The 2023 Guide to Planning a Luxury Tour of Peru

April 14, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

Whether you’re looking to embark on an adventure through the former Incan Empire, indulge in a foodie journey through some of the world’s most award-winning restaurants, experience the most biodiverse region of the world in the Amazon Rainforest, or a bit of it all, Peru offers visitors enriching cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, internationally celebrated landmarks, exciting city life, and more. There is never a dull moment while on a luxury tour of Peru.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime with this expert guide on what to expect on a luxury tour of Peru, with Kuoda. Take a look at our sample itineraries for Peru, and reach out to a Kuoda advisor today to plan out your next trip to Peru, with Kuoda. When you reach out to one of our guides, here are some of the factors of your tailor-made trip they’ll discuss with you:

1. When to go:

The dry season from May to September is the best time to visit the Andes.

Peru has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season runs from May to September, while the wet season runs from October to April. The dry season is the most popular time to visit Peru, as the weather is mild and dry, making it ideal for exploring the country. During this season, expect to share the country with a few more travelers than if you were to travel in the off-season. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to May or September to October.

2. Type of Trip:

Get to know the expert weavers of the Umasbamba community.

In a country with so many diverse travel offerings to visitors, it’s important to know that unless you’re staying for months at a time, you won’t see it all in one trip. Focus your trip on a specific region, interest, or goal to really make the most out of the experience.

Are you an outdoor enthusiast, a honeymooner, a foodie, a history buff, or craving some culture? There’s a perfect trip to Peru for you. Peru is so incredibly diverse in its landscapes, cultures, activities, and travel offerings – making it possible for travelers to experience exactly what they’re looking for on their visit – even if what you’re looking for is a mix of everything. Take a first-timers tour and get a bit of it all, or travel by your interest and ensure you get the absolute most tailor-made experience on your trip. Looking to dive into the Incan empire? We suggest Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca, for example. Ready to eat your way through the country? Kuoda will make sure you have a seat at Lima’s most coveted restaurants and set you up with a cooking class from an indigenous chef in Cusco. The possibilities are endless, and your Kuoda travel advisor is there to help you make the decisions that are most crucial for your personalized trip.

3. Where To Go:

Explore the Amazon River with a mix of hiking, boating and wildlife observation.

Peru has a plethora of world-class travel destinations to visit for every type of traveler. Though you could spend months traversing every interesting, colorful, and breathtaking corner of Peru, here are some ideas on places to go to help you get started:

• Machu Picchu: This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most popular destinations in Peru and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. A luxury tour to Machu Picchu can include a private guided tour, a scenic train ride, and a stay at a luxurious hotel near the site.
• Lima: Peru’s capital city is a bustling metropolis with a rich culinary scene and a wealth of cultural attractions. A luxury tour of Lima can include a private city tour, visits to top restaurants, and stays at some of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
• The Sacred Valley: This beautiful region is located just outside of Cusco and is home to a number of ancient Inca ruins, including the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo. A luxury tour of the Sacred Valley can include visits to these sites, as well as stays at luxurious resorts and spas.
• Lake Titicaca: This high-altitude lake in Puno is the largest in South America and is home to a number of indigenous communities, including the Uros people. A luxury tour of Lake Titicaca can include visits to these communities, stays at luxurious hotels, and even private yacht or helicopter tours of the lake.
• Iquitos: Iquitos is a unique and exciting destination located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. This bustling city is the largest in the world that can only be accessed by boat or plane, making it a truly isolated and exotic location. Visitors to Iquitos can explore the vibrant local markets, sample delicious Amazonian cuisine, and learn about the indigenous cultures that call the region home. There are also many opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest, including guided jungle hikes, riverboat tours, and even visits to nearby wildlife reserves.
• Nazca: Nazca is a small town located about six hours south of Lima and is famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Visitors to Nazca can take a small airplane tour to see the lines from above or hike to some of the nearby lookout points for a closer view. The town itself is small but charming, with a number of restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Nazca is also a good base for exploring the surrounding desert and visiting nearby attractions such as the Chauchilla Cemetery, where ancient mummies are still preserved in their original tombs.

4. Accommodations:

Inkaterra La Casona is Cusco’s first boutique hotel with 11 colonial-style suites.

