I just spent a month long sabattical in South America and of the six countries I visited during my time, I can definitively say that Peru was my favorite. In fact, Peru is right up there with some of my favorite countries in the entire world.
What makes Peru such a fantastic destination, and one you can find yourself visiting again and again and again, is its rich diversity in landscapes, history, and cuisine. I mean, you haven’t had ceviche unless you’ve had Peruvian ceviche.
I said what I said.
Whether it’s your first time in Peru or your fiftieth, your first order of business is picking your hotel. Actually, scratch that, your first order of business should be reserving your Machu Picchu tickets if you plan on going. BUT SECOND, you should book your hotel stays. Especially if you’re visiting in the high season, you’ll want to secure your lodging in advance because the quality stays will fill up and same day bookings will be beyond rare and definitely not guaranteed to have hot water.
Throughout my time in Peru, I’m found the best hotels across Peru to give you the most comfortable experience at any price point.
Lima
Most people treat Lima like a stopover for more “bucket list” destinations in Peru, but Lima really is deserving of its own itinerary – especially for travelers that love food. Lima is a beautiful city with some of the best restaurants in the world. Literally. It’s also a city where you can find pre-Inca pyramids casually protruding in the middle of a traffic circle.
But again, the food really is the highlight, from the city’s iconic lomo saltado (a stir-fry that owes its soul to Andean potatoes) to the vibrant Nikkei cuisine born from the Japanese diaspora. Base yourself here for a few days to get a taste of the city as well as enough time to branch out for day trips from Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina and the stunning Paracas National Reserve.
Cusco
Cusco is easily a fan favorite, even despite the altitude and steep cobblestone streets. Once you get acclimated, or bypass it altogether with a few tablets, you’re able to truly appreciate the beautiful Incan stonework so precise you can’t slide a piece of paper between the blocks. Cafes dot every corner and Cusco embodies the bustling city energy in a much more digestible (aka walkable) method.
The San Pedro Market is a sensory riot of unfamiliar fruits and steaming quinoa soups. Cusco is also the best city to buy authentic (and soft) alpaca wool products. The vibrant, geometric patterns you see on every blanket and sweater tell stories that predate the Spanish conquest, and they feel dang good on your body too.
Aguas Calientes
If we’re being all the way real, Aguas Calientes exists for one reason. You’re here because Machu Picchu sits just up the mountain. That’s why we’re all in Aguas Calientes. But between your early-morning train and your late-return train, Aguas Calientes can be more than just a tourist jump-off point.
While you can see Machu Picchu in a day, I honestly recommend at least one overnight stay to really take it all in. Not only are there fantastic hotels in Aguas Calientes, but also some unique experiences as well. You’ll hear Quechua spoken by vendors selling handwoven textiles, and you might catch the scent of grilled trout straight from the river. Plus, you might as well dip your toes into the hot springs that give the town its name.
Sacred Valley
Many people choose to start their acclimation in Peru’s scenic Sacred Valley, and it’s not a bad plan. Nestled between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and at a lower altitude than both, Sacred Valley allows you to relax gently into the Andes. Most travelers base themselves in one of three towns: Urubamba for the central location and more upscale lodging options, Ollantaytambo for the archeological sites and easy access to the train lines, or Pisac for its famous Sunday market and slightly quieter tourist traffic.
If you opt to stay in Sacred Valley overnight (give yourself a few nights to really soak it in), you can see a lot more than just the highlights of Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces. In my opinion, the Sacred Valley has some of the best spas in the entire country.
Arequipa
Arequipa is hands down the prettiest city in Peru. With its facade painted with a history of colonial monasteries, it’s impossible not to reflect on Peru’s colonization as you walk down the volcanic stone streets with stark white buildings, all against the backdrop of the magnificent El Misti volcano.
You may find yourself here to rest after an adventure packed itinerary of your time north, but don’t be surprised if you get the urge to linger. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially appreciate the proximity to incredible hikes, but even if you aren’t much of a nature fiend, be open to at least a peak at the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Yes, it’s deeper than the Grand Canyon.