Private Custom Travel: Peru

Where did you go?

I visited Lima first and then went to the Peruvian Amazon.

Where should our guests start for unique experiences in Peru?

Take a cocktail-making class at the seriously hip Hotel B in Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district. The head bartender here just won an award for best mixologist in Peru, so you know you’re in good hands. Enjoy being guided through the fun steps of creating some fabulous cocktails, from the iconic pisco sour to other delicious creations.

While touring the Centro Historico, the beautiful colonial area of Lima, be sure to stop by Cordano, the oldest bar in Lima. This spot is well known but I recommend ordering a butifarra sandwich, which features jamon del pais and salsa criolla (onion, lime and pepper) on a French baguette. It’s the perfect snack to eat while you’re sightseeing.

Describe some can’t-miss experiences and destinations.

The MATE Museum in artsy Barranco is dedicated to the career of Peruvian photographer Mario Testino. The Museum hosts a wide range of his high fashion and celebrity photography, as well as other fascinating exhibitions like “Alta Moda,” which features photos of mestizo people from the mountain regions around Cusco in their indigenous dress.

I also highly recommend the Iglesia de San Francisco in the historic center of Lima. This cathedral was built in the 17th century and boasts extensive catacombs beneath it, which hold the remains of nearly 75,000 people.

While you’re exploring the Amazon, don’t miss the chance to go piranha fishing on the river. Outsmarting these fearsome little fish makes for a fun excursion as you try and lure them with their favorite type of bait—raw steak. If you succeed in catching any, your boat crew will cook them up for dinner so you can taste them.

You stayed in some remarkable properties. What made them special?

Country Club Lima has reemerged as a top hotel in the city. It was built in 1927 and is listed as a heritage building, so it’s perfect for those who love staying in places with a sense of history. The property has an agreement with the renowned Pedro de Osma Museum and displays about 300 art pieces, making you feel as if you are in a living museum. For extra incentive to stay here, the hotel’s bar won an award for the best pisco sours in Peru.

The Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel is a beautiful luxury property on the stunning coast. It’s also the only all-suite hotel in Lima. Their popular Tragaluz Restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch break, followed by a spin on the hotel’s bicycles to explore the many paths overlooking the ocean.

The Aria Amazon is unquestionably the best way to explore the Peruvian Amazon. This 16-suite ship provides every modern luxury as it carries you deep into the jungle. In between excursions, lounge in bed and enjoy the incredible views from your floor-to-ceiling windows as you cruise along. The true highlight of the Aria, however, is the staff—every member is kind and helpful, going above and beyond to give you the best-possible adventure. The ship’s naturalist guides offer a wealth of information and are excited to share their beautiful rain forest home with you.

Describe some of your favorite food experiences.

I loved trying the plethora of beautiful fruits in the Amazon. We had a dessert one night made with four different varieties of passionfruit.

In Lima, eating at Astrid y Gaston was a highlight. The city is a food lover’s paradise, and this is just one of the many restaurants here that have made it onto World’s Best lists. Astrid y Gaston is a true dining destination touted for pioneering the modern Peruvian food revolution. It was a wonderful experience getting to try a Peruvian staple like cuy, otherwise known as guinea pig, as part of such a refined meal. Delight in these diverse flavors, from traditional Peruvian ceviche to unique cultural dishes, as part of your next luxury South America trip itinerary.”

What surprised you about Peru?

The Amazon was astounding. Home to more than 1,500 bird species, 40,000 plant species and 2.5 million insect species, the Amazon Rainforest is referred to as the “lungs of the planet” because it produces more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen.