Peru Private Tour & Galápagos Islands Expedition

Though certainly not a deluxe property, we feel the 192-room Wyndham Costa del Sol is the highest quality Lima airport hotel among limited choices and is convenient for a brief overnight rest before connecting to Cusco the following day.

Though certainly not a deluxe property, we feel the 192-room Wyndham Costa del Sol is the highest quality Lima airport hotel among limited choices and is convenient for a brief overnight rest before connecting to Cusco the following day.

Being big fans of the outdoor-oriented Explora properties in Patagonia, Atacama, and Easter Island, we were excited about the 2017 opening of the Explora Valle Sagrado (Explora Sacred Valley). The 50-room, the architecturally-striking lodge is set in a tranquil rural location, with a somewhat spartan Scandinavian aesthetic, including unvarnished wooden walls, stripped beams and pillars, and vaulted ceilings. We particularly like the naturally-lit rooms’ alpaca-wool blankets and panoramic views of the surrounding plantations and mountains, as well as the nice pool here! Two of our favorite features here are the outstanding dining room with its cathedral ceiling and the spa in an adjacent 17th-century country hacienda. The emphasis here is on exploring nature (hiking and mild mountain hiking)! Please note, there are no TVs here, though similar to the Explora Patagonia, Wi-Fi is available in the common areas (restaurant and lobby area). Though it is not noted on their website, our contacts at Explora have advised us that there is laundry service available here.

Being big fans of the outdoor-oriented Explora properties in Patagonia, Atacama, and Easter Island, we were excited about the 2017 opening of the Explora Valle Sagrado (Explora Sacred Valley). The 50-room, the architecturally-striking lodge is set in a tranquil rural location, with a somewhat spartan Scandinavian aesthetic, including unvarnished wooden walls, stripped beams and pillars, and vaulted ceilings. We particularly like the naturally-lit rooms’ alpaca-wool blankets and panoramic views of the surrounding plantations and mountains, as well as the nice pool here! Two of our favorite features here are the outstanding dining room with its cathedral ceiling and the spa in an adjacent 17th-century country hacienda. The emphasis here is on exploring nature (hiking and mild mountain hiking)! Please note, there are no TVs here, though similar to the Explora Patagonia, Wi-Fi is available in the common areas (restaurant and lobby area). Though it is not noted on their website, our contacts at Explora have advised us that there is laundry service available here.

The 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel adjacent to the ruins, a location that grants special access to this other-worldly place. Based on its management by the Belmond Group, the service and overall dining options here are of the highest quality. Though the rooms are relatively small, they are newly refurbished with the usual luxury amenities you would expect from a Belmond Property. The fundamental and priceless benefit of staying at this property is having exclusive and direct access to the adjacent Machu Picchu ruins.

The 31-room Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel adjacent to the ruins, a location that grants special access to this other-worldly place. Based on its management by the Belmond Group, the service and overall dining options here are of the highest quality. Though the rooms are relatively small, they are newly refurbished with the usual luxury amenities you would expect from a Belmond Property. The fundamental and priceless benefit of staying at this property is having exclusive and direct access to the adjacent Machu Picchu ruins.

Restored from a former 17th-century palace and convent, the historic 5-star Palacio Nazarenas is one of our two favorite luxury properties in Cusco (the other being the Hotel Monasterio). Despite its location close to Cusco’s main square, the Palacio is quiet and truly an oasis of comfort. With only 55 oxygen-enriched suites (much needed at 11,100 ft. elevation), the service here is high touch, including personal butler service. All 55 suites feature elaborate, wood-carved furniture, Inca inspired artwork and furnishings and underfloor heating in the Peruvian marble bathrooms. We particularly like the nice outdoor-heated pool and full-service spa. The hotel’s cloistered courtyard with fountain certainly evokes the old Hacienda style of living.

