Are you in the process of planning your trip and looking at where to stay in Peru? Even if you are not at home, it is always nice to have the feeling of being welcomed, meeting nice people and most importantly, feeling safe and comfortable.
Hundreds of different options make it even harder to compare and finally decide what to book. That is why we created this list, based on our personal experience and recommendations from other travelers.
Let's take a look at the different hotels/boutique hotels and hostels in the most visited cities in Peru: Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Huacachina, Arequipa and Puno. Apart from hotels there are unique accommodations in Peru that are worth checking out for your trip.
All prices mentioned are based on double rooms for 2 people.
Where to stay in Lima
Before traveling to places like Cusco, Arequipa or Puno, you will first arrive in Lima. Peru's capital has over 10 million inhabitants and offers many different options as to where to stay.
We recommend staying in districts like Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. They are all fairly central, offer several things to do, and, one of the most important aspects for tourists, they are the safest districts in Lima. They also offer some of the top 10 tourist attractions in Lima.
In these districts, you can enjoy several amazing restaurants, cafes, sites, and shopping malls. Since gastronomy is one of the hottest topics in Lima, we invite you to visit the best restaurants in Lima.
Hotels:
The Lot Boutique Hotel (from $95)
This 3-star boutique hotel is located in Miraflores, where you'll find numerous cafes with excellent Peruvian coffee, galleries, and some of the most popular restaurants in Lima. Many of our travelers have told us that they loved the breakfast on the terrace. It's a 10-minute walk from Miraflores Kennedy Park.
Where to stay in Cusco
Cusco is the ancient city of the Incas, where you will live most of your adventures, such as visiting one of the two Rainbow Mountains, learning more about the history of the Incas during our Full Day Sacred Valley or exploring our new wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
The city is located at over 3,400 m (11,500 ft) and getting used to the altitude is crucial when you are in Cusco. We recommend booking accommodation near the Plaza de Armas (main square) so that you are close to most places (and if you can't find accommodation nearby you can take taxis since they are not expensive in Cusco. You won't pay more than S/ 5 ($ 1.5) for a taxi ride in Cusco).
On top of that, many travel agencies will pick you up only if your accommodation is located in that area.
Also, it is important to get a good night's sleep as many tours start quite early in the morning (e.g. 3:00 or 4:00 am) and after that you will want a comfortable bed and a hot shower to prepare for the next experience.
Hotels:
Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza (from $81)
This hotel is located just 1 block from the Plaza de Armas and features a charming colonial-style courtyard with Spanish galleries. It has a high glass-paneled ceiling that is perfect for enjoying your breakfast, playing cards, or drinking a Pisco Sour with friends after an adventurous day.
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the small town, from where you will discover the mystical Machu Picchu. There are no taxis so you have to walk to get to your accommodation.
We recommend all our travelers to stay there the night before the Machu Picchu tour. This allows you to enter as early as possible (earliest entry is at 6:00 am) and avoid the masses of people. Apart from that, you don't have to spend so much time in a car, bus, and train in one day, and you can sleep a little bit longer to enjoy this adventure to the fullest. Otherwise, you should get up around 2:30 am and start your journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, which is absolutely doable but definitely more tiring.
Also, one night is more than enough in Aguas Calientes, as besides Machu Picchu there isn't much to do or see.
Hotels:
Inti Punku (from $103)
Inti Punku is one of the best places for couples, as it offers panoramic views of Aguas Calientes and a jacuzzi. Also, all rooms are equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. During your stay, you should definitely go to the restaurant at Inti Punku, where you can enjoy regional meat specialties and then sip a tropical cocktail.
Where to stay in Huacachina
Huacachina is located 4 hours south of Lima and close to the city of Ica. There you will find the ONLY natural desert oasis in South America and, what's more, the largest dunes on the continent that are perfect for sandboarding!
Here is our updated guide to the Huacachina Oasis.
Hotels:
Hosteria Suiza (from $79)
It features an outdoor pool, sun terrace, à la carte restaurant and bar area overlooking the pool. The guesthouse is right next to the picturesque Huacachina Oasis and offers nice and clean rooms.
Where to stay in Arequipa
The city is located at over 2325 m (7625 ft) in the desert mountains of the Andes. Arequipa is a special city, because many parts of the city are built from white volcanic stone. Therefore, it is often called the “White City”.
Hotels:
Bubamara San Lazaro (from $28)
This almost rustic, but very charming hotel is located near the Santa Catalina convent and has a beautiful terrace from where you can see the Misti. The rooms are very comfortable and clean.
Where to stay in the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is one of the most impressive places in all of Peru. It has a depth of more than 3000 meters (9842 feet), almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is the second deepest canyon in the world.
Hotels:
Casa Andina Standard Colca (from $75)
This secluded hotel offers traditional stone houses, where you will stay during your time in the Colca Canyon. Also, you should definitely try the hotel restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of Peruvian dishes that are supplied by their own garden.
Where to stay in Puno
Puno is located in the southeast of Peru at 3827 m (12,555 ft). It is home to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Hotels:
Conde de Lemos Hotel (from $54)
Located in the heart of Puno (1 block from Puno's main square), this boutique-style hotel offers a very central location. The place is full of peace and quiet, the rooms are very nice and spacious, and their balconies offer a beautiful view over the historic city center and Lake Titicaca.
There are many options where to stay in Peru!
As you can see, there are many different options and locations to choose from regarding where to stay in Peru. This list is based on our personal experience and recommendations from our travelers.
I hope this list helps you simplify your plan of how and where to spend your time in Peru. Now you know where Peru is and where you can stay. If you need help regarding your tours, contact us by email or whatsapp and we will be happy to help you.
