If you are thinking about traveling to Peru, you are probably considering visiting Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas and one of the seven wonders of the world, as well as enjoying the culture and gastronomy of traditional Peruvian cuisine in Lima. However, there are many more reasons why millions of visitors hesitate to travel and immerse themselves in Peruvian history.
Cities like Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, or Ica hide surprises and spectacular dream places that you can discover with NH Hotels. Come and explore with NH Hotels in Peru!
Why stay with NH in a hotel in Peru?
The nhow Lima will position you excellently to explore the stunning areas of Lima. Situated in the prime location of Miraflores, one of the city's most vibrant districts, you'll be near Kennedy Park and Miraflores Love Park, both within walking distance from our doorstep.
Moreover, when you stay at NH Hotels in Peru, specifically nhow Lima hotel, you will enjoy stunning ocean views, green areas, and outdoor terraces from two towers that form a V-shape structure designed by the renowned architectural studio Bakpak Architects. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, rooftop, swimming pool, and gym, providing all the facilities needed for vacationers or leisure travelers.
For those seeking an ideal venue for events or meetings, NH Hotels can accommodate both business and social gatherings with seven conference rooms, four meeting rooms, and a ballroom.
Located just 22 km from the airport, it's the ideal hotel in Peru to begin exploring Peruvian culture and gastronomy, and to start your journey from a lower elevation before ascending to higher-altitude cities like Cusco or Arequipa.
How’s the weather in Peru?
Peru, located just south of the equator, features different geographical areas and zones, each with its own climate that varies by region and time of year. On the Peruvian coast, such as Lima or Trujillo, temperatures are usually moderate with minimal temperature fluctuations. Conversely, in the interior of Peru, like in Cusco, Puno, or Arequipa, daytime temperatures are pleasant but can drop dramatically due to altitude and highland areas. Finally, in Iquitos, within the Amazon rainforest, there is a tropical and humid climate year-round.
However, note that from December to February coincides with the rainy season, so it may not be the best time to visit Machu Picchu or the Amazon area. The warmest months overall and the peak tourist season to visit major attractions are from June to August.
What to see in Peru?
Peru, dubbed the Land of the Incas, boasts a rich blend of history and nature. From the culinary delights of Lima to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the Laguna de Humantay, and the Montaña de 7 Colores in Cusco, it offers a wide variety of incredible experiences. Explore the Amazon from Iquitos, marvel at the Nazca Lines, or relax in the oasis of Huacachina. Discover the stunning landscapes of the Colca Valley and the indigenous cultures of Lake Titicaca.
Peru invites you to discover its wonders, offering you unique adventures at every turn. To explore them all, you'll need to stay in different hotels in Peru.
Lima, capital of Peruvian gastronomy
The Peruvian capital serves as an ideal first introduction to the South American country. Here, you will discover one of the world's top culinary destinations. In addition to exploring the charming neighborhoods like Barranco and Miraflores, you can visit Huaca Pucllana, the remains of a pre-Inca civilization.
Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire
The ancient Inca capital, declared a World Heritage Site, is situated at 3.500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by authentic treasures. Beyond its history as a city, many of Peru's top attractions are located near this city. Don't miss the Valle Sagrado, Laguna Humantay, and Montaña de 7 Colores.
Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Despite being close to Cusco, Machu Picchu deserves a separate mention. The lost city of the Incas, located at 2,430 meters above sea level, remained hidden for centuries amidst mountains and dense vegetation. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. There are several ways to reach Aguas Calientes, either by train or by trekking.
Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos
Visiting the Peruvian Amazon is one of the must-do experiences in Peru, depending on the time you have available. For this adventure, you'll need to reserve between 3 to 5 days to fully immerse yourself in the Amazon in its most authentic form, surrounded by the wildest nature. You can take jungle hikes to observe the wildlife and flora up close.
