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

At the most luxurious property in the Colca area, with service and amenities to match, each thatched bungalow has its own outdoor terrace with a private heated pool, heated smooth-stone floors, and deep bathtubs beneath skylights for after-dark soaking and stargazing (though you can get an even better view from the outdoor showers). Rooms are bright and comfortable, with leather armchairs and wrought-iron beds piled with elegant bedding and harkening to days gone by. You can join cooking and pisco-sour-making classes, baby-alpaca feedings, and familiarization tours of the vegetable garden, and—for an additional fee—activities such as fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and spa treatments can be arranged. The Quiriña restaurant serves creative Peruvian fusion dishes using vegetables from the garden.

Part of the luxe Relais & Châteaux brand, this is the best hotel on the lake, period—a stylish all-inclusive ecotourism resort with contemporary flair and an off-the-beaten-path location. Overlooking the lake next to the Chucuito Peninsula, it's about a 40-minute car ride from Puno. The brick exterior resembles a lake house rather than a boutique hotel, but the interior is classic Euro-contemporary, with hints of Peruvian color, making this a truly unique place. All rooms have high-quality furnishings and linens, plasma TVs, heated floors, and lake views. Activities include trips to the islands and remote weaving communities, bird-watching, kayaking, and massage services. Room service is available 24 hours.