Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city steeped in history and culture. Nestled in the Andes, it was the capital of the Inca Empire. Cobblestone streets wind through colonial architecture, and ancient ruins like Sacsayhuamán overlook the city. It’s a vibrant blend of past and present, drawing travelers with its culture and landscapes.
Deciding where to stay in Cusco is not an easy task. The greatest city in the Andes is diverse, big, and offers just about everything to everyone. The first time we visited Cusco was over 30 years ago! We’ve been back countless times and seen the city change.
Today, the city has a fantastic tourist infrastructure. In fact, some of the best hotels in Peru are in Cusco. Rest assured that you will have a great time. Cusco has diverse neighborhoods that cater to different tastes and fancies. You will find the one that’s right for you.
Plaza de Armas
Our favorite place to stay is close to the Plaza de Armas. Cusco’s central square is in the heart of the city. Lined with colonial buildings, it features a grand cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Vibrant gardens, benches, and a central fountain add charm to the square.
The construction of the Cusco Cathedral began in 1560 and was completed in 1654. The cathedral was built over an Inca palace and incorporated some of the existing Inca stonework into its structure. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Peru. The baroque Church of the Society of Jesus was built from 1571 to 1733. The best museums in Cusco are near the square.
You have to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Municipality of Cusco, the Popular Art Museum, the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, and the incredible Catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco de Asís from 1679. Don’t forget to check out Hatunrumiyoc Street nearby, home of the famous Inca Twelve-Angled Stone.
We Recommend These Hotels around Plaza de Armas:
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel. The 16th Century Monastery is a couple of blocks northeast of the square. It’s a historic property full of original art. The chapel is superb. Everything is luxurious and classy at the Monasterio.
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Our favorite hotel in Cusco is Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel and Spa, just two blocks from the square. It’s a historic property converted into a 5-star hotel. The sumptuous rooms overlook a lovely garden. It’s got a pool and one of the best spas in the city.
San Blas
San Blas is a picturesque neighborhood in Cusco known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and elegant colonial architecture. Perched on a hill, it offers stunning views of the city. Stay in San Blas if you want to explore the local culture.
This bohemian district is a hub for local artists, showcasing their crafts in boutiques and galleries. It’s also home to the beautiful San Blas Church from 1536, known for its intricately carved pulpit. The church stands tall on San Blas Square. Locals visit the square to socialize.
From the square, head northeast along Tandapata Street to the San Blas Waterfall and Cave. Walk east to the Mesa Redonda viewpoint. The views from there are epic. San Blas is famous in the city for its bars and restaurants. The area around Petecuy aisle is popular amongst the locals.
We Recommend These Hotels in San Blas:
Antigua Casona San Blas
The luxurious boutique hotel Antigua Casona San Blas is 300 feet (100 m) from San Blas Square. It’s an old colonial mansion with a garden and a fireplace in the center. The plush rooms have tall ceilings and extra comfy beds. The onsite bar and restaurant is one of the best in Cusco.
Quinta San Blas by Ananay Hotels
You won’t find better rooms at this price than at the Quinta San Blas by Ananay Hotels. The colonial house is close to San Blas Church. The rooms are extra big and have wooden floors and beams. You can have your breakfast in the central courtyard.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is a historic neighborhood in Cusco, north of the Main Square. Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The neighborhood exudes a peaceful, traditional atmosphere, with narrow cobblestone streets and local markets. It’s a serene enclave amidst the vibrant energy of Cusco.
The San Cristóbal Church in the heart of the neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest churches. It is believed to have been built between the 1530s and 1560s. From there, walk east to the Sapantiana Aqueduct. The colonial water source offers incredible views over the city.
If you keep walking further up, you will reach the giant statue of Christ that presides over Cusco. Built in 1945, it offers the best views over the city. If you still have energy, walk east to Q’enco Chico. It’s a forest with tall eucalyptus trees, some ruins, and breathtaking views.
We Recommend These Hotels in San Cristóbal:
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
The Palacio Manco Capac is one of the best luxury hotels in town. We love it because it has incredible views of Cusco and beyond. The hotel has a big garden and a luxurious lobby. The rooms feature antiques. Book the suite with city views, and you will never want to leave.
Hostal Corihuasi
Considering its class and location, Hostal Corihuasi is great value for money. The refurbished 18th-century house is perched on a hill. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and served in the restaurant with unforgettable views over the city. The superior rooms are extra big and have some of the best views in the city.