Restored from a former 17th-century palace and convent, the historic 5-star Palacio Nazarenas is one of our two favorite luxury properties in Cusco (the other being the Hotel Monasterio). Despite its location close to Cusco’s main square, the Palacio is quiet and truly an oasis of comfort. With only 55 oxygen-enriched suites (much needed at 11,100 ft. elevation), the service here is high touch, including personal butler service. All 55 suites feature elaborate, wood-carved furniture, Inca inspired artwork and furnishings and underfloor heating in the Peruvian marble bathrooms. We particularly like the nice outdoor-heated pool and full-service spa. The hotel’s cloistered courtyard with fountain certainly evokes the old Hacienda style of living.

Located in the artsy, Bohemian, Barranco district of Lima, Hotel B is perhaps our favorite luxury, boutique hotel in all of Peru. The property was originally built as a seaside retreat for the president of Peru, Augusto Leguía, in the 1920s. Noted French architect Claude Sahut was commissioned to design the original building, completed in 1914. With only 17 suites/rooms, the early 20th-century style rooms include high-ceilings, big windows with balconies, and the usual luxury amenities. Though the majority of the 17 suites are in the original building, the newly-built annex suites are also very nice, with no real downgrade in quality. The restoration of Hotel B is considered to have been the new standard for historic restoration in Lima. The hotel’s Oscar Velarde restaurant is a can’t-miss experience, as is the property’s cozy, funky bar. In addition to being surrounded by many art galleries and studios, Hotel B has its own art collection and is linked directly with the Lucia de la Puente Gallery. Lucia is also one of the hotel’s investors.

Located in the artsy, Bohemian, Barranco district of Lima, Hotel B is perhaps our favorite luxury, boutique hotel in all of Peru. The property was originally built as a seaside retreat for the president of Peru, Augusto Leguía, in the 1920s. Noted French architect Claude Sahut was commissioned to design the original building, completed in 1914. With only 17 suites/rooms, the early 20th-century style rooms include high-ceilings, big windows with balconies, and the usual luxury amenities. Though the majority of the 17 suites are in the original building, the newly-built annex suites are also very nice, with no real downgrade in quality. The restoration of Hotel B is considered to have been the new standard for historic restoration in Lima. The hotel’s Oscar Velarde restaurant is a can’t-miss experience, as is the property’s cozy, funky bar. In addition to being surrounded by many art galleries and studios, Hotel B has its own art collection and is linked directly with the Lucia de la Puente Gallery. Lucia is also one of the hotel’s investors.

We love the M/V Aria and consider the three or four-night Amazon River Cruise to be a highlight of our Peru Private Tour itinerary. Originally launched in 2011 and completely refurbished in 2015, the luxury, 16-cabin M/V ARIA river vessel provides a high-touch, fun Amazon River expedition experience. Custom built by noted Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the ARIA includes 16 air-conditioned cabins (250 sq. feet each), all featuring updated bathrooms and showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and 24/7 hot water access. The vessel is limited to 32 guests, in addition to 24 crew members, including a paramedic and four naturalist guides. Other features include an indoor bar, spacious dining room, observation deck, a small workout area (treadmill and stationary bike), and Peruvian 5-star cuisine. We feel the Peruvian dining experience onboard the ARIA is among the highest standards anywhere in the country. Using the ARIA’s expedition skills to explore the Amazon tributaries, you will have ample opportunities to fish for Piranha! Also of note is the ample peacock bass fishing available during the September and October season! Please note, the ARIA’s eight-passenger skiffs use Mercury 60 HP Marine Outbound engines, operating at ultra-low emission levels for minimum disruption to wildlife. It is important to note that the ARIA does not have internet access, though guests sometimes are able to connect via roaming data on their devices.

