38 Best Hotels in The Southern Andes and Lake Titicaca, Peru

Set only three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, this 18th-century building is a gem of Arequipa's colonial architecture, with a sheltered courtyard that leads you away from Calle Mercaderes's humdrum trappings to a sumptuous lobby with a traditional rounded-pebble floor adorned with large paintings of characters from the past. The chapel-like breakfast area is right next door and offers a remarkable à la carte menu. Guest rooms are set at the back of a separate building and have modern yet simple decor, with windows facing a serene garden decorated with lounge chairs.

The best guesthouse in Cabanaconde has a homey and warm feel—probably thanks to its wood-fire oven, which constantly churns out the finest pizzas in the region. The private en suite rooms are simple and yet well decorated and comfortable; there are also well-kept dorms for the budget minded. But the real reason to stay here, beyond the fusion food, is the young and friendly atmosphere and the excellent trekking information that Ludwig, the owner and an experienced trekking guide and travel photographer, has distilled into the best free Colca Canyon trekking map available. Drop by for a pizza, a cocktail, or a friendly chat.

On a quiet street about a five-minute walk from Jirón Lima, this is an affordable, cozy place to lay your head after a day on the lake, with basic but clean and comfortable rooms. Private baths are large, beds are comfy, and all rooms have individual space heaters. In the morning, a large breakfast spread is served, and, at night, the hotel restaurant provides tasty dinner options so you don't have to head out to eat if you're tired.

In the up-and-coming Vallecito neighborhood, a short walk from the center (and removed from its noise), this boutique hotel has a resortlike pool area, leafy gardens, and a terrace with views over the city to the mountains. The straightforward rooms, all with balconies, are equipped with modern perks like LCD TVs and mini-refrigerators, and there's a full-service restaurant and bar and a cozy sitting room with library and fireplace.

Part of a trendy hosteling and coworking-space franchise, Arequipa's branch of Selina earns points for its stunning location set around a well-manicured garden filled with birds and artsy installations. Definitely aimed at the younger traveler, Selina has a very cool, creative, relaxing vibe that is best appreciated while chilling in the charming tree house or sipping a cocktail at the side of the swimming-pool bar. Beyond dormitory accommodations, the best choices here are the private doubles set in a separate compound at the back of the garden. Additional amenities include daily yoga classes and air-conditioned common rooms for coworking.

Weavings, polished wood, and Indigenous art lend character to this thoroughly modern hotel, one of Puno's original upscale options, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's 4 km (2½ miles) from the center of town and has lovely outside seating, where you can really enjoy the grounds rather than just look out at them. Rooms are decorated with Pucará bulls and Andean textiles and feature top-notch electronics. The hotel's restaurant, Inkafé, serves international and Peruvian cuisines and has large picture windows offering a panoramic view of the lake. It's one of few hotels in town that has accessible rooms for people with disabilities.

For the best views, ask for a second-floor room.

This hotel, which is surprisingly modern given the remote location, has rooms that are as comfortable and up-to-date as you can find in the city. Suites include a fireplace and whirlpool bath. Amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. This location is especially useful if you want to prolong the journey along the lake before heading into Bolivia.

A great base for tours, this modern hotel has comfortable rooms with orthopedic beds, heating, and Indigenous weavings that inject color and local flair. Single rooms have ample queen-sized beds.