As luxury destinations for travelers go, Peru probably doesn’t rank as high in high-end travel spending. This should not be the case, because with Machu Picchu as the focal point, Peru is on par with Europe, North America, and Asia for premium hotels and travel experiences.
A stay in the city of Cusco is the beginning of your journey to Machu Picchu. You will spend at least one night here, since you will want to leave for Machu Picchu in the morning. In which case, you might as well spend a couple of nights and allow yourself to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy some of the great restaurants Cusco has to offer.
There are several restaurants worth going to, but one of the best has to be relatively new to the city: Tartessos. While it has a full menu, the tapas offer many different taste sensations, the desserts are heavenly, and the wine list will make it hard to choose. Other things worth considering include the Divine Comedy with its Quechua opera and Le Soleil, a new French restaurant. To help passengers continue their conversations, tasteful intervals are used for singing.
For luxury hotels, the first name on the sheet has always been Monasterio. However, it now has some competition from Inkaterra’s luxury boutique hotel, La Casona, located on the same plaza. Other offerings to consider are the Casa Andina Private Collection and the Libertador.
When it comes to luxury, there is only one way to travel to Machu Picchu and that is on Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham train. South America isn’t known for its luxury trains, but this train with its brunch on the way and pre-dinner cocktails with a 4-course meal on the return journey is as close as you can get to the Orient Express. The train will arrive around noon, so it’s a good idea to just relax and spend the night, going to Machu Picchu the next morning when it’s less crowded. Keep in mind that the train usually takes and returns the same day, so you’ll need to make it clear that you want a different itinerary.
Once you are in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, you will have some decisions to make. The architectural site itself is home to one of the best luxury hotels. Although this doesn’t give you any additional privileges as far as the site is concerned, you’ll get some stunning views of the citadel that you might not otherwise get.
Room options include suites, terrace rooms, and mountain view rooms. It is also possible to get a room with a king-size bed. The restaurant is of gourmet quality and offers both Peruvian dishes and dishes from around the world. You can enjoy a massage while you relax or enjoy the hotel gardens.
However, when it comes to gardens, Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is second to none. The gardens are huge, allowing you to take a nice walk without even leaving the hotel, where there is a nature center that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of birds and orchids.
This hotel also offers a fantastic restaurant and spa area. Room options include casitas with their own fireplaces and villa suites, each with its own pool, garden, and terrace.
Last but not least, a luxury alternative is the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel for your accommodation needs. Spa and five-star hotel, it also has junior, superior or full suites with some rooms with Jacuzzi, fireplace and king-size bed. Special mention deserves the gastronomic pleasures offered by the hotel restaurant.