Peru has no shortage of boutique, personalized accommodations for visitors to experience. Those seeking luxury are able to find some of the continent’s most impressive places to stay, which provide first-rate services and relaxation after exploring famed ruins, dining at the world’s best restaurants, and experiencing indigenous cultures first-hand. Some of our favorite accommodations include:

• Sol y Luna: The perfect getaway for those looking to explore the Sacred Valley in a boutique way, surrounded by tropical gardens full of butterflies and hummingbirds, the hotel has a gorgeous naturalistic pool and plenty of greenery. Sol y Luna also has a positive involvement with the local community, through programs that help local underprivileged children attend schools through their foundation, Sol y Luna Foundation.
• 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. Its colonial design and 16th-century furniture in each of the rooms will make travelers feel as if they’ve checked into a royal palace for their stay in the Sacred Valley.
• Las Qolqas: A sustainable boutique hotel in the village of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of south Peru. The on-site restaurant is a functional greenhouse, and all the food served is made with locally sourced ingredients grown less than one kilometer from the grounds. Only 50 guests may visit this lush property at a time so as to pay close attention to each guest and keep all systems efficient and in line with the eco-conscious goals.
• Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel: The only hotel situated at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Boasting the enviable status of being the only accommodation to actually be set at the entrance of Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a very convenient and suitably luxurious place to stay. There are 32 luxurious guest rooms to choose from, most of which come with their own patio areas where guests can dine in style.
• Titilaka: The hotel is perched on a Peruvian peninsula on the stunning banks of Lake Titicaca, known for being the birthplace of the Incan Empire. Enjoying this stunning destination is easy at Titilaka, a modern full-service resort that offers incredible panoramic lake views, creative dining experiences, and unique cultural experiences like visiting the local Uros community. The hotel is committed to sustainability as more than 90% of staff are locals and the property sources food locally, while its business model focuses on conserving Andean traditions.

5. Activities:

Fly over geoglyphs that stretch over miles around in a priva.

Peru offers a wide range of activities, from hiking to cultural tours to culinary experiences. While it’s impossible to do them all in just one trip, here are some of our favorite experiences for visitors to enjoy. Keep in mind, this is just the beginning of a plethora of rich, diverse activities that Kuoda can plan for you on your luxury tour of Peru.

1. Explore Machu Picchu: No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains. A luxury tour can offer exclusive access to the site, private guided tours, and even helicopter tours to take in the stunning views from above.
2. Discover Lima’s culinary scene: Lima is one of the world’s top food destinations, with a diverse culinary scene that blends traditional Peruvian cuisine with international flavors. A luxury tour can offer private cooking classes, gourmet food tours, and reservations at some of the city’s top restaurants.
3. Visit Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. Experience boat tours, visits to local indigenous communities, and the chance to stay in a luxurious hotel on the shores of the lake.
4. Explore the Amazon rainforest: The Peruvian Amazon is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems and wildlife. A luxury tour with Kuoda can offer guided hikes, river cruises, and stays at eco-lodges that provide a unique blend of luxury and adventure.
5. Take a Nazca Lines flight: The Nazca Lines are a series of mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru. A luxury tour with Kuoda can offer a private flight over the lines, providing a unique perspective on these ancient wonders.
6. Snorkeling in Paracas: The Paracas National Reserve is a protected marine area that boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of fish and other sea creatures. One of the best ways to experience this marine life up close is through snorkeling. There are several snorkeling tours available in Paracas that take you to the best spots in the reserve, including the famous Ballestas Islands. You might encounter schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even octopuses. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some playful sea lions swimming around you!

6. Booking a luxury tour to Peru

The best part of planning a luxury tour to Peru? Not having to prepare for the nitty gritty details and allowing the experts to take your vision and turn it into your dream trip, ensuring safety, comfort, convenience, and personalization at every part of the process. From hotel bookings to excursions to transportation, meal reservations, and everything in between – traveling with Kuoda is an absolutely elevated experience that allows you to tell us what you like, pack your bags, get on the plane, and begin experiencing world-class travel experiences without the complications of navigating travel to a foreign country, alone. Send us a message, introduce yourself and tell us about your dream trip – and watch us take care of the rest.