New Zealand is a number one vacation spot for sightseers worldwide; from the North Island’s coastal shores to the South Island’s scenic fjords, this distant nation vows an unforgettable expertise. However, planning a visit to New Zealand requires thorough planning and consideration to take advantage of your time there. Earlier than you e-book your dream vacation, listed here are some essential issues to think about to make sure a easy and cozy journey.

Pre-Reserving: Why it’s obligatory

New Zealand is a famend vacation spot for luxurious journey with excessive demand, particularly through the summer season seasons. Pre-booking along with your personal guided tour is essential to keep away from disappointment, particularly when visiting busy areas like Queenstown, Wanaka, Fiordland, Mt Cook dinner, Milford Sound, or Tekapo. These areas are small and might replenish shortly, particularly through the summer season when locals and vacationers flock to the nation’s most treasured sights and experiences.

By pre-booking, you’ll guarantee that you’re profiting from your vacation in New Zealand and never lacking out on must-see locations, experiences and lodging. We should additionally take into account that in case you are selecting to journey with a luxurious journey planner and information, there’s a number of behind-the-scenes planning, comparable to sourcing a suitably fitted information and a car and guaranteeing the tour is totally tailor-made to your wants, expectations and preferences.

Journey instances: New Zealand is bigger than it seems

When a map, New Zealand might seem to be a small and distant nation, however bear in mind! Exploring each the North and the South islands requires time, particularly when you goal to discover the islands to the fullest extent and take advantage of your NZ vacation. Though the North and South Islands are solely about 1,000 miles lengthy mixed, the bending roads, mountainous terrain, and the necessity to board ferries or home flights between the islands can add vital journey time. For example, the drive from Auckland to Wellington on the North Island alone takes about eight hours, with out accounting for stops and alternatives to benefit from the surroundings.

If you happen to plan to go to each islands, a two-week journey is beneficial at a minimal. By having a multi-week journey, it is possible for you to to cowl the ‘must-see’ points of interest whereas exploring some native treasures with out feeling rushed. In case you have extra time, a three-week journey affords a extra snug tempo, permitting you to discover off-the-beaten-path areas and experiences that are inclined to unfold throughout both a full day or a number of days, comparable to hikes, island visits and wildlife excursions.

Perceive New Zealand’s seasons and peak journey instances

New Zealand’s prime journey season is through the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season from December to February. The climate in NZ’s summer season season tends to be heat, which makes it immaculate for outside actions like climbing, biking, seaside journeys, and water actions. The draw back of travelling throughout this time is that it may get busy in well-liked areas comparable to Queenstown, Wanaka, Auckland, and Rotorua.

So, when you choose fewer crowds, take into account visiting through the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to Might). The climate in these seasons continues to be pleasing, with loads of alternative to benefit from the solar and the coast; many areas are calmer, permitting you to discover extra leisurely, with an opportunity to expertise well-liked areas extra authentically. Winter (June to August) is the off-season however nonetheless attracts guests to New Zealand’s celebrated ski resorts, significantly round Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

Selecting between North and South Island… why not each?

One of the necessary selections you’ll must make when planning your New Zealand vacation is whether or not to go to the North Island, the South Island, or, as we are inclined to counsel, each. Every island has its distinctive character, qualities, climates and points of interest.

The North Island is thought for its geothermal exercise, Māori tradition, and dynamic cities. The preferred locations embrace Auckland, Wellington, and Rotorua, a geothermal sizzling spot and cultural epicentre. Nevertheless, when you keep for an prolonged interval, we advise you go to the Bay of Islands, Northland, to expertise pristine coasts and water-centered experiences. Total, the North Island affords a vibrant mixture of city points of interest and coastal delights.

The South Island is legendary for its jaw-dropping topography, together with the Southern Alps, fjords, and glaciers. Some important locations embrace Queenstown, the journey capital of New Zealand, Milford Sound, and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, every of that are a few of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring locations in New Zealand. The South Island is vastly numerous and a utopia for nature lovers and wildlife fanatics, providing innumerable alternatives for climbing, wildlife watching, and outside adventures.