Arequipa and the Valle del Colca
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru and is surrounded by volcanoes that add to its magical history. In addition to chewing coca leaves to avoid altitude sickness, you can take an excursion through the Valle del Colca and witness the flight of its most famous bird, the condor. We recommend that you enjoy the thermal pools and take a relaxing bath, something that we assure you will be unforgettable.
Huacachina Oasis
Located in the city of Ica, you'll find the Huacachina oasis, one of the few natural oases remaining in all of America. In this oasis, with emerald green waters and surrounded by palm trees, you can spend the night and engage in activities on the dunes, such as buggy rides or sandboarding.
Nazca Lines
One of the archaeological mysteries is found in the Nazca Desert. Through a flight excursion, you can see enormous geoglyphs depicting human figures, animals, or geometric shapes that are only visible from the air. This will allow you to delve into forming various theories about their origin and meaning.
Titicaca Lake
Near the city of Puno, in the south of Peru, you can sail and explore the highest lake in the world. There, you can visit the Uros and Taquile islands, learn about their way of life, and see their unique floating houses. You can also enjoy some delicious trout and admire the viewpoints overlooking the highest lake in the world.
What to eat in Peru?
Millions of people travel to Peru to experience and primarily enjoy its food and gastronomic culture, among many other things. In Peru, you can delve into a variety of recipes and dishes made with fresh and natural products that make Peruvian cuisine special and endlessly appealing. You shouldn't leave the country without trying the following dishes from traditional and contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
Ceviche in all its variations is the star dish and one of the most popular internationally. Lomo saltado, prepared in a wok, reflects Asian influence. Cuy (Fried guinea pig) or ají de gallina (chicken in spicy sauce) served with white rice are typical dishes. We mustn't forget about chicharrones (crispy pork) or pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) for meat lovers, and Rocoto relleno is a must-try if you love spicy food. Trout from Lake Titicaca or seafood and fish in Lima should also be tasted. And of course, we can't overlook Peruvian soups and the hundreds of varieties of potatoes used specifically in different dishes.
If you're very thirsty, you must try the Pisco Sour, one of Peru's most famous cocktails. Chicha Morada, made by boiling purple corn, or Inka Kola, the country's most consumed soda, are also essential tastes of Peru.
How to arrive in Peru?
Peru has numerous airports that provide access to all the secrets of Incan culture and Peruvian cuisine. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located approximately 12 km from Lima, is the most important and busiest airport in the country. It serves as the main gateway to explore the country and handles the largest number of domestic, international passengers, and air cargo.
On the other hand, if your destination is to visit Machu Picchu and the Cusco region, you can fly to the second most important airport in the country, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), located 5 km from the centre of Cusco.
To fly to the south of the country, Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) connects with the city of Arequipa and is the third busiest airport in the country, 8 kilometres from the city centre.
How to get around in Peru?
Domestic flights are the fastest and most efficient way to travel and connect hotels in Peru and the various tourist attractions in cities like Arequipa, Cusco, and Lima. Using flight comparison websites, you can find relatively inexpensive domestic flights with excellent connections and safety conditions. On the other hand, buses are a cheaper option, ideal for traveling between cities. Being able to sleep on an overnight bus and wake up in the next city to continue exploring Peru is one of the reasons why many people use the Cruz del Sur bus network.
Trains in Peru are not as affordable. If there's one we recommend using, it’s the one that connects to Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu. Although you can rent a car and make the journey on your own, we do not recommend it due to the long distances between cities, the condition of the roads, the country’s altitude, and the potential for altitude sickness.
In the cities, you can choose between the famous tuk-tuks, where you will need to negotiate the price before using the service. In Lima and Cusco, Uber works very well and helps avoid the hassle of haggling or disputes with taxi drivers.
For a convenient base to start your exploration of Peru, consider our luxurious 5-star hotel. Discover extraordinary hotels in Peru with NH Hotels & Resorts and secure your room today to kickstart your dream vacation
