Machu Picchu Luxury Tours, Peru
A fascinating journey into the ancient Inca Empire
Lima | Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu | Cusco
Although modern-day travelers may not be seeking gold and riches, the natural beauty and man-made wonders of ancient civilizations make Peru just as alluring today as it was to the imagination of the 16th-century Spanish conquistadors. Your Peru luxury tour will reveal distinct environments and dramatic natural features, including the Pacific coast, the arid highlands, the cloud forests on the slopes of the impressive Andes, and the lush Amazon rainforest that covers more than half of the country. A number of civilizations have made their mark here, providing a fascinating mix of ancient ruins that can be explored on private tours of Peru, such as the famed Machu Picchu, and Spanish colonial architecture.
Contact us to start planning your private adventure of a lifetime
START PLANNINGDiscover inspiring example trips to Peru below
In the Inca Empire, Cusco was known as the navel of the world. Today, this high-altitude city is a fascinating blend of its Inca roots (literally, when it comes to the bases of many buildings) and Spanish colonial style. The cathedral and narrow streets will be immediately familiar to travelers who have visited other Spanish colonial cities in the Americas. At the same time, a private tour to the bustling central market with a professional chef will introduce unique ingredients used and produced by the local population.
The Sacred Valley is a must-see during any luxury tour of Peru. As well as being an excellent place to begin an exploration of Inca culture, thanks to its lower altitude and well-preserved ruins, the Sacred Valley is also a place of stunning natural beauty. Located at the foot of the Andes mountains, adventure seekers have a beautiful playground with a wide variety of options, from biking to horseback riding to hiking. For history buffs, captivating circular ruins can be found in Moray, and salt terraces that pre-date even the Inca Empire are located outside of the village of Maras. As one travels through the valley, the colorfully dressed local population can still be seen using age-old terraced farming techniques from their ancestors.
At 8,200 feet above sea level and covering over five square miles, the Machu Picchu ruins overlook a lush rainforest in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This exceptional site is a remarkable remnant of the Inca Empire at the height of its glory, and the extraordinary harmony between its natural and cultural elements makes it one of the ‘must-see’ destinations of a lifetime. Travelers can embark on private, luxury tours of Machu Picchu either on the impressive Hiram Bingham train, named for the American explorer who made the ruins famous after his 1911 visit, or by hiking to the ruins. The challenging but incredible hike will be completed with a private guide via the Inca Trail over a few days or a shorter day hike from the train stop at kilometer 104.
Foodies will delight at the world-class gastronomy in the modern-day capital of Lima as they journey through Peru on a private tour. With an astounding mix of indigenous, Spanish, and even Asian cultures, as well as access to both the unusual ingredients of the Amazon and fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise Lima is a hot spot in the culinary scene. The Spanish influence can also be seen in colonial sites and fascinating museums throughout the city.
For nature lovers, Blue Parallel offers two ways to explore the lush Peruvian Amazon: on the water by luxury cruise or on land from an elegant eco-lodge. The colors and sounds of the Amazonian flora and fauna will dazzle visitors at both sunrise and sunset. Onboard the river cruise, a gourmet chef will be on hand to bring the mouth-watering delicacies of Peru to life. For guests who prefer a land-based luxury Peru tour, the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica property allows for a more active exploration of the jungle via hikes on the jungle floor or from above on their Canopy Walkway for a privileged view of the rainforest.
Although its claim to fame is its status as the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca has much more to offer travelers willing to venture off the beaten path. Floating on its spectacular blue waters are the man-made reed islands of the indigenous Uru people. This stunning lake, nestled between the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, was also central to the beliefs of the Incan civilization as the birthplace of their powerful Sun god. Guests can experience this striking landscape and these extraordinary cultures in private using the five-star luxury hotel Titilaka as a base.
Also known as the White City, Arequipa lies at the foot of the Andes and features beautiful white stone, colonial-style buildings. However, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers more than just incredible architecture. Although maybe a bit macabre to some, for travelers interested in the Incan culture, a visit to the Museo Santuarios Andinos on your Peru tour is a must. Here visitors can see evidence of Incan human sacrifice in the mummy of the “Ice Maiden,” a young girl who was murdered in the 15th century. For travelers who like to get off the beaten path, Arequipa is also the gateway to the deepest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere, Colca Canyon. Here, in the natural beauty of the canyon, the local population continues to practice the pre-Incan technique of terrace farming. This is also an essential stop for birders, as sightings of the world’s largest flying bird, the Andean condor, are common.
Although the Inca might be the most famous, Peru has been home to a variety of indigenous cultures, including the Nazca. Experts believe the mysterious Nazca lines were mostly created by this culture of the same name. The lines, which vary from astonishing long and straight lines to depictions of animals, plants, and everyday objects, are best viewed from the air in a private plane, an exciting experience that can be a part of luxury travel in Peru. These massive ancient geoglyphs, whose purpose is still debated by scholars, were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.