In case you are staying for an prolonged time, visiting each islands guarantees you essentially the most complete and cozy expertise of New Zealand, and we extremely suggest experiencing the perfect of each worlds!

Luxurious personal guided excursions: The important thing to uncovering New Zealand’s hidden gems

For these in search of a singular, one-of-a-kind, stress-free expertise, arranging your New Zealand journey by way of a luxurious tour firm with a devoted driver information could make all of the distinction. Not solely does this provide the ease of travelling in luxurious consolation, however it additionally equips you with the chance to obtain insider data usually unavailable to the typical vacationer. Native guides provide outstanding experience on New Zealand’s historical past, tradition, and hidden treasures, providing you the distinctive alternative to discover off-the-beaten-path areas that almost all travellers may miss.

By reserving a non-public guided vacation, your tour could be totally customised to fit your preferences, journey type and pursuits. Whether or not you wish to discover New Zealand’s vineyards, undertake scenic hikes in distant areas, or take pleasure in bespoke culinary experiences, a luxurious tour firm can curate an itinerary that fits you. Contemplating that you could be be driving on the alternative facet of the highway (for some) in locations like Fiordland Nationwide Park or the secluded seashores of the Coromandel Peninsula, comfortably navigating these areas by yourself could be difficult and formidable to some. So, an skilled driver information ensures you’ll be able to nonetheless go to these distant locations with out the pointless stress of planning or driving. With a non-public driver, you’ll be able to optimise your vacation by bypassing the logistical complications of lengthy drives, navigation and planning. That is significantly helpful given New Zealand’s winding roads and expansive distances; your solely job is to give attention to making recollections.

Remaining ideas

New Zealand guarantees varied experiences for each form of traveller; nonetheless, cautious planning is critical to take advantage of your go to. From pre-booking with a non-public information to understanding NZ’s peak journey instances and navigating its scenic, difficult roads, many elements have to be thought of earlier than reserving your journey of a lifetime. By choosing a luxurious tour firm and the experience of a non-public information, you’ll be able to uncover the distinctive hidden gems of New Zealand, making your journey much more memorable with a totally personalised, insider expertise. Secure travels, and we hope to see you quickly.

Visiting the Machu Picchu citadel in Peru is a transformative expertise, mixing introspection and awe. Believed by historians to be a sacred web site the place Incas linked with the divine, for the customer too, the “Misplaced Metropolis” evokes a religious sense inside even essentially the most agnostic. The palpable expertise and feeling of stepping again in time to a misplaced civilization stays with you without end.

Although experiencing Machu Picchu is the crowning glory for many worldwide vacationers who come to Peru, this nation abounds with further journey prospects that shouldn’t be discounted or ignored.

With the concept of prompting discerning vacationers to go to Peru by unearthing this “land of hidden treasures,” right here we’ve traced only one Machu-Picchu-focused route for these searching for upscale journey.

First cease – Sacred Valley: A journey by way of historical past and nature

In your pilgrimage to the citadel, your worldwide flight will first land on the Peruvian coast within the capital metropolis of Lima, adopted by a connecting flight to Peru’s heartland: the inland metropolis of Cusco. There, your awaiting information will whisk you away to close by Urubamba Valley earlier than you start to really feel the consequences of the excessive altitude. This space was identified by the traditional Inca because the “Sacred Valley,” a reputation that conjures up photos of primeval civilizations, storybook landscapes, and an otherworldly mystique within the air.

Dwelling as much as its legendary popularity, Sacred Valley is crossed by crystalline streams meandering down hillsides and jagged rocky facades. Hallowed ruins abound on this revered expanse the place conventional cultures thrive and among the world’s most iconic websites could be discovered.

Vacationers also can go to any one of many space’s small villages for a glimpse of genuine rural life. Surrounded by towering mountains and hugging the shore of the breathtakingly blue Lake Piuray, agriculture dominates these close-knit communities the place the ladies of the village are weaving masters who use historic Incan methods, supplies, and patterns.

