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Where to Stay in Cusco
Are you wondering where to stay in Cusco, Peru?
Cusco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, and all of South America. This city is known for being the heart of the Inca world and combines Spanish colonial influence with Inca influence. It’s a gateway to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the rest of the Sacred Valley.
Most tourists visiting Machu Picchu will spend at least a few days in Cusco first. In Cusco, you can find great museums, restaurants, and archaeological sites. The city should not be missed!
It’s also a good idea to stay in Cusco for a few days to acclimatize to the altitude (11,152 feet or 3,399 meters) especially if you’re planning to complete the Inca Trail or another high-altitude trek.
Best Things to Do in Cusco
These are the best things to do in and around Cusco, Peru:
- Visit the impressive ruins of the Incan fortress Saqsaywaman
- Check out the museum and historic site of Qorikancha, one of the most significant ancient Incan temples that was later transformed into a church when the Spanish arrived
- Take a day trip to Machu Picchu if you’re short on time
- Embark on the classic 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu if you have more time (and rest your legs on your return to Cusco on a panoramic train ride!)
- Hike to the colorful and aptly named Rainbow Mountain
- Take an ATV tour through the gorgeous Sacred Valley to the Moray Incan ruins and the Maras salt mines (this was one of my favorite activities that I did the whole time I was in Peru!)
Best Places to Stay in Cusco
What is the best area to stay in Cusco, Peru? Cusco is a large city with over 428,000 people, but most tourists will stay in the Plaza de Armas or San Blas neighborhoods of the Historic Center.
The Historic Center is definitely the best place to stay in Cusco if you want to be conveniently located close to all the city has to offer, and you can find a variety of accommodation options in this area.
Here are my top picks for the best places to stay in Cusco:
- Best luxury: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
- Best mid-range: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique
- Best budget: Saqray Hostel
And here’s a full breakdown of where to stay in Cusco:
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Best Luxury Hotels
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is one of the best luxury hotels in Cusco, Peru. This elegant hotel, situated in a restored 16th-century convent, is just steps away from Cusco’s main square.
Guests will love the refined colonial atmosphere of this hotel, with its lush courtyards, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and terra-cotta tiles. The JW Marriott also offers an indoor swimming pool, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and oxygen-enhanced rooms for guests struggling with the high altitude of Cusco.
View on Booking.com | View on TripAdvisor
Palacio Manco Capac
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels is another one of the top luxury hotels in Cusco, Peru. It’s located uphill from Plaza de Armas, close to the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins. You’ll be able to take in stunning views of Cusco from above, while still only being a 10-minute walk from the Historic Center.
This affordable luxury hotel includes a free breakfast. Rooms offer views of the property’s beautiful and serene garden, where you may spot free-roaming llamas and alpacas enjoying the space.
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Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Casa Andina Premium Cusco is another luxury hotel in Cusco that won’t break the bank. This centrally-located hotel overlooks Limacpampa Square and is just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
The rooms at this hotel are set around a sunny central courtyard, and some have private balconies facing the street. You can enjoy complimentary breakfast at this hotel so you can fuel up for your day.
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Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a beautiful boutique luxury hotel for your stay in Cusco, look no further than Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. This hotel is located in a restored 16th-century mansion that has been designated as a National Historic Monument in Peru. The hotel evokes colonial style and understated luxury.
Guests will enjoy the location just blocks away from Plaza de Armas and other popular destinations in Cusco like the Pre-Columbian Museum and the Inka Museum. This hotel offers free breakfast too.
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Palacio del Inka
Finally, one of the best luxury hotels in Cusco is Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott. This five-star hotel is located in front of the Koricancha, one of the most important Incan temples that was later converted into the Convent of Santo Domingo by the Spanish, who demolished much of the site.
This luxurious hotel has a colonial-style courtyard and elegant guest rooms where you can relax after a day of exploring Cusco. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning at this hotel.
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Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Rumi Punku
If you’re looking for a great mid-range hotel in Cusco, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Rumi Punku, which is conveniently located just a few minutes from the bustling Plaza de Armas.
Breakfast is included at this hotel, which features a cozy interior courtyard and quaint, comfortable rooms. Spa services are available, and guests can use the hot tub and sauna for an extra fee.
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Saska Boutique Hotel
Saska Boutique Hotel is another good option if you are looking for a comfortable, affordable hotel in Cusco, Peru. This hotel is located slightly outside the Historic Center, but still within a short 15-minute walk of the Plaza de Armas and all the other main destinations in Cusco including museums and historic sites.
Rooms are modern and spacious, and some feature private balconies with city views. Guests will enjoy access to the hotel’s cozy garden and a free breakfast every morning during their stay.
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Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique
Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique is one of the best hotels in Cusco if you want to stay somewhere comfortable, affordable, and centrally located. This hotel is just blocks away from Plaza de Armas.
The rooms at this hotel are centered around a lush colonial-style courtyard. Guest rooms are elegant and airy, and some have in-room Jacuzzis. This hotel also offers a free buffet breakfast every morning.
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MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel
Another one of the best mid-range hotels in Cusco is MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel. This hotel is right in the heart of the action in Cusco’s Historic Center just steps away from the bustling main plaza.
Rooms at this hotel are simple but clean and comfortable, and some offer great city views. A free breakfast is included in your stay, and the hotel also offers a common kitchen for guests to use.
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Best Budget Hotels
Hommam Hostel Boutique
Hommam Hostel Boutique is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Cusco if you are looking to save money. Private rooms with a private bathroom are available for an affordable price per night.
Shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms are also available for backpackers who are on a tight budget. A free breakfast is also included every morning of your stay at Hommam Hostel Boutique.
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Tucan Hostel
Tucan Hostel is a colorful, cheerful hostel with affordable prices. Located about a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, this hostel is a great place to stay in Cusco for budget-minded travelers.
This hostel offers private rooms with private bathrooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Breakfast is included, and guests have access to a shared courtyard.
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Supertramp Hostel Cusco
Supertramp Hostel is a great place to stay in Cusco if you’re looking for incredible views. Situated on a hill above Cusco close to the Sacsayhuaman ruins, this hostel is a 10-minute walk to Plaza de Armas.
Guests can choose from budget-friendly private rooms and shared dorm rooms. Breakfast is included each morning, and you can enjoy your meal while overlooking Cusco from the sunny breakfast room. There’s also a rooftop terrace which offers great views over the city where you can enjoy a drink in the evenings.
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Saqray Hostel
Finally, one of the best budget hotels in Cusco is Saqray Hostel. This highly-rated accommodation is just a few minutes from the main square of Cusco, making it a great place to base yourself.
Saqray Hostel offers a mix of private rooms with private bathrooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. A continental breakfast is included with your stay.
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Where to Stay in Cusco
This guide showed you the best hotels in Cusco, Peru.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
- Best mid-range: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique
- Best budget: Saqray Hostel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Cusco!
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