Accommodation in Peru
As one of the most popular countries to visit in South America, Peru offers an impressive range of accommodation types for all budgets, from five-star international hotels to basic dormitory style accommodation and everything in between.
At Kandoo, we’re often asked by travellers what the types of accommodation in Peru are like. On our Peru treks we make use of a number of mid-range and unique accommodation types as well as campsites, which are our personal favourite. But if you’re wanting to extend your travels in Peru after one of our trips, you might be looking for some additional information on where to stay in Peru.
In this guide, we’ll explore various types of accommodation in Peru including budget accommodation, mid-range accommodation, unique accommodation and luxury accommodation to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Depending on your budget and preferences, there’s a Peru accommodation to suit you.
Where to stay in Peru:
• Cusco
• Arequipa
• Lima
Cusco
Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is the
archaeological capital of the Americas. Located in the Southern Sierras, it
offers easy access to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, which is why it's one
of Peru’s most-visited destinations. However, Cusco is so much more than just
the starting point of your Peruvian adventure and you should spend a few days
exploring here before you embark on any Machu Picchu
trek.
The city itself is filled with both Inca and Spanish
colonial history, beautiful architecture and a great food scene. In the centre,
you’ll find colonial buildings and cobblestone street, impressive churches and
monasteries, bustling food markets, museums and more.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru. It's also known as the "White City" because of the white volcanic rocks that were used for building purposes. You can see old churches, historic bridges, walk charming streets, and admire other examples of colonial Spanish architecture scattered throughout the city. Its historic centre is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite being interesting in its own right, Arequipa is mostly visited by travellers journeying into the Colca and Cotahuasi canyons, two of the deepest in the world. Within them, the trekking is superb and there’s the opportunity to spot condors soaring overhead.
Lima
Located on the country’s central coast, Lima is Peru's capital city and home to almost 9 million people. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, it's brimming with culture, history, and amazing architectural examples. In terms of culture, the city has a lovely historic centre where you’ll find grand squares, elegant colonial architecture and several museums. And for some dining and shopping, there are lots of great restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping centres and more.
Lima is an intriguing capital and there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. We do very much think it’s worth adding at least a few days here onto your itinerary.
Types of accommodation in Peru:
- Budget accommodation
- Mid-range accommodation
- Unique accommodation
- Luxury accommodation
Budget accommodation in Peru
Camping
Camping is without a doubt the most satisfactory way of exploring
Peru, as some of the country’s most fascinating destinations are situated well
off the beaten track. Camping in Peru makes for an unforgettable experience,
immersing you in the stunning landscapes of the Andean mountains and bringing
you closer to your travel companions. As experiences are shared and memories
are created, barriers are quickly broken down and the bonds you form while
chatting around the camp dining tables, will last for years to come.
One of the most exciting parts of a Kandoo adventure is
camping, and on all our Peru treks you will be camping for at least a few
nights. We see it as an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city
life and experience the Peruvian wilderness as it was meant to be, and the
benefits of using an expert adventure travel company are second to none. We
only use the very best high-altitude mountain tents, Eureka K-2 XT, to ensure
you stay warm dry and comfortable on your trek.
You can find more detailed information on
camping in Peru in ourGuide
to Camping on the Inca Trail.
Hostels
Called ‘hostals’ in Peru, hostels are a cheap and reliable form of accommodation in Peru. From small-family run hostels to large party hostels, you can find them all in Peru. Most hostels offer additional activities for guests, and they are a great place to meet other like-minded travellers. There are also often communal areas where you can relax and occasionally there is a hostel bar.
In the Incan city of Cusco, you will usually stay in ancient stone building with high walls, and some old monasteries have even been converted into hostels. While in Arequipa, the hostels are typically located in colonial houses built from volcanic white sillar. Lima, on the other hand, offers hostels with amazing décor, fun atmospheres and comfy lounges for socialising.
Affordable guesthouses and B&Bs
Guesthouses and B&Bs are excellent options for those seeking relatively affordable accommodation in Peru. The main difference between the two types of accommodation is that B&Bs offer breakfast and may provide daily room cleaning. In contrast, a guest house does not provide these services to its guests, being a family-run and more functional kind of accommodation.
If you’re not a fan of busy hostels or impersonal hotels, Peruvian guesthouses and B&Bs provide a reasonably cheap and cheerful alternative. They tend to be family run, giving them a relaxed and homely feel. Service is informal and standards can vary from guesthouse to guesthouse, so it’s a good idea to look for recommendations before booking somewhere to stay.
Both guesthouses and B&Bs are a great alternative to hotel accommodation if you’re looking to save your pennies.
Mid-range accommodation in Peru
Boutique hotels
By definition, boutique hotels usually have between 10 and 100 rooms. Their spaces are designed with individuality in mind and never give off the feeling of being part of a chain. They are often independently operated, offering a unique, modern and unconventional experience for guests.
