Peru Luxury Travel? You Better Believe It! The Andes Go World-Class!
As late as five years ago, Peru was considered something of a backpacker’s destination – a land of hostels and cheap digs, surrounding the gem of Machu Picchu. Since then, so very much has changed and, in our opinion, Peru has become a must for the most discerning traveler!
Lima Luxury Travel
For many traveling in Peru, Lima has been little more than a night in the airport hotel before the morning flight to Cusco and the Inca ruins speckling the Andes. But, with a recent refurbishment of the beautiful Colonial center and a culinary revolution, we believe Lima deserves a longer stay.
Spend the first part of your day strolling the gorgeous city center – colonial mansions and cathedrals, the spooky catacombs under the city – with a private guide. In Peru, each guide earns a degree and must be licensed, so they are usually fantastic!
You’ll then speed to the coast for lunch. Nestled on the green cliffs overlooking the Pacific, the modern and very hip districts of Miraflores and San Isidro and the charming turn-of-the-century Barranco offer world-class dining and laid-back ease. You’ll enjoy the ceviche and seafood delights of Gaston Acurio – Peru’s world-famous culinary king – in some of the most stellar restaurants we’ve ever encountered. In fact, eat as much as possible in Lima. It is the heart of Peru’s current culinary explosion!
End your day in one of the absolutely gorgeous hotels lining the coast! There’s something about the ocean air and sunsets lengthening the shadows in your fabulous hotel room that encourages incredibly deep relaxation.
The Andes and Machu Picchu Luxury Travel
In the Andes, options for luxury travelers abound! In Cusco, you can relax in the subdued elegance of La Casona, enjoying the incredibly personalized attention and original 16th Century frescoes; you can stay in the famous Monasterio (frequented by celebs like Richard Gere and Jim Carrey), with its gorgeous bar and ancient fig tree. There’s Casa Cartagena, The Novotel, La Libertador, and more! With incredible spas, gracious service and beautiful décor, a traveler in Cusco is spoiled with choice!
The same goes for dining options. Acurio’s fantastic modern take on Andean cuisine – Chicha – overlooks a beautiful Colonial square. Cicciolina offers some of the best food we’ve had anywhere (black beer osso bucco anyone?) and Limo’s Plaza de Armas views and delicate creations delight the senses.
From Cusco, Orient-Express offers the Hiram Bingham train service. This top-of-the-line experience includes train interiors marked by grace and beauty, impeccable service, wonderful dining and even performances and classes. The luxury in the train though, is outdone by the beauty of the scenery you’ll wend through on your way to the base of Machu Picchu.
For the ultimate experience, stay in the Sanctuary Lodge, just outside the entrance to Machu Picchu. You’ll be the first through the gates of one of the world’s greatest wonders and you’ll soak up the rising sun in silence and awe!
Amazon and Northern Coast Luxury Travel
Peru boasts incredible tracts of untouched Amazonian rainforest and exclusive lodges by Inkaterra and others let you explore and enjoy! The northern coast of Peru has long been a vacation destination for Lima’s elite and world-class surfers, but with new hotels opening in secluded locations, more discerning travelers are taking advantage of quiet beaches, fresh seafood and relaxed fun.
Private Guided Travel
Of course, the ultimate in luxury is enjoying vacation stress-free, with the knowledge that every perfect detail will be taken care of and that you are experiencing the absolute best the country has to offer. We at Kuoda have been happy to be at the forefront of offering private luxury travel experiences to travelers in Peru for almost a decade and we invite you to let us help craft a fabulous journey in this incredible country!