where to look.
From exploring enigmatic landscapes to losing yourself in the country’s natural wonders or artificial wonders, there’s never been a better time to visit the South American jewel. All that’s left to do is to choose where you want your Peruvian getaway to begin. Adventure awaits.
