Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
12 day Luxury Travel Peru with Valencia Travel
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2022-04-28
This luxury trip to Peru will take you to some of it's top destinations. You will also see a lesser-known side of the country and its culture through the unique experiences and activities featured along the 12 day route through Peru. It begins with a gastronomic exploration of Lima, one of the world’s foodie capitals, before heading to the land of the Incas into the Sacred Valley, to hike the original Inca trail into the the magnificent Machu Picchu, to then discover the best of Cusco. Maras and Moray are next on the list, before we take the luxurious Andean Explorer Train to the mythical Lake Titicaca in the altiplano. These are just some of the many highlights during this one-off journey to the land of the Incas. A trip to Peru is a luxurious encounter in itself, but combining original travel experiences, the best knowledgeable local experts, and hand-picked boutique and luxury hotels, will make your Luxury Trip to Peru a truly unforgettable journey.
Floating islands of Uros
Lima
The tour begins in the capital of Lima known as “The city of Kings”. Here we will experience Colonial Lima which is clearly evident in the historical centre and such buildings as the Paseo de la Republica, the San Martin Square, the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral Basilica. Your guide will explain the history of each building as we make our way to the Museo del Banco which houses a collection of archaeological antiques from the Chimu, Chancay, Chavin, Nasca, Lambequeque and Inca civilizations. In the afternoon you will visit the private Larco Museum, exhibiting examples of ceramics, textiles and even erotic pottery from times gone by.
Gourmet Lima
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The history of the Sacred Valley weaves closely together with the Incan capital city of Cusco. The Inca Empire rose to power during the 14th century and expanded across ancient Peru and into Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Colombia. However, all trails led back to the Inca capital city of Cusco where the king resided. The surrounding fertile fields of the Sacred Valley served as the civilization’s breadbasket, yielding varieties of fresh grains, fruits and vegetables. Skilled Inca stonemasons also constructed religious temples and outposts in the valley, which today you can visit at archaeological sites in Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Sacred valley llamas
The Short Inca Trail
You will take the train to km 104 where you will begin your Inca Trail, after which we initiate a moderate climb through the remains of Chachabamba and along ancient Inca pathways to the archaeological site of Wiñayhuana. With spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon, we continue onward towards the Sun Gate which will offer your first views of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and magnificence. Completely invisible from below and often shrouded in a thick mist concealing it from sight, there’s a tangible air of mystery to Machu Picchu, one of South America’s most important archaeological sites. Tucked high in the Peruvian Andes, it is the best-preserved Inca citadels and while almost all others were destroyed during the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered. The Hiram Bingham train runs between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu; sip pisco sours at the bar as you whizz through the region’s spectacular landscapes, enjoying brunch accompanied by a live performance from Peruvian musicians. After a guided tour of Machu Picchu, afternoon tea is served in the gardens at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Inca rail first class train
Cusco
High up in the Peruvian Andes lies Cusco, once the centre of the Incan Empire. It is, of course, the launching point for Machu Picchu, but the city is well worth a visit, to acclimate and experience the mix of Incan and Spanish influences that define it. This is perfectly reflected in its architecture, which generally has Inca foundations and colonial building perched on top of them. Enjoy this Inca city to the full as well as the luxury hotel especially chosen to complete the experience.
Sanctuary Lodge
Maras and Moray
Next up are the Maras Salt Pans and concentric terraces of Moray, which are two lesser visited examples of Incan ingenuity in the Sacred Valley. Though unrelated in purpose, the sites are neighbours in this remote region that’s not served by public transportation. Scholars believe the Moray terraces once served as an elaborate agricultural laboratory for the Incas, with each terrace having a unique microclimate. Today, the mountainside salt pans at Maras, started by the Wari culture and expanded by the Inca, are owned and operated by local residents.
Moray
Lake Titicaca
You will then leave Cusco for Puno on the Belmond Andean Explorer which is South America’s first luxury train. It combines spectacular high-elevation scenery with a luxury train rid, all while traversing the Peruvian Andes. With a morning departure from Cusco aboard the elegant cars of Belmond Andean Explorer, you will travel across the giant peaks and wide-open spaces of the highest plains of the Andes, finally reaching Lake Titicaca, birthplace of the Incas.
Titicaca Explorer to Lake Titicaca
After the visit to the highest elevation lake in the world and visiting ancient floating communities on the lake in a luxurious private motorboat, you will fly back to the capital and say goodbye to this amazing country full of architectural and historical splendour and luxury accommodations and adventures, with exceptional memories imprinted forever.