Although Sacred Valley is commonly visited by vacationers from all around the world, it’s nonetheless attainable to get pleasure from your individual intimate experiences on this picturesque, rustic, and historic area. You’ll discover many off-the-beaten-paths and nature walks, little-known archaeological websites, and quaint colonial cities to see, to not point out a few of Peru’s most interesting and most characterful lodging.

Luxurious lodging in Peru’s Sacred Valley: A keep in serenity

Talking of lodging, a variety of luxurious retreats are provided amid the gorgeous landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley. For vacationers searching for lavish getaways offering an beautiful mix of consolation, tradition, and nature, these upscale lodges are good. Such lodging function a reinvigorating base for exploring the valley and taking in its breathtaking surroundings earlier than returning to indulge of their world-class facilities.

Together with the unique Belmond Resort Rio Sagrado, the secluded Explora Valle Sagrado, and the eco-friendly Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, is one other luxury-class standout: the Tamba del Inka lodge. This riverside paradise blends seamlessly with nature, that includes luxurious rooms and an atmospheric restaurant.

As described by Luxurious Latin America, Tambo del Inka stays “the lodge to beat in Cusco’s Sacred Valley of the Incas,” being much more trendy and having superior high quality facilities in nearly each side, be it the restaurant, its bar, the widespread areas, in-room electronics, and Tambo del Inka’s luxurious spa and pool.

Furthermore, the 126-room Tambo del Inka is the one Sacred Valley lodge to take a seat proper within the heart of the world’s most important city of Urubamba. This provides the lodge an enormous plus in that one can stroll off the resort to have dinner on the city’s glorious El Huacatay restaurant or have a drink in certainly one of its understated bars and cafes. Tambo de Inka can be the one lodge having its personal railway station in Urubamba for journeys to Machu Picchu.

These opulent lodgings promise to make your keep within the Sacred Valley so outstanding and refreshing that you just’ll by no means wish to depart.

Arriving in Machu Picchu: A journey to the clouds

The principle attraction for a lot of if not most worldwide vacationers in Peru is the journey to Machu Picchu.

Though the citadel was constructed within the 15th century, the “Misplaced Metropolis of the Incas” didn’t come to mild for hundreds of years till 1911, when an American explorer revealed its existence to the Western world. 

Since then, it has spun an online of fascination over generations. Nonetheless right now, this image of the Inca Empire captures individuals’s imaginations simply as a lot as in these early days of its “discovery.” As Machu Picchu supplies a window right into a bygone period, this historic advanced was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and has been included on the listing of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” Machu Picchu, essentially the most distinguished archaeological web site on the continent, manages to carry on to its grandeur and its accompanying thriller; a spot that’s certain to vary one’s perspective on the world.

Touring throughout Sacred Valley you’ll make your solution to this imposing and mysterious citadel, which is South America’s hottest vacation spot. This journey itself provides to the sense of journey and discovery as vacationers could make their solution to the Misplaced Metropolis. The positioning is reached through a calming prepare journey or by endeavor a several-day trek alongside the well-known Inca Path. Both approach, a magical environment is created by the plush greenery and misty peaks alongside the best way, all of which add to the historic marvel by making the journey certainly one of scenic magnificence as you chop your approach deeper into the canyon, getting ever nearer to the primary occasion.

This journey will then be topped with an ascent to a excessive mountain ridge to enter the awe-inspiring magical metropolis. The primary sight of any advanced of this caliber is one thing one will at all times keep in mind. The view of the magnificent stone edifices and well-kept lawns juxtaposed with the inexperienced vary of mountains and the deep ravine within the foreground is a sight one can not overlook.

