Peruvian Hotel

Think of Peru and visions of ancient cultures and traditions and a rich history dating back to 5,000 years ago come to mind. Yet, Peru is so much more than its exotic past and amongst its many attractions for travelers are its lush biodiversity, a truly multi-ethnic cultural mix of locals, sublime cuisine and unique Peruvian hotels.

Flanked by the Andes mountain range running parallel to the Pacific Ocean, the South American country is divided into three geographic areas, each with distinct landscapes that come together to mean that Peru is an ecological haven in virtually every way. The coast to the west of this ecologically blessed country is a narrow, parched plain which remains arid for most of the year except during the wet season, when the rain carves valleys into the landscape. The sierra or highlands include the Altiplano plateau and the 22,205 feet high Huascaran of the Andes. More than half of Peru is covered by the selva, the Amazon rain forest. The country contains 84 of the 104 known life zones on earth, with an incredible number of endemic wildlife species, including jaguars and pink dolphins, calling the Amazon basin home. The sensory experience of staying in a Peruvian hotel, surrounded by such natural diversity and the promise of encounters with the truly wild that few other places in the world offer, means that Peru's ecological tourism industry is booming.

Most travelers continue to be attracted to Peru for its culturally rich history, which is as mysterious as it is enticing. The ruins of Machu Picchu, an ancient city high up in the Peruvian Andes at 8,000 feet is often also called The Lost (or Sacred) City of the Incas. Located at the end of the highly popular tourist hiking Inca Trail in South America, Machu Picchu is widely considered as being one of the most spectacular ruins in the world and an important sacred and cultural site for the locals. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and as a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary. The site is home to Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana sun dial, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Temple of the Condor. Visitors can opt to get to Machu Picchu by bus from Aguas Calientes instead of embarking on a multiple-day trek through the Inca Trail. There is only one Peruvian hotel on site and most tourists opt to stay in Aguas Calientes, a town at the foot of the Machu Picchu valley. There are several hotels here to meet a range of budgets and most are basic, offering clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms and friendly service.

Machu Picchu is not the only attraction in Peru that must be explored. The equally famous and mysterious are the Nazca lines in the small town of Nazca in the south of the country that can be reached via buses from Ica, Cuzco, Arequipa and Lima. Most hotels in the town and a few tour agents offer round flights in small passenger planes for a panoramic view of these patterns and pictures carved into the landscape comprising of thousands of long straight lines. There is many a Peruvian hotel in this town, most offering travelers basic amenities, including en-suite facilities and free internet and Wi-Fi connections. Clean rooms are available at affordable rates and service is generally friendly. Few hotels offer air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools for guests.

The cities of Peru offer visitors the chance to get acquainted with the modern side of the country. Cuzco is a World Heritage site and a good starting point for most travelers. Its rich history is evident in its layered architecture and the city is close to several ruins, including Sacsayhuaman. Lima, the capital city of Peru, was the seat of colonial Spanish rule for 300 years and this aspect of the country's history is reflected in the many religious buildings found in the city. These cultural and historical facets are juxtaposed with contemporary dining and nightlife experiences. As with most cities, the many Peruvian hotels in these cities cater for a variety of budgets and needs. From backpacker hostels and inns to guesthouses and luxury hotels, guests will find basic amenities and clean rooms set against some of the most scenic natural backdrops. Many hotels in the cities and indeed the country adhere to ecologically friendly principles and sustainable practices. Holistic approaches to fun also seem to be common, with many a Peruvian hotel in cities being recognized for their friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Several hotels offer gaming spaces, tours and bike rentals, amongst other services.

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