I’ve stayed in a LOT of places in Peru. But this is not why I started the Gringo Inca Market. See, not everyone who claims to be a green business actually cares for the environment. Simply put, they’ve mastered the dirty marketing technique of saying they’re green while changing absolutely nothing.
This saddens me since I love Peru and nature. Plus, most tourist spots and their local economies depend on a thriving environment. No one wants to destroy a place they love to visit.
This lists places to stay in Peru that fit my own personal sustainability standards. Not every city is on this list, since I couldn’t find a good spot everywhere. But if you want to visit Peru and keep your carbon footprint low at a high quality spot, this is where you should start.
An additional note: the hotel links will take you to HotelsCombined’s website. I like HotelsCombined because they price guarantee. If you book at ANY of the places listed below, then find a lower price somewhere else, they will pay you back the difference within 30 days.
Policies like this can help you avoid the inflated precio Gringo (Gringo Price). This is a common practice where sellers raise prices substantially for tourists.
Gringo Inca Market: Top Activities in Peru
Along with the greenest hotels in Peru, I listed top activities for the cities listed. Now, the experiences I recommend are among the most popular in Peru. This means you’ll save time and some headaches buying tickets ahead of time.
Each activity link uses Get Your Guide. I like GYG because they guarantee a better, cheaper experience. This is because their packages have a better average online rating than other providers. Also, if you find the same activity for a lower price, they’ll reimburse you.
And if you have a last-minute change of plans, you can cancel with no fee up to 24 hours in advance with Get Your Guide.
So look no further for where to stay and what to do, with the best prices guaranteed to make your money last longer in South America (and feel good about it)!
Gringo Inca Market lists cities in alphabetical order, because I really liked the photo for Arequipa.
Arequipa
Peru’s 2nd largest city arguably has its best food scene (which says A LOT). Hike some snowcapped volcanoes, see some condors, and eat awesome food.
Where to Stay
It’s unfortunately hard to find a good green hotel in Arequipa. Your best bet is in nearby Chivay (a better spot anyway!). It has hot springs, a cool archaeological site, oh and it’s in Colca Canyon! Check out Inkari Ecolodge.
Top Activities
Hiking Colca for epic treks and wildlife viewing (especially for condors) is the name of the game! Lots of people hop on over to Puno and Lake Titicaca afterwards.
Cusco
The center of the Incan universe is a cultural gem and starting point for world class hikes like the Inca Trail and to one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.
Where to Stay
I’ve stayed at Niños hotel twice and love it both times. Niños is a “Green Leader” recognized by TripAdvisor, and also funds childcare for underserved children in Cusco. Try their pumpkin soup. Really.
Top Activities
Get your tickets to Machu Picchu and possibly Huaynu Picchu (highly recommended!) ahead of time.
And don’t forget to buy a round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu if you stay in Aguas Calientes.
Interested in the Inca Trail or another hike? Check out Cachi for an ethical tour company that works directly with local communities.
Ica/Huacachina
Sandboard and drink Pisco in a desert oasis just a few hours from Lima!
But since the attraction here is at risk from sand erosion, be mindful of your impact. Consider renting a board and walking up the hills instead.
Where to Stay
The Upcycled Hostel is completely made of recyclable materials and has a great vibe. Who can’t love that?!
Top Activities
It’s all about sandboarding and Pisco (or wine). The dune buggies are popular but contribute to the erosion, which puts the oasis at risk.
One of the most popular places to visit in Peru is nearby Paracas and its Islas Ballestas (“Peru’s Galapogos”). Take a boat ride and see penguins (plus lots of other awesome wildlife)!
Lima
Peru’s capital offers the country’s largest and most diverse food scene. Plus there are a ton of great museums to check out, and you can take surfing lessons in Miraflores. Almost every itinerary for Peru includes Lima.
Where to Stay
Kaminu Backpackers offers free filtered water. This is actually a big deal since Lima’s a desert city (the 2nd largest in the world!), and people unfortunately rely on plastic water bottles.
Kaminu offers bike rentals too, and is located in artsy, hip Barranco.
Top Activities
EAT! Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall menu or a top-ranked restaurant, the food is world famous. Definitely try ceviche and check out Chinatown for Peru’s best Chinese food, too.
To learn more about Peru’s rich history and culture, Museo Larco Herrera is my personal favorite spot, but there are bunch of museums to pick from in Lima. Adventure-wise, surfing next to the cliffs in Miraflores is recommended.
Oxapampa
My favorite place, combining springlike weather all yearlong, adventures, parks, great food, and exceptional beer & coffee! “Oxa” is off the radar for most international tourists but Peruvians know it as a top vacation spot.
Where to Stay
Ulcumano ecolodge is a local leader in both ecotourism and adventure tourism. They offer guests zip lining, rappelling, and rock climbing opportunities.
Top Activities
Lots of nature! There are refreshing waterfalls like Rio Tigre, a cave (Tunqui Cueva), and great wildlife viewing at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. And nearby is Pozuzo, the original German settlement in Peru.
Puno/Lake Titicaca
Check out Peru’s richest spot for Andean culture and beautiful clear skies. And you can have an island practically to yourself by staying at an ethical community-run homestay.
Where to Stay
Overnight in an island at the homestay in Taquile or the family-run Kantuta lodge in Amantani. This way you’ll experience the islands without the day tour crowds getting in the way.
Top Activities
The most popular is the day tour of the floating Uros islands and Taquile island. Take a kayak for a more eco-friendly adventure option.
Sacred Valley & Aguas Calientes
Often the last stop on the way to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Vally is full of Incan architecture and cultural treasures. Aguas Calientes is the very last town before Machu Picchu.
Where to Stay
Ollantaytambo’s El Albergue is a cool hotel/restaurant that uses local food, liquor, and coffee. Rupa Wasi in Augas Calientes has a great vegetarian/vegan restaurant, the Tree House.
Top Activities
In Ollantaytambo, visit the archaeological site. Tourists often comment the architecture there is even more impressive than at Machu Picchu. And the ancient baths still have running water!
There isn’t much to do in Aguas Calientes, but check out the hot springs after a long hike. Get a roundtrip bus ticket to Machu Picchu ahead of time.
What’s Next
That’s it for now. But we are going to putting more on the Gringo Inca Market. In the works are a book and sustainably sourced travel equipment. So stay tuned!
