Peru - The Luxury Journey

Welcome to Lima, Peru! On arrival you are greeted by a Spiced Destinations representative who escorts you to your hotel in one of Lima’s trendiest neighborhoods. Lima blends deep history with a modern, creative spirit, offering a coastal setting, remarkable cuisine, and a lively cultural scene that makes it an inviting gateway to Peru.

Start the day with a delicious “al fresco” breakfast at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Then a tour of Lima, “City of the Kings". A visit to the Government Palace at the historic Plaza Mayor. See the changing of the guard, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the impressive Palace of the Archbishop. From there, visit Casa Aliabad, the best-preserved colonial mansion in the Americas, built in 1535 and still occupied by the same family. Next, a stop for lunch at the Larco Museum’s Café del Muse. Then go on a time-travel experience through the museum, where visitors can actually enter the storage areas for a first-hand look at more than 45,000 classified archaeological objects, considered by the experts to be masterpieces of pre-Columbian art. (b,l)

Begin the day with a market visit led by a local chef, followed by a private cooking class in his atelier featuring a few Peruvian staple dishes. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. On arrival, continue to your hotel in the city’s UNESCO-listed colonial center and enjoy the evening at leisure as you settle into the 9,000 ft (2,740 m) altitude of the “White City,” known for its elegant volcanic sillar architecture. (b,l)

Visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a 216,000 ft² complex founded in 1580, known for its vivid blue, white, and orange walls. See “Juanita,” the Ice Maiden, a remarkably preserved Inca mummy discovered in 1995 and named one of Time magazine’s top ten discoveries. In the afternoon, travel across the Altiplano to Colca Canyon, passing Misti Volcano and Vicuña National Park, home to wild vicuñas. Arrive at Las Casitas del Colca, a luxurious retreat 12,000 ft (3,658 m) above sea level, and discuss plans for the following day. (b,d)

Colca Canyon plunges 13,700 ft (4,176 m), nearly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. The local people still farm ancient terraces dating to pre-Inca times. At sunrise, travel to Condor Cross to watch the majestic Andean condor soar above the canyon, then stop at villages, colonial churches, and burial sites before returning to your hotel. Afternoon at Las Casitas del Colca is at leisure, with optional activities such as horseback riding, hiking, painting, fly-fishing, or taking cooking and Pisco Sour lessons. (b,l,d)

After breakfast, depart by private vehicle across the Altiplano, passing snow-capped mountains, lakes, and small Andean villages on the 5-hour journey to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Arrive at Titilaka Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Its contemporary design blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, honoring ancient Titicaca, birthplace of the Inca civilization. Dinner at the lodge. (b,l,d)

Enjoy an unforgettable full-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, arranged by your lodge. Cruise across the deep blue waters to the Floating Islands of the Uros, where families live on islands woven entirely from reeds. Continue to Taquile Island, home to the renowned Taquile knitters, whose vibrant textiles are part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Learn about their unique customs, traditions, and special “trial marriage” arrangements that form part of their social fabric. Return to your lodge for dinner by the lake. (b,l,d)

Sleep late and enjoy a leisurely morning, or simply relax on your terrace, taking in the ever-changing colors of Lake Titicaca. For those wishing to explore, Titilaka Lodge offers guided hikes through nearby villages, cycling along the lakeshore, birdwatching, and visits to local markets or archaeological sites. You may also venture out by kayak or canoe to experience the lake’s serene waters up close. However you choose to spend the day, the setting invites peace and wonder. (b,l,d)

Depart Titilaka Lodge for a 50-minute drive to Puno, where you board the luxurious PeruRail Titicaca Train for an unforgettable journey through the Andes. Travel from the mystical shores of Lake Titicaca to Cuzco, the former Inca capital, passing golden plains, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy fine dining, personalized service, and panoramic views from the observation car. Upon arrival in Cuzco, meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation in the historic heart of the city. (b,l)

Enjoy a lazy morning and a late breakfast before setting out to explore Cuzco. Visit the lively Farmers’ Market, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods and traditional herbal potions. Continue through the Bohemian quarter of San Blas, with its narrow streets, artisans, and blend of Inca and colonial heritage. In the afternoon, drive to the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, an architectural marvel built with massive, perfectly fitted stones. Evening: visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP) and savor à la carte dining at its elegant café. (b,d)

This morning, depart for the Poroy Train Station,* near Cuzco to experience La Belle Époque aboard the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train. Enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch while admiring the scenic Urubamba River on your way to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town. Continue by bus to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered in 1911. Explore the ancient citadel with your private guide before returning to the town, by bus, and to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, an award-winning haven of orchids, waterfalls, and hummingbirds. Dinner is included at your hotel. (b, brunch, d).

*  From January to April (rainy season): departs from the Sacred Valley region

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax and take advantage of the resort’s amenities, or return to Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance reservation required). Your private guide is available throughout the day. In the late afternoon, board the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train back to the Sacred Valley, savoring a fine dinner with wine and live music aboard. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Station, meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. (b,d)

Visit Moray, a fascinating series of circular terraces once used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. Continue to the Saltpans of Maras, where thousands of shimmering salt pools cascade down the hillside. In Chinchero, enjoy a traditional weaving demonstration and discover ancient techniques still practiced by local artisans. Then, travel by private transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, set among serene gardens and majestic Andean peaks. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at leisure. (b, l)

Early morning transfer to Cuzco Airport for your flight via Lima to Iquitos, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your cruise representative and transferred to the pier. Board your luxury Amazon expedition vessel, where attentive staff and elegant accommodations await. As you settle in, take in the lush scenery of the world’s largest rainforest and prepare for the days of exploration ahead along the mighty Amazon River. (b,d)

You set out by skiff toward the Yanayacu Yacapana River, watching for sloths, songbirds, and hawks while learning about the rainforest’s rhythms. You can try piranha fishing before continuing toward the quiet Yarapa River. The day winds down with a peaceful nighttime outing in search of creatures that come alive after dark.

Itinerary is subject to change between dry and green seasons as well as weather and operations reasons.

An early outing to Clavero Lake reveals local families navigating in dugout canoes. You may enjoy a relaxed swim or meet community members. In the afternoon, you explore the vast Marañón River, known for its wildlife-rich shores. Back on board, you meet the crew who have supported your journey behind the scenes.
 

Itinerary is subject to change between dry and green seasons as well as weather and operations reasons.

Your morning visit to the local market introduces you to Amazonian produce and regional flavors. Those interested may meet a beekeeper in the village of San Francisco. After breakfast on board, you disembark and stop at the Manatee Rescue Center before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onwards.

Itinerary is subject to change between dry and green seasons as well as weather and operations reasons.