Where to Stay
From hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, and unique stays, discover the best areas to base yourself across Peru.
This is Mayberry
Peru
Where you stay in Peru can shape your entire experience. From boutique hotels in colonial cities to family-run Airbnbs in the Sacred Valley, there’s something for every travel style and budget.
Lima
Miraflores: The most popular neighborhood for travelers. Safe, walkable, full of restaurants, shops, and access to the oceanfront Malecón.
Barranco: Trendy and artsy, with colorful murals, cafés, and nightlife. Great for younger travelers or those who want a more bohemian vibe.
San Isidro: A bit quieter and more upscale, with parks and business hotels.
👉 Our experience: We based ourselves in Miraflores near Parque Kennedy and loved being able to walk the clifftop paths every morning. Barranco became our favorite spot for evenings out.
Arequipa
Stay near the Plaza de Armas if you want to be close to the city’s colonial charm, Santa Catalina Monastery, and great restaurants.
Boutique hotels in renovated colonial mansions are common and surprisingly affordable.
👉 Our experience: We based ourselves just up the hill in the San Lázaro neighborhood and can attest that this is one of the cutest areas in town.
Cusco
Historic Center: Cobblestone streets, lively plazas, and walking distance to major sites. It’s the most atmospheric area, but also the busiest.
San Blas: The artisan district, with quieter streets, cafés, and beautiful views of the city.
Sacred Valley: A peaceful alternative to Cusco itself. Towns like Ollantaytambo and Urubamba make great bases for acclimatizing to altitude and exploring ruins without the crowds.
👉 Pro Tip: Try staying in the Sacred Valley before Cusco, it will make your transition to altitude much easier. There are also some truly unique hotels in the valley like Mountain View Experience and SkyLodge.
Other Highlights
Lake Titicaca (Puno/Uros): Options range from basic stays on the floating islands to comfortable lakeside hotels. Staying with a family on the islands was one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip.
Amazon (Puerto Maldonado/Iquitos): Jungle lodges vary from rustic cabins to luxury eco-resorts. Expect limited electricity and lots of nature sounds at night.
Types of Lodging
Hotels: Everything from budget to five-star.
Hostels: Backpacker-friendly and great for meeting other travelers.
Airbnb & Guesthouses: Affordable, often family-run, and a good way to connect with locals.
Unique Stays: Treehouses in the Amazon, SkyLodges clinging to cliffs in the Sacred Valley, or traditional family homes on Lake Titicaca.
✨ Bottom Line: Where you stay in Peru depends on what you want out of the experience, whether that's lively city energy, peaceful mountain retreats, or immersive cultural stays. The good news? You don’t have to choose just one.
