17-Day Ultimate Peru Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys
Peru is a land where ancient history and modern luxury converge in spectacular fashion. This 17-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to uncover the secrets of the Incas without compromising on comfort. You will navigate the high Andes aboard world-class trains, dine in some of the globe's most acclaimed restaurants, and stay in converted palaces that whisper tales of colonial splendor.
This itinerary balances deep cultural immersion with necessary moments of relaxation. From the misty Pacific coastline of Lima to the sacred peaks of the Sacred Valley, every transition is handled with premium transport and expert private guiding. Prepare for a transformative journey through the heart of the Andes, where every detail is curated for an unforgettable escape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Coastal Elegance
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Touch down in Lima and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer to the upscale district of Miraflores. Enjoy the coastal breeze as you settle into your ocean-front suite.
Stroll through Parque del Amor
Take a gentle walk along the Malecón, Lima's scenic cliffside boardwalk. Visit the Romantic Love Park, famous for its Gaudí-inspired mosaics and statue by Víctor Delfín.
Welcome Dinner at Huaca Pucllana
Dine amidst the illuminated ruins of a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid. This restaurant offers a stunning juxtaposition of ancient history and contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
Pisco Sour Masterclass
End your first night with a private tasting of Peru’s national drink at a sophisticated bar in Miraflores.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Gastronomy & History
Historic Center Private Tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the stunning Convent of Santo Domingo with its library of ancient scrolls.
Lunch at Central Restaurant
Experience the world-renowned 'Elevations' menu by Virgilio Martínez, consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants on the planet.
Larco Museum Private Visit
Visit this 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pyramid, housing the finest pre-Columbian gold and silver collection in the world.
Bohemian Barranco Walk
Explore the artsy district of Barranco, visiting local galleries and the iconic 'Bridge of Sighs' as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Day 3: Arequipa, Peru - The White City Arrival
Luxury Flight to Arequipa
Take a short morning flight to the southern city of Arequipa, framed by three magnificent volcanoes.
Lunch at Chicha by Gastón Acurio
Enjoy local Arequipeño specialties like Rocoto Relleno in a beautifully restored colonial building.
Santa Catalina Monastery
Walk through this 'city within a city,' a convent of vibrant blue and terracotta walls that served as a secluded home for nuns for centuries.
Yanahuara Viewpoint
Visit the arches of Yanahuara for a panoramic view of the Misti Volcano during the golden hour.
Day 4: Arequipa, Peru - Colonial Splendor
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Explore one of Peru's most unique cathedrals, stretching the entire length of the Plaza de Armas and housing a massive Belgian organ.
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
See 'Juanita the Ice Maiden,' the perfectly preserved mummy of an Inca girl found on the slopes of Mt. Ampato.
Sillar Route Workshop
Visit the quarries where the white volcanic stone (Sillar) that gives the city its name is extracted and carved by master artisans.
Fine Dining at Zig Zag
Enjoy an Alpi-Andean fusion dinner featuring volcanic stone-grilled meats in a cozy, historic atmosphere.
Day 5: Colca Canyon, Peru - Into the Deep
Private Drive to Colca Valley
A scenic 4-hour drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, spotting wild vicuñas and alpacas along the way.
Andean Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a private, luxury picnic overlooking the terraces of the Colca Valley, prepared by a personal chef.
La Calera Thermal Baths
Soak in natural hot springs rich in minerals to help acclimate to the higher altitude of the canyon region.
Dinner at Belmond Las Casitas
Savor a farm-to-table meal within the grounds of one of Peru’s most exclusive lodges.
Day 6: Colca Canyon, Peru - Flight of the Condors
Cruz del Condor Viewpoint
Witness the majestic Andean Condors soaring on thermal drafts over one of the world's deepest canyons.
Traditional Village Tours
Visit the colonial churches of Maca and Yanque, observing the intricate traditional embroidery of the local Colca women.
Luxury Van Transfer to Puno
Begin the journey toward Lake Titicaca in a private vehicle equipped with oxygen and refreshments for the high-altitude pass.
Arrival in Lake Titicaca
Check into your luxury lodge located directly on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world.
Day 7: Puno, Peru - Sacred Waters of Titicaca
Private Boat to Uros Floating Islands
Explore the unique islands built entirely of totora reeds and learn about the lifestyle of the Uros people from a private guide.
Taquile Island Cultural Immersion
Visit Taquile Island, famous for its UNESCO-recognized weaving traditions. Enjoy a private lunch with a local family overlooking the blue waters.
Sunset Kayaking on the Lake
Paddle through the calm reeds of the lake as the sky turns orange and purple over the Bolivian mountains.
Lakeside Gourmet Dinner
Relax with a dinner focused on Andean grains like quinoa and fresh lake trout prepared with modern techniques.
Day 8: Puno to Cusco - The Belmond Andean Explorer
Board the Belmond Andean Explorer
Embark on South America's first luxury sleeper train for a breathtaking journey across the Altiplano toward Cusco.
Fine Dining in the Carriage
Enjoy a three-course lunch in the elegant dining car as the dramatic mountain scenery passes by your window.
La Raya Stop
Disembark at the highest point of the route (4,319m) for a photo opportunity and a visit to a local artisan market.
Cocktails in the Observation Car
Sip a Pisco Sour under the starlit Andean sky as the train glides toward the Imperial City of Cusco.
Day 9: Cusco, Peru - Imperial Leisure
Arrival in Cusco & Hotel Check-in
Arrive in Cusco and transfer to a historic boutique hotel. Take the morning to rest and hydrate with coca tea to finalize your acclimatization.
