Arequipa & Nasca Hotels: Unbelievable Deals You Won't Believe!
Arequipa & Nasca Hotels: Unbelievable Deals… Seriously, Are They Real?! (My Honest, Slightly Unhinged Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical, sterile travel review. This is me, after a whirlwind tour of Arequipa and Nasca – fueled by too much coca tea and the nagging feeling I’m missing something HUGE. And let's just say, reviewing these “Unbelievable Deals”… well, it’s been an experience.
Accessibility: Right, first things first. I gotta be upfront, I’m not in a wheelchair. But from what I could tell, the larger hotels tried to be accessible. Elevators were generally present (a HUGE win in Arequipa’s hilly terrain!), and some rooms mentioned “Facilities for disabled guests.” However, I'd strongly advise verifying specifics if accessibility is a genuine need. I’m talking, call them, ask about the doorways, the bathrooms, the whole shebang. Don’t trust me, trust the internet, and maybe even a friend who is in a wheelchair.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Actually Clean These Places?!
This is where things get…interesting. Look, COVID has changed everything, right? And these hotels tried. Hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE, and most had the "Hygiene certification" on the walls. They claimed daily disinfection in common areas, and some boasted “Professional-grade sanitizing services.” But, and there is a massive but, my personal experience was a little… variable.
One hotel in Nasca had a lovely pool, but the pool's edges were covered in algae. Another, in Arequipa, had a fantastic view, but… well, let’s just say the “Anti-viral cleaning products” seemed a little diluted. Daily housekeeping was a nice touch, but the “Room sanitization opt-out available” felt a bit… counterintuitive. You WANT them to clean!
The Takeaway: Overall? They tried. But I wouldn’t necessarily trust your life to the cleanliness, OK? Bring your own wipes, and maybe pack a hazmat suit (kidding!… mostly).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food… Mostly Good, Some Questionable.
Alright, the good news. Most of these hotels offered food, and that food… was delicious! Many had “Restaurants,” boasting “International cuisine,” and, surprisingly, "Asian cuisine." The "Buffet in restaurant" was a lifesaver, if a bit chaotic, and the Western breakfast was a solid choice.
But here’s where it gets messy. One "Vegetarian restaurant" in Arequipa served me a plate of what looked suspiciously like… undercooked green beans. The "Soup in restaurant" was… well, let's just say it wasn't my favorite soup. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant," however, usually hit the spot.
The real highlight? The "Poolside bar"! Happy hour was a total vibe, the drinks were strong, and the view… breathtakingly stunning. I had one too many Pisco Sours, and I might have done a spontaneous dance in the pool. Don't judge me, that’s the point of vacation, right?
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "What Even Is This?"
This section is a mixed bag. "Daily housekeeping" was a lifesaver, after my…ahem… "spontaneous dance." "Concierge" services were mostly helpful, and the "Luggage storage" came in handy since I shopped way too much.
But then there's the weirdness. "Air conditioning in public areas" was a big plus in the searing Arequipa heat. "Air conditioning" in the rooms? Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. "Cash withdrawal" was convenient, but the "Cashless payment service" felt a little… unnecessary, given the amount of cash I had to have on hand.
One hotel boasted an "Indoor venue for special events" and I imagined some amazing parties, but then the hotel in Nasca had a "Shrine"… I'm not even sure what that meant.
For the Kids & My Own Inner Child:
I don’t have kids, but I noticed "Babysitting service" mentioned in a few places, and that’s always good. "Family/child friendly" was also advertised.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust!
Okay, let's talk about luxury! Many hotels bragged about their "Spa" and "Swimming pool [outdoor]." One hotel offered a "Pool with view," and I can confirm it was gorgeous.
I splurged on a "Massage" at one fancy place (Arequipa, of course). The therapist was amazing, kneading away the travel stress. "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" options were available - if you're into that, I say go for it!. I didn’t go for the "Foot bath." Let's just say feet are not my happy place.
The "Gym/fitness" center were… well, they existed. Some were more equipped than others, but generally the equipment was outdated. The "Sauna," "Steamroom"… I have seen these in action. I'm not sure what your priorities in life are, but if these are on top, then great!
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of… Mostly Home?
"Air conditioning" was essential. "Free Wi-Fi" – in most places. And "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN." The basics were covered.
High floors and views were available, if you paid extra, and the "Mini bar" was stocked with the usual suspects. "Coffee/tea maker" was a godsend in the mornings. But one hotel's "Reading light" pointed directly at the ceiling, making late-night reading impossible. "Daily housekeeping" was, as mentioned above, hit or miss.
