Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [436]
Within most types of accommodations, habitación simple refers to a single room, habitación doble to a double room with two twin beds, and habitación matrimonial to a double room with a double or queen-sized bed. If you’re traveling as a couple, be sure to ask for the latter, or you’ll find yourself sleeping in separate beds. Shared rooms or dormitory-style lodging is generally referred to as un habitación compartida. Prices in these might be listed por cama (by bed).
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BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews and recommendations by Lonely Planet authors, check out the online booking service at www.lonelyplanet.com/hotels. You’ll find the true, insider low-down on the best places to stay. Reviews are thorough and independent. Best of all, you can book online.
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PRACTICALITIES
Electricity: Electrical current is 220V, 60Hz AC. Standard outlets accept round prongs, but many places will have dual-voltage outlets which take flat prongs. Even so, you may need an adapter with a built-in surge protector.
Magazines: The most well-known political and cultural weekly is Caretas (www.caretas.com.pe), while Etiqueta Negra (etiquetanegra.com.pe) focuses exclusively on culture. For alternative travel journalism in Spanish and English, pick up the monthly Rumbos (www.rumbosdelperu.com).
Newspapers: The government-leaning daily El Comercio (www.elcomercioperu.com.pe) is dry, but it’s the leading daily. For opposing viewpoints, see the slightly left-of-center La República (www.larepublica.com.pe). A number of small, tabloid papers – known colloquially as diarios chicha – report on sensational crime stories and celebrity capers. In English, look for the long-running Peruvian Times (www.peruviantimes.com).
TV: Cable and satellite TV are widely available for a fix of CNN or even Japanese news. Local stations have a mix of news, variety shows, talk shows and telenovelas, Spanish-language soap operas. Ask if your hotel has cable or you’ll be watching the latter.
Video: Buy or watch videos on the NTSC system (compatible with North America).
Websites: Two helpful online resources in English are expatperu.com and www.theperuguide.com.
Weights & Measures: Peruvians use the metric system except for gas (petrol), which is measured in US gallons.
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Homestays are sometimes offered to people taking Spanish courses, but are an infrequent option. Lima, Cuzco and the area around Lake Titicaca tend to be the places where you are most likely to find these.
There aren’t many camping grounds, except around trekking and river-running sites.
There are many more places to stay than we’re able to list in this book. We’ve focused on including the best and most convenient spots. If you try any new spots, be sure to let us know how it goes!
Rates
Costs for accommodations vary greatly in Peru, depending on the season and the region. Rates in this book are generally for the high season, but note that prices can often fluctuate from one year to the next.
Cuzco is the most expensive town for hotels, despite being stuffed full of them. During the high season (June to August) demand is very high; the busiest times are Inti Raymi, Semana Santa and Fiestas Patrias (Click here), when advance reservations are a must.
Other cities that are pricier than average include Lima, Iquitos, Huaraz and Trujillo. In Lima, prices generally remain steady throughout the year, although many midrange and top-end places will feature last-minute specials online. In other cities, at off-peak times, you can get good deals with a little bit of negotiation. Walk-in guests should ask for the ‘best price’ (mejor precio). Paying cash always helps; and be sure to