38 Best Hotels in The North Coast and Northern Highlands, Peru

With sleek, design-forward bungalows open to the sea breezes, DCO has a trendy, South Beach–style vibe: think all-white interiors, contemporary artwork, flat-screen TVs, a pillow menu, and an infinity pool. Suites are spacious and all have ocean-facing balconies; the master suite has a Jacuzzi. The restaurant also features edgy cuisine and cocktails.

At this remote lodge near Gocta waterfall, aesthetics reign supreme. Not only does each room enjoy an unhindered vista of the cascades—framed by hazy, mist-shrouded hills that turn dramatic as the sunset catches fire—but the lodge itself beguiles with its soothing color scheme and paintings of hummingbirds, which can occasionally be spotted in the gardens outside. The cloud forest's wondrous quiet and the excellent on-site restaurant round out the sensory experience. Kids will love the pool—and the friendly llamas that wander the grounds.

The most atmospheric place to base yourself while exploring the Chiclayo area's archaeological attractions is not in the city itself but rather in this 18th-century casona in Lambayeque. Just a block from the town's main plaza and the church of San Pedro, the manor house is surrounded by three stone courtyards, and every effort has been made to retain the colonial-era style and architecture—though modern comforts, like the inviting pool, are welcome, too. Rooms feature period furniture, creaky beds, and wood-beamed ceilings.

Atmospheric decor and an appealing location are the top draws at this cozy downtown inn. Leafy courtyards, shady patios, rooftop terraces: the ambience here is unbeatable for the price, even if the rooms themselves are nothing special. This isn't a luxury boutique: it's an old-school hotel with a delightful staff and loads of local, colonial character.

Pampering is the focus at this refurbished hacienda, which features well-manicured garden areas throughout its extensive grounds, as well as a Jacuzzi in every room and public baths fed by thermal hot springs. You can decompress with a massage or other spa treatment, or tour the surrounding terrain on horseback. Kids enjoy the playground and feeding the animals on the adjoining farm, which also supplies organic vegetables to the hotel's restaurant.

Built in the manner of a Spanish casona around a central patio, this handsome, colonial-style inn is among Chachapoyas's best lodgings, boasting spacious rooms, strong Wi-Fi and hot water, and a solicitous staff. Hand-carved walnut furniture from local artist Gerald Valdéz adds to the aesthetics of the common areas. The hotel is an associate of the respected Peruvian Casa Andina chain.

A sleek, modern lodging with a well-trained staff, spacious rooms, and a good range of amenities, this Casa Andina is as popular with executives in town for a meeting as it is with archaeology lovers here to see the ruins. Facilities include a pool, casino, restaurant, gym, and spa. The large windows let in a lot of light, and the balconies (in some rooms) are a plus.

National chain Casa Andina's first foray into the beach-resort game has proven to be a smart one: this resort in Zorritos, south of Tumbes, is one of the north's most convenient beach getaways. The bungalow-style rooms are equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and satellite TV, and the suites have two levels. There's a beautiful beachfront pool, plus a tour desk, pool bar, restaurant, and small spa.

Situated right on the Plaza de Armas, this elegant posada in a converted colonial mansion is at the top of the pecking order for Trujillo accommodations. Formerly the Hotel Libertador, the place boasts a casual-chic vibe, and the amenities—including a sauna, full gym, and outdoor pool—surpass what's available elsewhere in the city. The super-reasonable prices clinch the deal.

Set right on Cajamarca's main plaza, this hotel may seem modern, but it's actually a converted historic mansion once owned by a distinguished local family, and its restaurant has what might be the best view of the city. While lacking the colonial ambience of many bed-and-breakfasts, this Cajamarca branch of the Peruvian Costa del Sol chain makes up for it with abundant amenities amid the ancient stone walls.

This modern tower just a few blocks from Chiclayo's main plaza attracts tourists on a budget who come for the many amenities. These include a restaurant, casino, bar, pool, gym, and event facilities. The clean, modern rooms won't win any style awards, but they get the job done.

This excellent hotel, part of the Costa del Sol Wyndham chain, has modern rooms and facilities, a high-end bar, and attentive service. There's a small kidney-shaped pool in the central terrace, local artwork is displayed in the common areas, and every room looks out onto a simple atrium.

If you're looking to stay outside the city in a spa resort, complete with manicured gardens and alpacas roaming the grounds, this sleek modern lodging is ideal. The rooms, which feature stylish interior design and bedspreads, face a large pool, surrounded by beautifully landscaped lawns and palm trees. It's a good choice for families, since it has open areas for kids to play, along with Jacuzzis and steam baths for the grown-ups. There's also a nearby golf course.

Ensconced in the heart of downtown, this hotel makes for a comfortable lodging option in Tumbes, which has a dearth of nice places to stay. Though open since 1995, it has kept reasonably up to date and is rich in amenities like a casino, a decent restaurant, a small gym, and a business center. The large, tile-floor rooms lack style, but they're light years ahead of anywhere else in town.