Santa Ana
Situated near the city center, Santa Ana boasts cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and picturesque plazas. The Santa Ana Church from 1559 on top of a hill is the epicenter. Since it’s not as bustling with tourists as other parts of Cusco, Santa Ana offers authentic experience.
Santa Ana Plaza is a cute little square surrounded by colonial buildings. Locals visit to relax and people watch. Walk to the nearby markets to experience the daily life of Cusqueños. You can eat, drink fresh fruit juice, and buy local fresh produce, crafts, and more.
Stroll down Santa Ana Street, lined with shops, eateries, and boutiques. Remember to stop and enjoy the views. Since the neighborhood is on a hill, it provides some beautiful viewpoints overlooking the city. The best spot for your pictures is the Santa Ana Arc.
We Recommend These Hotels in Santa Ana:
La Estacion San Pedro
If you are looking for clean comfortable rooms at an unbeatable location, stay at La Estacion San Pedro. The old mansion has a big garden and a lounge. Their triple and quadruple rooms are perfect for friends and families. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
The Hilton Garden Inn took over a colonial building and refurbished it to include modern-day conveniences. The hotel is gorgeous. It’s up on the hill next to Santa Ana Plaza. Thus, it has incredible views from every room. We love its huge patio and extra comfy beds.
San Pedro
San Pedro is the neighborhood west of the main square. It gets its name from the San Pedro Market. The market opened in 1925. Gustav Eiffel designed the oldest parts of the market. You can see iron beams all through the market. There are over 1000 stalls inside the compound!
The massive San Pedro Church from 1654 is next to the market. The old train station where trains to Machu Picchu used to leave is behind the church. Remember that today the train does not operate and you have to take a bus to Ollantaytambo. San Pedro has the least expensive accommodation options.
If you keep walking south from the market, you will reach Av Del Ejercito. This marks where the Old Town ends and the new city begins. Cross the train tracks through the Santiago Bridge and explore the newest sections of the city. You will probably be the only foreigner in the area.
We Recommend These Hotels in San Pedro:
Union Hotel Cusco
The 4-star Union Hotel Cusco is behind the San Francisco Catacombs and Museums. We love it because it has a fantastic hot tub! It also has a big courtyard with trees and lounges. They have cooking classes! The quadruple rooms are perfect if you are traveling with friends.
Hotel Monasterio San Pedro
You are going to love the Hotel Monasterio San Pedro, next to the market. The hotel is set in an old monastery and has probably the biggest garden in the city. The best rooms have arched ceilings and overlook the garden and monastery. The hotel’s bar is very popular amongst locals.
Qorikancha
Qorikancha is a neighborhood some 10 minutes walking southeast from the main square. Some of the best 5-star hotels in Cusco are in Qorikancha. It surrounds the incredible 15th-Century Qorikancha archaeological remains. The ancient Inca temple was once the spiritual heart of the Incan Empire. Its golden walls and precious offerings honored the sun god Inti.
Today, it’s a museum showcasing artifacts and the impressive remnants of this sacred site, blending Incan and Spanish architectural influences. Don’t forget to check out the splendid park next to the temple. The Qosqo Center for Native Arts is in front on Av. El Sol.
The tourist ticket to Cusco’s attractions includes an entrance to the center. Go in the afternoon to catch a show. The artists are amazing, and you will learn a lot about the native culture. If you keep walking on Av. El Sol, you will exit the Old Town.
We Recommend These Hotels around Qorikancha:
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Palacio del Inka is housed in a 15th Century Palace in front of Qorikancha. The uber-luxurious property has original art and antiques. As a guest, you can join a private tour of the hotel every day at 5 PM. It has a gym and an indoor pool.
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Casa Andina is a Peruvian hotel chain with fantastic properties all around the country. Their best hotel in the city is the Casa Andina Premium. It’s on Limacpampa Chico Square. The hotel’s restaurant serves locally sourced food. The service is superb and the rooms are extra big. Book a superior one with views.
How Long to Stay in Cusco
Cusco is so incredible that you can spend months in the city and never get bored. We’ve stayed for weeks and never went out of things to do. However, since we all have constraints, it’s valid to wonder how many days are needed in Cusco to cover the basics.
We believe a well-rounded visit to Cusco, typically spans 4 to 6 days. You will have to rush but you will get to see the city’s biggest attractions. Allocate 2 days for exploring the city itself, including visits to Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán, and museums. You may need a day to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Allow at least 1 day to go to Machu Picchu. However, we believe spending a night there is a must. If you have more time, visit the rest of the valley. The extremely beautiful natural area is full of archaeological remains and cute little towns. Here you’ll find info on where to stay in the Sacred Valley.
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