Peru is a land of ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. While it’s possible to explore on a budget, some experiences are worth the extra splurge. These unforgettable moments elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary, immersing you in luxury, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Here are nine splurge-worthy moments your Peru vacation needs—because some memories are priceless.

1. Ride the Luxury Train to Machu Picchu

No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, but how you get there makes all the difference. Instead of taking the standard train or hiking the Inca Trail, opt for the luxury train to Machu Picchu.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham is the pinnacle of elegance, featuring polished wood interiors, live Peruvian music, gourmet dining, and an open-air observation car for soaking in the Andean scenery. Sip on a pisco sour as the train winds through the Sacred Valley, setting the tone for your arrival at the legendary citadel.

2. Stay in a Boutique Hotel in Cusco

Cusco’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a luxury boutique hotel that enhances the magic. Imagine waking up in a restored colonial mansion with hand-carved wooden balconies, original Inca stone walls, and a courtyard filled with flowers.

Hotels like Palacio del Inka or Belmond Hotel Monasterio offer five-star service, spa treatments using ancient Andean techniques, and oxygen-enriched rooms to help you adjust to the altitude. The extra comfort is worth it after a day of exploring cobblestone streets and Incan ruins.

3. Take a Private Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is awe-inspiring, but its history is even more fascinating when explained by an expert. Skip the crowded group tours and book a private guide.

A knowledgeable guide will reveal hidden corners of the ruins, share stories of the Inca Empire, and even help you capture the best photos without crowds in the background. Some tours include exclusive access to lesser-known sites like the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge, making your visit truly special.

4. Dine at Central or Maido in Lima

Lima is a food lover’s paradise, home to two of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. If there’s one place to splurge on a meal, it’s here.

• Central (ranked #1 in 2023) takes you on a culinary journey through Peru’s diverse ecosystems, with dishes featuring Amazonian herbs, Andean grains, and Pacific seafood.

• Maido (consistently in the top 10) blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors in an exquisite Nikkei tasting menu.

Reservations book up fast, so plan ahead—this is a meal you’ll remember forever.

5. Fly Over the Nazca Lines in a Private Plane

The mysterious Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s greatest enigmas, best seen from the air. While small group flights are available, a private plane tour ensures unobstructed views and more time circling the most impressive geoglyphs.

Your pilot will guide you over the hummingbird, monkey, and astronaut figures carved into the desert, offering insights into their origins. The thrill of seeing these ancient wonders up close is worth every penny.

6. Stay at a Luxury Lodge in the Amazon

Peru’s Amazon rainforest is teeming with wildlife, and staying at a high-end eco-lodge ensures comfort without sacrificing adventure. Properties like Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica or Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offer guided jungle treks, canopy walks, and nighttime caiman spotting—all while providing gourmet meals and plush beds.

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the echoing calls of howler monkeys and the vibrant cries of macaws, knowing you’re in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

7. Charter a Boat to the Ballestas Islands

Dubbed the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands are home to sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds. While group tours are common, a private boat charter lets you explore the islands at your own pace.

You’ll get closer to wildlife, avoid crowded decks, and even have time for a coastal detour to hidden beaches or the Paracas National Reserve. The exclusivity makes the marine encounter even more magical.

8. Experience a Sacred Valley Wellness Retreat

After days of hiking and exploring, treat yourself to a luxury wellness retreat in the Sacred Valley. Places like Willka T’ika or Tambo del Inka offer yoga sessions with mountain views, Andean energy cleansings, and massages using local herbs.

Some retreats include temazcal (traditional sweat lodge) ceremonies or sound healing with quartz bowls. It is perfect for recharging before your next adventure.

9. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is stunning, but the high-altitude hike is challenging. Why not see it from above? A helicopter tour lets you soar over the colorful striations without the strenuous trek.

Some tours include a landing at remote valleys or glacial lakes, giving you a private moment in the Andes few travelers ever experience.

Bottom Line

A trip to Peru is unforgettable on its own, but these splurge-worthy moments take it to the next level. Whether it’s riding the luxury train to Machu Picchu, dining at world-class restaurants, or flying over ancient geoglyphs, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes, luxury isn’t just about comfort. It’s about transforming your journey into something extraordinary. So go ahead, indulge a little. You deserve it.