Explore the Peruvian Andes on the Acclaimed Andean Explorer

© Belmond

Nothing says ‘luxury Peru vacation’ like the Andean Explorer, a regal and refined Belmond train that specializes in luxury rail travel through the Andes Mountains. It departs from Arequipa but not before you spend time discovering the historical delights of the rich Spanish Colonial city. 

As you sleep soundly in your private cabin, the Explorer whisks you to Lake Titicaca for sunrise where you will meet the Uros people, an indigenous group of Peruvians who have lived on self-built floating islands in the lake for centuries. After a second night on board, the train reaches its final destination, the Incan city of Cusco.

As much as a journey on the Andean Explorer is about adventure and exploration through one of South America’s most culture-rich regions, it’s also about the train journey itself. From the moment you arrive at the platform to the moment it bids you farewell, the train showers its passengers with luxury. 

The contemporary-classic cars dressed with Andean art and textiles offer sumptuous and spacious areas to dine, mingle, observe the scenery, and sleep. From the high-end interiors to the five-star service, every moment small and big is made to feel special on the Andean Explorer. One of the highlights, however, is eating freshly prepared Andean cuisine before mingling over cocktails as a pianist performs in the background. 

Escape to a luxury Sacred Valley retreat

While most of Peru’s highlights evoke excitement and adventure, a stop in the Sacred Valley invites rest and relaxation instead. Surrounded by tranquil mountains, the Sacred Valley is a 40-mile-long valley stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu at the Andes foothills that sirens escapist travelers. 

Otherwise known as ‘the Valley of the Incas’, it was once home to a wealthy Inca community who made full use of its fertile land. As a result, the region is peppered with beautiful Inca ruins along with charming Quechua farming communities and a selection of the country’s finest luxury retreats.

Choose between wellness and spa retreats, spiritual centers, private villas, and even a historic monastery for the ultimate sense of sanctum. Whichever type of retreat you choose, you’ll be spoilt with uninterrupted bedroom views across the valley, nourishing farm-to-fork food, a lush garden to lose yourself in, and best of all, spa treatments inspired by Inca and Andean traditions. 

The Most Luxurious Way to Experience Machu Picchu

When venturing to somewhere as epic as Machu Picchu, there’s no point doing things by halves; they deserve to be done right. From the journey to the destination, the experience can be made luxurious in both big ways and small. By following this guide to a luxurious Machu Picchu experience, it is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Take the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu

© Belmond

If you are looking for the most luxurious way to experience Machu Picchu, look no further than the Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Renowned as one of the most luxurious and exclusive train rides in the world, the service it provides to Machu Picchu may just exceed the delight of seeing the ancient Inca citadel.

Th 1930s Pullman carriages complete with wood-paneled walls and gold trims, traditional table lamps, and armchair-style seating are an unbeatable setting to watch the train weave through the Andes Mountains. Along the way, tuck into a freshly made four-course dinner served with a regional wine, sip on a Pisco sour, and listen to a live Andean band to further immerse you in this unforgettable cultural experience.

The Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu is a highly sought-after experience that needs to be booked way in advance. To learn more about it, read our Hiram Bingham Train Review here.

Get a Private Guide in Machu Picchu

Forget the world-class Machu Picchu trains and hotels, a private guided tour through the citadel is one of the best ways to ensure a luxurious experience. Visiting this New Wonder of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that shouldn’t be shared. A private guide will show you around the citadel at your own pace, give you their full undivided attention, and be available to answer all your questions. As a result, you’ll receive a more enriching tour and leave with a greater understanding of what this mysterious citadel in the sky is.

Plan luxury hotel stays on the Inka Trail

Hiking is never glamorous, especially when done across multiple days in the hot and arduous Peruvian Andes. However, choosing to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu rather than take the train doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury altogether. The physically enduring moments can be balanced by a bit of well-deserved luxury. Treat yourself to the most upscale hotels and restaurants at your start and end destination for some much-needed r&r. Not only will it help you feel more prepared for the hike but it will also give you greater motivation to complete it too!

Take a Foodie Tour in the Culinary Capital of South America

Although our aforementioned ideas are the epitome of luxury Peru tours, some might say that the most luxurious way to experience a country is actually through its cuisine. Thanks to its daringly delicious take on South American cuisine, Lima has long been crowned the culinary capital of this hunger-quenching continent. Therefore, we argue that a luxury vacation in Peru isn’t complete without scheduling a few days to eat your way around Lima’s most venerated restaurants. 

The capital city is home to 30 Michelin-star restaurants alone, some of which frequent The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list including Mayta, Maido, and Central (which took the top spot in 2023). Understandably, they are hard to get into but if booked in advance with the assistance of an in-the-know travel agency, your name will be on that table reservation you most covet. In Lima’s top restaurants, you’ll get to explore the wonders of Peru’s culture, history, and even its ecosystems through unique takes on delicious local dishes like ceviche, cuy, and lomo saltado.

Find Out More About Our Luxury Peru Tours

Totally Latin America is specialized in putting a luxurious spin on any South America trip. We know the best hotels to stay in, the best restaurants to eat at, the best tours to take, and the best ways to travel. Find out more about how we can put a luxurious touch to your Peru trip with our luxury Peru tours and itineraries by asking our expert travel planners here or calling toll-free on +1 855 217 9045.