Where to Stay in Cusco: Best Areas and Hotels

Where to Stay in Cusco: Best Areas and Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Cusco? Stroll around the historic center, visit the best temples and museums, enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, buy Peruvian clothes, and explore Sacsayhuaman.

The city is the perfect base for day trips to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake. It is important to plan how many days you will spend and where to stay in Cusco so you don’t miss anything.

Honestly, it was our favorite place on our visit to Peru, so if you don’t have time to see all the sights, just enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the city and wander around the cobbled streets.

This post will help you find the best places to stay in Cusco, whether you’re a first-time visitor, looking for hotels with the best view, or planning a family trip.

Where to Stay in Cusco

1. Stay near Plaza de Armas

Where to stay in Cusco if you’re looking for a safe neighborhood? It’s a central, old part of the city, full of historic buildings and the famous cathedral you see in every photo.

Within walking distance are historic attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, traditional markets, bustling bars and clubs, and some of Peru’s best-rated restaurants. If you are looking for the best view of the main square and the cathedral, visit Cappuccino Cafe for a delicious coffee.

Recommended post → Cusco Itinerary

If you are staying in a hotel near the main square, expect some noise at night as this is the busiest area. This area has quite a lot of affordable and mid-range accommodation, making it one of the best places to stay in Cusco.

We found the whole city to be safe, so wherever you stay in Cusco, you don’t have to worry.

Aranwa Boutique Hotel

Immerse yourself in history at the Aranwa Boutique Hotel, a 5-star retreat in the heart of the city. The hotel has 43 rooms with views of the city or the hotel’s colonial courtyard. The rooms are elegantly decorated in Inca style, well maintained, and have top-quality amenities, offering maximum comfort and relaxation.

Aranwa Hotel pumps oxygen into rooms to help with altitude sickness. Enjoy exceptional service and atmosphere at this hotel, which combines a rich Inca cultural heritage with modern comforts.

Photo credit: Aranwa Boutique Hotel

Costa del Sol Wyndham

Enjoy a magical stay in Cusco at Costa del Sol Wyndham, surrounded by the majestic Peruvian Andes and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. The hotel is just 2 blocks from the beautiful Plaza de Armas and steps from the city’s main tourist attractions.

The rooms have everything you need for a relaxing stay. After exploring the city, relax in the cozy courtyard and enjoy a cocktail at the Walak bar. The restaurant serves a fantastic selection of local and international dishes, including Peruvian favorites such as causa de pollo for lunch and dinner.

Photo credit: Costa del Sol Wyndham

Hotel Plaza de Armas

Where to stay in Cusco overlooking the historic center? Hotel Plaza de Armas is a charming and welcoming hotel that combines the rich history and traditions of the region with modern comfort to offer an unforgettable stay in Cusco. It provides a free one-way shuttle service from the airport directly to the hotel.

After a day full of adventure, relax on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy stunning views of Cusco’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has a lovely balcony where breakfast is served daily overlooking the main square.

Photo credit: Hotel Plaza de Armas

2. Historic Center – Best for First Time Visitors

Where to stay in Cusco if you are visiting for the first time? The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly the capital of the Inca Empire. There are many cozy cafés, great restaurants, and trendy boutiques here. So wear comfortable shoes and spend the afternoon wandering the area.

Getting around is easy, and most attractions are within walking distance. However, there are many stairs and steep streets, and you may be slow going due to symptoms of altitude sickness.

Recommended post → 13 Best Things to do in Cusco

In Cusco, many hotel rooms are oxygen enriched to help you acclimatise to the altitude. Most hotels offer coca leaves or make tea from them to help cope with this illness. As we had spent a few days in Arequipa first, we had plenty of time to get acclimated to the altitude, but even so, the city was sometimes challenging as it is at 3400 meters above sea level.

The historic center is the most beautiful and interesting part of the city and one of the best places to stay in Cusco.

JW Marriott El Convento

Where to stay in Cusco for tourists? Located in the heart of the city, in a restored 16th-century monastery, the hotel has two exhibition halls where you can admire ancient Peruvian artifacts. The spacious rooms and suites have comfortable king-size bed, beautiful bathrooms, and enriched oxygen in the room to help with altitude sickness.

The basement spa features a sauna, relaxation pool, hot tub, steam bath, and therapeutic shower. In addition, the hotel offers a range of fantastic activities, such as cooking classes where you can make ceviche from peppers and other fresh ingredients grown in the hotel’s garden.

Photo credit: JW Marriott El Convento

Novotel Cusco

Don’t know where to stay in Cusco? Novotel offers easy access to any point in the city and is within walking distance of all the main attractions. The hotel is built in a beautiful colonial style, and the courtyard is the perfect place to relax after a busy day.

Each room is equipped with modern amenities and furnishings, providing a stylish and comfortable retreat. You can enjoy international cuisine and a happy hour bar where you can sample a delicious local drink prepared uniquely. Novotel is one of the best hotels if you want to stay near the historic center of Cusco.

Photo credit: Hotel Novotel

Pariwana Hostel

The Pariwana Hostel is located in the center, very close to the main attractions, which are easily accessible on foot. There are large social areas where you can relax or make friends from all over the world through fun daily events. The hostel bar has a lovely atmosphere, with different games and themes every night.

The rooms are well-furnished and comfortable, creating a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy high quality but affordable accommodation while exploring the bustling city. One of the best places to stay in Cusco on a budget close to everything.

Photo credit: Pariwana Hostel

3. San Blas – Best Places to Stay in Cusco on a Budget

One of the best neighborhoods in Cusco is the San Blas district, where you will find great hotels in a quiet area. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the main square where you can enjoy shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. It’s worth spending a few hours walking around San Blas, enjoying a coffee at L’atelier Café Concept, and taking some beautiful photos.

The streets are very narrow and often Uber or if you are going on a tour, cannot pick you up directly in front of the hotel. This probably isn’t a big deal, you have to walk a few minutes to a meeting point, but it’s good to know.

Since each day trip requires a separate day, and each is unique, you should plan in advance which one you don’t want to miss during your visit to Peru.

Recommended post → 5 Best Day Trips from the city

This is the best area to stay in Cusco with family, and friends or if you are looking for a quieter area.

Quinta San Blas

Located in the heart of the San Blas district, the hotel is an old 19th century republican house that has been restored respecting and preserving the most traditional architecture. Free filtered water is available and tea is served on arrival to help prevent altitude sickness.

Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a Spanish shower, a hairdryer, safe and 100% biodegradable organic toiletries. The suites are ideal for those looking for extra comfort during their stay in Cusco. A breakfast buffet of first-class regional produce is served as the perfect start to exploring the city.

Photo credit: Quinta San Blas by Ananay

Casa Montes

Hotel Casa Montes is located right next to San Blas Square and the church but is still a short walk from the historic center. This cozy accommodation features modern facilities, heating, an electric kettle, and a private bathroom with toiletries.

There are plenty of restaurants in the area, so you can easily find good places to eat without having to go anywhere far. There is also a mini-market nearby where you can buy water and supplies. For breakfast, you can choose from eggs, pancakes, fruit, and yogurt, as well as hot and cold drinks.

Photo credit: Casa Montes

Tika Wasi Casa Boutique

Where to stay in Cusco with kids? The hotel is in a quiet location with a lovely garden overlooking the city. The rooms are modern, bright, stylish, and well furnished, with clean and comfortable beds. The main square is 15 minutes away, but we recommend you explore the area uphill from the hotel, with restaurants and bars offering wonderful views.

The single rooms are perfect for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay, while the multi-bed rooms offer families a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. The hotel is located in a safe area and is one of the best places to stay in Cusco if you are traveling alone or with your family.

Photo credit: Tika Wasi Casa Boutique

4. San Cristobal – For the Best View

Where to stay in Cusco if you are looking for a hotels with the best view? This area is about a 15-minute walk from the main square, high on a hill with the best views of the city. A few minutes walk from here is Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca archaeological complex formerly used as a fortress and ceremonial site.

You should also visit the Mirador de San Cristóbal viewpoint, just a few minutes from Sacsayhuaman.

If you are in the city, taxis and Ubers will not want to take you here as the streets are very narrow, so be prepared for a steep walk. But believe us it was worth it, we loved the view from here and waiting for the sunset.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and are looking for hotels with the best views of Cusco, choose from these.

Palacio Manco Capac

Palacio Manco Capac is a boutique hotel consisting of two houses with 10 rooms each. One house is colonial but republican style, and the other is 20th century, contemporary-traditional style with a wide range of services to ensure the comfort of all guests.

Try a Spanish shower or detox in the sauna with a steam bath. The entrance to Saqsaywaman is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, with easy access. This is an authentic oasis with beautiful views of the city, we recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in a unique place in Cusco.

Photo credit: Palacio Manco Capac

Hostal Corihuasi

Where to stay in Cusco before the Inca trail? Hostal Corihuasi is a lovely renovated colonial house offering incredible views from the common areas and rooms. This is a cheap and affordable hotel, the rooms have private bathrooms, hot water all day, heating, and a safe.

It will help you organize your trip to Machu Picchu, or if you want to go on the Inca Trail, you can even leave your bags there while you hike. The hotel has the perfect atmosphere to ensure the best relaxation during your stay in Cusco.

Photo credit: Hostal Corihuasi

Luna House

Luna House is an absolute hidden gem, located in a quiet and picturesque mountain area, about a 15-minute walk from Cusco’s main square. There are many cafés, restaurants, and laundromats within easy reach. The hotel has an outdoor terrace garden, which is beautifully decorated with many plants and colorful cushions.

A varied breakfast is served, including pancakes, scrambled eggs, juices, tea, and coffee. This is a great value for money hotel and an excellent choice for anyone wanting to stay in a quiet area of Cusco.

Photo credit: Luna House

Cusco: FAQ

Top Tours

Day Trip to Machu Picchu
2-Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train
4-Day Salkantay Trek with Sky Camp Stay
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N
Rainbow Mountain Trek
Humantay Lake with Breakfast
Machu Picchu: 4-Day Inca Trail Trek

When is the best time to stay in Cusco?

Cusco has two seasons the dry season runs from April to October, and the rainy season from November to March. It can be visited all year round, but the rainiest month is February. The busiest months are from June to August. The best months to visit are between April and May or from September to October when the weather is pleasant for exploring, and there is little rain.

How to Get to Cusco

The city has an international airport, but you can also quickly get there by plane from Lima.

Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Peru.

How many days do you need?

Depending on how many days you will be in Peru, plan your trip to spend at least 4-5 days. This allows enough time to enjoy the city, take a day trip, and visit Machu Picchu.

Where to Stay in Cusco: Map of the Best Areas

We’ve categorized Cusco into 4 areas to help you find the best places to stay.

We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in Cusco helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

More Travel Guides about Peru

• The Ultimate Peru Itinerary for 10 Days
• 13 Best Things to Do in Cusco
• How to Visit Machu Picchu
• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike
• 7 Best Things to Do in Sacred Valley

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