Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
Top Luxury Services by Valencia Travel
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2022-08-25
From the imposing peaks of the Andes to the biodiverse Amazon Rainforest, Peru will entice you with tales of lost cities and ancient civilizations. The spirit of adventure is never far away on a vacation in Peru. What if we told you that you could experience all of the mystical and magical adventures in Peru, trekking the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and taking the high-class train to the magnificent Lake Titicaca on a luxury vacation to this culturally-rich country and its most significant sites, including all of the exquisite creature-comforts along the way? Here is an introduction to the luxury side of our adventures through Peru for your vacation. When it comes to tourist attractions, Peru is truly blessed. Now luxury travelers can enjoy it with style. First, the country has the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the most popular site in South America. You can reach it by train and stay at luxury hotels in the Sacred Valley. Fortunately, Peru is not a country with only one attraction: there is much to see beyond a mysterious city lost in the mountains.
Machu Picchu
Lima
The city of Lima has innumerable luxury services. Modern hotels built on the cliffs of the Costa Verde or in the heart of residential areas, with restaurants, bar, disco, spa, nursery, beauty salons, car rental, flight reservations, ATMs, exchange offices, laundry, car wash ... and a step away, culture, entertainment, cinemas, theaters, museum-room, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, bowling and dozens of shops with alpaca and vicuña clothing, gold and silver jewelry, and crafts. Miraflores and San Isidro are the districts of the financial and residential areas of the city with five-star hotels. Lima also has some of the most exquisite restaurants in Latin America and the world, with 2 of the top ten world restaurants.
Costa Verde, Lima
Cusco
Cusco is one of the most charming and attractive cities in Latin America. Located at 11,000 feet / 3500 meters in the Andes, it is a mixture of ancient Inca walls and colonial architecture, with surprises at the end of each cobblestone alley. In the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, many other places are worth visiting, all providing a spectacular mountainous landscape and a growing selection of luxury and boutique hotels and restaurants.
Plaza de Armas, Cusco
The Sacred Valley
So many people miss out on the Sacred Valley of The Incas, but this stunning area is well worth a visit. Thanks to its unique climate, the valley is lush with vegetation, multicolored flowers bloom all year, and a shy sun keeps the temperature mild. It is also home to a host of Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray, which we visit on this tour. After a busy few days, haggling at the markets in Cusco or hiking through the Andes, it is the perfect location to spend a night or two relaxing in several exquisite luxury accommodations available.
Maras Salt Pans
The Short Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a bucket list item for many people. The short trek enters the classic Inca Trail on day 3, meaning that you hike for one day and still arrive at Machu Picchu through the magnificent Sun gate. Along the hike, pass through dense cloud forest with its wide variety of plants, flowers, birds, and, if we are lucky, some of the local mammals such as Vizcachas (chinchillas) or the rare Spectacled Bear. After a day of trekking, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon for our first views of Machu Picchu, stretched over the mountain ridge below. The lighting at this hour of the day makes for amazing pictures. Descending from the Sun Gate, we continue along the beautiful paved stone path to Machu Picchu, but only to the famous “look-out point” above the central part of the citadel. Stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the archaeological site with impressive views over Machu Picchu, an onsite massage service and exquisite cuisine. Be the first to enter Machu Picchu for your guided tour the following morning and beat the crowds making their way to this iconic archaeological site. We return to Cusco on the exclusive Hiram Bingham luxury train service, reminiscent of the orient express and with all of the culinary delights and fabulous service that one would expect.
Inca Trail
Titicaca
We will take the magnificent Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno. The Belmond Andean Explorer train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian Highlands. During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes. During the journey, you will enjoy the finest in gourmet food as you glide through the Andes, with traditional music, a fashion show and views that will leave you agape. The following day we visit this gigantic, awe-inspiring lake with Uros and Taquile, which are fascinating islands that form part of Lake Titicaca. Surrounded by a spectacular landscape, the floating island of the Uros is characterized by way of life of the native islanders, with their buildings made with the aquatic plant "totora," and the natural island of Taquile, with its impressive Inca terraces, are among the spectacular landscapes of the Lake Titicaca.
Titicaca Train
Ask us about our luxury services for treks in the Cusco region. Remember that adventure doesn’t have to be about roughing it. Visit Peru with a sense of unparalleled experience yet with all of the luxuries you deserve at exquisite hotels, with delectable cuisine and unique adventure. Book here now!