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The best credit card for hotels in Peru.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card for hotels in Peru.

Peru has the JW Marriott Lima, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (a converted 16th-century convent), Hilton Lima Miraflores, and Belmond properties on the Inca Trail including the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu. Marriott has the deepest urban coverage.

Annual fee

$250

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco prices around 50,000 to 60,000 points a night against $400 to $700 cash and the 50K free night cert covers an off-peak night cleanly. JW Marriott Lima runs even lower at 35,000 to 45,000. Gold elite includes 2 PM late checkout, which matters in Cusco because afternoon altitude headaches are common and you may want a slow morning before flying out.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (the only hotel at Machu Picchu itself) and Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco are bookable through Centurion Travel with property credit and upgrade. These are the iconic stays and points do not work at either.

American ExpressAnnual fee $895

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$250$895
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Most Peru itineraries include Machu Picchu via the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, which is a separate cash booking. Train tickets sell out 2 to 3 months ahead in high season. The altitude in Cusco (11,000 feet) hits hard. Plan a slow first day, drink lots of water, and consider altitude medication.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Peru?

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card from American Express. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco prices around 50,000 to 60,000 points a night against $400 to $700 cash and the 50K free night cert covers an off-peak night cl... Annual fee is $250.

How many points do you need for a free night in Peru?

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Roughly 45,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Peru. Cash rate is around $280 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for hotels in Peru?

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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (the only hotel at Machu Picchu itself) and Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco are bookable through Centurion Travel with property credit and upgrade. These are the iconic stays and points do not work at either. Annual fee is $895.