The positioning is unmistakable proof of the Incas’ superior architectural and engineering expertise. Its rigorously constructed terraces, temples, and stone buildings are marvels of precision, whereas additionally mixing seamlessly into the mountainous panorama. As soon as inside, an insightful non-public strolling tour of Machu Picchu will take you to former dwelling quarters, the Temples of the Solar and Moon, Intihuatana (a ritual stone), agricultural terraces, and extra. By this mind-expanding expertise, you’ll study of the rituals and theories behind Machu Picchu’s function, as every construction supplies a glimpse into the religious and cultural significance of the location. Later, and by yourself, you’ll be able to then discover the inexperienced areas, gorgeous lookout factors, and the slim passages of the advanced at your leisure.

Just about all those that go to Machu Picchu discover it an unforgettable journey into the traditional previous and probably the most breathtaking journey experiences on this planet.

Machu Picchu lodging: For indulging within the really finer issues in life

Any discerning traveler searching for the once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu expertise will discover that the vacation spot’s luxurious lodging mix all of the fascinating elements: subline consolation, elegant sophistication, and proximity to the historic web site. Such upscale lodges enable the customer to get pleasure from a wide ranging panorama, gourmet-class fusion delicacies, and privileged entry to the famed citadel.

Deep in a lush cloud forest, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is an intimate luxurious property consisting of dozens of cottages sprawled over twelve acres to create the environment of an enthralling Andean-style village. Located on the foot of the mountain upon which the Incan citadel sits, the lodging are a brief zigzagging trip as much as its famed archaeological namesake. Inkaterra Machu Picchu eco-lodge boasts a location that’s additionally particular in that it’s surrounded by a high-mountain forest stuffed with all kinds of unique crops, animal life, and tropical birds. Plus, the cottages lie on the fringe of the city of Machu Picchu Metropolis (previously referred to as Aguas Calientes), the place you’ll discover a vary of bars and eating places – for these within the temper for some city exploring. Likewise, the cabanas are conveniently situated simply throughout from the Machu Picchu Pueblo prepare station.

The eco-luxury cottage lodging are characterised by their spaciousness, a luxurious spa, and contemporary Andean delicacies, which makes the last word in consolation go hand-in-hand with the pure environment. Nature walks, unique wildlife watching, and enjoyable scorching spring baths are among the actions obtainable to company.

For these wishing to mix journey with a wholesome dose of excessive dwelling, this luxurious lodge near Machu Picchu presents a possibility to witness the great thing about the traditional Inca metropolis within the best of consolation.

Having discovered your self awe-struck by Machu Picchu; you’ll now return to Cusco. Your keep shall be within the metropolis’s historic heart, an enchanting fusion of Incan settlements and a modern-day South American metropolis that pulls vacationers from around the globe.

Right here, the number of historic and non secular websites will hold you occupied for so long as you’re prepared. The principle sq., residence to Cusco’s iconic Plaza de Armas and the Cusco Cathedral, is – in fact – a must-visit venue. Town’s gorgeous structure and an imposing Inca fortress are testaments to each Inca ingenuity and Spanish affect.

In Cusco, historical past comes alive as you stroll down the slim cobblestone streets passing locals wearing conventional apparel. Inevitably you’ll come across colourful markets like those who have existed right here for hundreds of years; as of late showcasing an array of dazzling materials, handmade ornaments, and scrumptious Peruvian meals whose engaging aromas fill the air.

Each nook of Cusco holds one thing extraordinary; it’s a kind of locations the place guests really feel deeply linked to town’s vibrant spirit, making them able to return and uncover much more.

All this makes Cusco certainly one of our favourite locations in Peru. Whether or not you come to get pleasure from its vibrant festivals, study extra about its wealthy historical past, or discover the in-town Inca ruins, Cusco is enthralling to all who move by way of.

Luxurious lodging in Cusco: A keep in magnificence and historical past

Returning to this historic metropolis, you’ll unpack and settle in on the Belmond Monasterio del Cuzco, a novel museum-hotel adorned with 16th-century work and native antiques all through the magnificent interiors.

As a former monastery courting again to 1592, the property’s attraction and ambiance have endured for hundreds of years, whereas its standing as one of many world’s most interesting inns continues right now. The Belmond fuses the magnificence, consolation, and subline qualities of a contemporary 5-star lodge with the solemnity of its colonial previous.

