Traveling Peru in Style: Machu Picchu Luxury Tours

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular bucket list items for world travelers. There are many ways to see this modern wonder of the world, but if it’s your style, we can’t recommend Machu Picchu Luxury Tours highly enough.

Luxury Machu Picchu tours redefine exploration by offering tailor-made itineraries crafted by local experts, featuring exclusive visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site and ensuring every moment is steeped in unparalleled personal service and authentic experiences.

With options ranging from 4 to 17 days, these tours promise not only a journey to Machu Picchu but also an immersive dive into the richness of Peru’s heritage, all while ensuring comfort with handpicked luxury hotels and the guidance of expert, English-speaking guides.

Setting the stage for this adventure, Fertur’s Machu Picchu vacation is designed to cater to the discerning traveler looking for an elevated experience. From the Vistadome train that offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley to the opportunity to tread lightly on the time-worn Inca trail, or ascend Huayna Picchu for an eagle’s view, these tours open the gates to exploring one of the world’s most mystical sites in style and luxury.

Choosing Your Path: Trekking vs. Luxury Train

When embarking on the tour, adventurers are met with a pivotal choice: the scenic allure of a luxury train ride or the authentic thrill of a trekking expedition through the Sacred Valley. This decision shapes the very essence of the journey to this ancient wonder.

Train Journey:

• Options: From the opulent Hiram Bingham train to the panoramic Vistadome, train services like The Private, The First Class, and The Voyager offer a range of experiences. Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two main companies, each providing unique carriage types and amenities.
• Journey Time: The train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes spans over three hours, offering a transition from the ‘Tierra Helada’ to the lush ‘Tierra Fria’ zone near Aguas Calientes. The route from Ollantaytambo is shorter, approximately 1.5 hours, tracing the Urubamba River.
• Considerations: Luggage restrictions apply, and stations differ for arrival and departure in Aguas Calientes, necessitating planning for luggage and transfers.

Trekking Expeditions:

• Paths: Choose from the traditional Inca Trail, a 4-day adventure through breathtaking Andean landscapes, or explore alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek. Luxury options are available, enhancing the experience with added comfort over the journey.
• Permits and Difficulty: The Inca Trail requires a permit and presents a moderate to challenging trek, spanning 43 kilometers (27 miles). Alternative treks offer similar vistas without the need for permits.
• Duration and Cost: Treks can vary, with luxury options extending over several days. Prices generally start around USD 500, offering a blend of adventure and comfort.

This choice between train and trek not only influences the physical journey to Machu Picchu but also the depth of connection to the landscape and history of this iconic site. Whether by rail or foot, each path offers a unique perspective on the Sacred Valley’s majesty.

Exclusive Experiences during your Machu Picchu vacation

Embarking on a Machu Picchu luxury tour unveils a world of exclusive experiences, blending adventure with unparalleled comfort and cultural immersion. The Hiram Bingham Train, synonymous with opulence, transports guests through breathtaking Andean landscapes while they indulge in a gourmet brunch and a sumptuous three-course dinner. This journey, inclusive of round-trip luxury train tickets, hotel transfers in Cusco, and a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu, ensures every detail is meticulously catered to, from the ascent on a private bus to the entrance into the iconic citadel.

• Accommodations & Dining:
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Offers 83 casitas in an eco-luxury setting with two restaurants, a bar, and a spa amidst a vibrant conservation program.
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: A boutique experience with 62 rooms, featuring a spa, restaurant, and a commitment to sustainability.
  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: Provides an eco-luxury stay in its 31 rooms, complete with a spa, restaurant, and conservation efforts.

For those seeking a deeper connection with Peru’s rich heritage, the Luxury Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour spans 2 days and 1 night, offering visits to ancient sites and scenic train rides. This tour not only includes a culinary adventure at MIL Centro, one of the globe’s most renowned restaurants, but also a journey back in time aboard the Hiram Bingham train, evoking the glamour of the 1920s. With private transport, professional guides, and accommodations in Aguas Calientes, travelers are assured a seamless and enriching experience, delving into the heart of Andean culture and the mystique of Machu Picchu.

Planning Your Visit: Optimal Times and Insider Tips

Navigating the optimal times for a Machu Picchu adventure requires strategic planning to enhance the experience. Here’s a guide to help you choose when to embark on your journey:

• Dry Season (May to September):
  • Temperature: Ranges between 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (75°F).
  • Advantages: Clear skies and safer trekking conditions.
  • Insider Tip: May offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Shoulder Months (Late April, Early October):
  • Crowd Avoidance: Visiting during these months can mean fewer tourists and more intimate encounters with nature.
  • Insider Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are less crowded, offering serene explorations.
• Wet Season (November to March):
  • Considerations: Be prepared for rain and potential site closures. However, this season sees fewer tourists and possible discounts on services.
  • Acclimatization: Stay in the Sacred Valley to adjust to altitude; drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms.
  • Booking Advice: Secure Inca Trail permits 8-12 months in advance; 4-6 months for shorter hikes.

Remember, engaging with local communities in the Sacred Valley can enrich your journey, offering insights into traditional crafts and traditions. Planning your visit with these tips in mind ensures a memorable experience.

