13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Peru
Peru is a land of dramatic contrasts, where ancient civilizations and modern luxury converge. This 13-day itinerary is designed for travelers who seek the classic 'Gringo Trail' highlights but demand the comfort of world-class hotels, fine dining, and seamless, high-end logistics.
Your journey begins in the culinary capital of Lima before ascending to the Andean highlands. You will traverse the Sacred Valley, witness the majesty of Machu Picchu via the exclusive Hiram Bingham train, and cross the Altiplano to the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, all while enjoying the finest Peruvian hospitality.
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Coastal Elegance
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Upon landing, a private chauffeur will meet you for a transfer to the upscale district of Miraflores.
Larcomar Cliffside Exploration
Take a gentle stroll through this high-end shopping center built into the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunset Cocktails at Huaca Pucllana
Enjoy a Pisco Sour overlooking the illuminated pre-Inca pyramid ruins in the heart of the city.
Fine Dining at Astrid y Gastón
Experience the birthplace of modern Peruvian cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial mansion.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Gastronomy & Art
Larco Museum Private Tour
Explore one of the world's best collections of pre-Columbian art housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion.
Lunch at Central Restaurant
Dine at the world's top-ranked restaurant, featuring Virgilio Martínez’s altitude-based tasting menu.
Barranco Bohemian District Walk
Visit the Bridge of Sighs and private art galleries in Lima's most colorful and artistic neighborhood.
Nikkei Experience at Maido
Discover the incredible fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients at this award-winning establishment.
Day 3: Cusco, Peru - Gateway to the Incas
Domestic Flight to Cusco
Take a premium morning flight to the ancient Inca capital. Upon arrival, drink coca tea to help with altitude acclimation.
Plaza de Armas Exploration
Visit the stunning Cusco Cathedral and witness the blend of Spanish colonial and Inca masonry.
San Blas Neighborhood
Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of the artisans' quarter, visiting high-end alpaca boutiques.
Dinner at MAP Café
Enjoy contemporary Andean cuisine located inside the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Day 4: Cusco, Peru - Imperial Legacy
Sacsayhuamán Fortress Tour
Visit the massive megalithic ruins overlooking Cusco, showcasing incredible Inca engineering.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Explore the most important temple in the Inca Empire, now the site of the Santo Domingo Convent.
Tambomachay Water Temple
Observe the sophisticated Inca hydraulic systems at this sacred site outside the city center.
Evening at Cicciolina
Savor tapas and local wines in a warm, sophisticated loft atmosphere popular with global travelers.
Day 5: Sacred Valley, Peru - Andean Traditions
Private Transfer to Sacred Valley
Begin your descent into the valley, stopping at the Taray viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Urubamba River.
Awanakancha Living Museum
Meet llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas while learning about traditional weaving techniques from local experts.
Pisac Artisan Market
Browse high-quality silver jewelry, textiles, and ceramics in this world-famous mountain market.
Pisac Archaeological Site
Hike through the agricultural terraces and explore the hilltop ruins before checking into your luxury valley resort.
Day 6: Sacred Valley, Peru - Salt & Circles
Maras Salt Mines
Witness thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Marvel at the circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with microclimates.
Gourmet Lunch at MIL Centro
Experience another Virgil Martínez masterpiece, focusing on ingredients grown specifically in the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the massive stone structures of this 'Living Inca Town' before resting for your early train journey tomorrow.
Day 7: Machu Picchu, Peru - The First Class Ascent
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
Board the ultimate luxury train from Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a multi-course brunch, live music, and open-bar service in the observation car.
Arrival at Machu Picchu
Take the exclusive bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel entrance, bypassing the standard tourist crowds.
Private Sunset Tour
Explore the Sun Temple and Intihuatana with a private guide as the afternoon light illuminates the ruins.
Fine Dining in the Clouds
Relax with a world-class dinner at your lodge, surrounded by the mystical Andean peaks.
