Booking a hotel in Peru is a straightforward process that requires a bit of planning to ensure you get the best value and location. To secure the right accommodation, you should identify your preferred region, compare prices on reputable booking platforms, and understand local customs regarding taxes and altitude. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of everything you need to know to book your stay in Peru with confidence.
Identify the Best Regions for Your Stay
Peru is a diverse country with distinct geographical regions, each offering different types of accommodation. Before you start your search, it is essential to know which neighborhood or city fits your travel itinerary.
Lima: Most international travelers begin their journey in the capital. The districts of Miraflores and Barranco are the most popular for tourists due to their safety, restaurant options, and coastal views. San Isidro is the preferred choice for business travelers looking for high-end luxury.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley: If you are visiting Machu Picchu, you will likely stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. In Cusco, staying near the Plaza de Armas puts you close to historical sites, while the Sacred Valley offers quieter, resort-style hotels that help with altitude acclimatization.
Arequipa and Puno: The “White City” of Arequipa offers beautiful colonial-style boutique hotels. In Puno, many visitors choose hotels along the shores of Lake Titicaca for the scenic views and easy access to boat tours.
When to Book Your Hotel in Peru
The timing of your booking can significantly impact both price and availability. Peru has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
- High Season (May to September): This is the driest time of year and the busiest for tourism. If you plan to visit during these months, especially around the Inti Raymi festival in June, you should book at least three to four months in advance.
- Low Season (December to March): This is the rainy season in the Andes. While prices are lower and hotels have more availability, some hiking trails may be closed, and travel can be slower due to weather conditions.
- Shoulder Season (April, October, and November): These months offer a balance of manageable weather and lower prices. Booking a few weeks in advance is usually sufficient during this time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Online
Most travelers use online travel agencies (OTAs) or direct hotel websites to book their stay. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth booking experience.
1. Use Reliable Booking Platforms
Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are widely used in Peru. These platforms allow you to filter results by price, star rating, and guest reviews. They also often offer flexible cancellation policies, which are useful if your travel plans change.
2. Read Recent Guest Reviews
Always check reviews from the last six months. Look for specific mentions of Wi-Fi reliability, hot water availability, and noise levels. In older colonial buildings, soundproofing can sometimes be an issue, so recent feedback is invaluable.
3. Verify the Location on a Map
Use the map view on booking sites to ensure the hotel is truly central. Some listings may claim to be “near the center” but are actually a long uphill walk away, which can be exhausting in high-altitude cities like Cusco.
4. Compare Direct Prices
Once you find a hotel you like on a booking site, visit the hotel’s official website or contact them via email. Sometimes, hotels offer a better rate or a free breakfast if you book with them directly, as they avoid paying commission to third-party sites.
Understanding Taxes and Fees (The IGV Exemption)
One of the most important things to know when booking a hotel in Peru is the 18% General Sales Tax (IGV). Foreign tourists are generally exempt from this tax on accommodation and meals consumed within the hotel.
To qualify for the tax exemption, you must present your original passport and the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM). Nowadays, the TAM is usually digital and recorded when you pass through immigration at the airport. The hotel will scan your passport to verify your tourist status.
Note that if you stay in the country for more than 60 consecutive days, you may lose this exemption. Additionally, some online platforms show prices without the tax, while others include it, so always check the fine print before confirming your payment.
Types of Accommodation in Peru
Peru offers a wide range of lodging styles to suit every budget and preference. Understanding these terms will help you filter your search results effectively.
- Hotels: These range from international luxury chains (like Marriott or Belmond) to local mid-range options. They provide standard amenities like 24-hour reception and room service.
- Boutique Hotels and Casonas: Especially common in Cusco and Arequipa, these are restored colonial mansions that offer a unique, historical atmosphere with modern comforts.
- Hospedajes: These are smaller, family-run guesthouses. They are usually very affordable and offer a more personal, local experience, though they may have limited amenities.
- Eco-Lodges: Primarily found in the Amazon rainforest regions like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, these lodges focus on sustainability and proximity to nature.
Essential Amenities to Look For
Depending on where you are traveling in Peru, certain amenities are more important than others. Use these criteria to narrow down your choices.
Altitude Support
In high-altitude cities like Cusco (3,400 meters), many high-end hotels offer oxygen-enriched rooms. Almost all hotels in these areas provide mate de coca (coca tea) in the lobby, which helps alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Heating and Hot Water
In the Andean highlands, nights can be very cold, even in the summer. Ensure your hotel specifically lists “heating” or “heaters” in the room description. Similarly, confirm that the hotel provides 24-hour hot water, as some smaller guesthouses use solar heaters that may run out at night.
Internet Connectivity
While most hotels in major cities offer free Wi-Fi, the signal can be weak in older buildings with thick stone walls. If you need to work during your trip, check reviews specifically regarding the internet speed in the rooms versus the lobby.
Safety and Security Tips
When booking, prioritize hotels that offer in-room safes for your valuables and 24-hour front desk security. It is also wise to choose hotels located on well-lit streets, especially if you plan to walk back to your room after dinner.
Upon arrival, always ask for a business card from the hotel. This card will have the address and phone number, which you can show to a taxi driver if you get lost or if there is a language barrier.
Conclusion
Reserving a hotel in Peru is a simple process when you understand the local geography and the tax benefits available to tourists. By booking in advance during the high season and carefully checking for amenities like heating and altitude support, you can ensure a comfortable and stress-free trip. Remember to keep your passport handy for the tax exemption and always read recent reviews to get an accurate picture of the property.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to stay during your Peruvian adventure. For more practical travel tips, explore our other articles on navigating South American destinations and managing travel budgets effectively.