Cusco, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains in Peru, is a popular tourist destination and the gateway to Machu Picchu. The city offers a diverse range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together a list of the 8 best places to stay in Cusco to make your decision easier.
Historic Center
The historic center of Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the city. It’s home to many of the top tourist attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun. This area is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Casa Andina Premium Cusco is located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. This hotel is set in a colonial-style building and offers luxurious accommodations with an on-site spa and restaurant.
El Mercado Hotel
El Mercado Hotel is a boutique hotel located just a few steps away from the San Pedro Market. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and terrace with stunning views of the city.
San Blas
San Blas is a bohemian neighborhood located uphill from the Plaza de Armas. It’s known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and artisanal shops. This area is ideal for those who want a quieter stay while still being close to the city center.
Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel
Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel is a charming hotel set in a restored colonial mansion. It offers spacious rooms with colonial-style decor, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of San Blas. This hotel offers elegant rooms with colonial-style decor, an on-site spa, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Plaza San Francisco
Plaza San Francisco is located just a few blocks from the historic center of Cusco. It’s a quieter area that offers easy access to the city’s top attractions.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxurious hotel set in a 16th-century convent. This hotel features elegant rooms with colonial-style decor, an on-site restaurant, and a spa.
Novotel Cusco
Novotel Cusco is a modern hotel located just a few blocks from the Plaza San Francisco. This hotel offers spacious rooms with modern decor, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana is a residential area located uphill from the historic center of Cusco. It offers a quieter stay while still being close to the city center.
La Casona de Rimacpampa
La Casona de Rimacpampa is a charming hotel located in a restored colonial mansion. This hotel offers spacious rooms with colonial-style decor, an on-site restaurant, and a courtyard with a fountain.
Hostal Inti Wasi Plaza de Armas
Hostal Inti Wasi Plaza de Armas is a budget-friendly hostel located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. This hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a terrace with panoramic views of the city. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to be in the heart of the action.
Cusco outskirts
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, the outskirts of Cusco offer a more peaceful stay.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a luxurious hotel located just a few blocks from the historic center of Cusco. This hotel is set in a restored colonial palace and features elegant rooms with colonial-style decor, an on-site spa, and a courtyard with a fountain.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort located in the Sacred Valley, just a short drive from Cusco. This resort features elegant rooms with Andean-inspired decor, an on-site spa, and a private train station that takes guests to Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a beautiful region located just a short drive from Cusco. It’s home to stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and traditional villages.
Sol y Luna – Relais & Chateaux
Sol y Luna – Relais & Chateaux is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. This hotel features beautiful gardens, elegant rooms with Andean-inspired decor, an on-site spa, and a restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine.
Explora Valle Sagrado
Explora Valle Sagrado is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. This resort offers excursions to nearby attractions, such as Machu Picchu and the Moray archaeological site, as well as elegant rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Machu Picchu Pueblo
Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located within the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the mountains, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to Machu Picchu.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is a luxurious hotel located just a short walk from the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This hotel offers elegant rooms with Andean-inspired decor, an on-site restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine, and a spa.
Conclusion
Cusco offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Whether you want to be in the heart of the city, in a quieter neighborhood, or in the surrounding countryside, there’s an option for you. Consider the 8 best places to stay in Cusco we’ve listed above when planning your trip to Peru.
FAQs
- What is the best area to stay in Cusco?
- The historic center, San Blas, Plaza San Francisco, Santa Ana, and the outskirts of Cusco all offer great accommodations.
- What are the best luxury hotels in Cusco?
- Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Palacio del Inka, and Explora Valle Sagrado are all luxurious options.
- What are the best budget-friendly accommodations in Cusco?
- Hostal Inti Wasi Plaza de Armas and Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel offer budget-friendly options.
- Is it better to stay in Cusco or Aguas Calientes when visiting Machu Picchu?
- If you want to visit Machu Picchu