Boutique hotels in Peru offer a unique stay, mixing luxury with local culture. They stand out for their quirky designs and special touches and are quickly becoming a favourite for those looking for something different from regular hotels. With their unique services and chance to explore Peruvian culture, they are a top pick for travellers in Peru and guests will feel right at home.
Traveller’s looking for boutique hotel stays will be spoilt for choice in Peru’s top visitor cities Cusco, Arequipa and Lima.
Jungle lodges
Jungle lodges in the Amazon rainforest have long been popular with bird watchers and naturalists. Increasingly, jungle lodges are a favourite way for travellers to immerse themselves in the vast Amazon region of Peru. These lodges typically include comfortable bedrooms, private bathrooms with hot water and delicious food served on-site.
A trip to Peru is not complete without exploring the largest rainforest in the world. Staying in a jungle lodge allows you to experience the Amazon in comfort with excellent opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. Many are only accessible by river transport. You’ll have a chance to spot wildlife, visit local communities and reconnect with nature in the Peruvian wilderness.
For those wanting luxury, Peru has many high-end lodges. These places offer spas, gyms, top restaurants and excellent service.
Unique accommodation in Peru
Eco lodges
Eco lodges are accommodations in undisturbed, remote natural
areas where both construction and operation have the lowest impact possible on
the environment. Since these Peru accommodations are relatively isolated, they
usually provide guests with everything they need, including lodging, meals and
a number of activities. As a guest of an ecolodge you often have access to bird
watching, trekking or biking right on your doorstep.
On our Ultimate
Peru trek, we stay in a remote ecolodge set amongst extensive tropical
gardens. Located deep inside the heart of Tambopata nature reserve, the
Tambopata Ecolodge lies close to the Oxbow Lake ecosystems, providing guests
with an up-close and personal experience of the Amazon. Tambopata Ecolodge
offers cabin-styled rooms, each equipped with private ensuite bathrooms,
anti-insect screens, and a capacity varying from solo to large groups of
travellers.
Eco lodges are one of the most sustainable types of
accommodation in Peru, so are a great option for the eco-friendly traveller.
Cultural homestays
Homestays in Peru are one of the best ways to connect with local communities and experience the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture. By choosing this sustainable and responsible form of tourism, you will not only gain a deeper appreciation of the country but also contribute to the wellbeing of the communities you visit. It can be an incredible, eye-opening and culturally enriching experience to stay with a Peruvian family in a traditional Andean community.
If you book a Peru homestay experience, please remember that you are visiting someone’s home. Bring an open mind and a sense of humour, be sensible and be prepared to go with the flow. The cost of the homestay will depend on the destination, timeframe and the family. Homestays not only provide an enriching experience for you, but they also contribute to the local economy, improving rural development in traditional communities for local people.
On our Ultimate Peru adventure, we also stay on a homestay with a local family on Taquile Island. Private twin or double rooms are provided and there will be shared bathroom facilities.
Treehouses
A jungle treehouse in the Amazon features pretty high up the list when it comes to staying in unique accommodation in Peru. Sleeping high up in the jungle canopy with exotic birds and monkeys passing by outside is really quite hard to top.
Reached by a network of wooden walkways, steps and hanging bridges, treehouse lodges are screened all round so that insects and wildlife can’t get in, without impacting the view. They often feature comforts you wouldn’t expect to find high in the trees in the middle of the jungle such as showers, sinks, toilets, comfortable beds and clean bed linens.
Staying in the tree canopy of the Amazon jungle is an amazing experience and a one-of-a-kind option if you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay when travelling in Peru.
Luxury accommodation in Peru
Almost all of Peru’s five-star hotels are in Cusco, Arequipa and Lima. Apart from a handful of Hilton’s, Marriot’s and Belmond’s, most luxury hotels in Peru are small or midsize independent inns. The most well-known Peruvian hotel chains include Casa Andina, Inkaterra, Aranwa and Libertador. They tend to own elegant establishments, many in historic and architecturally fascinating buildings. Here you will find fine dining restaurants and comfortable rooms with all the amenities you can think of.
If you’re prepared to stretch your travel budget, luxury hotels in Peru make for an unforgettable stay especially after days spent trekking.
How to choose the right accommodation in Peru
Finding the perfect place to stay in Peru is key for a great trip and everyone’s preferences will be different. The main considerations you should think about include budget, location, facilities and accommodation type. Check what your Peru accommodation offers. Look for places close to sights, transport and food. Accommodations in Peru that offer a 24/7 front desk, secure entry and in-room safes to keep your stuff safe are a bonus, although this is less common in remote areas.
On Kandoo’s Peru treks, we stay in several of the accommodation types detailed in this guide. In terms of pre-trek and post-trek accommodation, each trip is different, and you can find more information on our Peru itineraries pages. If you’re wanting to extend your travels in Peru after one of our trips, get in touch with our team of travel experts who can offer advice and book extra accommodation for you. Happy adventuring!