Where To Stay in Cusco, Peru: The Places & Hotels I loved

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I spent a whole month in Peru and two weeks or longer in Cusco but I feel like I barely scratched the surface.

This was the Inca Empire and the largest indigenous empire in America with roots to Andean traditions and Quechua culture.

I loved that the hotels are part of the story here: you have old mansions, former monasteries and even hotels with oxygen tanks (like what!?).

The city sits at around 3,400 metres so yes you do need to stay in a place that is comfortable and feels uniquely Peruvian.

I loved all the neighbourhoods and places to stay and the best thing is that every single time in Cusco, there was a festival going on so if you are staying in the centre you’re going to be part of it!

In a rush? Here’s where I would stay in Cusco

My Recommended Stay in Cusco: Palacio Del Inka

Why I liked It? It sits right across from the Temple of the Sun.
Why It is Worth It? 500 years of history, a spa, and a flat walk to everythingBook The Hotel Here

Best Areas to Stay in Cusco In My Opinion

Plaza De Armas/Historic Centre

where to stay in cusco peru? in the centr of plaza de armas

I stayed in the Historic centre Plaza De Armas during most of the time because of how convenient it is. Most daytours pick you up from here and if you want to spot the festivals here is the place to be at.

The higher up you go the more cobbled up it gets and bringing your suitcase can be a nightmare. It is like Europe all over again where streets are narrow and getting a Uber to come into these narrow streets with barely any walkable paths is another thing.

Everywhere is also walkable from here so you can go to the cathedral, Qorikancha, San Pedro markets, the cafes and Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offices are here.

Why I Wouldn’t Stay in San Blas?

san blas neighbourhood

I loved walking here during the day but at night I found it quiet, sketchy a bit and creepy. There was even a guy doing his business in one of the streets so yeah.

There are also water issues here from time to time — a friend stayed here and she said it is nice but not perfect.

When you are at such high elevation, going up and down every single day can really be a pain to deal with.

Go during the day to explore but I wouldn’t really recommend staying here.

My Recommended Hotels in Cusco: Why I loved These Hotels

1. Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel (Splurge)

hotel monasterio in cusco

Imagine staying in a colonial monastery where it reeks of history. The Monasterio is a 16th century monastery hotel that’s just a few minutes walk away from Plaza De Armas.

The little details in the hotel are what makes this stay so special. The stone arches, a quiet cloister courtyard and the fact that this building long existed before it was converted into a hotel.

👉 Book it here

2. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (Splurge)

jw marriott el convento cusco

If Monasterio is booked out, then JW Marriott El Convento Cusco this is the next best option I would stay in. The hotel was built inside the 16th-century Convent of San Agustin which means it sits on Inca foundations.

I love places like this where it is no ordinary hotel just because it is the “Marriott”. There are even two exhibition halls full of pre-Inca, Inca and colonial artefacts that were dug up during the restoration and in some rooms you will see original Inca stone walls.

It is also one of the few places in Cusco with an indoor pool and a proper spa which you would love if you are coming after a long trek.

The fact that it is also a 5 minute walk to the Plaza de Armas and the rooms have oxygen tanks is a good luxurious option while you adjust to the altitude.

👉 Book it here

3. Palacio Del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Splurge)

palacio del inka one of the most historic hotels in cusco

This might be the most luxurious building you can sleep in anywhere in Cusco. Palacio Del Inka sits right across from Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and the site was once part of an Inca palace.

This is also the place to stay if there are any big celebrations in Cusco like Inti Raymi.

A bit of history: since it was part of the Inca palace, it was later owned by Francisco Pizarro and his brother and became a colonial mansion.

There are vivid blue walls, colonial arches and Spanish influences — it feels like a museum than hotel. There is also a spa with an indoor therapy tool too.

It is about a 7 minutes walk from Plaza de Armas

👉 Book it here

4. Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (Mid-range)

aranwa cusco boutique hotel

If you want something that also has a historic feel without spending too much, Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is this restored colonial mansion in the historic centre is also a really nice stay.

There’s a chapel, library, small contemporary museum and the beds are super comfy as well!

It is a special place without having to blow your budget, so I would also stay here.

👉 Book it here

5. Tierra Viva Cusco Centre (Mid-range)

tierra viva is another great alternative to stay in cusco

If Aranwa is out of your budget, Tierra Viva is another alternative which I found it really nice to stay in. It’s a restored family home built with stone, adobe, and wood.

It has comfortable beds and even someone mentioned that the staff brought in an oxygen tank to their rooms for free when their friend got altitude sickness.

👉 Book it here

6. Budget Luna House (bugdet)

budget luna house

This is a small guesthouse with only a handful of rooms which is why I like it. The Budget Luna House has a garden and terrace each with its own rooms and bathroom and balcony.

It is located in San Cristobal which is about 600 metres from Plaza De Armas. This is a short uphill walk and nothing like the San Blas stairs. It is a good pick if you want something quiet and homely.

👉 Book it here

7. Yanuy Culinary Stay & Taste

at the yanuy culinary stay & taste

I stayed in Yanuy Culinary Stay & Taste because I was looking for something more friendly and open with a community. If you are travelling for food or a solo traveller, the guy running this place Michael is super nice.

It has hot shower, a comfortable bed and a homestay serving Peruvian and local dishes which they celebrate every other day.

It also has really high ratings and explains why people love places like this which have a bit of a community feel to it.

👉 Book it here

Looking for something different?

1. Sky Dome

staying in sky dome

This is a offbeat and totally cool place to stay in further away from Cusco. Sky Dome is out in Chinchero at around 3,700 metres

It’s on the way to the Sacred Valley so I would book for a night between Cusco and the Sacred Valley if you are looking for a cool experience

👉 Book it here

2. Mountain View Experience

my a-frame cabin at mountain view experience

This was the most dreamiest hotel I stayed in. Situated just 1.5 hour away from Cusco lies Mountain View Experience in Maras. The town is in Sacred Valley is known for its salt coloured pools that come in bright pink, red and yellow.

Read my full review here: Mountain View Experience, Peru (Review): The Most Unique Hotel Stay Near Cusco

Also read my other Peru posts: