Accommodation
Hotels in Peru: Where to Stay in Every City
Peru's accommodation scene ranges from the extraordinary to the deeply practical. At the top end sit boutique hotels carved from colonial stone mansions in Cusco's San Blas district, design-led properties in Lima's Barranco neighbourhood, and remote Amazon lodges that take two hours by boat to reach. At the budget end, the hostel network in Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa is well-developed and genuinely good value.
Altitude matters for accommodation choices in the Andes — properties above 3,400 metres (Cusco, Puno) vary considerably in how they handle guests with altitude sickness. We have written detailed where-to-stay guides for all cities covered on this site, including neighbourhood breakdowns, price ranges in soles and USD, and honest notes on which areas to avoid.
Hotels by City
Detailed where-to-stay guides for every city — neighbourhood breakdowns, honest hotel picks across budget categories, and booking advice.
Types of Accommodation
Colonial Boutique Hotels
Converted colonial mansions and haciendas — particularly in Cusco's San Blas district, Arequipa's historic centre, and Lima's Barranco and Miraflores neighbourhoods. These typically have 10–40 rooms, original stonework or courtyard gardens, and a distinctly Peruvian character that international chain hotels cannot replicate.
Budget Hostels
Peru has a well-developed backpacker hostel network. Cusco, Lima (Miraflores, Barranco), and Arequipa all have high-quality hostels. Dorm beds typically run from S/25–60 ($7–16) per night. Many include breakfast and offer free walking tours. The Inca Trail requires booking accommodation along the route through licensed operators.
Amazon Lodges
Jungle lodges accessed by boat from Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, or Tarapoto. These range from basic eco-lodges to serious luxury (Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Treehouse Lodge near Iquitos). Most are sold as packages including transport, meals, and guided activities. Book well in advance — capacity is limited by design.
Inca Trail Campsites
The classic 4-day Inca Trail requires booking through a licensed operator at least 6 months in advance (permits sell out). Operators provide camping equipment and cook all meals. The trail has fixed campsites at Wayllabamba (Day 1), Pacaymayu (Day 2), and Wiñay Wayna (Day 3). No independent camping permitted.
Plan your stay in Peru