Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Hotels in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru

I never did give hotels review in any of the countries other than Costa Rica, so I thought I would add that on for anyone reading this and visiting similar places.

Guatemala
Guatemala City
Hotel Aeropuerto Guesthouse - we were arriving pretty late and did not think we could get to Antigua, so decided to stay a night in Guatemala City. It turns out, you can get a ride to Antigua from the airport at just about any hour, so it's not really necessary to stay in the city. This guesthouse was nice and quiet and was a good place to stay for a night. It's right by the airport, but make sure to get instructions from them on how to get the free transport because a taxi will be very expensive even though you will only go a few blocks.
Antigua
Posada Juma Ocag - we really liked this place. It is right in the center of everything you need in Antigua and is very secure. The rooms are nice and it is a great price. When we came back to Antigua, it was full, so you might want to make a reservation before going. They have the most beautiful blankets - handmade! We stayed at another place a couple of doors down from here when this one was full, but it was not very nice. Stick with this place.
Panajachel
I can't remember the place we stayed here, but this is a very loud city, so expect to hear a lot of noise. We didn't sleep at all. It was a place on one of the main streets and there was a party going on in the street every night. Try to find a place that is off one of the main streets if you stay here.
San Pedro
Hotel San Francisco - there are actually a few Hotel San Francisco's and they are all right next to each other and somehow compete with each other. They are all pretty much the same and are extremely cheap. The place isn't very nice, but it does have a nice view of the lake. If you are looking for something really really cheap, this would be an okay place to stop.
Families - staying with families is definitely what I recommend if you go to San Pedro. You learn so much more about the culture to do it this way.
Tikal
Tikal Inn - This was a very nice place - much nicer than the places we usually stay. However, this was included in a tour that we purchased. All of the 3 hotels right by the park are pretty similar, but we did really like the Tikal Inn.

Ecuador
Quito
Friends - we stayed with Scott's friend which was a really wonderful way to enjoy Quito. Thanks, Dan!
Cotopaxi
Tambopaxi - we stayed at this really nice lodge right on the Cotopaxi reserve. It was very isolated and had wonderful views. The horseback ride that we booked through this hotel wasn't the best because our guide was not very good, but this is a great place to go and relax. A lot of people stay here when they are trekking Cotopaxi as well. It's not overly cheap, but there's not much else up here and all of the meals are included.
Galapagos
Beluga - This was our boat and though we really enjoyed it, the boat was a bit older, so I'd probably recommend finding a newer one. See my Galapagos posts for more on the boat.
Amazon Jungle
Dracaena Tours and Lodge - this was a basic camp with mosquito nets laid around and mattresses inside. There were shared bathrooms and great food served. It was a nice place to stay and was not at all expensive. If you want to do the cheap route go here. You will be laying right next to the person in the net next to you because there is not a lot of space in between them all.
BaƱos
Hostal Plantas y Blanco (Hostal Plant and White) - we really liked this hostel. It was in a good location, had nice rooms, a great breakfast, a book exchange, game room, etc. Also, they have this great morning steam bath that will refresh you for the rest of the day.

Peru
Lima
Manhattan Hotel - This place was way too expensive for what they offered, which wasn't much. We didn't want to pay a high fee to go into town to stay because we had an early flight the next morning. I would recommend going into town if you have time at all because this place was not worth the cost.
Miraflores House Albergue - I HIGHLY recommend this place if you will be in Lima for any amount of time. This is a really nice place to stay and is not expensive at all. You can choose to have private rooms or not with private bathrooms or shared. The man that runs this place is the most friendly and helpful person that we met at a hotel in our travels. There is breakfast included, a movie room, free internet - definitely stay here if you will be in Lima.
Cusco
Qori Inti Hostel - This was a nice place that we got a good deal on through a tour guide who took us here. The cost of places in Cusco is more than many other cities, so expect that before you come. Also, if you go in peak season, try to make a reservation because many places will be full when you get here. We were happy with this place - the rooms were nice and it was quiet, but in a good location.
Lares Trek
SAS Travel - we did the Lares Trek with SAS Travel and absolutely loved it. Our guide was amazing, the food was better than most restaurants, and everything about the trip was just perfect. I think SAS may be more expensive than some other options on the Lares Trek, but we definitely recommend them.
Puno
Hotel Europa - This was a convenient and cheap place, but not extremely nice. Also, when we stored bags there, something leaked and got them all wet. The rooms were okay, but I don't highly recommend this place.
Arequipa
La Casa de Mi Abuela - This place was a little more expensive than we usually paid, but it was so nice that it made it really worth it. The rooms are incredibly nice, the service is great, the breakfast is wonderful, there is a nice pool, restaurant, etc. etc. etc. I would definitely recommend staying here unless you absolutely can't spend more money. Also, if you are looking for a high end hotel, this is a great place.
Huacachina
Casa de Arena II - We stayed here our first night and quickly left the next day. The room smelled, the sheets were not clean, the place was very loud, etc. Casa de Arena I looked a bit nicer, but we didn't try it out. There is a nice atmosphere here with hammocks and a restaurant/bar, but for the same price, you can get nicer rooms.
Hostel Rocha - Although the name may not sound great here, the hostel was a much nicer one. The rooms were much nicer and there was still a nice atmosphere here and a cool outside bar.

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