For many travelers who feel like they’ve seen and done “it all,” Peru offers a sense of mystery and intrigue – a final frontier that’s full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Machu Picchu is the most famous ancient site, but there are other exciting cities to explore with fascinating ruins, culinary delights, cultural festivals, untamed wilderness as well. You can even give surfing a try along the beaches of Herradura, Costa Verde, and Punta Rocas and sample guinea pig meat, an Andean delicacy, for a truly unique Peruvian experience!
Peru is a place for adventurers, but even the heartiest of travelers need a place to lay their weary heads at the end of a long day. This is a budget-friendly destination that’s a favorite among backpackers; however, there are some top-notch resorts and spas to indulge here as well. These are some of the top hotels and resorts in Peru to consider staying at when you decide to explore South America and settle on an itinerary.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – Machu Picchu, Cusco
If you’re looking to stay close to Machu Picchu to make your sightseeing journey easy and convenient, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a great pick. This lodge is adjacent to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and offers easy access in the early morning and through the late afternoon, which is when many of the tour buses have already departed. You can hire a local expert guide to show you around the sites and then come back to the lodge for an ancient Inca spa treatment or information relaxation exercise to rejuvenate your spiritual energy.
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Another hotel that’s close to Machu Picchu is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, just a half-hour away. Guests stay in luxury cottages that span across the Andean hillside. The style of this hotel is rustic, but the amenities and creature comforts don’t disappoint. There’s an on-site spa that offers treatments with Andean hot stones, and there’s a restaurant that offers authentic cuisine with beautiful views of the mountains. The Aguas Calientes train station and Peru’s Garden of Eden are nearby, as well as lovely views overlooking the Vilcanota River. The hotel is kid-friendly and even recommends fun excursions that are suitable for kids.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cusco
Another hotel that is a National Historic Landmark is the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. This is a former seminary from the 16th century and in close distance to the city center. Although the rooms are small, they’re comfortable, and you can sometimes listen to jazz music playing in the lobby bar while sipping a cocktail. There’s a tranquil courtyard to relax in, as well as spa therapies to choose from and markets and galleries to explore nearby.
Hotel B – Lima
The big city that every Peruvian traveler is familiar with is Lima. Hotel B is one of the best places to stay in Lima because it’s historic, stylish, and has an amazing restaurant on site. It’s built in a colonial property in the Barranco District, and although it is close to the city center, it’s also quiet and peaceful. This is a great place to sample true Peruvian cuisine and view local artwork at the Lucia de la Puente Gallery. If you’re looking for a modern, contemporary hotel that can connect you to the city’s social and cultural scene, then Hotel B is an excellent accommodation choice.
Belmond Las Casitas – Cayllamo Province
If you’re looking for a little more luxury than the average hotel has to offer, perhaps Belmond Las Casitas is exactly what you need to relax and rejuvenate. This resort is an Orient-Express outpost in Colca Canyon, and it’s a remote getaway far removed from civilization. The nearest airport is in Arequipa, a three hours drive away. There are cozy chalets that are furnished in native, simple, earthy, and comfortable designs. You’ll be sleeping about 9,800 feet above sea level, but romantic wood-burning fireplaces can help take the chill out of the air. The remote setting of this resort makes for a truly unique Peruvian experience, with glimpses into traditional Quechuan farming, handicrafts, and culinary traditions.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa – Arequipa
Also in Arequipa, the Casa Andina Arequipa is a restored 18th-century colonial mansion that’s now a National Historic Monument located in the city’s historic center. You can pick from a variety of room sizes, which includes breakfast and Wi-Fi access. Explore the nearby cathedral and then unwind in the peaceful courtyard at a historic hotel. It’s also just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas, so it’s a great choice for business travelers. The on-site restaurant offers plenty of traditional Arequipa flavors and international contemporary cuisine all day.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – Sacred Valley
There are cozy rooms at the Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, which is located right in the middle of Sacred Valley. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the Urubamba River or the Chicón glacier on the outside, as well as creative and authentic design on the inside. Relax in the 19,375-square-foot spa and try the lamb and a pisco cocktail while staying here. The cuisine at the Hawa Restaurant is rich with Incan culture and organic, homegrown ingredients are featured in every dish. Conveniently, there’s a railway station located right next to the resort that’ll take you to Machu Picchu for some sightseeing.
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado – Urubamba
Another hotel in the Sacred Valley worth considering is the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, which is charming and located in a beautiful region along the Urubamba River. This is a top pick of adventurous travelers who want to be out and active as much as possible during their trip to Peru. There are lots of places to go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking nearby.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica – Tambopata
Nature lovers can’t find a better place to stay than the Reserva Amazonica in the Tambopata Nature Reserve. This remote area of Peru offers many outdoor excursions to explore the Amazon Rainforest and the Inkaterra Canopy. The rooms here are located in private cabins, and there’s a restaurant and bar on site as well. You can choose the Tambopata Suite, the Superior Rio, the Amazonica Suite or the Superior Room. Adjacent to the lush Tambopata National Reserve, it’s a 25-minute flight from Cusco.
