My personal favorite in South-America: Peru

Wonderguide by

Stijn Lamers

My personal favorite in South-America: Peru

A guide to some of the most majestic places in Peru. Take your time and find out everything that Peru has to offer. Book a trip, look for inspiration or simply read about my experiences in this beautiful country!

Use QR code to view online version

Hotels

The best hotels throughout Peru

Place

La Casa de Mi Abuela

Stijn:The biggest surprise of whole Arequipa as a hotel. Once you pass the reception, you enter a beautiful garden with lots of places to relax. The rooms are very nice, the beds are good and the water is warm! 10/10 would recommend.

Place

Inkari EcoLodge - Colca

Stijn:This hotel is close to the Cruz del Condor. It's not exactly in the city centre, but the location is very rustic and nice. The rooms are big and quite cheap.

Place

Hotel El Buho

Stijn:Hotel El Buho is situated in the middle of Puno. If you come out of the hotel, you are immediately in the city centre, close to the markets, shops and restaurants. If you want to go to the harbour, I would recommend going by bike or taxi.

Place

Los Aticos B&B

Stijn:Los Aticos is a very nice and rustig hotel in the middle of Cuzco. There are not many hotels that are better for that price. Only a 2 minute walk brings you to the Plaza, from where you can go anywhere you want.

Place

Hotel Ollantaytambo Lodge

Stijn:The hotel itself is very nice. Breakfast is excellent and also the rooms are spacious and give a feeling of being at home, not in a hotel. Although Ollantaytambo is mainly used for traveling to Aguas Calientes, I can recommend this hotel!

Place

Hotel San Jorge Residencial

Stijn:Best hotel I've had on the trip. The rooms are very spacious, there is an excellent swimming pool and the hotel gives you a safe feeling.

Place

Hotel INKA'S LAND

Stijn:Hotel INKA'S LAND is highly recommended in Aguas Calientes. It's used to tourists going to Machu Picchu and will help you at all times. Staff is very friendly and do everything to make your stay pleasant.

Limited offer

Gift from Stijn. Get a discount off all experiences!

Guided Tours

Tours to enjoy!

Must-visits!

All the highlights in Peru

Place

Huacachina

Stijn:Huacachina! The one place that is truly majestic. Definitely a recommended place on a trip to Peru. Go sandboarding and buggy riding till sundown. Seeing the sun go down behind the dunes is something you'll never forget.

Place

Colca Canyon

Stijn:The Colca Canyon, famous for its nature and the Condors. I think it's a very nice place to go and would recommend going there as it's not so far from the big cities. A day trip is sufficient.

Place

Arequipa

Stijn:Arequipa is a wonderful city with lots of history. The big cathedral is something to go for, but you'll need long sleeves and pants for that. Did you know that on average there is a small earthquake every two days!

Place

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Stijn:As said before, the Cathedral is something to go for. You can walk all the way up into the cathedral for a small fee, but I would recommend it. It gives you an excellent overview of the city.

Place

Plaza de Armas Arequipa

Stijn:Beautiful plaza to relax and drink some coffee. There are plenty of small restaurants or cafés where you can get a nice cup on-the-go. Relax and see all the street art, musicians and Peruvians enjoy their day on the square.

Place

Larco Museum

Place

Santa Catalina Monastery

Stijn:When in Arequipa, go there. Hiring a guide is recommended, because he/she can tell you everything about the history of the Monastery. There are still people living there, but chances of seeing them are small.

Place

Nazca

Stijn:The Nazca lines is something you don't want to miss. These lines are only visible from a small aeroplane, but I would recommend going. Watch out, because if it's windy, it can be quite a bumpy ride.

Place

Mirador Cruz del Cóndor

Place

Uros

Stijn:The Uros Island is something to do. From Puno, it's only a small trip to the Uros Island. These people live on the water and have an amazing history!

Place

Amantaní

Stijn:Amantaní Island is recommended because of its history. I've had the opportunity to sleep with a local family, so that's something I would highly recommend doing. Some houses don't have power, electricity or running water, which gives you a really basic feeling.

Stijn:The capital of Peru, Lima. This city has a lot to offer, so staying there for a few days is recommended. There are lots of things to see and do, so take your time and breath in the Peruvian culture.

My Favorite Restaurants

Do your tummy a favour

Place

Zig Zag

Stijn:Best restaurant in Arequipa, go there if you want to taste the guinea pig. It was my first time there and I really enjoyed it.

Place

La Plaza Bar & Grill

Stijn:This restaurant gives you a nice view over the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa. Relax in the shade and take everything in that's happening on the square.

Place

Embarcadero 41 (Centro)

Place

Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse

Stijn:The Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse is an excellent opportunity to eat alpaca or llama. The staff is very friendly and helps you with everything. But most importantly, the food is excellent.

Place

Papacho's, Cuzco

Stijn:Papacho's is the place to go if you're looking for burgers or something American. This place has it all. The food is good, staff is friendly and alcohol is served.

Place

Tree House Restaurant

Stijn:Number one go to place in Aguas Calientes. The place is truly majestic, not so much focused on tourists and the food is very good. It's also very rustic and peaceful, which is very nice.

Place

Mojsa Restaurant

Stijn:Mojsa is an absolute recommendation in Puno. The restaurants is almost always crowded, but staff still is very friendly, the food is good and the kitchen is very divers.