Attracting millions of travelers annually, Peru has stepped up its hospitality game to accommodate even the most discerning travelers.
Gone are the days when Peru was a destination that attracted only backpackers and the changes are pronounced when it comes to Peru’s accommodation offerings.
From glamorous skyscrapers to picturesque lodgings, Peru’s luxury hotels promise style, comfort, and access to the best of this remarkable South American country.
I’ve stayed in some of the country’s most beautiful properties and know Peru extremely well, after six months living there, two months working on the Rough Guide to Peru, and other visits across the years since. As a result, I’m well acquainted with Peru’s most luxurious hotels – and whether it’s worth splashing the cash on staying in them.
So here’s a roundup of my favorite hotels, whether you’re heading straight to Machu Picchu, exploring the south coast, or heading to the barely-visited north.
The best boutique & luxury hotels in Lima
Hotel B
Barranco is a neighborhood in Lima known for its artistic, colorful, and bohemian atmosphere, and Hotel B ($315 USD double) – one of the area’s best – is the perfect reflection of this place.
Things to consider
This Relais & Chateaux property is housed within a brooding Belle Époque mansion, whose white facade is a picture of understated elegance. Inside, drama awaits: contemporary artwork from Latin American artists and those a bit closer to home – adorns practically every wall.
Built in 1914 as a summer home for a wealthy Limeño family, Hotel B has carefully preserved its history, with rooms modern yet sympathetic to the aesthetic of this hundred-year-old mansion.
This boutique hotel prides itself on its exceptional on-site restaurant, featuring a wine cellar that houses over 300 labels to rival neighboring world-class restaurants.
Second Home Peru
When it comes to the Barranco neighborhood, known as a hub for poets, artists, and creatives, another standout choice is Second Home ($135 USD double).
Things to consider
This grand, eight-room guesthouse is one of the homes of Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin, who still spends time here – in fact, if luck’s on your side, you might spot him pottering around.
Each room is unique. Some offer the azure blue Pacific Ocean view, while others face the lush garden – where you’ll see Delfin’s iconic “Laughing Horse” sculpture.
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Hitting the country’s absolute highlights, this incredible tour will take you to unmissable Peruvian destinations including Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Puno, and the Amazon Jungle.
We recommend room Mirador 3 (S/754 or $195 USD double), which is located in the top corner of the house and from where you can soak up the ocean view from the windows, the balcony, and the hammock by the deck.
Country Club Lima Hotel
An iconic accommodation in the prestigious district of San Isidro, Country Club Lima Hotel ($307 USD double) allows you to live in luxury during your stay.
Things to consider
The facilities within the hotel’s premises are world-class; from 300 unique Spanish viceregal artworks donated to the hotel by the Pedro de Osma Museum, to their restaurant, which serves modern Peruvian dining.
Rooms in the Country Club Lima Hotel are elegantly decorated, with high ceilings and vintage furniture – but still with all the necessary modern facilities.
One bedroom had a very famous resident: it hosted the legendary actor John Wayne when he met his Peruvian wife back in the 50s.
The best boutique & luxury hotels in Cusco
Inkaterra La Casona
Another first-class Relais and Chateaux property is Inkaterra La Casona ($440 USD double), one of the finest hotels in Cusco. Within a modernized 16th-century colonial mansion, it has just 11 bedrooms for a blissfully tranquil stay.
Things to consider
All are suites with freestanding bathtubs, heated floors, open fires, and colorful Andean textiles to capture the rich history and culture of the city.
There’s also a spa and restaurant here to ensure absolute comfort during your stay, while a relaxing courtyard provides the opportunity to while away the hours with a book or drink in hand and enjoy the complimentary tea time or happy hour.
Palacio del Inka, Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Right in the heart of Cusco, just a few short steps from the Inca site of Qorikancha, Palacio del Inka ($287 USD double) features elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, which blend traditional Andean aesthetics with present-day comforts.
Things to consider
Despite being housed in a 16th-century building, the hotel offers a slew of modern facilities that work within its stunning settings.
Rooms are elegant and large, with many facing internally towards a sunny courtyard, while the rest take in views across the city.
If you’re looking for some post-Inca Trail R&R, then the hotel’s indoor pool and spa will be the perfect antidote to tired legs. Here, you’ll find a combination of ancient and modern techniques in its treatments, which use divine products from Germaine de Capuccini.
Key Specifications
- Indoor heated swimming pool (not included in room rates)
- Privileged location in front of Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun
- Nearly two hundred pieces of artwork from pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial periods on display
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Part of the Belmond chain (who run the luxury train to Machu Picchu as well as the Andean Explorer from Cusco to Arequipa), Belmond Palacio Nazarenas ($595 USD double) is indeed one of the best when it comes to Peru luxury hotels.
Things to consider
Built on the foundations of a former Inca palace and with preserved Inca stonework for good measure, this hotel drips with luxury, from the outdoor pool to the spa and oxygen-enriched suites, which ensure you’re never short of breath.
Its 55 suites include four poster beds and private balconies with city views, plus your own personal butler who’ll book tours of the city, provides room service, and even show you how to prepare the ultimate pisco sour.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Separated from the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas by a private chapel, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio ($360 USD) offers an equally opulent five-star service.
Things to consider
Here, rich antique furnishings and high-ceilinged bedrooms decorated with gilt-framed artwork are located in a former monastery within a short distance of the Plaza de Armas.
The central courtyard feels like a world away from the bustle of the surrounding city and is the perfect spot for reading a book or taking tea and cake in the afternoon.
Every part of the hotel is imbued with a tangible sense of the colonial history of Cusco, while the on-site restaurant can provide an excellent introduction to Peruvian cuisine in a charmingly atmospheric setting.
Casa Cartagena
Set within a restored colonial mansion just a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, Casa Cartagena ($310 USD double) features stylish, spacious rooms, some with private balconies overlooking its charming courtyard. Large, comfortable beds adorned with fine linens ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Things to consider
For the ultimate romantic experience, we recommend booking the Presidential Suite ($1,107 USD double) which comes with a private hot tub room.
The on-site spa, Qoya Spa, offers a no less relaxing experience. Indulge in Incan-inspired wellness treatments using organic, cruelty-free ingredients complemented by an Andean steam bath and a hydromassage swimming pool.
The best boutique & luxury hotels in The Sacred Valley
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, by Marriott
For those seeking an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley, the spa hotel Tambo del Inka ($485 USD double) in the village of Urubamba is the perfect base.
Things to consider
Nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Andes, this hotel’s setting is an introduction to the incredible beauty of rural Peru and offers picturesque views from both rooms and suites.
Wellness is the name of the game here, helped by the peacefulness of the setting. Their spa, Kallpa, is one of the best in Peru, offering a thermal circuit, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor pools, and a range of luxurious treatments that harness herbs and oils used by the Inca and just the ticket whether you’re prepping for your hike to Machu Picchu or on the way back.
And last but not least, take advantage of the hotel’s private train station for a hassle-free trip to Machu Picchu. Visiting the iconic archeological site has never been more convenient!
Key Specifications
- Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools
- Private train station serving Machu Picchu
- Outstanding spa offering Inca treatments
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado
If there is a “heart” of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it might just be where Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado ($595 USD double) is located.
Things to consider
On the main road between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, but with breathtaking views across the Rio Urubamba, the hotel has a truly divine setting, surrounded on each side by the Andes.
It also has easy access to all of the Sacred Valley, making it a welcome stop off on your way to or from Machu Picchu.
Accommodations are, without fail, elegant and range from deluxe rooms to spacious villas and all have access to either a balcony or terrace overlooking the hotel’s lush grounds.
A welcome outdoor swimming pool and a llama and alpaca feeding experience are available to guests, while you can also luxuriate in the spa at an additional cost.
Explora Valle Sagrado
Tucked deep into the Sacred Valley just southeast of Urubamba, few luxury hotels in Peru feel quite as away from civilization as Explora Valle Sagrado ($6,488 USD double all-inclusive for two nights).
Things to consider
This exclusive hotel – like all those of the Explora brand – is unassuming from the outside, built using stone and wood to blend seamlessly into surrounding corn fields that date back to Inca times.
Inside, you’ll find top-class dining, with the hotel’s menu designed by acclaimed Peruvian Virgilio Martínez, the chef behind Lima’s celebrated Central restaurant, and intended to take you into the biodiversity of the Sacred Valley with each and every bite.
At Explora, the focus is on switching off and immersing yourself into the Sacred Valley, with the lodge both Wi-Fi and TV-free. A slew of excursions aimed to take you deep into the heart of the former Inca Empire make a connection to anything else than the world right in front of you unnecessary, however.
Skylodge Adventure Suites
Skylodge Adventure Suites ($400 USD per person) stands out among the best hotels in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Staying here is like sleeping in a condor’s nest, 400 meters above the ground.
Things to consider
Not for those with vertigo, this hotel delivers when it comes to views: wake up each morning to 300-degree panoramas of the mystical Sacred Valley beneath.
The rooms are inside three completely transparent aluminum and polycarbonate capsules suspended from the top of the mountain. Breakfast is served with views from the dining area, while the braver can enjoy the vantage point from the open balcony.
Visible for miles around, these pods are a one-in-a-lifetime experience, particularly because a via Ferrata or hike and zipline are required to get here. At the end of your stay, you’ll zipline down to the valley floor.
Hotel Sol y Luna
Built using local stone and decorated using rustic Andean furniture and gorgeous handmade local textiles, the 43 casitas (little houses) at Sol Y Luna (S/1,980 or $523 USD double) are an authentic yet cozy introduction to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Things to consider
Their on-site restaurants are outstanding and make the most of locally-grown produce, while their spa is perfect for a pre-or post-Machu Picchu spot of pampering.
Best of all, this hotel finances the Sol y Luna Association, which helps to support the education of children living within the Sacred Valley.
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
With its unparalleled proximity to Machu Picchu – the Inca site is just a 10-minute walk away – Sanctuary Lodge ($1,375 USD double) ranks among the top accommodations in Peru.
Things to consider
The only hotel located within a stone’s throw from Machu Picchu, Sanctuary Lodge is a truly one-of-a-kind hotel. With their brilliant guides, you can head out to the incredible “Lost City”, easily beating the crowds at the entrance gate.
Back at the hotel, you can relax in their orchid garden or continue to absorb the magic of this hideaway deep into the Andes Mountains.
The word “comfort” does a bit of a disservice to this hotel – what we really mean is luxurious, enchanting coziness. Each of the 31 well-appointed rooms features plush beds with high-quality linens, soft lighting, and locally inspired artwork.
Although Sanctuary Lodge promotes a natural, immersive experience, you’ll find modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, too.
And, their Tampu Restaurant promises delicious Peruvian dishes drawing on regional ingredients, including Oxapampa cheese and mushrooms sourced from the Sacred Valley itself.
The best boutique & luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Those familiar with Peru luxury hotels may well have heard of Inkaterra. This chain is run by the world’s first climate-positive hotel brand, which has been actively supporting sustainability efforts in and around Machu Picchu.
Things to consider
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo ($548 USD double) offers more than others. Its 12-acre (4.8 hectares) property is nestled in the cloud forest, which houses over 200 bird species and 300 native orchids.
Stay at one of their 83 whitewashed houses, which fit the ambiance of Aguas Calientes with their rustic but tasteful décor. Upgrade to Superior Deluxe room (S/2,334 or $602 USD double) to have an indoor fireplace – the perfect cozy spot for curling up with a good book or company.
Key Specifications
- Cozy houses with rustic but tasteful décor
- Supports sustainability efforts in and around Machu Picchu
- The perfect place to immerse yourself in the cloud forest without compromising on comfort
The best boutique & luxury hotel in Puno
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Situated right on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lago Titicaca, GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca ($85 USD double) offers a range of comfortable rooms amid the breathtaking landscape.
Things to consider
Each room is designed to provide comfort, functionality, and beautiful lake views. Although room amenities are standard, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake turn a pleasant experience into one that’s sublime.
