Luxury Peru
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Exclusive lodges, luxury train rides and V.I.P. dining combine together to create this once-in-a-lifetime trip across Peru, offering the highest comfort without a guilty eco-conscience. Suitable for first-time travel ...
Exclusive lodges, luxury train rides and V.I.P. dining combine together to create this once-in-a-lifetime trip across Peru, offering the highest comfort without a guilty eco-conscience. Suitable for first-time travel to the country or for those special occasions, this comprehensive journey takes in all must-see Peruvian destinations through carefully sourced accommodation and experiences, allowing you to enjoy Peru unlike the average tourist.
Beginning in Lima, you’ll be introduced to the city’s art and culinary scene, with an invitation to a local chef’s incredible rooftop apartment in the capital. From there, you fly to the picturesque Sacred Valley, discovering its archaeological sites and spending time with expert weavers and the famous ‘mad potato scientist’, Manuel Choqque, who was featured in Gordon Ramsey’s ‘Unchartered’ series. Days here will be spent meeting with and learning some of the incredible stories of the local indigenous communities, exploring the ancient ruins of their ancestors and indulging in some of Peru’s most exclusive foodie experiences. After a night up in the cloud forest with the country’s star attraction, Machu Picchu, you'll take the train down to your boutique hotel in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Explore the charming city by foot and a top-of-the-range e-bike before taking the luxury Orient Express train across the Andes to the shores of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest lakes in the world.
The final leg of the tour brings you to the exclusive Titilaca Lodge which sits on a remote part of the lake and is praised for its selection of unique excursions. You’ll then spend your last few days winding down and immersing yourself in the majestic atmosphere at these Andean heights, with a couple of nights relaxing in natural hot springs at your lodge in the Colca Canyon, before returning to Lima via the beautiful city of Arequipa.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Lima
Upon arrival to Lima, your private guide will be waiting at the airport to welcome you and take you to the boutique Hotel B hotel. To help you settle in, enjoy a welcome drink at the chic rooftop bar as your guide takes you through your itinerary for the next two weeks. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and recover from the journey but, depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may wish to head out and independently begin exploring the bohemian streets, cafes and restaurants of the Barranco district around your hotel this afternoon.
Day 2 Lima: Artistic Walking Tour & Cooking Class
A specialist guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast this morning to head out on a walking tour of the trendy surrounding neighbourhood. The streets and corners of Barranco hold secrets that have inspired writers, composers and artists, which you’ll learn all about walking around and stopping at some of their homes and studios, past and present. Following the morning tour, you’ll then be met by a Limeña chef (a chef from Lima), accompanying her on her shop at the local market and stopping at some of her favourite café haunts before heading back to her stunning apartment. Back at home, have fun cooking a traditional Peruvian lunch, under the watchful eye of a professional chef, refreshing yourself with some Pisco Sour cocktails in hand before sitting down to enjoy the masterpiece. The afternoon is left free to relax or continue exploring some of Lima’s other sites and museums.
Day 3 Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley: Weaving, Potato Picnic & Wine Tasting
Fly to Cusco and drive out to the spectacular Sacred Valley this morning. Begin by visiting the charming community of Chinchero to learn about the Andean weaving process using backstrap looms as you join a local weaving family in their courtyard and discover this ancient art that Chinchero is renowned for. From here, you’ll then be taken to meet with Manuel Choqque, known as the ‘mad potato scientist’, who featured in Gordon Ramsey’s ‘Unchartered’ series. There are more than 4,000 varieties of native potato grown in all colours in the highlands of the Andes and the Andeans were the first to cultivate them. You’ll discover the importance of this Peruvian staple as you tour the fields, known as chakras, and observe native farming techniques that have been preserved for 500 years. The tour concludes with a special experience indeed as you sit down to enjoy a potato-based picnic and a wine tasting made from different varieties of native tubers, with incredible views overlooking the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, head to the beautiful Relais & Châteaux property in the Sacred Valley taking it easy for the rest of your first day at altitude.
