Sleep in a palace, take a ceviche class with a local chef, or indulge in a spa treatment incorporating ancient Inca ingredients. Peru offers countless luxurious experiences to choose from—here are a few favorites.
You can experience an unforgettable time in the captivating country of Peru, regardless of your budget. However, additional funds can greatly enhance your trip, transforming it into an even more extraordinary adventure. Imagine indulging in South America’s inaugural luxury sleeper train or savoring the most exquisite ceviche in the vibrant city of Lima. Embark on a journey through a curated selection of high-end experiences, ranging from glamorous camping and rejuvenating spa treatments to sophisticated fine dining and first-class train travel. Prepare to immerse yourself in the lap of luxury as you explore the wonders of Peru.
## Reside in Opulence: Sleeping in a Palace
In Peru, you have the unique opportunity to sleep like royalty, literally. The country boasts some of its finest hotels housed within meticulously converted palaces and grand mansions that whisper tales of centuries past. These historical edifices have been meticulously modernized to provide unparalleled comfort and indulgence. Expect to find yourself enveloped in the embrace of Egyptian cotton sheets, luxuriating in spacious en-suite bathrooms adorned with locally sourced stone, and enjoying the convenience of mini-fridges brimming with chilled champagne. Furthermore, to address the challenges of high altitude, some establishments even offer oxygen enrichment in every room, ensuring your well-being and comfort.
Among the most highly recommended hotels are the esteemed Palacio del Inka and the prestigious Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, both strategically positioned in the historical heart of Cusco. Nearby, you’ll discover another exceptional choice: Palacio Manco Capac, nestled just outside the bustling city on the picturesque slopes of San Cristóbal hill. While the building itself may not be a palace in the strictest sense, the property occupies the very site where the palace of Manco Capac, the legendary founder of the Inca empire, once stood. To this day, the grounds retain vestiges of Inca ruins, inviting you to wander through them after a delightful breakfast or before savoring a refreshing pisco sour as the evening descends.
In the captivating city of Lima, the exquisite Hotel B awaits, residing within a stunning Belle Époque mansion that was originally designed in 1914. Though it may not possess the same antiquity as some of the country’s other historical establishments, this magnificent mansion served as the personal retreat for the president during the glamorous 1920s. The mansion’s Italian marble and resplendent chandeliers evoke an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The hotel is advantageously located in the trendy and vibrant neighborhood of Barranco.
## Embark on a Luxurious Rail Journey
In 2017, the Belmond Andean Explorer proudly debuted as South America’s first luxury sleeper train, ushering in a new era of opulent rail travel. Prepare to be enveloped in an atmosphere of pure indulgence, where crisp white linen and flowing champagne are ever-present. The train boasts an open-air observation car, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the passing landscapes, as well as two well-stocked bars and a serene spa where you can unwind and rejuvenate. The train’s lavishly appointed leather-lined cabins offer private bathrooms and expansive picture windows that frame the ever-changing scenery outside. At the time of this writing, several captivating journeys were available, including routes from Cusco to Puno (and vice versa) and from Cusco to Arequipa, with an enchanting stop in Puno. Each of these unforgettable trips spans either one or two nights.
While the Belmond train marked the introduction of overnight luxury rail travel, the concept of luxurious train journeys is certainly not new to Peru. Numerous visitors opt to board one of PeruRail’s prestigious trains that traverse the scenic route from the Cusco area to Aguas Calientes, widely recognized as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham, named in honor of the American explorer who famously rediscovered the lost Inca city long after its abandonment, stands as the company’s most luxurious offering. Passengers are greeted with welcome cocktails and are treated to live musical performances throughout their journey. The Vistadome train is equally delightful, featuring expansive domed windows that provide unparalleled views of the lush scenery that lines the railway. The train’s gourmet breakfast service, complete with crisp white linen and fresh floral arrangements, is an experience to be savored.