A hearty breakfast is included and served in the hotel’s dining area, which is one of the best spots to take in views of this lake, which was sacred to both the Tiwanaku civilization and the Inca Empire that followed.
The best boutique & luxury hotel in Colca Canyon
Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel
Las Casitas ($400 USD double), also known as Belmond Las Casitas del Colca, is a luxurious and secluded hotel on the banks of the Colca River and a short distance from Peru’s vast Colca Canyon.
Things to consider
With only 20 casitas (small houses) available, each one promises an intimate and private experience, complete with terraces equipped with private heated plunge pools.
The restaurant, Curiña, delights with its selection of regional Peruvian cuisine, giving you the chance to sample everything from alpaca carpaccio to purple corn.
Explore the hotel’s grounds – either on foot or on horseback – where you’ll find serene gardens filled with lush greenery and llamas cared for by the local community. Other activities include day trips to the Colca Canyon. If you wish to explore it independently, you’ll find our guide on hiking the Colca Canyon useful.
The best boutique & luxury hotels in Amazon Jungle
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
Near the bustling town of Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion ($799 USD double all-inclusive for two nights) is an eco-friendly lodge located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Things to consider
Like many of the best lodges in the Amazon, it’s located a short boat journey downstream from Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to this part of the rainforest.
This beautiful property features 25 private cabanas and bedrooms, all with ceiling fans and hot water, and slung with silky mosquito nets and plush sofas from which to watch for wildlife in the surrounding vegetation.
The lodge offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders and biodiversity of the Amazon while staying in comfortable and sustainable accommodations.
Your stay also includes excursions led by local guides deep into the jungle; we recommend joining one to Lake Sandoval, where – with luck – you’ll see howler monkeys and river otters.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Another fantastic Inkaterra property is Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica ($1,082 USD double all-inclusive for two nights). However, with its location far deeper into the rainforest – it’s a 45-minute boat journey from Puerto Maldonado – it offers an even more immersive experience deeper than its sister property.
Things to consider
35 wooden cabanas come with private terraces where you can take a siesta in a hammock, lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds from the surrounding jungle.
Alternatively, you can head to the spa for a relaxing massage right on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. Bear in mind that, since sustainability is the main focus, you won’t find air-conditioned rooms, only ceiling fans to help you fend off the heat.
It’s not all about relaxation here, however. The hotel’s focal point is the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a bridge system suspended 30 meters (98 feet) off the ground. The bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching, with some 540 species of bird having been recorded here.
The best boutique & luxury hotels in Arequipa
CIRQA – Relais & Châteaux
Think traditional architecture mixed with grandeur: this is what CIRQA Relais & Châteaux ($581 USD double) – also known as the Parador – offers in the heart of Arequipa’s historic center.
Things to consider
The hotel has just 11 rooms (each with high-vaulted ceilings and luxurious interior resplendent), meaning every guest can expect personalized attention – as well as easy access to massages and a spa, plus a 24/7 concierge service.
The Parador first opened back in 1540 – the same year Arequipa was founded – and underwent a renovation in 1883. As a result, this star hotel offers a unique and historical atmosphere no others can replicate. This extends to all 11 rooms, built around two intimate patios.
Palla Boutique Hotel
Palla Boutique Hotel ($137 USD double) stands out among boutique hotels in Peru. It combines excellent service, richly-decorated rooms, and a perfect location.
Things to consider
Located on Calle Puente Bolognesi, one of the focal points of Arequipa, Palla is an excellent base from which to explore the city. It’s within minutes of walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and only a few meters away from one of the city’s main roads, Avenida La Marina.
Palla somehow combines an artistic vibe with modernity. Perhaps it’s the sillar walls that meet the hardwood floors, or maybe it’s the colonial-era doors and windows facing the wooden furniture.
It could also be the abundant natural light that falls on the colorful bedding and curtains. Whatever it is, staying here is a wonderful experience!
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Peru? Read our Peru travel itineraries, discover when’s the best time to visit Machu Picchu, and learn about hiking the Inca Trail.