The Deal - The Unbelievable Part:
Okay, here's the truth. Yes, the deals were pretty spectacular. I’m talking, ridiculously cheap. I'm talking, "How are they even making money?!" cheap. “Unbelievable Deals You Won't Believe!”… they weren't kidding. The low prices definitely made up for the slightly imperfect experiences.
The Imperfections, the Quirks, the Human Mess of it All:
I had issues, yes. Maybe I will recommend them. Maybe the whole thing was an experience and a half. But hey, that’s part of what makes travel memorable, right? The slightly wonky air conditioning, the questionable green beans, the fact that I now have a love-hate relationship with Pisco Sours… these are the stories I'll be telling for years. It sure didn't feel like your typical chain hotel.
My Bottom Line:
Do I recommend Arequipa and Nasca Hotels? Unequivocally, yes, with a few disclaimers. If you’re seeking utter perfection, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for an adventure, a bargain, and a few good laughs (and a strong Pisco Sour!), these hotels are worth the risk. Just pack your own hand sanitizer, maybe a decent book, and a sense of humor. You'll need it.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Nasca, Peru, and we're staying at the Hotel Arequipa. Prepare for a whirlwind of dust, disappointment, and delicious Peruvian food. Let's get this thing rolling (and probably get lost a few times in the process).
Day 1: Arrival & The Looming Mystery - Nasca is Calling (and Possibly Confusing)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up in Lima. Ugh. Seriously, Lima's a city that just exists. Grab a truly terrible, likely reheated, empanada at a cafe near the airport. The coffee is, blessedly, strong enough to kickstart the veins.
- (8:00 AM): Flight to Nasca. Pray to the travel gods that this tiny, prop plane doesn't decide to take a spontaneous nosedive. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. Maybe.
- (9:00 AM -ish): Landing. Nasca. Wow. It's brown. Really, really brown. And dusty. Like, "I think I just swallowed a small desert" dusty.
- (9:30 AM): Find our way to Hotel Arequipa. (Hopefully, we don't accidentally end up in the middle of the Nasca desert after leaving the airport. I've heard the taxis here are adventures.)
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in. Hopefully the front desk doesn't expect me to speak fluent Spanish. The room… well, let's call it "rustic." Okay, it's basic. But it's got a bed, and that's all that really matters right now. First Impressions of the Arequipa: it could be better, probably will be worse. After being on the road for hours I'm desperate for a shower, but the water pressure is so weak it feels like a gentle drizzle during a summer shower. I can’t complain, everything in life can be a little disappointing.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Wander around Nasca, getting hopelessly lost in the dusty streets. Oh, the joy! Find a small, non-touristy picantería. I'm starving. Order something that looks vaguely edible. Probably will be. I'm on a mission to try every single thing. First meal in Nasca: papa a la huancaína. In the end, it was AMAZING! Every single mouthful was a burst of flavor, and the creamy sauce was simply divine. I'm starting to understand why people love this place.
- (2:00 PM): Nap time!. Jet lag is hitting me hard. And the desert sun is brutal. I'm gonna need all the energy I can get for what's coming…
- (4:00 PM): The Lines… Oh, The Lines! Fly over the Nazca Lines. This is the big one, the reason we're here. I had to book this trip a few weeks ahead of time. After hours of waiting, I was lucky enough to get one. Tip: Book your flight as far in advance as possible, unless you want to find yourself spending DAYS in Nasca doing nothing. I was shocked to see all the people not having time to enjoy their trip properly, just to take several plane trips to get the most beautiful picture, and wasting so much time. Anyway, I'm excited. I'm also slightly terrified of small planes, so that works out perfectly.
- (6:00 PM): The Plane Flight. Buckle up - literally. The little Cessna starts up, my stomach flips. This is it. We're ascending. The pilot points. "There!" I see it. The hummingbird. Then, the monkey. And the spider. Wow! The size of it is incredible, and the effort to build it is nothing like what people think. No matter how many pictures you take of it, there's nothing like it. You can only perceive it in the sky.
- (7:00 PM): Back on solid ground, still buzzing from the flight (and fighting off the urge to throw up, the tiny plane turbulence was definitely not my friend).
- Dinner (8:00 PM): Back to the same picantería. They're starting to recognize me (and probably laugh at my attempts at Spanish). Try the lomo saltado. Hopefully, it's an authentic Peruvian experience.