Day 8: Machu Picchu, Peru - Sunrise & Return
Machu Picchu Sunrise Experience
Witness the sun rise over the mountains from the Guardhouse, the most iconic photography spot in the world.
Hike to Huayna Picchu
Climb the steep peak overlooking the ruins for a bird's-eye view of the entire archaeological complex.
Afternoon Tea in Aguas Calientes
Relax at a high-end cafe by the Urubamba River before boarding your return train to Cusco.
Cusco Late Arrival
Check back into your Cusco luxury hotel and enjoy a quiet, locally sourced dinner.
Day 9: Puno, Peru - Across the Altiplano
Boarding the Belmond Andean Explorer
Embark on South America's first luxury sleeper train for a breathtaking journey across the high plains toward Lake Titicaca.
Stop at La Raya Pass
Disembark at 4,335 meters for photos of the snow-capped mountains and the historic local chapel.
Lunch in the Dining Car
Savor gourmet Peruvian cuisine while watching the dramatic landscape of the Altiplano shift through the window.
Arrival in Puno
Transfer to your luxury hotel located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Day 10: Lake Titicaca, Peru - The Sacred Waters
Private Boat to Uros Floating Islands
Visit the unique islands made entirely of totora reeds and learn about the lifestyle of the Uru people.
Taquile Island Cultural Immersion
Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family and learn about the island's UNESCO-recognized textile arts.
Sillustani Burial Towers
On the return trip, visit the pre-Incan funeral towers (chullpas) on the shores of Lake Umayo.
Dinner with Lake Views
Dine at the hotel's panoramic restaurant, sampling local trout and Andean grains like quinoa.
Day 11: Paracas, Peru - Desert & Sea
Flight to Lima and Transfer to Paracas
Fly from Juliaca to Lima, where a private luxury SUV awaits to drive you 3 hours south to the Paracas Peninsula.
Lunch at the Marina
Enjoy the freshest ceviche in the country overlooking the yachts and the Pacific coastline.
Poolside Relaxation
Take advantage of the resort's luxury amenities to recover from the high-altitude portion of your trip.
Fine Dining in Paracas
Indulge in a Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion dinner at the hotel's signature restaurant.
Day 12: Paracas, Peru - The Poor Man's Galapagos
Private Yacht to Ballestas Islands
View sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of sea birds, along with the mysterious 'Candelabra' geoglyph.
Paracas National Reserve Private Tour
Visit the Red Beach and the Cathedral rock formation within the stunning desert-meets-ocean landscape.
Luxury Desert Picnic
Enjoy a private, catered lunch set up in a secluded spot among the dunes of the reserve.
Sunset Kayaking
Paddle through the calm waters of the bay as the desert sun dips below the horizon.
Day 13: Lima, Peru - Last Flavors
Drive back to Lima
A private transfer takes you back along the Pan-American Highway to Lima for your final day.
Shopping at Dédalo Arte y Artesanía
Pick up high-end souvenirs and contemporary Peruvian crafts in this trendy Barranco shop.
Final Pisco Tasting
Visit a historic tavern for a guided tasting of different pisco grapes and traditional cocktails.
Airport Transfer for Departure
Head to the airport for your international flight home with memories of an unforgettable Peruvian journey.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from May to September. This period offers clear blue skies in the Andes, which is essential for visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. While it is winter in Peru, the days are sunny and pleasant, though nights in the highlands can be quite cold. The coastal region around Lima is often misty during these months, but remains comfortable for city exploration.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops in Lima and Cusco widely accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is always advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and tipping. Tipping is standard in the tourism industry; 10% is customary in restaurants, and small tips for guides and drivers are highly appreciated.
Getting Around Peru
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to travel between major cities is via domestic flights (LATAM is the most reliable). Within the Andean region, high-end trains like the PeruRail Vistadome or the Belmond Hiram Bingham offer a scenic and comfortable alternative. For local transit, private chauffeured transfers are the safest and most efficient way to navigate cities and rural areas like the Sacred Valley.