Accommodations: From Eco-Luxury Lodges to Boutique Hotels

The choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role in the overall experience. From eco-luxury lodges nestled in the heart of the Andes to boutique hotels offering personalized services, here’s a glimpse into where you might rest and rejuvenate during your journey:

• Eco-Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley:
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: Boasting 117 rooms, this hotel merges luxury with cultural immersion, rated 9.1.
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: With 83 rooms, this eco-luxury hotel is rated 8.7, set amidst lush greenery.
  • Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel & Hatun Inti Boutique: Smaller in scale with 15 and 32 rooms respectively, these hotels offer a boutique experience, with Hatun Inti rated at 8.8.
• Unique Stays in Ollantaytambo:
  • Vertical Sky Luxury Suites: An exclusive haven with 7 dome rooms that hang from the mountainside, boasting a 9.3 rating, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush before bed.
  • StarDomeLodge: Offering a unique lodging experience with 6 rooms, this lodge has a stellar 9.7 rating, ideal for star gazing.
  • Ccapac Inka Ollanta & El Albergue Ollantaytambo: Both offer a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts, with 11 and 22 rooms respectively, both rated at 9.1.
• Sacred Valley’s Hidden Gems:
  • Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Urubamba: With 21 rooms, this hotel offers an indulgent escape, rated 9.2.
  • Wifala Harmony Hotel & Lizzy Wasi Urubamba: These hotels provide a serene setting with 12 and 17 rooms respectively, offering a more personalized and intimate experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Each of these accommodations has been carefully selected to enhance your Machu Picchu luxury tour, offering a blend of comfort, exclusivity, and immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. Whether you’re seeking an eco-conscious stay or a boutique hotel experience, these options promise to elevate your journey, providing a sanctuary where you can unwind after a day of exploration.

Choosing the right tour provider and understanding the booking nuances will ensure your Machu Picchu journey is nothing short of extraordinary, filled with luxury, adventure, and unparalleled experiences.

FAQs

How can I experience a luxurious trip to Machu Picchu?

To enjoy a luxurious journey to Machu Picchu, consider taking the Hiram Bingham Train. This train offers a lavish travel experience, taking approximately 3 hours each way. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Incan ruins with a guided tour, ensuring a comfortable and memorable adventure while traveling to and from Cusco.

When is the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu?

The optimal months for visiting Machu Picchu are May and October. These months offer the advantage of being outside the peak tourist season of June through August, resulting in less crowded trails. Additionally, the weather during these months is typically ideal for trekking the Inca Trail, featuring many clear and beautiful days.

What is the recommended age for visiting Machu Picchu?

While there is no specific age requirement for visiting Machu Picchu, it is suggested that children be over the age of 6 due to the amount of walking involved in exploring the citadel. Ultimately, parents are the best judges of their own children’s physical capabilities and readiness for such an adventure.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Machu Picchu?

For most visitors, spending one day at Machu Picchu is enough to see the highlights. However, allocating an additional day allows for a more thorough exploration of the site and its surroundings at a leisurely pace.

To give you a better idea of what this particular Machu Picchu vacation entails, here is a sample day-by-day breakdown of one of South America’s finest luxury tours.

Day 1: Cusco

While Machu Picchu tends to be the main attraction in southern Peru, the nearby city of Cusco, the once-capital of the erstwhile Incan Empire, has an incredible amount to offer. It’s also the perfect home base and launchpad for visiting Machu Picchu.

The first day allows you to get to know Cusco and acclimate to the altitude. In a walking tour of downtown Cusco, you’ll see the main plaza and cathedral and the Santo Domingo Church, which was built on the ruins of the Incan Temple of the Sun.

Next, you’ll see a few more Incan ruins around Cusco, learning about the profound Incan and colonial history that permeates the city. You’ll stay at the Monasterio Hotel, a breathtaking 5-star hotel built into a historic Cusco monastery. It’s one the nicest (if not the nicest) hotels in Machu Picchu.

Day 2: Cusco Machu Picchu Travel (first day)

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to Cusco’s Poroy train station, where you’ll board the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train to visit Machu Picchu.

The luxury Belmond Train is a key part of all the best Machu Picchu tours. Traversing the distance from Cusco to Aguas Calientes in a cool three hours, the train is bursting with luxury: fine woodwork, glasses of champagne, live music, and panoramic views of the Andes.

When you arrive to Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a short bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Lunch and accommodation will be at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the Belmond hotel just outside the sacred citadel.

Day 3: Machu Picchu (second day)

On the third day, you’ll get up early, grab breakfast at the hotel, and return to the Inca world heritage site. The ruins can get crowded, but early in the morning is the best time to visit the Inca ruins. You can really get in touch with the solitary, mystical spirit that characterizes the citadel. (Another option is to climb Huayna Picchu to take in the amazing overview of the sanctuary.)

After fully enjoying the wonders of Machu Picchu, you’ll board the train back to Cusco, soaking in the astonishing views and reflecting on the mysterious, captivating ruins.

Day 4: Transfer

You’ll have breakfast at the hotel and move on to your next destination, wherever that may be.

Booking a Machu Picchu luxury tours

If you’re interested in our this luxury package, we would love to help you make your way to Machu Picchu in stylish fashion. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Whatsapp or through the Contact Us form about our luxury tours to Machu Picchu.

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