But, whenever you settle into your room, the 21st-century kicks in as every suite is oxygen-enriched to fight the consequences of Cusco’s excessive altitude. You’ll discover such up-to-date fixtures built-in with the unique services, conventional colours, murals, and stones that mirror the spirit of the unique period.

Likewise, eating on the lodge is a up to date expertise in itself, with its connoisseur eating places serving a fusion of Peruvian and worldwide delicacies.

For withdrawing to a hidden courtyard or nursing a pisco bitter beneath arched colonnades, the Monasterio lodge is a tranquil refuge although conveniently situated within the coronary heart of busy Cuzco.

Flight to the Peruvian Amazon: A wild paradise of biodiversity

After a restful evening in your charming boutique lodge in Cusco, it’s on to the Amazon. In lower than a half hour, you’ll transition from city bustle to a realm deep inside the Peruvian jungle the place human presence takes a again seat to the grandeur of nature.

A seemingly infinite mass of dense emerald rainforest carved up by the indomitable Amazon River and its tributaries, Peru’s portion of the world’s best rainforest cradles supreme biodiversity. It sprawls throughout over sixty p.c of Peru’s land mass, sheltering an eye-blinking number of natural world: from kaleidoscopic birds like tanagers, macaws, and toucans, to all method of monkeys, resembling capuchins, tamarins, and Spider monkeys.

On the similar time, caimans, anacondas, and the legendary pink river dolphin thrive within the river’s murky waters, whereas on land you would possibly get the possibility to identify a jaguar or two.

After reaching the already distant Amazonian city of Puerto Maldonado, you’ll journey deeper into the jungle to seek out the Inkaterra Amazonian Reserve.

This primary journey could be on close by Lake Sandoval, the place in a picket canoe you’ll glide throughout the gorgeous, mirror-like lake that’s residence to raucous howler monkeys and colourful macaws. A whole collection of different jungle adventures observe.

Luxurious lodging within the Peruvian Amazon: An expertise in rainforest stylish

For vacationers searching for journey, whereas nonetheless demanding essentially the most in consolation, within the Peruvian Amazon you could find a number of upscale lodges providing genuine Amazonian experiences whereas offering world-class facilities and personalised companies.

Considered one of these is the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, which prides itself as an “eco-luxury” lodge. This distant but simply accessible jungle retreat is just a 25-minute flight from Cusco in a rainforest area generally known as the “Biodiversity Capital of Peru.”

Chosen by Nationwide Geographic Traveler journal as among the many world’s 25 finest eco-lodges, Inkaterra presents its company a whole menu of journey excursions, together with jungle hikes, evening safaris, and twilight boating adventures. On the similar time, your keep presents the last word in comfort, private service, and facilities; all the things from a plunge pool and plush bathrobes to Andean slippers and a siesta lounge furnished with hammocks.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is only one of a number of Peruvian eco-lodges for vacationers searching for each consolation and a deep connection to the untamed pure fantastic thing about the Amazon.

Ending up in Lima: A cultural, historic, and culinary gem of South America

Following your adventure-filled journey within the Amazon, you’ll then jet again throughout the nation to totally expertise each colonial and trendy Lima. Throughout your metropolis tour, you’ll uncover high-rise condos constructed subsequent to pre-Columbian temples, stately museums alongside edgy artwork galleries, and solemn midnight non secular processions outdoors of jam-packed nightclubs that includes laser-light reveals.

Lima is a metropolis during which exist the traditional and the trendy spirit by way of tradition, historical past, and creativity. Being the most important metropolis within the nation and the nation’s hub, Lima attracts vacationers from throughout the planet. Located on the Pacific coast, Lima is a compelling mixture of breathtaking ocean vistas, colonial-era structure, trendy industrial complexes, and a rare culinary scene.

