Peru is one of the world’s top travel destinations due to fascinating ruins and the incredible Amazon Rainforest. See remains of the Incan Empire, such as Machu Picchu and other breathtaking structures. You can then enjoy fascinating wildlife of the Amazon on a relaxing Amazon River cruise or on tour from a comfortable Amazon Rainforest lodge.
To be treated to the best service, accommodation options, tours, and cuisine, here is a guide to the top luxury tours in Peru to help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country.
-
The Delfin I Luxury Amazon Cruise
The Delfin I represents the epitome of luxury cruising on the Amazon River. With only four oversized suites, the Delfin I is more akin to a floating luxury boutique hotel than a cruise. The Delfin I is one of our top recommendations for a luxury tour in Peru.
Featured in CNN Money, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, and Travel+Leisure, the Delfin I provides a luxurious base to explore the rainforest. In addition to the luxurious suites, exquisite food, and relaxation areas, you will enjoy some incredible guided expeditions into Amazonia.
On the vessel itself, two of the spacious suites have their own private whirlpool for you to relax and cool off after your expeditions in the Amazon. The suites are also wrapped with 180° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, which means you can maintain a connection to the rainforest even when relaxing in your luxurious suite.
Enjoy laying on the very comfortable king-size bed fitted with fine Peruvian cotton linens while spotting parrots and kingfishers flying over the riverways. Your suite features an additional sofa bed, silent A/C units, hot water, hair dryer, safe deposit box, internal communication system, and environmentally friendly amenities. You also have your own private terrace of 320 square feet. If you choose the Deluxe Suites, this is where you also find your private plunge pool.
The Delfin I Cruise departs from Iquitos in northern Peru for a 3 or 4-day luxury tour of the beautiful Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This is the largest and one of the most wildlife-rich reserves in the country.
The Delfin I’s elegant dining room is found on the second deck. Here, you will enjoy casual and refined dining with Peruvian and international cuisine. Many of the desserts and juices are made using fruits from Amazonia.
The top deck of the Delfin I includes very large and very soft white sofas to relax with a cocktail from the bar and enjoy the rainforest. This is also a great place to head of an evening for a spectacular display of the Milky Way. With the fresh air free of pollution, you can observe the stars in stunning detail.
From the luxurious Delfin I Cruise, enjoy expertly guided tours into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which is known as the ‘Forest of Mirrors’ due to its reflective beauty. Your guide will help you spot a range of Amazon Rainforest animals and plants. The animalsa and plants you’re likely to see include the mysterious pink river dolphins, many different monkeys, large bright blue butterflies, sloths clinging to the trees, macaw parrots, toucans, bromeliads, delicate orchids, and much more.
The Delfin I
Iquitos, PeruOffering an on-board experience second to none, the Delfin I Luxury Cruise begins in Iquitos, north Peru, and takes you
-
The Belmond Unmissable Peru Tour
A luxury tour over 8 days, the Belmond Unmissable Peru Tour offers a classic Peruvian tour in luxury accommodation. The tour includes both the incredible Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and the luxury-class Hiram Bingham train for the return journey. With so much included and the fantastic Belmond service, this makes an excellent choices for a luxury tour in Peru.
You will first arrive in Peru’s capital city of Lima to enjoy the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, which is rated as one of the top hotels in the city. Enjoy a comfortable night sleep ready for your tour of Lima city the next morning.
Your guided tour of Lima includes the top attractions in the city’s Historical District, such as the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Government Palace, the City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the fascinating San Francisco Monastery. Finish up with a tour through modern Lima and a visit to one of the most fascinating museums in the country.
After exploring what Lima has to offer, it’s time to head to Cusco, which was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Enjoy visiting different markets to see various Andean textiles made from wool of the different camelids, such as llamas and alpacas.
Enjoy exploring the Sacred Valley to see different Incan sites, such as Ollantaytambo where the Inca actually won a battle against the technologically superior Spanish. While here, you will board the incredible Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. The train’s sides and roof are fitted with large windows to create a truly unforgettable experience of this incredible landscape.
You will explore Machu Picchu on a private visit to learn about the most impressive monument of the Incan Empire. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and ruins themselves and stay at the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. This is the only hotel located next to Machu Picchu itself. The next day, enjoy traveling back to Cusco aboard the luxury-class Hiram Bingham train where you are served an elegant dinner while on board.
Finally, you will enjoy exploring Cusco itself to see the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple (Koricancha). You will also visit other archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Tambomachay, the Incan Baths, and Puca-Pucara. After this, it will be time for your journey home after enjoying a night at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio. This hotel was a former monastery and dates to 1592, which makes the hotel itself part of the attraction.