We love the M/V Aria and consider the three or four-night Amazon River Cruise to be a highlight of our Peru Private Tour itinerary. Originally launched in 2011 and completely refurbished in 2015, the luxury, 16-cabin M/V ARIA river vessel provides a high-touch, fun Amazon River expedition experience. Custom built by noted Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the ARIA includes 16 air-conditioned cabins (250 sq. feet each), all featuring updated bathrooms and showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and 24/7 hot water access. The vessel is limited to 32 guests, in addition to 24 crew members, including a paramedic and four naturalist guides. Other features include an indoor bar, spacious dining room, observation deck, a small workout area (treadmill and stationary bike), and Peruvian 5-star cuisine. We feel the Peruvian dining experience onboard the ARIA is among the highest standards anywhere in the country. Using the ARIA’s expedition skills to explore the Amazon tributaries, you will have ample opportunities to fish for Piranha! Also of note is the ample peacock bass fishing available during the September and October season! Please note, the ARIA’s eight-passenger skiffs use Mercury 60 HP Marine Outbound engines, operating at ultra-low emission levels for minimum disruption to wildlife. It is important to note that the ARIA does not have internet access, though guests sometimes are able to connect via roaming data on their devices.

With a redesigned interior from the award-winning architect, Noor Design, the AQUA NERA draws inspiration from the Amazon’s mystical, blackwater lagoons. The ship also features comprehensive amenities including an indoor lounge and bar, as well as a river-facing plunge pool and gym. Onboard dining remains overseen by the renowned Peruvian chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

With a redesigned interior from the award-winning architect, Noor Design, the AQUA NERA draws inspiration from the Amazon’s mystical, blackwater lagoons. The ship also features comprehensive amenities including an indoor lounge and bar, as well as a river-facing plunge pool and gym. Onboard dining remains overseen by the renowned Peruvian chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Opened in January of 2017, this historical, 44-room, luxury, boutique hotel is our new favorite property in Guayaquil! This hotel is located in the lush Guayaquil Historical Park in the upscale Samborondón area of the city. Hotel del Parque offers a surreal and calming oasis from the noisy city center. Originally conceived in 1891, the building served as a homeless shelter for the elderly and disabled. The rooms are spacious, including extra-large bedrooms with modern bathrooms. Among the amenities is the amazing restaurant, Casa Julian, which overlooks the hazy Daule River. The hotel offers an outstanding spa service, located in the chapel’s bell tower, with spectacular 360° views over the gardens.

Opened in January of 2017, this historical, 44-room, luxury, boutique hotel is our new favorite property in Guayaquil! This hotel is located in the lush Guayaquil Historical Park in the upscale Samborondón area of the city. Hotel del Parque offers a surreal and calming oasis from the noisy city center. Originally conceived in 1891, the building served as a homeless shelter for the elderly and disabled. The rooms are spacious, including extra-large bedrooms with modern bathrooms. Among the amenities is the amazing restaurant, Casa Julian, which overlooks the hazy Daule River. The hotel offers an outstanding spa service, located in the chapel’s bell tower, with spectacular 360° views over the gardens.

Designed to sail the Galápagos, this sleek, twin-hulled catamaran provides guests with a stable cruise and spacious interior. Onboard you will be able to enjoy a semi-covered sky deck, alfresco dining area, and cozy bar-salon. All suites onboard are spacious (Golden Suite is 35 sq. meters), each with ocean views through panoramic windows, outdoor balcony, and rainforest style showers in private bathrooms. Aboard the M/C Elite, you will enjoy delicious meals made from fresh and local ingredients prepared by the chef on board. Just launched on June 15, 2019, with a capacity of only 16 passengers, the Elite is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the islands and wildlife that make up the Galápagos.

Designed to sail the Galápagos, this sleek, twin-hulled catamaran provides guests with a stable cruise and spacious interior. Onboard you will be able to enjoy a semi-covered sky deck, alfresco dining area, and cozy bar-salon. All suites onboard are spacious (Golden Suite is 35 sq. meters), each with ocean views through panoramic windows, outdoor balcony, and rainforest style showers in private bathrooms. Aboard the M/C Elite, you will enjoy delicious meals made from fresh and local ingredients prepared by the chef on board. Just launched on June 15, 2019, with a capacity of only 16 passengers, the Elite is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the islands and wildlife that make up the Galápagos.