Peru Luxury Travel: Go to Machu Picchu in Style

Travel Articles | February 8, 2012

Peru and luxury are not necessarily synonymous. But there are definitely luxury options for getting to Machu Picchu.

Whether or not you’re traveling in luxury, getting to Machu Picchu requires several advance steps, the first of which is getting to Lima, the capital city of Peru. Here, travelers can decide to spend a night or two and will find plenty to do. Peru in general and Lima in particular are undergoing a gastronomic renaissance and there is an enormous variety of dining and nightlife options that have cropped up around it. As for lodging, the JW Marriot along the boardwalk in Miraflores is an ideal option both for its location and its services and amenities. The hotel offers a first-class restaurant, health club, business services, as well as a casino if you’re interested in gaming.

Several flights depart daily for the short hop between Lima and Cusco. Once in Cusco, guests can either depart straight-away to the Sacred Valley or stay in Cusco for a bit of exploration. If doing the latter, there are a few choices in luxury accommodations, among them Aranwa Boutique, Monasterio, Libertador, and the newest option opening in 2012 Palacio Nazarenas, which will have individual butlers for each of its limited rooms and iPod docks among its amenities.

Another option is to spend a night in the Sacred Valley, which has Inca ruins and lovely markets worthy of exploration. Travelers worried about altitude should consider this option, as elevations in the Sacred Valley are lower than Cusco. The Aranwa chain offers a countryside retreat equipped with modern conveniences set amid an idyllic scenery that will have you wishing you could stay longer.

Travelers arrive to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu village, via train, and the luxury option is the Hiram Bingham service. This train carries 84 passengers, has 2 dining cars, a bar and kitchen. It staff unquestionably excels in providing outstanding service. The train departs at around 9 o’clock from Cusco (only) and arrives to Aguas Calientes at mid-day. From there, travelers are escorted to Machu Picchu, receive a small-group guided tour, and are served afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel next to the ruins. For travelers, planning on a second day at Machu Piccu, this hotel is an excellent luxury option for an overnight stay. If travelers would rather have a greater variety of options, the Inkaterra Pueblo hotel in Aguas Calientes provides an excellent alternative.

For travelers that prefer a more active adventure to Machu Picchu

, there is the possibility of walking on the Inca Trail while staying at excellent lodges each night. You get the adventure of the Inca Trail without having to worry about warm showers and toilets.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This article about Peru luxury travel was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Machu Picchu packages.