18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys in Peru
Peru is a land of profound contrasts, where ancient Incan traditions meet modern culinary brilliance. This 18-day 'Epic Journey' is meticulously designed for those who seek the highest level of comfort without sacrificing the raw beauty of the Andes or the Amazon. From private flights over the Nazca lines to first-class rail journeys, every detail is curated to provide a seamless and opulent experience.
Expect to stay in converted colonial monasteries, dine at some of the world's highest-ranked restaurants, and explore world wonders with expert private guides. This is more than a vacation; it is a deep dive into the soul of South America, wrapped in the luxury of the continent's finest hospitality.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival in the Gastronomic Capital
Chauffeur Transfer to Miraflores
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a comfortable transfer to the cliffside district of Miraflores. Check into your ocean-view suite at a premium hotel.
Stroll through Parque del Amor
Enjoy a gentle walk along the Malecón, admiring the Pacific Ocean views and the famous 'El Beso' sculpture in the Garden of Love.
Welcome Dinner at Astrid y Gastón
Indulge in a world-renowned tasting menu at this legendary restaurant housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, Casa Moreyra.
Nightcap in Barranco
Experience the bohemian charm of the Barranco district with a cocktail at a high-end boutique bar overlooking the 'Bridge of Sighs'.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - A Culinary Masterclass
Private Market Tour
Explore a local vibrant market with a professional chef to learn about Peru's unique ingredients, from exotic fruits to various potato species.
Exclusive Ceviche Workshop
Learn the secrets of preparing the perfect Peruvian ceviche in a private session followed by a multi-course seafood lunch.
Larco Museum Private Tour
Visit this exquisite museum housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion, featuring one of the world's most impressive collections of pre-Columbian art.
Dining at Central
Experience the innovative 'Altitudes' menu at Central, consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the world.
Day 3: Lima, Peru - Colonial Splendor & Coastal Art
Historic Center Exploration
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, and the stunning Convent of San Francisco with its hidden catacombs.
Lunch at Huaca Pucllana
Dine amidst the ruins of an ancient pre-Inca pyramid, enjoying modern Peruvian cuisine with a view of history.
MATE Museum Visit
Explore the Mario Testino Museum in Barranco, showcasing the work of the famous Peruvian fashion photographer in a restored mansion.
Sunset Dinner in Miraflores
Relax at a high-end seafood restaurant on the pier, watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Day 4: Paracas, Peru - The Coastal Desert Journey
Luxury Private Transport to Paracas
Travel south in a premium SUV through the coastal desert, enjoying the starkly beautiful landscapes where the dunes meet the sea.
Resort Check-in
Arrive at your luxury desert oasis resort, featuring a private pier and spa facilities overlooking the Paracas Bay.
Paracas National Reserve Tour
Explore the 'Red Beach' and the Cathedral rock formation in a private 4x4 vehicle with a specialized guide.
Pisco Tasting Experience
Learn about the production of Peru's national spirit with a private tasting session of premium Pisco varieties.
Day 5: Paracas & Nazca, Peru - Flight Over the Mysteries
Private Nazca Lines Overflight
Board a luxury Cessna aircraft for a private flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, viewing the Hummingbird, Spider, and Monkey from the air.
Huacachina Oasis Lunch
Visit the picturesque Huacachina lagoon and enjoy a private lunch at the edge of the desert dunes.
Luxury Dune Buggy Safari
Experience the thrill of the desert in a high-performance dune buggy followed by private sundowners on top of a giant dune.
Gourmet Seafood Dinner
Savor fresh scallops and octopus prepared with local flavors back at your Paracas resort.
Day 6: Paracas to Lima, Peru - Marine Life & Relaxation
Private Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Depart on a private speed boat to see sea lions, penguins, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.
Spa Morning
Enjoy a relaxing massage using local salts and minerals at the resort's world-class spa.
Afternoon Return to Lima
Relax in your private transport as you head back to Lima for your final night before the Andean leg of the journey.
Farewell to the Coast Dinner
Dine at Maido to experience Nikkei cuisine—a fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients.
Day 7: Sacred Valley, Peru - Entering the Incan Heartland
Flight to Cusco & Transfer
Fly from Lima to Cusco and immediately descend to the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley to help with acclimatization.
Lunch at a Luxury Lodge
Arrive at your riverside retreat in the Sacred Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch overlooking the Urubamba River.
Pisac Artisan Market
Browse the famous market for high-quality alpaca textiles and handmade ceramics with a private guide.
Traditional Andean Ceremony
Participate in a private 'Pago a la Tierra' (Payment to the Earth) ceremony led by a local Shaman.
Day 8: Sacred Valley, Peru - Incan Engineering
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the massive stone terraces and the Temple of the Sun in this remarkably well-preserved living Inca town.
Picnic Lunch in the Valley
Enjoy a luxury gourmet picnic set up in a secluded spot with views of the snow-capped peaks.
Chinchero Textile Demonstration
Visit a high-end weaving cooperative to learn the ancient art of natural dyeing and traditional weaving patterns.
Dining at MIL
Dine at the research center and restaurant of chef Virgilio Martínez, located adjacent to the Moray ruins.
Day 9: Sacred Valley, Peru - Salt & Circles
Maras Salt Mines
See the thousands of ancient salt ponds that are still harvested today using traditional methods.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Walk through the concentric terraces of Moray, believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory.
Mountain Biking or Horseback Riding
Choose between a scenic bike ride or a gentle horseback tour on Peruvian Paso horses through the valley.
