Accommodation in Peru

Accommodation in Peru

Understanding Your Peruvian Accommodation

Types of Stays in Your Itinerary

• City Hotels (Lima, Cusco, Arequipa)

  In Peru’s vibrant cities, your accommodation will range from modern, international chains to charming hotels housed in beautifully converted colonial mansions. These properties typically offer the most reliable amenities, including 24/7 reception, dependable Wi-Fi, and consistent hot water, providing a comfortable urban base for your explorations.

• Sacred Valley & Mountain Lodges

  Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, these lodges are often designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. The experience here centers on tranquility, nature, and cultural immersion. While comfortable, please be aware that Wi-Fi can be slower and may be limited to common areas, encouraging you to connect with the stunning environment around you.

• Amazon Jungle Lodges

  Designed for an immersive rainforest experience, these lodges are rustic yet comfortable. They are often accessible only by boat, making your arrival part of the adventure. Electricity is typically generator-powered and available only during specific hours. This is an opportunity to truly disconnect. Rooms are designed to protect you from insects, with some featuring fully screened walls and others being more open-air, allowing you to be enveloped by the sounds of the jungle.

• Hospedajes & Guesthouses

  Throughout your journey, you may stay in a hospedaje, a term for a smaller, often family-run guesthouse or inn. While amenities are simpler than in a large hotel, these establishments offer a wonderfully personal and local feel, providing a genuine glimpse into Peruvian hospitality.

• Lake Titicaca Homestays (if applicable)

  For those whose itineraries include this unique cultural exchange, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family on islands like Amantaní or Taquile. It is important to understand that this is an authentic, rustic experience, not a hotel stay. Facilities are very basic, often with shared bathrooms and no running hot water. This is a rare opportunity for genuine connection, and comfort levels will be different from a conventional hotel.

Practical On-Site Information

Check-in & Check-out

• Standard Times: Check-in is typically after 2:00 PM, and check-out is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Luggage Storage: Nearly all hotels and lodges will securely store your luggage if you arrive early or have a late departure, allowing you to explore freely.
• Documentation: You will be required to present your passport at check-in. By law, hotels must take a copy or record of your details.

Room Amenities & Utilities

Electricity

Peru operates on a 220-volt, 60 Hz electrical system. Outlets are often a hybrid type that can accept both Type A (two flat prongs, common in North America) and Type C (two round prongs, common in Europe). To ensure all your devices can be charged without issue, we strongly advise you to bring a universal travel adapter.

Hot Water

In mid-range to luxury hotels in cities, hot water is generally reliable. In more remote areas or simpler accommodations, you may encounter electric shower heads. These units heat water instantly as it passes through. They are safe but can require gentle adjustment to find a comfortable temperature; we advise caution when using them for the first time.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is common and welcome in the warm coastal and jungle regions, such as Lima and the Amazon. In the Andes (Cusco, Puno), central heating is very rare due to building styles. Hotels instead provide effective space heaters and plentiful warm blankets for the cool high-altitude nights.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels in major cities and towns, though speed and reliability can vary. In remote mountain or jungle lodges, expect a much slower, sometimes intermittent connection that is often restricted to common areas like the lobby or dining room. We recommend downloading offline maps and any important documents to your devices before you travel to these more secluded locations.

High-Altitude Accommodation (Cusco, Puno, Sacred Valley)

Acclimatization Support

• Coca Tea (Mate de Coca)

  Upon arriving at your hotel in a high-altitude region, you will almost certainly be offered complimentary coca tea in the lobby. This is a traditional local remedy used for centuries to help alleviate the mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We encourage you to try it.

• Oxygen

  Many higher-end hotels have oxygen available in the lobby or can provide a small tank to your room for a fee should you feel the effects of the altitude. Please note that this is intended to relieve mild discomfort and is not a substitute for proper medical attention in the event of a more serious reaction.

Safety & Security

In Your Room

• Safes: Most hotel rooms are equipped with a small safe. We highly recommend using it to store your valuables, such as passports, spare cash, and small electronics.
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water anywhere in Peru, including in your hotel. Use the bottled water provided—it is often complimentary and replenished daily—or purchase your own.

Hotel Staff & Tipping

The front desk, or recepción, is your primary point of contact for any assistance you may need, from requesting an extra blanket to arranging for a trusted taxi service.

Tipping

• Porters: For staff who assist with your luggage, a tip of 3-5 Peruvian Soles (~$1-2 USD) per bag is a welcome gesture.
• Housekeeping: While not obligatory, leaving a small tip of 5-10 Peruvian Soles (~$2-3 USD) per day for the housekeeping staff at the end of your stay is a kind way to show appreciation for their service.