Peru is ancient yet vibrant. While some of its treasures remained hidden in dense overgrown jungles for thousands of years, some of them are still very much in evidence. Ancient traditions and mythical beliefs are kept alive here in colourful festivals, and there’s much merging of mythologyies and crossover between ancient Incan deities and Christian saints. There’s also plenty of cross-fertilisation when it comes to cuisine. Borrowing from their own traditions and from Spanish colonisers and African immigrants, fusion food has been the norm here long before it became fashionable in the West. The best places to stay in Peru echo this fusion, blending the old and the new.
The landscape, too, is often astonishing. Peru has the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, volcanoes, the Andes and the Pacific, boasting grand canyons, jagged mountain peaks and lush jungles. Plus a lost city or two... The challenge here is planning your itinerary - there is so much variety and so much to see. Below we have listed a selection of our top picks of the best places to stay in Peru.
Lima is a graceful and sophisticated modern city built atop a pre-Colombian settlement. It boasts colonial buildings alongside ancient temples and modern cafes and bars, sandwiched between crumbling cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.
Cusco - aka Cuzco or Qosq’o - is the cosmopolitan former capital of the Inca Empire. And, as well as being arguably one of the most fascinating cities on the continent, it's also the closest city to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It showcases beautifully preserved colonial architecture as well as much older Incan structures, many extremely well preserved.
For Machu Picchu itself, you might also consider staying in the smaller Aguas Calientes nearby. The spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu have become a recognisable symbol of Peru, and one of the great wonders of the world. For many people, seeing the city - which was lost for hundreds of years - is enough, but for others the journey to get there, through the mountainous jungles of the Inca trail is part of the experience. Aguas Calientes is a good jumping off point for the trek.
Peru’s next most famous sight is probably Lake Titicaca. Puno makes a great base for exploring the lake and has a rich history of its own, too. Puno also has a feeling of the seaside - the lake is enormous. It too has a wealth of pre-Incan ruins.
Once you have seen Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, the next step on your Peruvian adventure - if you have time - might be Arequipa, the former capital. Surrounded by volcanoes, it sits majestically beside the Socobaya river, near the Colca Canyon and the Aguada Blancas National Park. It’s architecture is breathtaking too.
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Cusco (Cusco City Centre)
Set in a restored heritage building, this charming B&B sits close to the centre of historic Cusco. Interiors feature traditional 'retablo' motifs hand-painted by local artisans, in addition to handwoven tapestries and cosy linens; book a luxury suite for a balcony with city views. An inviting hotel.
Cusco (Cusco City Centre)
A colonial-era manor house is the setting for this boutique hotel in Cusco. Guestrooms line the property's traditional flagstone courtyard. Inside, suites feature contemporary design in a sandy palette and a period balcony; book a luxury suite for a separate living room. A stylish heritage hotel.
Lima (Miraflores)
A charming property in a quiet neighbourhood. Traditionally dressed rooms feature handcrafted furniture, pretty tiled bathrooms and beamed ceilings. A laid-back restaurant serves up Peruvian classics and Italian dishes. With easy access to the city's main attractions, this is a smart choice.
Lima (Miraflores)
Located in the district of Miraflores, Lima, Arawi Hotel features smart modern rooms and family suites are also available. Make the most out of the location to either head along to the beach or immerse yourself in Peru's capital. A great city choice with lovely friendly staff.
Urubamba
A heritage hacienda on the road to Machu Pichu is the home of this chic hotel and spa. Individually styled guestrooms are spread across the historic properties on either side of the Urubamba River, traversed by quaint bridges. Enjoy a holistic treatment at the wellness centre; a unique escape.
Urubamba (Yucay)
This hotel sits within a heritage mansion in the picturesque village of Yucay, part of Peru's Sacred Valley. A gallery lines the central courtyard leading to bright rooms with exposed beams and hardwood floors; while family rooms offer split-level living. Serving modern Peruvian cuisine. Very chic.
Aguas Calientes (Pachacutec 109)
This stylish contemporary hotel is situated in the heart of Machu Picchu town. It boasts smart rooms with large windows and black out curtains whilst the food on offer is simply excellent. Treat yourself to a massage after an afternoon outside hiking for the perfect end to the day! A top-notch spot.
Aguas Calientes
This hotel boasts a privileged location in the village of Machu Pichu. Fall asleep to the sound of the Vilcanota River beyond your private terrace in a suite dressed with traditional Andean textiles, or choose a room with Machu Pichu views. Book into the Inca-inspired spa after a tour; a cosy stay.
Arequipa
The perfect choice for a budget stay in the historic heart of Arequipa. A wide choice of rooms (including shared dormitories) will suit all travellers. Interiors are simple but cheerful and spotlessly clean. But the piece de resistance is the fab roof terrace and superb city views.
Arequipa (Vallecito)
This hotel is situated in central Arequipa. It is decorated in a traditionally colonial style and offers colourfully decorated rooms featuring various pieces of antique furniture. Enjoy drinks on the rooftop bar or you can even reserve to have a private dinner there. An utterly charming city stay!
Mancora (Barrio Industrial)
This charming eco-lodge is located on the coast of Máncora. The hotel is constructed from local bamboo with a thatched roof; in the bright suites, wood and wicker furnishings add a rustic feel. Book a family room for extra living space; kids love the outdoor pool too. A chic seaside lodge.
Mancora
The Pacific Ocean stretches out as the front yard for this boutique beach bolt-hole in Máncora. The stone and bamboo facade gives way to bright, open-plan suites who's simple design allows for focus on the sea views and family rooms offer for split-level living. A stylish hotel.
Puerto Maldonado (NA)
This unique eco-lodge is nestled deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Guest cabañas sit on stilts in the tropical vegetation with a traditional thatched roof and glass-free windows boasting uninterrupted views. Sample local cuisine in the restaurant after a morning excursion; a smart escape.
Puerto Maldonado
This lodge invites guests to get to know the Peruvian Amazon through interactive excursions, inspired by conservation initiatives. Guest cabañas are simple yet elegant, with traditional palm roofs and wooden floors. Sample local cuisine at breakfast before a jungle excursion; an enriching getaway.