Day 2: Desert, Disappointment, and… Deliciousness… and dust. More dust.
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the Hotel Arequipa. Okay, the coffee still sucks. But it's fuel.
- (9:00 AM): Visit the Cemetery of Chauchilla. Okay, this is where things get… weird. Mummified remains. In the open desert, you feel the dryness of the sun. Respect the dead, don't point and laugh (even if some of the bodies are in decidedly odd positions). This is definitely not a bucket-list activity, but definitely a unique and intriguing one.
- (11:00 AM): Aqueducts of Cantalloc. More desert, more history. These ancient aqueducts, built by the Nazca people, are mind-boggling. It's amazing the knowledge of the sun these people had. It's a feat of engineering… and I'm sweating like a pig.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back to the picantería. I'm starting to feel like a local. Time for ceviche. I could eat this every day. The fresh fish, the lime juice, the onions… pure heaven. This is what I love about traveling, something you can't find anywhere else.
- (3:00 PM): Optional: Pottery workshop? I'm not really an artsy person. Then again, the desert heat is melting my brain, so what's the harm?
- (5:00 PM): Relax. Nap or maybe go to the hotel pool… if it’s clean.
- Dinner (8:00 PM): If I'm not completely exhausted, try another new restaurant. If I am exhausted, it's back to my friends at the picantería. The food, to me, is the only thing that is getting me through this adventure.
Day 3: Farewell, Nasca (And, Probably, More Dust)
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Pray for decent coffee. (Maybe I should just smuggle in some instant).
- (9:00 AM): Stroll around Nasca to grab some souvenirs
- (11:00 AM): Check out of Hotel Arequipa. It's been… an experience. Let's just leave it at that.
- (11:30 AM): One last empanada. And another terrible coffee.
- (12:00 PM): Head to the airport for the flight back to Lima.
- (1:00 PM): Wait. I was expecting to be there much earlier, but our flight has been delayed (surprise, surprise). It looks like the universe wants me to enjoy this place.
- (2:00 PM): The wait continues. Looking over the desert and the mountains. The dust has settled, and I am ready to go back home and tell everyone about my adventures.
- (3:00 PM): Success! Time to go back.
- (4:00 PM): Back to Lima.
Observations & Ramblings:
- Nasca is dusty. Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough. Bring a face mask.
- The food is incredible. Eat everything. Seriously, don't be shy.
- The people are friendly. Despite the language barrier, I felt welcome wherever I went.
- Don't expect luxury. This isn't a resort destination. Embrace the rawness.
- The Nazca Lines are mind-blowing. They're worth the trip, even if the rest of Nasca isn't exactly paradise.
Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Day 1: Excitement, a little apprehension, awe, and a mild case of motion sickness.
- Day 2: Curiosity, fascination, hunger, and acceptance.
- Day 3: Exhaustion, relief, and a strange sense of fondness for the dusty, quirky place.
Overall:
Nasca is an adventure. It's not perfect. It's dusty, and at times, it's a little rough around the edges. But it's also fascinating, and the food is worth the trip alone. The Nazca Lines are a must-see, the history is intriguing, and your memory of this trip will be unique. Hotel Arequipa, you were… a place to stay. (Hopefully, you don’t spend too much time there). Would I recommend going? Absolutely. Just pack a sense of humor, a strong stomach, and a whole lot of dust-fighting face wipes. And prepare
Escape to Paradise: HR Hotel & Spa, Sorrento's Hidden Gem
Arequipa & Nasca Hotels: Unbelievable Deals You Won't Believe! (Prepare for Mayhem!)
Okay, so are these 'deals' *actually* deals, or just marketing fluff? I've been burned before...
Alright, let's be real. My initial reaction? Skepticism. My default setting is cynical; it's a survival mechanism. But after digging… yeah, some of these ARE actually bonkers. I'm talking like, "are you sure this is real?" bonkers. I found a place in Arequipa – the Casa Andina Select Arequipa Plaza – that was practically *giving* away rooms. Seriously! I double-checked the dates, the taxes… everything! And it was legit. I’m not going to lie, it felt like I was getting away with something. It's like the hotel gods were smiling down on me. Beware, though, you have to hunt. And some "deals" are just… cleverly worded sales tactics. Like, "slightly less expensive than the other hotels". Look beyond glossy photos. See for yourself, but yeah, you can find some steals.
Arequipa vs. Nasca: Which is better for my budget? And WHERE should I even start looking?