Day 4 Sacred Valley: Incan Sites & an Experiential Tasting Menu
Spend today exploring the Sacred Valley further with visits to the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt terraces of Maras – two of the most important Incan sites in the valley. Beginning at striking Maras, you’ll hear about how the same method of extracting salt has been used since pre-Inca times as you walk across its system of platforms on the steep mountainside valley. Then, head to Moray’s circular terraces, similar to a Greek amphitheatre, which were developed by the Incas to grow produce in varying terrain and temperatures. After exploring the fascinating archaeological site, enter the exclusive MIL restaurant overlooking Moray’s ruins for an extravagant, experiential tasting menu.
Day 5 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu: Luxury Belmond Train
After a leisurely morning, you’ll be taken to the train station in the quaint Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo to board the luxury Hiram Bingham train service to Aguas Calientes, the entry town to Machu Picchu – there is also the option to leave earlier for a stroll around picturesque Ollantaytambo town and ruins before catching your train. The fabulous, ex-Orient Express train winds from the Andean mountains to the humid cloud forest around Machu Picchu, alongside the Urubamba River, and the spectacular views on board are accompanied by a gourmet, three-course meal. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting at the platform ready to escort you onto the shuttle bus up to the entry of the ruins, whilst many begin making their way back down from their morning tour. With afternoon entry arranged, your guide will take you around the world-famous site delving into its history and re-discovery, which you can explore until closing, popping over to your exclusive Belmond Hotel in front of the ruins once you’re done. With nothing else up on the mountain top except the ruins and the Belmond lodge, dinner will be taken at the hotel this evening before retiring, ready for an early start the following morning.
Day 6 Machu Picchu – Cusco: World-famous Ruins
The benefit of the Sanctuary Lodge’s high price tag is its unparalleled location, and this morning you’ll take advantage of this benefit for a second time, strolling over to the entry gate of the ruins in time for opening before the first shuttle bus from the town has arrived. You’ll tour some of the areas not seen the previous day, this time in the morning light, and there will also be the opportunity to put your climbing skills to the test with a hike up to Huayna Picchu peak for a wonderful bird’s eye view of the ruins. After, head over to the hotel for lunch before gathering your things and making your way back down to Aguas Calientes town to catch your train and transfer to Cusco. Arriving in the early evening, the rest of the day is left at leisure.
Day 7 Cusco: E-biking & Walking Tour
This morning, you’ll mount your state-of-the-art electronic assisted bicycles for a truly wonderful and eco-friendly way to tour this charming city. Enjoying the fresh breeze and open-air views, with half the effort, you’ll first ride out of the city to the impressively enormous Sacsayhuaman ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Parking up, you’ll explore these jaw-dropping Incan ruins by foot with your guide. After, hop back on the bikes and descend into central Cusco, enjoying spectacular views over the city sat within the valley that few tourists get to see. Here you’ll finish with a walking tour around the historic city’s colonial buildings and ancient sites before free time to indulge in Cusco’s plethora of fine restaurants for lunch and boutique cafes and shops for the rest of the day.
Day 8 Cusco – Lake Titicaca: Luxury Titicaca Train
Aboard another luxury Orient Express train, this morning you’ll begin the full day’s journey across the Andes to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoying exceptional service and a gourmet, three-course lunch along the way, this journey is considered one of the ‘Great Train Journeys of the World’ as you pass through epic landscapes, slowly edging towards the lakeside town of Puno. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your luxury lodge, a very special and secluded boutique property located on the peninsula of Chuchuito. Surrounded on three sides by the pristine lake, and with four acres of grounds and two private beaches, Titilaka is the perfect base from which to explore this unspoiled corner of an area renowned for its ethereal beauty.
Day 9 Lake Titicaca: Indigenous Communities Boat Tour
This morning, embark on a special private boat trip on the lake. Choose between a visit to the breathtaking islands of Taquile, home to unique ancient cultures of fishing, farming and weaving, or spend some time visiting the floating Uros Islands, where you can meet with skilled reed raftsmen of the Uros-Aymara communities and get to know firsthand the remarkable heritage and the ancestral techniques used to keep their islands afloat. This afternoon, you can enjoy a choice of activities, from learning about local farming techniques to cycling through the fields of plateria, rafting through the lake reeds or enjoying some birdwatching. This evening, enjoy some spectacular stargazing alongside your guide to highlight some of the key visible constellations.