The Belmond Unmissable Peru Tour
Cusco, PeruCurrently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.
The Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour
Over 8 days, the Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour offers a luxury-level adventure experience with a focus on some of Peru’s top tourist attractions.
You will first arrive in Peru’s capital city of Lima to enjoy your first night at the luxurious Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, which ranks as one of the top hotels in the city. Enjoy some fantastic ocean views and a relaxing night before traveling to Cusco, the famed historic capital of the Incan Empire.
Following this, you will be based in Cusco to enjoy three different luxurious hotels in central Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and next to Machu Picchu itself. The hotels you will enjoy are the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado in Cusco’s Sacred Valley, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge next to Machu Picchu, and the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.
First stop will be a stay at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Starting the adventure, you will enjoy an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) experience around the Pumahuanca gorge while seeing some traditional settlements and farming areas.
Continuing the adventure, you will visit the archaeological ruins of Huayna Capac’s Incan palace and then enjoy rafting the Urubamba River. This is the river you can see from your luxurious accommodation at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado. After this, enjoy horse riding in the Andes mountains. This is also a unique experience, as you will be riding some of the smoothest riding horse in the world to discover the Peruvian Paso way of horse riding. Both the horse riding and rafting adventure provide a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Andes Mountains.
Following this, we will explore Maras, the salt pans, and the fascinating Incan site of Moray. Moray is thought to be the historic agricultural laboratory of the Incas where the Inca managed to cultivate over 1,000 varieties of potato and other crops throughout the Incan Empire.
Before visiting Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Andes aboard the Vistadome train. The Vistadome offers a unique experience as the train cabins are surrounded with glass offering unsurpassed views of the mountains and valleys.
Enjoy a hike to different archaeological areas, including the famous Wiñaywayna and Sun Gate. After this, continue to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, which is the only hotel located right next to Machu Picchu.
After a comfortable night’s sleep, it’s time to enjoy a private tour of Machu Picchu itself. Because the hotel is so close, you can either visit before the majority of people arrive at the Incan citadel or wait until after they have left.
After the Sacred Valley, enjoy a fascinating tour of Cusco city itself taking in the most popular attractions. After your flight back to Lima, you will also tour Lima to see the Historic Centre and other attractions before your journey home.
The Belmond Adventurous Peru Tour
Cusco, PeruCurrently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.
The Belmond Essential Peru Tour
The Belmond Essential Peru Tour operates over 6 days and includes a luxury experience of some of Peru’s top attractions and experiences. Enjoy exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley with high-quality comfort and service.
When you arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital city, you will be collected and escorted to the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel. This ranks as Lima’s top hotel and provides a fantastic start to your adventure.
The next morning, you will head to Cusco and the Belmond Hotel Monasterio ready to explore Peru’s historic capital of the Inca Empire. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio itself is part of the attraction and dates to 1592 as a former monastery. Enjoy the art gallery, the fascinating Baroque chapel, historical architecture, paintings, and decor. Although part of the attraction, the hotel is also centrally located and provides a fantastic base to explore the incredible city of Cusco.
Enjoy exploring Cusco city itself, the Sacred Valley, and travel to the sacred site of Machu Picchu aboard the luxury-class Hiram Bingham train.
Instead of simply being a way to get to Machu Picchu, the journey aboard the Hiram Bingham train is another part of the entire experience. Adding to some fantastic memories, the train features passenger cars, two dining cars, an observation and bar car, and a kitchen car. The carriages are designed in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages with polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs.
Enjoy delicious cuisine accompanied by shining crystal and polished cutlery. The Hiram Bingham chef and maître d’ will then provide a delicious brunch and a gastronomic dinner while onboard.
After arrival, you will then enjoy a privately guided tour of the famous citadel of Machu Picchu to experience its breathtaking beauty and learn about the fascinating history.
After exploring the incredible ruin, you will travel back to Cusco on your return train journey before taking your flight back to Lima. When in Lima, you will also enjoy a guided tour of Lima’s Historic Center and a comfortable night at the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel before your journey home.
The Belmond Essential Peru Tour
Cusco, PeruCurrently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.
The Belmond Insider’s Peru Tour
Over 7-days, the Belmond Insider’s Peru Tour offer a luxury-level classic tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Enjoy accommodation in Peru’s top hotels, including the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima, the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, and the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge next to Machu Picchu itself.
After arrival in Peru’s capital city of Lima, you will first enjoy a comfortable night sleep at the Belmond Miraflores Park, which is rated as one of the top hotels in the city.
