Peru isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of luxury, but there’s a whole world of high-end indulgence just waiting to be experienced.
The real gems of any Peruvian holiday are its phenomenal landscapes, culture and history. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it all in style!
Here are three ways you can do Peru in lavish luxury.
1. A LUXURIOUS TRAIN RIDE TO THE CRADLE OF AN ANCIENT CIVILISATION
The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
Visiting Machu Pichu usually brings to mind images of tents, walking sticks and muddy shoes. But you don’t need to “rough it” to experience the thrill of visiting one of the wonders of the world, despite what you may think.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxury train experience from the beautiful city of Cuzco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to wonderous Machu Pichu.
The train’s lavish wagons, furnished with wood-panel and brass to evoke that classic 1920s old European style, are equally matched by the top-notch service and gourmet cuisine onboard.
Staring outside your window as your train journeys through the Peruvian highlands alongside the Urubamba River is one way to pass your time, another is in the onboard bar, where local musicians sing and dance tradition Peruvian music. And that’s just for starters.
2. LAP UP THE LUXURY IN CHARMING AREQUIPA
Arequipa. Credit: Renzo Tasso / PromPerú
A colonial city that oozes charm, Arequipa offers discerning travellers the chance to lap up luxury whilst surrounded by elegant baroque architecture built from sillar, a type of white volcanic stone.
The stone, which has given the city its nickname, “Ciudad Blanca” (White City), comes from the nearby volcanoes that flank its boundaries.
World-class restaurants are common here. In fact, the city played an influential role in the development of Peru’s gastronomic renaissance.
From boutique hotels, trendy bars and amazing spas, Peru’s second largest city (after Lima) has all the modern comforts and conveniences you seek.
And just outside the city, a world of culture, adventure and relaxation await, such as a visit to Colca Canyon, home to hot springs and pre-Inca archaeological site surrounded by a breathtaking mountainous topography.
3. AHOY! CRUISING PERU IN STYLE
Amazona River, Loreto; Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú
Modern ports and facilities, world-class cruise ships and fascinating destinations en route make luxury cruising the Peruvian coastline an intoxicating introduction into Peru’s rich and varied culture, landscape and food.
Luxury cruise ships have been docking along Peru’s more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline for more than 10 years, giving travellers the chance to explore this part of the continent in comfort and style, returning to their luxurious staterooms after each fascinating day of exploration.
Most cruise itineraries include time on the Amazon River on their way through Peru before continuing onwards to Chile or Ecuador—depending on which direction you’re travelling—which makes cruising around Peru an excellent way to see more of South America.
For more information on how to do Peru in luxury, visit the Peru tourism website here.