Top 5 Luxury Family Run Properties in Peru

With Head of Latin America, Joanna Hussey

“My love affair with Peru started when I was eight years old - I remember putting a sticker on my junior atlas and promising myself to visit and hike the Inca trail one day. Fast forward to 2010 and I finally realised my dream and now have a collection of fond memories from many trips to Peru; including watching the sunrise from the sungate over Machu Picchu after hiking the Inca trail!

Every time I travel to Peru I discover something new and exciting; there are many more layers to this country than the famous Inca Trail. I've watched condors dancing in the thermal air in the colourful Colca Canyon, I’ve locked eyes with a skulking jaguar on the banks of the Amazon on a night boat tour and hiked Huayna Picchu for an alternative perspective of Machu Picchu.

The climate is suitable for year around visits; the best time is the dry season from April to October. There are plenty of great activities like the markets, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and surfing as well as the famous multi-day Inca trail hike and other hiking trails. Peru is easy to get around with luxury rail travel with Belmond offering a unique way to travel and relax in the luxurious hotel enroute.”

- Joanna Hussey, Head of Latin America

Luxury in Unique Experiences

We consider luxury to mean a property that, whilst being incredibly comfortable, is also genuinely unique, authentic, with the best guides and perhaps even a story to tell. More often than not, these experiences can be found in boutique, owner or family-run properties. Luxury can mean the best location for wildlife and easy access to a star attraction offering a genuine homely feel and a stunning character property that adds ‘a little extra’ above and beyond the luxury hotel benchmark.

We asked Head of Latin America, Joanna Hussey, to share her top five most exciting and unusual family-run properties in Peru. Read on to find inspiration for your Peruvian adventure.

1. A Machu Picchu Experience with a Positive Impact:
Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

To Journeysmiths, travelling is not simply moving from one place to another, it’s about experiences and seeking connection with a destination. We know you’ll feel that deep connection at Sol y Luna, a property founded by Petit Miribel to provide education and care for children living in poverty in the area. Every aspect of the boutique hotel is run with a strong emphasis on respect for the local culture, history, environment and people.

You’ll stay in a cosy casita, where you wake each morning to breath-taking views of the Andes. Uncover the secrets of the ancient Inca civilisation as you hike to the iconic Machu Picchu. Get the adrenalin pumping on a bike ride through the Sacred Valley. Venture out to farms and markets to source local produce and ingredients with head chef, Chef Nacho. And, of course, unwind in the spa enjoying treatments using Andean herbs and plants.

1. A Machu Picchu Experience with a Positive Impact:
Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

“The location encircled by the majestic Andes is breathtaking. Surrounded by beautiful tranquil gardens and horses, your stay here in paradise will be enhanced knowing that your stay is contributing to the Sol Y Luna Foundation helping local children and families with education and work opportunities.”

- Joanna Hussey, Head of Latin America

Find out more about this property >

2. A Belle Epoque Mansion for Art Lovers:
Hotel B, Lima

With a pristine white facade, enormous windows and high ceilings, Hotel B exudes sophistication. This 1920s mansion was originally built as a seaside retreat for a Peruvian politician. Today it’s an exciting arts-boutique hotel with a noticeable Art Deco influence.

If you are interested in the arts, this is the perfect place to stay. Not only is the Barranco area filled with museums and galleries, the hotel itself is home to a 300 piece strong collection. With a pisco sour in hand, you can join the in-house curator as they lead you on a private tour of this beautiful house and its collection.

2. A Belle Epoque Mansion for Art Lovers:
Hotel B, Lima

“This property really does have it all. It’s just two minutes from the beach, yet it’s located in a bustling district at the centre of Lima; perfect for a base for exploring the city on foot”

- Joanna Hussey, Head of Latin America

Find out more about this property >

3. Full Incan Immersion in Tranquillity:
Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco

As you step through the doors of Inkaterra La Casona the sense of occasion and history is almost tangible. The old cliche of feeling like you’ve taken a step back in time rings true in this glorious 16th century colonial mansion. This peaceful boutique hotel is built on ancient training grounds for the elite Incan army and was once the retreat of both the Conquistadors and Simon Bolivar.

Huge wooden doors, filled top to bottom with ornate carvings, lead you to your luxury suite where you can unwind in the huge bathtub or relax with a book by your roaring log fire. This is the perfect sanctuary after a day exploring Cusco.

3. Full Incan Immersion in Tranquillity:
Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco

“La Casona is a hidden gem in the backstreets of Cusco; a perfect hotel to treat yourself to pampering and top-notch service just a stone’s throw from the main city attractions”

- Joanna Hussey, Head of Latin America

Find out more about this property >

4. The Soul of a Forgone Parador:
Cirqa, Arequipa

Once a monastery, this property tastefully and delicately blends old with new. Imagine vaulted ceilings and towering grey walls, built with huge stones and steeped in history, complemented by sleek contemporary decor and furnishings. The result is an incredibly stylish boutique property in the heart of Arequipa.

Eleven suites surround a main patio area, each a calming, tranquil and undoubtedly atmospheric space. Indulge in delicious cuisine either in the outdoor restaurant or on the rooftop, in the hotel’s newest dining area, with views over local villages and the city’s volcanoes.

4. The Soul of a Forgone Parador:
Cirqa, Arequipa

“Foody Cirqa has been recently refurbished, modern feel with access to restaurants and a beautiful rooftop terrace to enjoy the mountain scenery”

- Head of Latin America, Joanna Hussey

Find out more about this property >

5. Charming Riverside Tropical Ecolodge:
Refugio Amazonas, Southern Amazon

Refugio Amazonas is a jungle lodge offering the ultimate in Amazonian adventure - somewhere where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant natural world and leave everyday life far behind you. The lodge is home to a citizen science programme, meaning you can assist with research and conservation of the rainforest. You could be studying footage from the Amazoncam project, or even discovering a brand new species.

In your room you’ll find large bathrooms, comfortable beds, eco-friendly toiletries and a deck with a hammock to relax and reflect in. The most exciting aspect of these rooms is that they are open on one side. Even when tucked up in bed you’ll feel right in the heart of the rainforest, the sounds of the jungle providing you with a soothing lullaby each evening - and an invigorating wake up call in the morning too!

5. Charming Riverside Tropical Ecolodge:
Refugio Amazonas, Southern Amazon

“Refugio Amazonas is a two hours boat ride into the heart of the Amazon offering more wildlife and the opportunity to take part in real research”

- Joanna Hussey, Head of Latin America

Find out more about this property >

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Our travel designers are specialists in wildlife safaris around the world. Have us plan your unique itinerary and begin exploring our world's wild places. Speak to us today to find out more about our Peruvian holidays and the wonderful properties mentioned above.

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