Day 10 Lake Titicaca – Lampa – Colca Canyon: Remote Colonial Architecture
Saying goodbye to the legendary lake, you’ll set off for Colca Canyon today. It’s a long but spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and wide vistas. En route you can stop to visit Lampa, a previous Spanish colonial stronghold showcasing examples of well-preserved period architecture. Known as the “Pink City” for the lively colours of its town walls, you’ll have time to tour its lovely church, old mansions and squares as well as the mysterious catacombs. Arriving to your lodge in the late afternoon, there’ll be time to refreshen up and unwind a bit before dinner.
Day 11 Colca Canyon: Andean Condors
Explore the Colca Canyon today. The first stop will be at Condor’s Cross, the best spot along the canyon to spy condors, the heaviest flying bird with the second largest wingspan, circling above. After managing to catch these majestic creatures on camera, travel deep into the canyon for dramatic views over the region, stopping at some of the canyon’s remote villages for some insight into daily life at these heights and to learn about one of the most notable cultural markers of the area, its embroidery. Arrive back to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon to relax amongst these stunning vistas. Not to be missed is a dip in the lodge’s natural hot springs beside soothing river that flows through the valley mountains surrounding you on every side. If looking for more activity still, you can take a short hike up from the lodge to a pre-Inca site before dinner.
Day 12 Colca Canyon – Arequipa: Drive Through Valleys & Canyons
Following breakfast, you’ll begin the four-hour drive along the winding roads of the Colca Canyon, past rural homes and herds of native vicuñas and alpacas down to the colonial city of Arequipa. Check in to the designer CIRQA hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner in the chandelier-adorned restaurant or out in the courtyard.
Day 13 Arequipa – Lima: Colonial City Tour
Your final morning is spent touring one of Peru’s prettiest cities, exploring Arequipa's historic buildings including the main square and cathedral made from white volcanic material (sillar) which gives Arequipa its familial title of ''the white city'. You’ll also spend some time at the extraordinary 16th-century Santa Catalina Convent, a huge complex of buildings that once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. It was only opened to the public in 1970 after 400 years as a cloister. Later, you’ll be taken to the airport to catch your flight to Lima and connect with your onward international flight, where your time in Peru comes to a close.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco
La Casona Inkaterra is an exquisite, Relais & Chateaux property set in a 16th-century mansion on a small, exclusive plaza of Cusco’s most high-end hotels, just a block from the city’s main square. With just 11 suites over three categories, the hotel offers one of the most personalised and upmarket services available in Cusco. Carefully restored to maintain its historical heritage, it offers contemporary luxury, without sacrificing authenticity and character. Check in is completed in guests’ rooms, which are spacious and elegantly decorated with colonial-style furnishings. Bathrooms are set in marble with a free-standing bath and separate shower. Suites have honesty bars, a complimentary mini bar and a raft of mod-cons. With the astounding variety of nearby dining options, a restaurant was not needed, however, breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea are served in the intimate dining room and guests can order drinks and snacks as room service from the staff/butler service. Given the size and impeccable experience, availability can be hard to guarantee and should be booked far in advance.
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge was an Orient Express property, now managed by the high-end Belmond group and has a truly privileged location. Just a few metres from the entrance to Machu Picchu, guests can be one of the first to enter or last to leave the ruins. Adhering to strict planning permission, the hotel has just 31 intimately sized rooms and suites with varying views, some of which have patios that open out to the garden. The small garden is home to orchids and hummingbirds, providing a bit of relief from the bustle of tourists outside the hotel during the day, as well as a small outdoor jacuzzi. There are two onsite restaurants: one serving a buffet lunch, popular with the day-trippers to the ruins, and the other serving a buffet breakfast and an a la carte lunch and dinner, offering a more secluded option during peak lunch hours. Although maintaining Belmond’s characteristically impeccable service, what you are really paying for is the location.
Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa, Sacred Valley
The Relais & Châteaux, Sol y Luna property is a rustic yet luxurious hotel with 38 spacious and beautifully decorated suites and bungalows, spread amongst the manicured grounds of the hotel. The separate casitas each have a living room, separate bedroom, walk-in closet and marble tiled bathroom, and some have a Jacuzzi on the terrace. The colourful, split-level bungalows set amongst the bright flowers and buzzing hummingbirds of the surrounding garden offer plenty of space and are perfect for families. The main building houses the Killa Wasi restaurant with mezzanine bar and a pool on the terrace outside. Much like the lodge itself, the restaurant has a formidable reputation of being one of the best in the area but is by no means pretentious. There is also a fantastic spa on the property and a horses’ stables, as Sol y Luna keeps its own Peruvian horses and aims to put on a show most days at the ‘Rancha’. The French owner is well known in the area and very involved in local community development. Proceeds from the business and onsite boutique shop selling locally made handicrafts go towards funding a local school set up by the hotel. This is truly a delightful place to stay offering tranquil positivity and luxurious quality.
Colca Lodge, Colca Canyon
Located at 3,250 above sea level and three-and-a-half hours from Arequipa on the banks of the River Colca, Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is surrounded by hundreds of pre-Incan terraces declared part of Peru’s cultural heritage. Boasting relaxing thermal springs rich in lithium and a tranquil spa right on the hotel’s grounds, it makes for the perfect place to unwind after a busy itinerary. The only real contender for an overnight option in the valley, the lodge is around an hour from the famed Condor’s Cross. After exploring the canyon, guests will welcome retiring back to a wonderful feast at the restaurant, followed by some downtime in one of the 45 rooms which offer simplicity with a bit of character facing the river and valley. There is also a short hike right from the hotel’s doorstep to a small pre-Inca archaeological site. The British owner is deeply involved in conservation efforts within the country, and proceeds go towards funding various community projects and encouraging responsible tourism in Peru.
Hotel B, Lima
One of the few boutique hotel options in Lima, Hotel B is our top pick for a bit of luxury and style. Situated in Barranco – the beating heart of the city’s art scene – modern art adorns the walls of this stylish property. Set in a colonial house, and the former home of president Leguia (1920s), the building has been elegantly refurbished with contemporary rooms either side of the pleasant courtyard where breakfast is served. It has a superb restaurant, which blends traditional Peruvian dishes with Mediterranean flavours, as well as a more informal deli. If you don’t feel like venturing out to one of Barranco’s many cool watering holes, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or on the rooftop terrace with great views to the coast, where cocktail classes can also be arranged. This is a beautiful property, offering comfort and character, in a fun part of town.
Titilaka, Puno
Five-star Titilaka is by far the most luxurious way of experiencing Lake Titicaca. This is an exclusive lodge situated on a secluded part of the lake's south-eastern shore, with 18 ‘dusk’ or ‘dawn’ suites boasting spectacular views and modern touches such as heated floors and i-pod docks. The peninsula on which the hotel sits is shared only with an indigenous Aymara community and is surrounded by four-acre grounds, pristine waters on three sides and two private beaches. There is a wonderful spa and intimate dining room, though guests can choose to dine in the privacy of their rooms. Stays are fully inclusive of meals created by Peruvian chef Maria Fe Garcia and excursions. Noted for its selection curated tours, the options are varied from mountain biking, kayaking and trekking to bird-watching and cultural experiences. When not out partaking in an activity, guests can lounge on the overwater deck or simply take in the sunset on the wrap-around, lakeside terrace with a cocktail.
CIRQA, Arequipa
Cirqa is the latest edition to the list of outstanding Relais & Chateaux properties found in Peru and is set in a building dating back to 1540, the same year the city itself was founded. By far Arequipa’s most high-end option, the five-star hotel boasts absolute luxury and an incredible location, a stone’s throw from the central Plaza de Armas. The owners of the renowned Titilaka property have brought this 11-room accommodation to Arequipa to offer an outstanding, personable service. Maintaining the building’s history and character, the hotel features a rustic look with exposed brick filled and designer furniture, whose natural colour scheme echos the volcanic sillar rock the walls (and much of the city) is made from. Rooms also boast cosy lighting, high ceilings and top-of-the-range amenities and mod-cons including the finest linens, organic toiletries and a smart HDTV with Netflix. The hotel facilities include a heated plunge pool, a therapy spa room and a salon. The kitchen aims to serve the best of Arequipeño cuisine, one of the most celebrated culinary regions in the country. Stays include a welcome drink, complimentary afternoon tea and snacks and a beverage hamper.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN PERU
Check out our group tours in Peru
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Peru. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Peru