Stargazing in the Andes
Enjoy a private astronomy session under the clear Andean sky, learning about Incan constellations.
Day 10: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Hiram Bingham Experience
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
Board the most luxurious train in Peru. Enjoy brunch and live music as you wind through the mountains toward Aguas Calientes.
First View of Machu Picchu
Ascend to the Citadel for an afternoon tour when the crowds begin to thin, enjoying the golden hour light.
Afternoon Tea
Relax with an elegant afternoon tea service at the only hotel located right at the gates of the sanctuary.
Sanctuary Dinner
Savor a refined dinner at your lodge, staying overnight within earshot of the ancient ruins.
Day 11: Machu Picchu to Cusco, Peru - Sunrise & Shadows
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Enter the park early to witness the sun rise over the Intihuatana stone, a truly spiritual experience.
Huayna Picchu Hike
Embark on a private guided hike up Huayna Picchu for the ultimate panoramic view of the ruins below.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a riverside restaurant before boarding your luxury return train.
Arrival in Cusco
Transfer to your historic hotel in Cusco, a converted colonial palace filled with original artwork.
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - The Imperial City
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Visit the most important temple in the Inca Empire, where colonial architecture was built directly atop Incan foundations.
Lunch at Cicciolina
Dine at this vibrant local favorite, known for its creative Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion and sophisticated atmosphere.
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Explore the massive zig-zag stone walls of this fortress overlooking Cusco, a masterpiece of Incan masonry.
Fine Dining at MAP Café
Located in the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, this glass-walled restaurant offers a unique dining setting.
Day 13: Cusco, Peru - Leisure & Local Life
San Pedro Market Visit
Experience the local hustle and bustle with a private guide who can introduce you to traditional snacks and Andean cheese.
Private Art Gallery Tour
Meet local contemporary artists in their studios and explore the upscale galleries of the San Blas neighborhood.
Chocolate Workshop
Create your own bean-to-bar chocolate at a boutique workshop using organic Peruvian cacao.
Cultural Performance
Enjoy an exclusive traditional dance and music performance before your final dinner in Cusco.
Day 14: Puno, Peru - The Andean Explorer
Belmond Andean Explorer Departure
Board South America's first luxury sleeper train for a breathtaking journey across the Altiplano toward Lake Titicaca.
Gourmet Lunch on Board
Savor exquisite cuisine in the dining car as the landscape shifts from green valleys to high-altitude plains.
Raqchi Archaeological Site
Disembark for a private tour of the Temple of Wiracocha, a unique Incan site with high adobe walls.
Cocktails & Dinner
Enjoy live piano music in the lounge car followed by a formal dinner as the train travels through the night.
Day 15: Lake Titicaca, Peru - The Sacred Lake
Sunrise over Lake Titicaca
Watch the sun rise over the world's highest navigable lake from the comfort of the train's observation deck.
Uros Floating Islands
Visit the unique islands built entirely of totora reeds in a private boat, meeting the families who live there.
Luxury Lodge Check-in
Transfer to your exclusive lodge located on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Kayaking or Birdwatching
Choose a silent exploration of the lake's ecosystem with a private guide.
Day 16: Tambopata, Peru - Journey to the Amazon
Flight to Puerto Maldonado
Take a short flight from Juliaca (Puno) via Cusco to the gateway of the southern Amazon rainforest.
Boat Transfer to the Lodge
Travel by motorized canoe deep into the jungle to your luxury eco-lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River.
Canopy Walkway
Walk across suspension bridges high in the treetops to observe the rainforest's birdlife and monkeys from a new perspective.
Night River Safari
Search for caimans and nocturnal wildlife along the riverbanks with an expert naturalist guide.
Day 17: Tambopata, Peru - Into the Wild
Lake Sandoval Expedition
Navigate the mirror-like waters of Lake Sandoval in a wooden canoe to spot giant river otters and colorful macaws.
Jungle Picnic
Enjoy a fresh, organic lunch prepared by the lodge's chef in the heart of the rainforest.
Ethnobotanical Walk
Learn about the medicinal uses of Amazonian plants and the importance of forest conservation.
Farewell Amazon Dinner
Celebrate your final night in the jungle with a gourmet meal featuring local rainforest fruits and sustainable fish.
Day 18: Lima, Peru - Final Farewells
Return Boat & Flight to Lima
Transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima, connecting with your international departure.
Lunch at the Lima Airport
If time permits, enjoy a final high-quality Peruvian meal at the airport's premium dining area.
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Pick up high-end silver jewelry or gourmet coffee from the duty-free boutique shops.
Departure
Board your international flight home, reflecting on an epic journey through the heart of Peru.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers clear blue skies in the Andes, making it ideal for visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. For the Amazon, the 'low water' season (June to November) is excellent for hiking, while the 'high water' season (December to May) is better for boat-based wildlife spotting. Lima is often covered in a mist called 'garúa' from June to September, so visit between December and March if you want coastal sunshine.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants in cities like Lima and Cusco widely accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry some cash for smaller markets and tips in rural areas. Tipping is customary for good service; 10% is standard in restaurants, and small tips for guides and drivers are greatly appreciated.
Getting Around Peru
For an 18-day luxury itinerary, domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, and Puerto Maldonado are the most efficient way to travel. Within the Andes, the Belmond trains offer a world-class first-class rail experience. For city travel and short intercity hops (like Lima to Paracas), private chauffeured SUVs are recommended to ensure comfort, safety, and the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.
