Kuoda’s Top Luxury Experiences in Cusco

May 26, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

Though we believe the ultimate luxury is experiencing an awe-inspiring destination for the first time, there are many ways to experience the incredible Incan capital of Cusco, a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Along with seeing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, there are many luxury experiences in Cusco that allow you to experience the colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and festivals with comfort, style, and personalized touches.

Looking for inspiration on how to make your trip to Cusco a more luxurious experience? Read on to learn about our favorite luxury pastimes. For a truly personalized, luxury experience, reach out to a Kuoda travel curator to create a custom itinerary in our home city of Cusco. 

Make your stay one to remember

Inkaterra La Casona, the first boutique hotel in Cusco that leads the way in sustainable travel in Peru.

From farm-to-table dining to luxurious spas to plush bedding and personalization, your stay in Cusco matters, and Kuoda prioritizes safety, comfort, and experience over everything on your trip. Explore a few of our favorite properties in Cusco for a luxury stay on your trip: 

Inkaterra La Casona

Exploring the Peruvian Andes in high luxury style and in the most sustainable way is more attainable than ever before with a stay at Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco’s first boutique hotel built in the 16th Century – which is leading the way for sustainable travel in Peru. La Casona has just 11 carefully designed suites, which keeps the space intimate and ensures each guest is thoughtfully attended to – to the point where Inkaterra reservations staff even go as far as to find the preferences and dislikes of their guests before they check in.

Each suite is complete with heavy carved wooden doors, a stone fireplace, heated floors, and an extra large bathtub for travelers to soak and relax in. With its gorgeous colonial design and 16th-century furniture in each of the rooms – travelers will feel as if they’ve checked into a royal palace for their stay in the Sacred Valley.

Palacio Del Inka

Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka is a five-centuries-old mansion located in the heart of downtown Cusco. The luxury hotel’s unique & captivating design embraces historical aspects of our Peruvian culture while maintaining world-class luxury and modern conveniences. Indulge in a delectable meal at Inti Raymi, the hotel’s on-site restaurant serving an array of epicurean cuisine, or enjoy a selection of wines curated by their Master Sommelier. Harmonize your body and soul with a signature treatment or massage at the hotel’s luxurious Andes Spirit Spa.

Casa Cartagena

Casa Cartagena is a luxury hotel in Cusco, located in the heart of the city. The building has been recognized by UNESCO as a protected site. An intimate refuge consisting of only sixteen ample and homely suites which combine to perfection modern and ancient, luxurious and historical. The carefully crafted 12 exclusive suites provide privacy and luxury to guests. Guests can also enjoy an on-site restaurant and a gourmet breakfast buffet before exploring Cusco and the surrounding areas each morning.

Hotel Aranwa

The elegant five-star Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is housed in a converted 16th-century mansion, located just 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas, adjacent to Plaza San Francisco. Featuring colonial gold leaf-plated carvings and sculptures and colonial furnishings on the inside, the exterior is just as outstanding, with one of the best-preserved facades in Cusco. There is also a wellness spa with a variety of treatments, from massages and saunas to steam rooms and hair salons. All this in very easy reach of all the main attractions of Cusco.

Travel In Style

The Hiram Bingham a luxury train with first class facilities that offers panoramic views of the Urubamba River.

Relax and travel through this incredibly magical part of the world in absolute style and comfort – on a luxury train through the most breathtaking region of the Andes Mountains.

The Hiram Bingham train is a luxury train that operates between Cusco and Machu Picchu, offering a unique and luxurious way to experience the stunning scenery of the Andes. Named after the American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, the train is operated by PeruRail and offers a range of amenities including an observation car, a bar car, and a dining car serving gourmet meals.

The journey takes approximately three and a half hours, passing through breathtaking mountain landscapes and offering panoramic views of the Urubamba River. The train stops at a number of scenic viewpoints, allowing passengers to disembark and take in the stunning vistas before continuing on to Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham train offers a truly unforgettable and luxurious way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Andes and is a must-do for those seeking a unique and indulgent Machu Picchu experience.

Learn how to make authentic Peruvian cuisine

Dishes exclusive to the region such as Rocoto Relleno are an intrinsic part of the Andean culture of Peru.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the tastes and traditions of Andean culture while traveling through Cusco is to take a cooking class with a local chef. Peruvian cuisine has been named the best in the world for nine consecutive years in a row.  You can’t leave Peru without knowing how to make traditional Peruvian cuisine. With a plethora of dishes unique to the region including ceviche, lomo saltado, alpaca steak, rocoto relleno, and cuy (guinea pig), all of which showcase the unique flavors and ingredients of Peruvian cuisine. – how else will you make the unforgettable dinner you had in the city at home? Whether you are looking for a high-end cooking workshop with a private chef or a market tour followed by a cooking lesson, Cusco has a culinary experience to remember.

The most unique way to take in the Sacred Valley

A view from the top of the Sacred Valley, overlooking impressive Inca architecture with fields, towns and terraces.

Experiencing the Sacred Valley from an aerial view provides an unparalleled experience.

Why walk through the Sacred Valley when you can see it from a birds-eye view?! From incredible views of the snow-capped Andean mountains to the ancient Incan ruins and preserved historical landmarks, experience the Sacred Valley without the crowds. Once you have ascended into the sky you will see the panoramic views of Cusco. From here you will be able to see the incredible views of the mountains and valleys. Once you have arrived above the Sacred Valley, located right outside of Cusco, you will see a number of Inca ruins, including. This includes Machu Picchu. There will be terraced fields and villages you could see from a high view. Another historic site you could see along your tour will be the Urubamba River. Exploring the region from above is an unparalleled experience.

Take home a souvenir to remember

Artisan goods are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Cusco. From textiles and pottery to silver jewelry and wood carvings, the city is renowned for its rich tradition of handmade crafts. These goods are often made using techniques passed down through generations and reflect the unique artistic style of the Andean region. Shopping in Cusco is an experience unlike anywhere else.

Local artisans take great pride in their work, and visitors to Cusco can find a wide range of beautiful and high-quality handicrafts in markets and shops throughout the city. Buying artisan goods in Cusco not only supports the local economy and preserves cultural heritage but also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of Andean culture and traditions. Visitors can engage with local artisans such as the women weavers of Umasbamba, learn about the creative process, and bring home meaningful and authentic souvenirs that serve as a lasting reminder of their time in Cusco.

Cusco offers plenty of luxury experiences catered to the area and allows you to experience the culture as a whole. From luxury hotel stays to breathtaking tours through ancient archeological sites, there is bound to be something that catches your eye and inspires you as you travel through Cusco. Before you start planning, allow us to jump in and help curate an experience of a lifetime! Reach out to us and let us help you create an experience of a lifetime.