## Indulge in Peru’s Culinary Delights and Master the Art of Their Creation
While you can certainly find delectable ceviche at any unassuming eatery in Lima, indulging in this culinary masterpiece at the country’s finest dining establishments elevates the experience to a whole new level. Here, you’ll be treated to ceviche prepared with sustainably raised fish and expertly paired with a pisco sour, Peru’s beloved national cocktail, crafted with top-shelf pisco. Peru’s well-deserved reputation as a world-class foodie destination has led to the rise of culinary tourism, offering an immersive exploration of the country’s gastronomic treasures.
Leading tour agencies such as Aracari specialize in creating tailor-made food tours of Peru, encompassing visits to bustling local markets in Lima, hands-on cooking sessions with renowned chefs, pisco tasting experiences guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, and excursions to organic farms nestled within the picturesque Sacred Valley. Similarly, Southwind Adventures offers a first-class itinerary that transports travelers to various destinations throughout Peru, providing opportunities to connect with local farmers, partake in pisco tastings and cooking demonstrations, and savor leisurely lunches at some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants. If your time is limited, consider enrolling in the ceviche- and pisco-making courses offered at the SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel, a five-star establishment located in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the legendary lost Inca city.
Whether you have a single evening or an entire week to dedicate to tasting local ingredients and honing your culinary skills, delving into the world of Peruvian cuisine and acquiring new skills to bring home with you is a true luxury.
## Embark on a Luxurious Cruise Down the Amazon River
A journey by boat along the majestic Amazon River is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. While most excursions to this remote and enchanting region prioritize wildlife encounters over luxurious amenities, a few exceptional options offer a truly opulent experience. One of the Amazon’s largest protected areas, the sprawling Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria, is accessible via luxurious riverboats.
Two prominent companies, Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions, offer unforgettable voyages departing from Iquitos. The services provided may vary, but certain vessels boast amenities such as spas, swimming pools, exquisite cuisine, and fine wines. It’s important to note that larger luxury boats may be unable to navigate the smaller tributaries where some of the Amazon’s most captivating wildlife viewing opportunities are found. However, rest assured that you’ll still encounter an incredible array of flora and fauna while aboard a high-end ship.
## Combine Hiking with Luxurious Accommodations
If you’re seeking an active vacation in Peru, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Plan your hikes and treks to culminate at elegant ecolodges or high-end hotels, or allow expert outfitters to handle the arrangements for you.
Mountain Lodges of Peru is a prominent outfitter specializing in catering to active travelers who crave invigorating outdoor experiences without compromising on the comforts of a five-star hotel. Their Grand Andean Experience itinerary, for example, guides travelers on a ten-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, the majestic mountains of Lares, and the challenging Salkantay Inca Trek. Each day’s hike concludes at a luxurious lodge, complete with amenities such as outdoor jacuzzis, pampering spa services, fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and comfortable accommodations adorned with goose-down bedding and high-end sheets. Luxury Inca Trail Tours offers similar guided hikes, along with unique glamping experiences along the historic Inca Trail.
## Rejuvenate with Spa Treatments Rooted in Indigenous Traditions
Peru boasts an array of luxury hotels, each featuring a state-of-the-art spa to match. While you can certainly enjoy a Swedish massage or a facial anywhere in the world, the true luxury of a Peruvian spa lies in the fact that many treatments are rooted in indigenous traditions passed down through generations.
At the Aranwa Resort & Spa in the Sacred Valley, for instance, spa treatments incorporate Andean herbs and salts harvested from the ancient mines of Maras. The spa also offers oxygen therapy, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing altitude sickness. At Las Casitas del Colca in Colca Canyon, the Spa Samay borrows its name from the Quechua word for “rest,” and the property cultivates its own native herbs for use in spa treatments. And at Casa Cartagena in Cusco, guests can book an Andean-style steam bath or a hot stone massage, complete with stones sourced from the Sacred Valley, at the in-house Qoya Spa.
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