You will then head to Cusco and the exclusive Palacio Nazarenas hotel from where you will explore this fascinating city. Visit a few different city sites, such as the Santo Domingo Temple & Koricancha. This was the most important temple to the Inca before it was converted to a Dominican Church by the Spanish colonists.
After this, visit Tambomachay, which were Incan baths for the empire’s elite. See the ancient labyrinth of Qenqo with the sacrificial altar and the incredible pre-Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Enjoy exploring the streets of Cusco, visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and then enjoy the hotel Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.
Your hotel was once a palace and convent, which gives the hotel its name. Enjoy the facilities of one of Cusco’s more luxurious and exclusive hotels, including a heated outdoor pool, butler service, and some delicious modern local cuisine. You will also enjoy a walk around the San Blas district, which is one of Cusco’s most attractive and fascinating areas.
The next day, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy the incredible scenery and traditional Andean villages before learning some traditional Andean weaving. See the Urubamba River and enjoy a delicious lunch at the beautiful Hotel Rio Sagrado.
Enjoy a visit to Ollantaytambo to see the incredible fortress and then take the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu.
You will have a privately guided tour of the citadel followed by a self-guided tour the second day. Enjoy the incredible views and learn about this incredible monument that only reached the world’s attention in 1911, long after the Spanish conquest. There are some optional hiking opportunities to the surrounding areas before your return journey back to Lima for your flight home.
The Belmond Insiders Peru Tour
Cusco, PeruCurrently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.
The Delfin II Luxury Amazon Cruise
The Delfin II is the sister vessel of the Delfin I mentioned further up the page. The Delfin II offers the same level of high-class luxury and service but with less exclusivity. The vessel still offers a very personal experience, however, as the Delfin II only has 14 large guest suites.
There are four master suites at the front of the vessel, which offer more spacious accommodation. They also provide 180 degree windows for incredible leading views into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. All of the accommodation options have large windows, fine Peruvian linen, ensuite bathrooms, and organic bathroom products. When back from excursions, enjoy laying on your very comfortable king-sized bed as you watch kingfishers and parrots flying over the rainforest.
The dining room is another of the main areas aboard the Delfin II. Decorated with changing table decorations, from the tables you will enjoy the views over the Amazon Rainforest as you dine. You will be served Peruvian cuisine, regional delicacies, and international favorites. Many of the juices and desserts you will enjoy are flavored with fruits sustainably harvested from the surrounding rainforest.
In addition to the suites and dining room, aboard the Delfin II you also have the lecture room, bar, entertainment center, lounge, and the observation deck and library on the upper level.
The observation deck is another of the Delfin II’s favorite areas and is equipped with comfortable sofas and chairs. This is a great place to simply enjoy watching the Amazon Rainforest and River as you travel deep into the wildlife-rich Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. What’s more, the bar is nearby where you can enjoy a cocktail, tea, or coffee.
From the Delfin II, you will then enjoy some incredible tours deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Led by expert guides, explore Amazonia on skiff expeditions and forest walks. See a fascinating array of animals and plants, including several different monkeys, toucans, macaws, caiman crocodiles, pink river dolphins, orchids, bromeliads, and sloths hanging to the trees.
The Delfin II
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin II Luxury Amazon Cruise begins near Iquitos from the small town of Nauta. You will be transported in
The Aria Amazon Cruise
The Aria Amazon Cruise is an unmissable vessel on the Amazon River. The vessel was designed by one of Peru’s leading architects.
The Aria Amazon Cruise offers 16 comfortable cabins with beds fitted with the finest Peruvian linen and a refined decor throughout. The Aria features a spacious dining room, outdoor jacuzzi, and both indoor and outdoor lounge areas. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in all areas, so you can stay connected to the Amazon as you travel through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Families can also enjoy interconnected cabins for some incredible family memories of the Amazon River. Single guests or couples who want the ultimate indulgence can even request an additional cabin which can be turned into your own personal lounge room.
Each of the Aria’s suites has polished timber flooring, air-conditioning, and a wall of glass for observing the rainforest. Your room’s ensuite provides rain showers and organic bath products.
In the Aria dining room, enjoy delicious cuisine and sample various creations from Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Peruvian cuisine is voted one of the world’s finest and your dining experience will also include influences from the surrounding rainforest.
From the Aria Amazon Cruise, you will enjoy some incredible guided skiff expeditions into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your highly trained guide will constantly be on the lookout for the abundant examples of Amazonian wildlife. Enjoy spotting howler monkeys, capuchins, and squirrel monkeys high in the trees. Spot the different river dolphins that live in the waterways and the strange-looking caiman lizards relaxing on the branches. You will also head out on exciting night excursions to spotlight for the different caiman crocodilians. Throughout your adventure, you will also see many different birds, including the famous species like toucans, macaw parrots, and parakeets.
