A Perfect Blend of Adventure, Culture and Luxury
Known for its stunning landscapes and the famous Machu Picchu citadel; its warm and welcoming people; and its rich, vibrant culture, Peru has long been a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world. But what often can get overlooked is that it is also an incredible destination for luxury travel. A luxury Peru trip is host to some of the most dazzling, awe-inspiring, high-end properties throughout the country that are well-positioned to give travelers an adventure they’ll never forget. Knowmad travelers Keira & Mickey had their own tailored experience exploring the country’s regions while staying at some of Peru’s most coveted boutique properties.
Keira & Mickey began their trip in Lima, as all travelers arriving from the U.S. do. The seaside capital is known for its food scene and is home to three of the current World’s Top 50 Restaurants: Maido, Kjolle, and Mayta.
Knowmad Tip: Reservations at top restaurants in Lima have very limited spaces and the ability to reserve times becomes open in blocks anywhere from 3-5 months in advance, depending on the time of year, so be sure to review our list of recommended restaurants far in advance, ideally when you confirm your trip!
Peru’s Sacred Valley
In the Sacred Valley, Keira & Mickey stayed four nights at Explora Valle Sagrado. Explora’s luxury and all-inclusive lodges are widely respected throughout South America, and their Peruvian location does not disappoint. Travelers like Keira & Mickey are able to enjoy a wide range of active excursions throughout the Valle Sagrado del Inca, soaking in the Andean vistas by trail, bike, or vehicle before returning to their all-inclusive lodge to relax, unwind, and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Explora Valle Sagrado is just one of the incredible options for top luxury hotels in the Sacred Valley. Knowmad Trip Specialists can help you discover the perfect oasis for your own Sacred Valley stay so you spend your days discovering the wonders of the Inca, the local culture, and the near-endless activities of this treasured location.
Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes
No first sojourn to Peru would be complete without a visit to the lost city of Machu Picchu, of course. Keira & Mickey departed Explora’s lodge and made their way up to the site on the 1-Day Inca Trail Express hike, before enjoying a complete, privately-guided tour of the site the following day.
Knowmad recommends staying at least one night in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), so that you can have two visits to the site for a full experience and multiple opportunities to see it in different weather conditions. Aguas Calientes has some of the best high-end hotels that will fit in seamlessly into a luxury Peru trip.
Journey to Lake Titicaca: Luxury Train Travel
Our duo moved on to spend a couple nights exploring historic Cusco, before venturing south in style on board the Belmond’s Andean Explorer train to Lake Titicaca. Taking luxury train travel to new heights (literally, as Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world), the Andean Explorer was the first sleeper train in South America. This magnificent train ride gives guests the comfort and amenities of a luxury hotel with the scenery of Peru’s landscapes accompanying you as you make your way to your next destination.
Serene Lakeside Luxury
Keira & Mickey included a 4-night stay in the exquisite Titilaka Lodge in their trip as well. With rooms set up for facing either the rising morning sun or romantic evening sunset, Titilaka is on its own private peninsula of the lake, perfectly located to give guests the ultimate serene, VIP experience. It is also close enough to some nearby villages so that travelers can become acquainted with the local communities and learn about the various cultural traditions of the region. The lodge has vast windows facing the lake for guests to revel in the beautiful purple, pink, and orange hues of the sun as they dine on Relais & Châteaux food from their excellent kitchen.
Colca Canyon, Arequipa and Luxurious Stays
Our Peru adventurers rounded out their epic journey with a few nights in the Colca Canyon and Arequipa. Staying in another Belmond property at Casitas del Colca, Keira & Mickey enjoyed rejuvenating in their tranquil, private casita between visits to Colca Canyon, local towns, and a soak in some nearby hot springs. As for their last destination, they had one final night at peaceful Cirqa, another Relais & Châteaux property and sister hotel to Titilaka Lodge. The small, boutique hotel boasts only 11 rooms, giving guests like Keira & Mickey the most special ending to their absolutely fantastic trip throughout Peru.
Plan Your Luxury Peru TRIP with Our Experts
Dreaming of enjoying all the beauty and adventure of Peru while relaxing in some of the country’s top hotels? Our Peru Trip Specialists are experts at designing luxury Peru trips that take into account your interests for activities as well as hotels, and have firsthand knowledge & experience of both. Let us put together your dream Peru adventure so that you can have your own luxury trip of a lifetime! Reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-315-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
Itinerary
DAY 1 USA – Lima
Fly to Lima where you’ll be taken to your accommodations by a Knowmad representative.
- No meals – JW Marriott
DAY 2 Lima
Explore Lima’s many sites and museums, and sample Peru’s delectable cuisine as you enjoy a day to independently explore the city.
- No meals – JW Marriott
DAY 3 Lima
Later in the morning enjoy a guided exploration of Lima, visiting the government palaces and cathedrals in the historical center before continuing to the modern areas of Miraflores, San Isidro and Larco Mar. You’ll also stop for lunch at a delicious local seafood restaurant called La Mar Cevichería and visit a local market to learn about exotic fruits and vegetables.
- L – JW Marriott
DAY 4 Lima
Continue to explore Lima at your leisure.
- No meals – JW Marriott
DAY 5 Lima – Paracas
This morning, you will be transferred by your Spanish-speaking driver approximately 3.5 hours to your accommodations by the coastal town of Paracas. After lunch on your own, you will be taken to the Paracas National Reserve, a pristine natural area comprising marine habitats and tropical desert. The reserve is also home to one of the largest concentrations of bird life on Earth.