This charismatic inn has just the right rustic touches, from wood-beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces to the lush climbing vines and geraniums brightening the central patio. Rooms are spacious, if a bit antiquated, and you can lounge in the comfy salon or beside the sunny fountain. The breakfast here is unusually good.

You'll find a respite from Casma's dusty streets at this pleasant hotel surrounded by well-tended gardens. Although the rooms have unsightly fluorescent lights, they're comfortable and affordable. The bamboo-walled restaurant specializes in regional dishes and looks onto the central terrace. The hotel also has a beachfront sister property at Playa Tortugas.

This upscale, full-service hotel and spa is just a short cab ride from the city center and has solidly comfortable rooms overlooking a pleasant pool. There's also another small pool on the rooftop, next to the spa and sauna, as well as a dining terrace perched above a quiet courtyard. 

Situated in Cajamarca's historic district, this lovely casona boasts two sunny courtyards overlooked by rooms done in a bright, modern style, with bold color schemes and striking artwork. The beds in the standard rooms are narrow and soft, but suites have king beds and Jacuzzis; all come equipped with LCD TVs and Wi-Fi. The common areas are decorated artistically, with hand-woven rugs and antique colonial furniture.

Behind the historic facade of this downtown casona lies a modern hotel with rooms overlooking a sun-filled courtyard. Inside is a full-service tourist agency, which offers a fair selection of local tours. Ask to see a few rooms beforehand, as some are nicer than others.

This pleasant hotel, across the boulevard from Playa Huanchaco, is popular with Peruvian families, especially in summer. It has a pool set in beautifully landscaped grounds, a small restaurant, a playground, and lots of grassy areas for kids to play in. Frequent upgrades have added Wi-Fi, expanded the restaurant, and kept the style up to date.

The best deal in Barranca, this full-service hotel—in a plain, concrete, six-story building—has wood-floored rooms (ask for one in the rear if noise is a concern) and a decent restaurant serving criollo food. To relax, dip into the pool and swim up to the poolside bar, the hotel's best feature. Those looking to go out at night can check out the Karaoke Hotel Chavín, in back on the first floor.

The excellent location and amenities make this comfy inn a dependable favorite, thanks also to its standout restaurant, coworking area, and well-appointed rooms with plush bedspreads and commodious baths. If it's not too full, ask for a balcony.

With refurbished decor and noise-proof glass for street-side rooms, this hotel is one of the better deals in Chiclayo. Rooms are clean, the staff is professional, and the property feels busy but not hurried. There are also a good gym and decent breakfast options.

Miriam and Kelly, the two women who run this darling country inn, are like kindly aunts out of a fairy tale: not only do they delight in pampering guests with thoughtful touches (extra blankets, board games in the parlor), but they'll also whip up first-rate comfort food from veggies grown in the garden out back. Each of the individually decorated rooms shows their loving touch, and they'll also help with treks to the cordilleras and to Laguna Parón. It's not unheard of for folks to come to Caraz solely to stay at this property.

This tiny, Zen-like property on Las Pocitas beach is perhaps the first to really do the New Age concept right in Máncora. Aside from lounging in front of the long infinity pool, the emphasis here is on wellness, with yoga sessions, massages, and mostly vegetarian meals all part of the experience—as well as detox packages and cleanses. Each of the rooms is unique, though all incorporate earth elements such as wood floors, ceramic pottery, and outdoor living spaces.

This country hacienda is far from the noise of Cajamarca and has extensive gardens, a trout hatchery, and green hills for horseback riding and hiking. Parts of the hacienda were constructed as far back as 1822, so the rooms have authentic touches like vaulted wood-beam ceilings. Large rosaries adorn the walls. Spending the night here is like visiting well-to-do relatives for a summer holiday.

Situated opposite tranquil Playa Los Tumbos, a beach on the northern end of the waterfront, Las Palmeras is a welcoming hotel (once you get past the gated entrance) with ocean views. Its spotless rooms have terraces, most facing the water. A narrow garden with a small pool makes for a very relaxing stay, and, because the hotel is gated, there's a feeling of privacy. There's also a full-service cafeteria on site.

The Canadian owners who built this eco-friendly adobe lodge are heavily involved with environmental activities in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca, so if it's a laid-back mountain experience you're after, drop in here rather than stay in town. Most rooms come with patios and fireplaces, and there are two private cabins and a teepee. Full meal plans are available.

This remote lodge perched on the threshold of Huascarán National Park is the ultimate place to get away from it all. Wedged between Llanganuco and Rajururi gorges and adjacent to Keushu Lake, it's an accommodation that serves as a base camp for extended hikes into the cordillera; hikers typically stay here to acclimatize, take day treks, find guides, or rent equipment. The lodge itself has various accommodations, from no-frills standard rooms to luxury suites with balconies and fireplaces, and there are a restaurant and bar. Phone signals on the mountain are weak, so email is the lodge's preferred mode of communication.