Above: The stately Spanish colonial city of Arequipa beneath the 19,101-foot Misti volcano, southern Peru - PIERRE LEPRETRE / GETTY IMAGES

Peru: From the Amazon to the Andes

The stately Spanish colonial city of Arequipa beneath the 19,101-foot Misti volcano, southern Peru - Pierre Lepretre / Getty Images

Peru has long captured the imagination of Andrew Harper members and with good reason. In few other places do centuries-old monuments and dramatic landscapes combine in such a breathtaking manner. The country’s historical treasures have been famous for more than a century, but more recently, its cuisine has become fashionable around the world. In Peru itself, restaurants make use of unique local ingredients, including Andean herbs and plants, Amazonian fruits, a dizzying variety of potatoes and superlative seafood. Sitting down to Peruvian meals after visits to Inca ruins, colorful markets and elaborate colonial churches is a consistent pleasure.

Almost all international flights arrive in Lima. This sprawling metropolis is not what tends to draw people to Peru, but spending time here visiting its impressive museums, chic restaurants and ancient sites can be rewarding. We have long recommended Belmond’s Miraflores Park, a glass high-rise with Pacific Ocean views, and the contrasting Hotel B, a converted Belle Epoque mansion in the adjacent Barranco neighborhood. But I was curious to try the recently renovated Country Club Lima Hotel in San Isidro, a quarter notable for its expensive homes and upscale dining.

Country Club Lima Hotel

Built in 1927, this 83-room property faces the private Lima Golf Club, to which guests have access. The hotel’s tall, wood-beamed lobby-lounge feels historic and exclusive and makes a fine first impression. I was also impressed by the services of the concierge, Telésforo Paredes, who quickly responded to requests and thoughtfully printed up a map showing the locations of the restaurants he’d reserved for us. He greeted us by name whenever we passed and even helped load luggage into the car at our departure.

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Above: The stately Spanish colonial city of Arequipa beneath the 19,101-foot Misti volcano, southern Peru - PIERRE LEPRETRE / GETTY IMAGES

Read More from Our Trip:

Scenes From Peru: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 6 Dramatic Lesser-Known Ancient Sites in Peru Traveling to Machu Picchu in Style An Unforgettable Return to the Sacred Valley Classic Hotels in the Sacred Valley and Cusco Newly Recommended Hotels in Peru Peru Dining Discoveries