Home to some of the oldest and most impressive ruins in the world, and featuring one of the most diverse collections of biomes within a single nations borders, Peru has long been a popular destination for travellers seeking adventure and legend.
But an increasing number of travelers are discovering another face to this South American country, one of modern and innovative services, luxurious accommodations and activities that – while still adventurous and thrilling – also offer a significant degree of comfort and class.
Here are just a few of the signature high-end experiences that you will not want to miss during a luxury tour of Peru. This isnt the Peru you imagined, but its the Peru you will dream of.
Cruise the Amazon
Float down the Peruvian Amazon in a floating boutique hotel, complete with personal chefs, king size beds, air conditioning, and hot showers. Choose either the Delfin I or II, wood-paneled boats with three decks each, respectively.
Your days are occupied with pre-planned day-trips on the surrounding river, or to nearby port-towns, while your nights are spent lounging in an on-deck Jacuzzi with panoramic views of the Amazon River and rainforest.
Multi day tours leave from Nauta, a port town just outside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which is a well-known home to the legendary pink dolphin of the Amazon.
Luxury Collection Paracas
A Starwood Hotel, the Luxury Collection Paracas is a feast for the eye featuring modern style architecture that serves only to accentuate the Paracas Natural Reserve near which it is located.
Each of the 120 rooms and suites feature either an ocean or garden view with large, comfortable beds and accompanied by other modern comforts like iPod docking stations and LCD TVs. Guests can discover luxuries outside of the living quarters as well, relaxing at one of three pools or indulging in one of many spa treatments from the hotels state-of-the-art facility. Various dining options are also available, featuring a Peruvian/Mediterranean restaurant and an Italian Trattoria.
Exploring beyond the hotel grounds, one will find a variety of activities. You can take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, featuring different marine birds and sea lions, or even go for a flight over the Nazca Lines in the hotels own private plane. Closer to the hotel, guests can also explore the process behind the countrys signature drink with the offering of pisco winery tours in Paracas.
Trek the Andes in luxury
Your journey begins at 20,600ft, in a lodge offering a well-stocked lounge bar, (with optional pisco-sour classes) rooms with private bathrooms, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.
But this is no ordinary hotel stay. You are at just the beginning of a 6 day trek that will take you along a mixture of rigorous hiking trails and stone paths paved by the Incas themselves.
Stopping to spend your nights in comfortable luxury lodges, this trip showcases all the triumph and adventure of the Inca Trail, but couples it with comfort and class, allowing you to end each strenuous day with a hot shower.
A night on the lake
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and has long been a popular destination for low budget travellers and backpackers. But, those seeking luxury will find a special treat: in the Lakes far corner is its only private island, Isla Suasi, home to a luxurious, boutique eco-lodge.
24 rooms are equipped with skylights and balconies that allow you a breathtaking view of the lake, full sized warm beds, and pressurized oxygen upon request. The private, two-bedroom suite with a living room bar, Jacuzzi tub, two fireplaces, a private pier, and round-the-clock Butler service is, however, the pride and joy accommodation of this small resort.
Suasi is first and foremost an ecological haven focused on preserving the flora and fauna native to the region, and through extensive preservation efforts, it has become a nature-enthusiasts dream. Photography, sketching, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of environmentally engaging activities available to guests on this peaceful, meditative island.
Luxury in Lima
The Miraflores Park Hotel is situated atop one of the tallest buildings in Limas main commercial and shopping district, Miraflores. A bustling city of over 9 million, Lima is often over-looked by world travelers, but with the right accommodation and guide you can enjoy the best this city has to offer.
Choose from a Junior Suite with an in-room sauna and a roman-tub, or a Deluxe Suite with a private terrace and an outdoor-rooftop pool. All rooms feature privileged views of Miraflores beautiful rocky beach coast. Also available is the Bath Butler program which allows you plan an entire day of massages, saunas, and aroma baths. Leave the hotel to experience Miraflores world-renowned fine-dining, and nightlife.