Where to Stay in
CUSCO
Neighbourhood guidance and carefully selected hotel recommendations across the Historic Centre, San Blas and the Sacred Valley.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO
SAFETY
Cusco’s tourist areas are generally busy and well visited. Take normal precautions with valuables, particularly around markets and crowded streets, and allow yourself time to adjust to the city’s high altitude.
GETTING AROUND
The Historic Centre and San Blas are best explored on foot, although steep streets and cobbles can be tiring. Taxis are useful for longer journeys, while tours and transfers connect Cusco with the Sacred Valley.
BEST FOR...
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First-time visitors: Historic Centre
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Character & atmosphere: San Blas
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History & culture: Historic Centre
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Quieter stays: San Blas & surrounding streets
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Exploring farther afield: Sacred Valley connections
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Cusco Neighbourhoods
From cobbled streets and colonial architecture to creative hillside neighbourhoods and tranquil valley retreats, here is where to stay in and around Cusco based on your travel style.
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Historic Centre
Cusco’s Historic Centre is the most convenient choice for first-time visitors. Staying here places you close to the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha, museums, restaurants and many of the city’s principal attractions.
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The area is highly walkable, although some streets are steep and uneven. It is also one of the liveliest parts of Cusco, with plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants within easy reach.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury / High-End
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Premium / Mid-Range
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel
A former monastery, Monasterio combines historic character with refined accommodation in the heart of Cusco. Its peaceful courtyards, religious artwork and traditional architecture make it one of the city’s most distinctive luxury hotels.
The location is particularly convenient for exploring the Historic Centre on foot, while the calm interior offers a retreat from the surrounding activity.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco occupies a restored historic building close to the Plaza de Armas. The hotel blends colonial architectural features with contemporary rooms, a spa and the services expected from an international luxury hotel.
It is a strong choice for visitors who want a central location, reliable facilities and easy access to Cusco’s principal historic attractions.
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Casa Cartagena is a restored historic mansion in Cusco’s Historic Centre, offering a small collection of spacious suites together with a spa and intimate courtyard setting.
Its combination of historic architecture, personalised service and central location makes it well suited to travellers seeking a quieter boutique experience within easy walking distance of the Plaza de Armas.
San Blas
San Blas is one of Cusco’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Located above the Historic Centre, it is known for its narrow streets, artisan workshops, independent galleries, cafés and views across the city.
The neighbourhood has a more relaxed and creative atmosphere than the area immediately surrounding the Plaza de Armas. However, visitors should be aware that the steep streets and high altitude can make walking more demanding. San Blas is particularly suitable for travellers who value atmosphere, individuality and neighbourhood character.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury Boutique
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Comfortable / Good Value
Antigua Casona
Antigua Casona San Blas is a restored boutique property centred around a traditional colonial courtyard. It offers a peaceful and intimate atmosphere while remaining close to San Blas Square and within walking distance of the Historic Centre.
The hotel is a good choice for travellers who appreciate traditional architecture, thoughtful design and a quieter setting away from the busiest streets.
Atoq Hotel
Atoq San Blas is located in the San Blas neighbourhood, close to the area’s workshops, cafés and cultural attractions. Its elevated position provides easy access to the character of San Blas while remaining reasonably close to central Cusco.
It is a practical option for visitors looking for comfortable accommodation in a distinctive neighbourhood without choosing one of the city’s larger luxury hotels.
El Balcón
Set in a beautifully restored colonial house just three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, El Balcón offers an intimate and characterful alternative to the city’s larger hotels. Traditional timber galleries, terraced gardens and warm interiors create a strong sense of place, while some rooms feature private balconies and views across Cusco. An appealing choice for travellers seeking historic atmosphere, personal service and a convenient central location.
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley offers a very different experience from central Cusco. Its open landscapes, rivers, agricultural terraces and mountain scenery create a quieter and more spacious setting.
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Staying in the valley can be particularly useful for travellers who want to visit Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and nearby archaeological sites. Its lower altitude compared with Cusco can also make it a comfortable place to begin or end a visit to the region.
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The main consideration is distance. A Sacred Valley hotel is not a practical base for repeatedly exploring central Cusco, so many visitors divide their stay between the valley and the city.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury / High-End
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Premium / Mid-Range
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa
Tambo del Inka is a luxury resort in Urubamba, set beside the Vilcanota River and surrounded by Andean scenery. It offers spacious accommodation, restaurants, spa facilities and a heated indoor pool. The hotel is well suited to travellers seeking a full-service resort experience and a comfortable base for exploring the Sacred Valley. Its extensive grounds and excellent facilities also make it ideal for a longer, more leisurely stay.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style hotel set within extensive countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its design draws on traditional estate architecture while maintaining a refined and modern atmosphere. Appealing to travellers looking for scenery and tranquillity rather than a conventional city hotel experience. Its an excellent place to slow down and enjoy the Sacred Valley itself.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay
Sonesta Posadas del Inca is located in Yucay, close to Urubamba, within a historic property surrounded by gardens and mountain scenery. It offers a relaxed Sacred Valley setting and is a practical choice for visitors who want comfortable accommodation with access to local attractions without choosing one of the region’s highest-priced resorts. Its traditional architecture gives the property a warm and distinctly local character.
