Lodging

Apartment and House Rentals

Apartment rentals are not a viable option in most parts of Peru. They're becoming more common in Lima, however, and several other tourist centers. Aside from the convenience they offer, rentals can be cost-effective—you can often get a roomy two- or three-bedroom apartment for less than you'd pay for a shoe-box-size hotel room. One company that has proven reliable is Inn Peru, which rents apartments in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood. North American–based alternatives include HomeAway and Airbnb.

Hotels

Peru’s hotels range from bare-bones hostels to luxurious retreats tucked away in forgotten Andean valleys. In general, the highest-quality ones are in major urban centers (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco), but four- and five-star properties can still be found in smaller cities and rural areas that cater to high-end tourism or business. These will generally feature hot water, modern fixtures, and 24-hour concierge service. Midlevel hotels may lack some amenities but still offer a comfortable night's sleep for people who aren't looking for a flat-screen TV. There are many budget hotels that, although they have the word hostel in the name, are actually clean, comfortable, no-frills bed-and-breakfasts. Prices tend to reflect the property’s age and amenities, but specialty lodges in the jungle or highlands may offer few comforts at any given price point. The name of a hotel does not necessarily have anything to do with its luxuriousness. A posada, for example, can be at the high, middle, or low end.

If you ask for a double room, you'll get a room for two people, but you're not guaranteed one large bed. If you'd like to avoid two twins, you'll have to ask for a cama matrimonial (literally a marriage bed), but don't worry, no wedding ring is required.

Many older hotels in some of the small towns in Peru have rooms with lovely balconies or spacious terraces; ask if there's a room con balcón or con terraza when checking in.