As luxury traveler destinations go, Peru probably doesn’t rank as high in high-end travel spending. This shouldn’t be the case, because with Machu Picchu as its focal point, Peru is on a par with Europe, North America, and Asia when it comes to premium hotels and travel experiences.
A stay in the city of Cusco is the beginning of your trip to Machu Picchu. You are going to 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 that 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 choosing difficult. 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 singing intervals are used.
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 in 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, heading to Machu Picchu the next morning when it’s less crowded. Please note that the train usually catches and returns the same day, so you will need to make it clear that you would like 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 houses one of the best luxury hotels. Although this does not grant you any additional privileges as far as the site is concerned, you will still get some amazing 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 and international dishes. You can enjoy a massage while you relax or enjoy the hotel gardens.
When it comes to gardens, however, Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel can’t be beat. 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 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 of which has its own pool, garden, and terrace.
Last but not least, a luxury alternative is the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel for your lodging needs. Spa and five-star hotel, it also has junior, superior or full suites with some rooms with Jacuzzi, fireplace and king-size bed. The gastronomic pleasures offered by the hotel restaurant deserve special mention.