Lunch at Cicciolina
Visit this local favorite for tapas-style Andean fusion in a charming second-floor colonial space.
San Blas Artisan District
Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the artists' quarter, visiting workshops of master woodcarvers and weavers.
Pre-Inca Art Museum (MAP) Visit
Explore this beautifully curated museum followed by a quiet dinner in the museum’s glass-walled courtyard restaurant.
Day 10: Sacred Valley, Peru - Pisac Ruins & Market
Drive to the Sacred Valley
Descend into the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the climate is milder and the landscapes are dominated by the Urubamba River.
Pisac Archaeological Site
Explore the vast agricultural terraces and the hilltop fortress of Pisac with a private historian guide.
Private Garden Lunch
Enjoy a secluded lunch in a private hacienda, surrounded by Andean flora and traditional music.
Pisac Traditional Market
Visit the vibrant market to find high-quality alpaca textiles and handmade ceramics directly from the artisans.
Day 11: Sacred Valley, Peru - Maras & Moray
Moray Agricultural Laboratory
Discover the enigmatic circular terraces of Moray, used by the Incas as an experimental agricultural station.
Maras Salt Mines
View the thousands of ancient salt ponds that have been harvested since pre-Inca times, creating a stunning white patchwork on the hillside.
MIL Centro Culinary Experience
Dine at the research center of chef Virgilio Martínez, overlooking the ruins of Moray for a deeply conceptual meal.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the last living Inca town and climb the massive stone terraces of the sun temple.
Day 12: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Hiram Bingham Journey
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
Board the 1920s-style luxury train for the most exclusive rail journey to Aguas Calientes, featuring live music and brunch.
Afternoon Machu Picchu Tour
Enter the Citadel in the afternoon when most crowds have left. Enjoy a private 3-hour guided tour of the most sacred sectors.
Tea Time at Sanctuary Lodge
Enjoy afternoon tea at the only hotel located directly at the entrance gates of the ruins.
Overnight in the Cloud Forest
Stay at a luxury jungle lodge in Aguas Calientes, listening to the sounds of the Vilcanota River.
Day 13: Machu Picchu, Peru - Huayna Picchu & Return
Huayna Picchu Hike
For the adventurous, climb the iconic peak for a bird's eye view of the entire Machu Picchu complex.
Free Exploration of the Ruins
Take a final walk through the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge for quiet reflection on this wonder of the world.
Vistadome return to Ollantaytambo
Return through the scenic valley in the panoramic Vistadome train, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco.
Celebratory Dinner in Cusco
Celebrate your journey at MAP Café, located in the heart of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Day 14: Cusco, Peru - Sacsayhuamán & Temples
Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Visit the massive megalithic walls overlooking Cusco, marveling at stones weighing over 100 tons fitted perfectly together.
Qenqo & Puca Pucara
Explore the limestone labyrinth and the 'Red Fortress' located just outside the city center.
Andean Cooking Class
Participate in a private workshop to learn how to make traditional Lomo Saltado and causa with local ingredients.
Koricancha Temple of the Sun
Visit the most important temple of the Inca Empire, upon which the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Day 15: Paracas, Peru - Coastal Desert Escape
Fly Cusco to Lima
Take a morning flight back to the capital and meet your private driver for a luxury transfer south.
Private Transfer to Paracas
Enjoy the 3.5-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway in a premium SUV with refreshments provided.
Arrival at Paracas Bay
Check into your beachfront resort and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Seafood Degustation
Dine on the freshest ceviche and tiraditos at your resort’s signature seafood restaurant.
Day 16: Paracas, Peru - Ballestas Islands & Reserve
Private Yacht to Ballestas Islands
Charter a private boat to the 'Galapagos of Peru' to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.
Paracas National Reserve Private Tour
Explore the dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes, including the Red Beach and the Cathedral rock formation.
Dune Buggy & Sandboarding
Head to the nearby Huacachina Oasis for a luxury private dune buggy ride across the golden sands at sunset.
Stargazing in the Desert
Enjoy a private desert dinner set up under the clear coastal sky with white-glove service.
Day 17: Paracas to Lima - Departure
Leisurely Morning by the Pool
Spend your final morning relaxing at the resort, enjoying the spa or the infinity pool overlooking the bay.
Final Coastal Lunch
A final taste of Peruvian 'Nikkei' (Japanese-Peruvian) fusion before departing the coast.
Private Transfer to Lima Airport
Begin the comfortable 3-hour drive directly to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your evening flight home.
International Flight Departure
Board your flight home, concluding your 17-day epic luxury journey through Peru.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the winter dry season from May to October. This period offers clear blue skies in the Andes, making it perfect for visiting Machu Picchu and trekking. July and August are the peak months with the best weather but the highest tourist numbers. For a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder months of May and September. The wet season (November to April) is beautiful and green, though you should expect rain showers in the mountains.
Currency & Money
The local 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 essential to carry some cash for smaller markets and tips. Tipping is customary in Peru; 10% is standard in restaurants, and small tips for guides and drivers are greatly appreciated. You will find ATMs in all major cities, but it's best to use those located inside bank branches for security.
Getting Around Peru
Getting around Peru in luxury involves a combination of short domestic flights and premium rail journeys. For long distances (Lima to Arequipa or Cusco to Lima), LATAM Airlines offers the most reliable service. The Belmond Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham trains provide world-class rail experiences between Puno, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Within cities, private chauffeured cars are the safest and most efficient way to travel. For the southern coast, private SUV transfers provide a scenic and comfortable alternative to public buses.