The Aria Amazon Cruise
Iquitos, PeruCurrently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience. However, you can visit the tour operator's website for more information.
The Amazon Villa
The Amazon Villa offers a private and exclusive experience of the Amazon Rainforest as the entire villa is for your personal exclusive use. The Amazon Villa itself is nestled in the wildlife-rich rainforest of the Tambopata National Reserve buffer zone.
Enjoy privately guided tours of the rainforest to see some incredible animals and plants. These include the many different monkeys, such as howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and different tamarins. You will also see fascinating birds and the famous species of Amazonia, such as macaws and toucans.
From the Amazon Villa, you can also enjoy a visit to the incredible Chuncho Clay lick to see hundreds of brightly colored macaw parrots gathered at the clay.
The Amazon Villa offers WiFi internet, a hot water bath, a television to watch nature documentaries, laptop space to catch up on work or view photos, electricity in the rainforest, as well as a refrigerator and microwave.
There are a variety of activities offered in the rainforest from the Amazon Villa. These include kayaking the waterways, mountain biking the jungle cycling trails, canopy climbing, and observing the canopy high in the rainforest from the canopy tower. This is a great place to spot toucans and parrots flying over the rainforest. You can also enjoy the beautiful Lago Sachavacayoc on a full day trip.
After your tour on the last day, you can also choose to have a picnic dinner around a cozy fire in rainforest of Tambopata to make for a truly memorable end to your stay in the Amazon
The Amazon Villa
Puerto Maldonado, PeruExplore the Amazon Rainforest in comfort on a premium experience at the Tambopata Amazon Villa. The Amazon Villa is a
The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Offering one of the most luxurious accommodation options in the Amazon Rainforest, the Reserva Amazonica is nestled in the rainforest of Puerto Maldonado in southern Peru. Although not offering the high amount of wildlife as some of the above Amazon tours, the Reserva Amazonica still offers a fantastic introduction to the rainforest and is best suited to guests who prioritise comfort over getting deep into Amazonia.At the very comfortable rainforest hotel, you have a choice of different room and suite, including the Tambopata Suite with plunge pool, the slightly smaller Amazonica Suite, the Superior Rio Cabañas with fantastic views of the Tambopata River, and the very comfortable Superior Cabañas.
There are 35 wooden cabanas in total, which were each influenced in their design by the local Ese’Eja culture. In addition to the cabins, the Reserva Amazonica offers the dining room where you will enjoy delicious cuisine, the Eco Center where you can choose from a selection of ‘a la carte’ activities, and the Ena Spa for a range of massages and relaxation treatments.
The ‘a la carte’ activities you can enjoy each day include experiencing the fantastic canopy walkway, a tour of the beautiful Sandoval Lake, various rainforest walks, and a night walk through the rainforest.
Although the area is not as rich with larger wildlife as the Amazon Villa or the deep rainforest lodge of the Tambopata Research Center, there is abundant birdlife. In fact, 540 bird species have been seen on the Reserva Amazonica hotel grounds.
The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Puerto Maldonado, Peru, Amazon RainforestPrice per person from $The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica offers luxury accommodation in the rainforest of Puerto Maldonado, Peru. More infoThe Inka Trail Deluxe
This is the same famous camping trek on the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu, but with private service and a few more refined additions to make the experience that little bit more enjoyable.
The Inka Trail Deluxe tour includes 3 nights camping as you hike the route and one night in a hotel. You will enjoy great meals, wine, and sturdy tents. At the end of the day, there is also a massage therapist to offer a relaxing massage after your day hiking in this incredible environment.
The hikes themselves will be about 6 to 5 hours each day and include time to explore the Incan sites and photograph the amazing scenery. The tour also includes time at the end to explore Machu Picchu itself and to get to know this incredible Incan monument.
You will first be driven through the Sacred Valley to the trail at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After this, enjoy the sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca side river as we begin the hike.
Pass through some beautiful woodland and up to Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft) for some breathtaking views and scenery. See the snowcapped peaks of the Andes mountains before heading down into the Pacamayo valley.
Enjoy visiting different Incan ruins before entering the incredible Cloud Forest. This ranks as one of the world’s most biologically rich areas and today you will camp at the Cloud-level town of Phuyupatamarca.
Explore Phuyupatamarca then travel to the famous Wiñay Wayna, which is one of the largest and most impressive Incan archaeological sites. It’s now time to head to the Sun Gate for impressive views of Machu Picchu. You will then return the next morning for exploration of the site before boarding the train back to Cusco.