One other Lima spotlight is its historic colonial heart, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. As town was based by Spanish conquistadors near 500 years in the past, its colonial traits are all over the place. For a special layer of curiosity, go to the ocean-front districts of Lima, particularly the Miraflores and Barranco. Whereas Miraflores is extra refined, because of its beautiful parks and the Pacific Coast views from the cliffs, Barranco is a extra laid-back bohemian melting pot of musicians and artists; its color-filled streets are lined with artwork galleries, avenue artwork, and loads of bars, eating places and cafes that add to Barranco’s vibrant nightlife.

Constructing upon its deep culinary traditions courting again over a thousand years, Lima is now known as the “Gastronomy Capital of Latin America,” because it’s the best place to find the multi-faceted array of Peruvian delicacies.

Utilizing each native elements and modern elements, mixed with Peruvian and worldwide methods, and led by a brand new era cooks, Lima has grow to be the middle of the nation’s modern “fusion” delicacies. From this, thrilling dishes are being created right here, producing a mixture of great, distinctive flavors and textures. The outcomes have attracted foodies from across the planet searching for to expertise for themselves town’s numerous culinary choices, sitting down all over the place from conventional cevicherías to pioneering fine-dining institutions.

Irrespective of whether or not you’re attracted by its historic heritage, the thriving cultural scene, or its high-quality eating, Lima has one thing for each customer.

Luxurious lodging in Lima: Again to the creature comforts of modernity

As Peru’s capital metropolis, Lima is an lively metropolis that merges an astounding historical past, coastal attraction, and world-class fusion eating – making it an ideal metropolis for luxurious vacationers.

Lima’s main inns present unmatched consolation and magnificence, guaranteeing unforgettable stays. Amongst these upscale Lima lodging is the Belmond Miraflores Park Resort, a premier capital metropolis hideaway with a rooftop pool teetering above the Pacific Ocean. Timeless, well-equipped, and perched in an unmatched place on a clifftop with views of the ocean, the 5-star Belmond Miraflores Park is a number one Lima lodge. While you’re not wandering the streets of the trendy Miraflores district, that are proper on the lodge’s doorstep, you would possibly wish to work out within the lodge’s fitness center or reconnect with a yoga and meditation class, feast on Asian-Peruvian fusion delicacies in its Tragaluz restaurant or have the employees on the Belo bar craft you a customized cocktail.

A keep on the Belmond epitomizes model and leisure because of the good design, present facilities, and lavish furnishings of every suite. Word, as an example, that the majority of those rooms have non-public balconies from which breathtaking ocean vistas could be loved by company.

Extra options embody the lodge’s famend restaurant, which is a culinary expertise spotlighting a fusion of Peruvian and worldwide flavors. Likewise, the lodge’s spa supplies soothing therapies designed to resume the thoughts and physique for these searching for pure leisure. Plus, the lodge’s proximity to Lima’s upbeat cultural and purchasing districts makes the Belmond an unmatched alternative for discriminating vacationers trying to expertise the very best of Lima surrounded by the utmost in luxurious and luxury.

The upshot: Don’t postpone discovering “the land of hidden treasures”

Peru presents itself as a diverse journey vacation spot with a myriad of points of interest. The nation possesses all the things from the primeval Amazonian rainforest to unmatched cities dripping with Inca and colonial jewels; and, in fact, there’s the world-famous Machu Picchu, an unforgettable journey into historic historical past that showcases beautiful stone structure preserved centuries again. Along with these iconic ruins, the encompassing Sacred Valley retains an ageless however nonetheless thriving native tradition, conventional markets, and gorgeous pure magnificence.

Whether or not you’re searching for journey, historical past, or delectable fusion delicacies, Machu Picchu, and Peru as an entire make for a timeless and enriching expertise that blends historic wonders with trendy attraction. All of that is Peru — timeless, vibrant, and savory — itself a real South American delicacy simply ready so that you can dig in.

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established agency, specializing in custom-designed luxurious excursions in Ecuador, the Galapagos and all through the remainder of South America. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with a purpose to elevate your profile, please contact us.

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