Continue to Cusco, former Inca capital, and the Sacred Valley, to explore ruins, villages and markets. Of course, the highlight of your time in the area will be Machu Picchu, the impressive ruins set in the cloud forest, whose purpose is still not completely clear to archaeologists. You’ll begin your time exploring the Inca culture in the Sacred Valley, at a lower altitude for easier acclimatization and home to charming villages, terraced ruins overlooking the valley and colorful markets.

Then, continue to Machu Picchu in the panoramic Vistadome or the luxury Hiram Bingham service, where you’ll have a private guide to learn more about the impressive architecture and construction techniques. Finally, stay a few nights in Cusco, which has a combination of colonial and Inca architecture, a lovely main plaza, and the famed Temple of the Sun. Cusco is a lively town, with restaurants, bars and plenty of winding alleys to explore.

End your trip in the Amazon region, with a stay at one of the lodges set deep into the jungle there, or with a riverboat cruise on a luxury riverboat. Lodges range from those offering more amenities, to those for travelers interested in an authentic, in-depth Amazon experience. You’ll have activities in the Amazon like wildlife watching, canoeing, fishing for piranha, visiting local communities, night walks and more.

Ask us for more details on adding more destinations in Peru to your trip, or about other Amazon regions in South America.

The Delfin luxury riverboats are ideal for travelers looking for the best Amazon trip – with smaller sizes for a more personalized trip, spacious cabins, and impeccable service from guides and crew, these two riverboats will make for a memorable trip.

Your trip begins in Lima, where you’ll arrive from your international flight, and spend two nights in a luxury property, with a city tour to the amazing colonial and pre-colombian highlights the city has to offer. Then, continue on to Iquitos, Peru, where you’ll board your boat. Then begin cruising to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a five million acre nature reserve that few travelers visit. The Delfins offer four, five and eight day cruises, with excursions to native villages, blackwater creeks, lagoons, and along rivers where pink dolphins congregate. You’ll have the chance to fish for piranha and go on night walks in search of nocturnal wildlife. End the trip in Lima, with an overnight and farewell dinner prior to your international departure.

Ask us about 2009 and 2010 dates on the Delfin I and II, and combining this trip with other destinations in Peru.

La Casona, an Inkaterra property, opened in 2008 to wide acclaim from guests and media alike – the high level of service, stylishly appointed rooms, and exclusivity of the property make it a unique option for people who travel to Peru and are looking for the best of the best.

Latin Excursions had an opportunity to visit La Casona in September, and was impressed by this latest addition to Cusco’s crowded hotel market. The first aspect of La Casona that makes it particularly stand out is its commitment to the privacy of guests – no hotel restaurant brings in diners from outside, no bar attracts revelers, and, in fact, the front door is closed to all but hotel guests.

Rooms in the refurbished colonial mansion are spacious, with even the lower category rooms boasting king beds and intimate dining areas. Bathrooms are huge, with deep baths, two sinks and plush amenities. Room categories include Patio Suites, Plaza Suites and Balcon Suites – the latter feature small balconies for enjoying a peaceful breakfast or drink.

VIP service is the order of the day for guests at La Casona, with housekeeping thrice daily, concierge service, a personalized welcome, and a butler. The small size (only 11 suites) keeps things quiet, and allows guests the maximum opportunity to relax in their opulent setting.

La Casona is perfect for honeymoon couples, those celebrating a special event, or travelers who want to experience the majesty of Cusco in style.

Influences are myriad, and come from Spanish, Basque, African, Sino-Cantonese, Japeanse, Italian, French and British immigration, as well as from pre-Inca and Inca heritage. Traditional dishes are many and varied, and Peruvian cooking continues to evolve and grow – along the Peruvian coast it’s said that there are 2,000 different types of soup and 250 traditional desserts.  In fact, Lima has been named the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas.” Dishes are richly flavored and spiced, and draw on ingredients like fresh seafood, potatoes, corn, rice and tropical fruits.

For cooking enthusiasts and eating enthusiasts traveling to Peru to visit other highlights like Machu Picchu and Cusco, a day out in Lima to explore the city’s rich culinary history and gourmet gastronomy is a can’t miss opportunity!

Ask us how to customize Peru travel with a ceviche tasting, Pisco sour class (Peru’s national drink), or another culinary adventure!