Accommodation in Peru ranges from rustic homestays to luxury lodges and everything in between.
Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Cusco or spotting condors over Colca Canyon, this country has lodgings to suit. As well as discovering ancient civilisations and natural wonders, read on to learn what the days, and nights, promise in Peru.
High-end Hotels
Apart from a handful of Hilton’s, Marriott’s and Belmond’s, most hotels in Peru are small or midsize independent inns. Prominent Peruvian brands include Casa Andina, Inkaterra, Aranwa, and Libertador. They tend to own elegant establishments, many in historic buildings, while Casa Andina also boasts a line of premium hotels in some stunning spots. Although almost all of Peru’s five-star options are in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo and Iquitos, excellent top-end hotels with fine restaurants and comfortable rooms can be found in popular tourist hubs from Lake Titicaca to Paracas on the Pacific Coast. History buffs also have the chance to stay in some of Peru's oldest buildings, perhaps best exemplified by Cusco's ancient hotels with their Inca foundations and colonial walls. An historic gem in the so-called ‘White City’, Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa is housed in a colonial mansion dating back to 1794. The meticulous restoration in 2008 was an archaeologist's dream, unearthing frescoes, reliefs and even a chapel.
Houses and Haciendas
For those who find hotels impersonal, guesthouses are an alternative form of accommodation in Peru. Guesthouses tend to be family-run, giving them a relaxed and homely feel. Service is informal and varies according to the whims of the owner. Haciendas are another option, generally offering more palatial accommodation in the form of suites or casitas. For visitors wishing to see the fabulous wildlife of the Ballestas Islands or take an exhilarating flight over the mesmerising Nazca Lines, La Hacienda Bahía Paracas is ideal. The upscale establishment overlooks Paracas Bay and, while large, it still has bags of charm. Suites are split over two floors and all have flat screen TVs, and terraces with tables and chairs, and the swimming pool extends to the edge of certain terraces, so guests can swim directly out. Switching from coast to canyon? Belmond Las Casitas is a luxury resort set in the peaceful surroundings of Colca Canyon, home to the Andean condors. The 'little houses' are stylish and comfortable, but firmly in keeping with their surroundings. Dotted throughout the grounds, the casitas feature large lounges and ensuite bathrooms, with under floor heating, private terraces and heated plunge pools. Activities include horse riding, guided hiking, fly fishing and cooking lessons.
Jungle Lodges
Jungle lodges are a Peruvian speciality and a comfortable way for travellers to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the vast Amazon region. Jungle lodge hotspots include Iquitos, Madre de Dios, and the Tambopata and Manu rainforest regions of Peru. Despite their remote locations, many lodges boast high-end amenities; guests can enjoy spa treatments infused with exotic native ingredients and dine on tasty local cuisine at on-site restaurants. Inkaterra-owned Reserva Amazonica is one such space; this luxury lodge is in a 25,000-acre private reserve in Tambopata, south-eastern Peru. Its thatched cabanas combine natural materials with modern comforts, including screened porches and hammocks, ceiling fans and warm water showers. There’s also a bar, dining room, gift shop and reading room. Offering something altogether different, Manu Learning Centre Lodge is an Amazonian haven in the heart of the Manu National Park. Guests are comfortably housed in 'pods' linked by raised wooden walkways and there’s a friendly atmosphere where researchers, volunteers and visitors come together throughout their stay to share stories and experiences.
Eco-lodges
The Peruvian jungle isn’t the only place to relax in a luxury lodge. Eco-lodges focusing on sustainable stays are appearing in some of Peru’s most spectacular locations. Perfect for a digital detox, few have TVs or electronic distractions. Instead, guests can enjoy activities such as horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting or visits to pre-Inca ruins. Designed using local materials, Colca Lodge is nestled on a riverbank in the picturesque Colca Valley. The rooms are rustic without compromising on comfort and luxury, while solar panels heat the water and geothermal energy fuels the heating system. The USP of the lodge, however, is its own thermal baths which are naturally heated by the volcanic hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the canyon and its surrounds.
Whether you want to explore the country’s iconic sites, uncover hidden gems or discover alternative stays in a classic destination, our team of travel consultants can advise on the best places to rest your head. Expert advice on accommodation in Peru is just a phone call away.