- No meals – Hotel Paracas
DAY 6 Paracas
This morning you have a private transfer (Spanish-speaking driver only) arranged to take you approximately 1 hour to the Huacachina oasis and dunes, where you will have time to explore them at your leisure and take photos. Then, return to your hotel. In the afternoon you will be met by your guide and driver to visit the Paracas dunes for sunset, where you can sandboard and ride in dune buggies along the huge crests of sand. Relax and enjoy some snacks as you watch the sunset over the dunes before returning to your hotel.
- Snack – Hotel Paracas
DAY 7 Paracas – Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley
This morning, you will be transferred back to Lima (Spanish-speaking driver only) to catch your flight to Cusco. In Cusco, transfer approximately 1.5 hours with an Explora representative to the Sacred Valley. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day.
- D – Explora Sacred Valley, Standard King Room
DAYs 8–10 Sacred Valley
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at the lodge.
- B, L, D – Explora Sacred Valley, Standard King Room
DAY 11 Sacred Valley – Inca Trail Express – Machu Picchu
You will be picked up this morning by a Knowmad guide, who will provide you with a duffle bag to pack what you need for your time in Machu Picchu. In a daypack, pack what is needed while hiking. Your luggage will be stored in Cusco until your arrival. You will then be taken to the local train station to board the train to km 104 to hike the Inca Trail (~6-8 hours). Trek towards the Winay Wayna ruins, enjoying a box lunch along the trail. Make your way to the Sun Gate Inti Punku to view Machu Picchu. Descend towards the citadel taking in the site before heading to your accommodations located right next to the ruins.
- B, Box L – Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Deluxe Patio Room
DAY 12 Machu Picchu – Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu and make the morning climb to Huayna Picchu. Complete a guided exploration of the site as you begin to unlock the mystery of the Inca. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary lodge and bid your guide farewell. Enjoy a late afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge, compliments of Belmond as part of your evening train program. You will descend from Machu Picchu after tea with Belmond’s private bus and take the evening Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Cusco, enjoying dinner en route. Upon arrival, you will then be transferred to your accommodations.
- B, L, Afternoon Tea, D – Palacio del Inka
DAY 13 Cusco
Independently explore Cusco and its sites, such as Korikancha, the Plaza Central and the markets.
- No meals – Palacio del Inka
DAY 14 Cusco – Belmond Andean Explorer
Today you’ll be assisted in boarding the Belmond Andean Explorer train in Cusco. Enjoy a delicious lunch of local cuisine with a contemporary flair after the train departs. Along your way today, you’ll be able to stop and visit the Inca settlement Raqch’i. Once back on board, enjoy dinner followed by an evening of relaxation in your cabin or with the company of other travelers in the bar car.
- L, D – Belmond Andean Explorer, Twin Bed Cabin
DAY 15 Belmond Andean Explorer – Puno – Lake Titicaca
Enjoy breakfast on board before arriving at Lake Titicaca. Here, you will be taken by a Titilaka representative on a ~2-hour drive to Titilaka, a stunning luxury hotel located on a tranquil private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca. While at Titilaka you will be able to choose from a wide range of cultural and active excursions, as well as enjoy gourmet food, a range of wine and alcohol, and contemporary Peruvian dishes as part of their inclusive package.
- B, L, D – Titilaka Lodge, Dawn Room
DAYs 16–18 Lake Titicaca
Continue enjoying your activities throughout the region and your stay at Titilaka.
- B, L, D – Titilaka Lodge, Dawn Room
DAY 19 Lake Titicaca – Colca Canyon
Today you will be taken on the ~6 hour drive by private vehicle to Colca Canyon. Upon arrival, enjoy the beautiful grounds of your accommodations.
- B, Box L – Casitas del Colca, Casita with Garden View
DAY 20 Colca Canyon
Rise early and head out to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint over the deepest part of the canyon, where there is a high probability to spot Andean condors. After your visit, continue through the valley to other spectacular canyon and valley viewpoints, and through small Andean villages. Enjoy lunch before returning to your accommodations.
- B, L – Casitas del Colca, Casita with Garden View
DAY 21 Colca Canyon
Today, hike for about three hours through the beautiful canyon country and past pre-Incan terracing along the Colca River. Arrive at the remote natural hot springs at La Calera, where you can take a dip if you choose to, or continue on to lunch. Afterwards, return to your casita to spend the afternoon at your leisure.
- B, L – Casitas del Colca, Casita with Garden View
DAY 22 Colca Canyon – Arequipa
Today you will be transferred approximately 3.5 hours to Arequipa, where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the majestic southern Peruvian city.
- B – Cirqa, Claustro Room
DAY 23 Arequipa – Lima – USA
Enjoy the day at leisure independently exploring Arequipa. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lima. Once in Lima, independently check in and catch your onward international flight.
- B
DAY 24 USA
Arrive home.
Carmen is an Operations Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to crafting specialized custom, private trips to South America. Carmen has lived in three countries, spent some time backpacking in Europe and Central America, and studied Spanish, Italian, and Greek. She loves to explore languages, new places, and all the ways in which people can share their stories, and is excited to help travelers add to their own story with their next adventure!