Okay, this is a tough one. Nasca is generally *supposedly* cheaper, BUT... it's also a smaller town. So, the options are fewer, and the quality can be a bit… spotty. Think "rustic charm" which could also mean "questionable plumbing". Arequipa? MORE options. But the truly *amazing* deals? You'll have to sift through a LOT. Think of it like panning for gold... you're gonna get a lot of dirt, but hopefully, you'll find a nugget or two. Start with Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia. But DON'T stop there. Hit up the hotel websites directly, especially for smaller places. They often have unadvertised specials. Oh, and don't underestimate the power of TripAdvisor reviews. They can reveal hidden gems (or… horrors) that the big booking sites obscure. I recently read a review about a hotel that was supposedly "charming" but described as a hot, noisy, sleepless experience. Yikes! Bullet dodged there.
What's the *catch*? There's ALWAYS a catch, right?
Oh, you cynical devil! You’re right. There often is. The "catch" could be: * Hidden Fees: Ugh. Resort fees are the worst offender. * Location, Location, Location: "Great deals" can be in… less desirable areas. Think "walking distance to the bus station" versus "walking distance to the Plaza de Armas." * Limited Availability: Those rock-bottom prices disappear faster than free Wi-Fi at a cafe. * Off-Season Travel (or it may very well be the only season the hotel is open): Traveling during the shoulder seasons—or the true off-season (the rainy season) can deliver huge savings. But be prepared to cope with bad weather. Seriously. The downpours can be torrential. * Review Bombing: Pay attention to reviews. Sometimes the reviews are not trustworthy. I learned that the hard way. One time I trusted a review on a place in Nasca and had to spend the night in a place that was clearly once a motel. Sigh. * Early Booking: Sometimes, the *best* deals are available many months in advance. This is not always the case.
I'm terrified of altitude sickness in Arequipa. Should I book a fancy hotel with oxygen? And if so, are there any good deals on that?
Okay, altitude sickness is a *beast*. It's brutal. My first trip to Arequipa? I felt like my head was going to explode. I'm talking debilitating headaches, nausea… the works. Fancy hotels *with* oxygen… definitely a thing. They can significantly improve your experience. But are they necessary? Not necessarily. Unless you have major altitude-related issues, you can often manage without.
My advice?
* Acclimatize! Spend a day or two in Cusco or somewhere at a *slightly* higher altitude *before* hitting Arequipa. It really does help.
* Consult your doctor! Seriously. They can prescribe preventative medicine.
* Take it easy. Don't rush around on your first day. No crazy hikes immediately.
* Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink tons of water.
As for deals… hotels with oxygen *can* be expensive, but you can sometimes find packages. The Hotel Libertador Arequipa comes to mind. They sometimes have promotions. But the oxygen is not a guarantee you won't feel it. I once paid for oxygen in a fancy hotel in Arequipa. And I still felt like dying (slight exaggeration). It was still worth it.
What about hotels with pools? Is that even a thing in Arequipa or Nasca?
Pools in Arequipa? Yes, definitely a thing! Especially in the nicer hotels. Imagine yourself, lounging by the pool after a day of exploring the White City. Pure bliss. Nasca? Fewer options, and the pools are typically more… basic. But after a long day under the desert sun, even a basic pool is a godsend. As for good deals? Again, you need to hunt. Look for hotels offering package deals that include pool access. Be warned: some hotel pools are *freezzzzzzing*. So, check the reviews… or better yet, bring a quick dip yourself to test.
Should I book a hotel in Arequipa near the Plaza de Armas or further out? Pros and cons?
Plaza de Armas vs. Not Plaza de Armas... the eternal question!
Plaza De Armas Pros:
* Convenience: EVERYTHING is nearby. Restaurants, shops, tours, pretty much everything you need.
* Atmosphere: You're in the heart of the action.
* Easy Taxi/Ride Share Access: No hassle getting around.
Plaza De Armas Cons:
* Noise: Expect loud music, traffic, and general city hustle.
* Potentially Higher Prices: Hotels near the plaza usually command a premium.
* Tourist Traps: You're surrounded by them. But, this depends on your level of tolerance for tourists.
Further out? Quieter, potentially cheaper, and you might get a more local feel. But you'll spend more time and money on transportation. I usually go for something a little further off the Plaza. It's usually worth it.
Any tips for finding REALLY cheap hotels in Nasca beyond just "look online"? My wallet is weeping.
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