Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru (Best Hotels & Areas)

The possibilities of where to stay in Cusco, Peru are vast. Perched high in the Andes, Cusco serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Machu Picchu and a treasure trove of Incan history and culture.

Cusco (Cuzco) is a great place to base yourself so you can explore Cusco and the surrounding areas. This includes Sacred Valley, the Andean countryside dotted with villages, Incan ruins, snow capped mountains, alpine lakes…I mean the list could go on, as theres lots to explore in this region.

Whether you’re here to explore the archaeological wonders, embark on thrilling treks, or simply immerse yourself in the culture, choosing the right accommodation in Cusco will only enhance your experience. From luxury hotels with stunning views to cozy hostels in the city’s historic center, Cusco boasts a range of options to suit every traveler’s needs and budgets.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best Cusco neighborhoods and go over the best places to stay in Cusco. At the end of this post, I’ll also add any useful travel guides that will aid you in your travels to Cusco, Machu Picchu, & the Sacred Valley.

👇 But first, are in a hurry? There are plenty of Cusco accommodations ranging from fancy hotels to family run hospedajes. If you don’t have time to read the whole article or need a place to stay in Cusco tonight, below are the best hotels in Cusco for every budget.

Where to Stay in Cusco Quick List

• Top pick of where to stay in Cusco – Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux
• The most unique place to stay in Cusco – Belmond Hotel Monasterio
• The best place to stay in Cusco on a budget – Cusco Packers Hostel
• Where to stay in Cusco for the solo adventurist – Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
• Best hotel in Cusco for pampering – Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Keep scrolling for more details of the best places to stay in Cusco, Peru.

Things to Know About Places to Stay in Cusco

When planning your trip to Cusco, choosing the right hotel is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some key things to know about hotels in Cusco.

• 📍 Location Matters: Staying in the heart of Cusco offers easy access to major attractions like the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, and the San Pedro Market. This area is bustling with restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.
• 🏨 Cusco offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style, from luxury hotels and boutique properties to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.
• 🍳 Most Cusco hotels, hostels and guesthouses offer free breakfast starting early in the morning so you can fuel up before you set out on an early morning adventure.
• ⏳ Book accommodations in advance especially if you are traveling to Peru during peak season of July to August as well as the winter holidays.
• 💰 $$$ – Prices are market driven and vary depending on what season you are traveling Peru in. Expect the highest room rates during peak times.
• 💳 Most places to stay in Cusco accept major credit cards but there will be an additional fee of usually 1-3% charged extra to use the card. Also don’t expect to use your American Express.
• 🗣️ English: Many hotel staff in Cusco speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases or have a translator app handy.
• 💦 Popular Amenities will include room service, in-house restaurant, free wifi, free parking, breakfast, shuttle services, and a hot shower.
• 🏛️ Many luxury hotels in Cusco are housed in historical restored colonial buildings, with amenities like spas, fine dining, and stunning views.
• 🚌 These higher end hotels in Cusco also usually offer free airport transfer so be sure to arrange that before you arrive.
• ⛰️ Cusco is located at an altitude of 11,200 feet. Many hotels offer coca tea and oxygen to help guests adjust to the altitude and help with altitude sickness. Most if not all high end and some mid range hotels offer this service.

The Best Area to Stay in Cusco

There are two main areas to stay in Cusco – Central Cusco and San Blas. Other Cusco neighborhoods to stay are,Avenida El Sol & Downhill and Greater Cusco.

Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco) is the most central area and chances are you won’t find any bargains so if you are on a budget I’d stick to the outskirts. On the bright side, Cusco is so compact and an extremely walkable that staying in a nearby neighborhood is just as convenient.

The San Blas neighborhood offer the best views as this area sits on a hillside. Known as the artisan quarter, San Blas is a charming neighborhood with narrow streets, art galleries, and a bohemian vibe.

This also makes it one of the most popular areas to stay in Cusco. There are plenty of places to stay west of Plaza de Armas around Plaza Regocijo and in the commercial area towards Mercado Central.

Where to Stay in Cusco on a Budget

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• 💰 Price: $
• 📍 Location: Central Cusco
• 🦙 Highlights: City Views, Breakfast, & Luggage Storage

The Cusco Packers Hostel is located in the historic city center so you’ll be able to step out the door and hit the ground running.  This hostel is also only 12 minutes from the bus station which makes it convenient when you stumble off those very long night buses.

This hostel offers private rooms and beds in a dorm. Even a private single room with bathroom will run you about $13 which is a great deal.

Amenities include free breakfast, amazing views from the rooftop terrace, lockers and luggage storage. Most hostels and hotels offer free luggage storage and if you plan on doing any long treks such as the Salkantay Trail or the Inca Trail, you will use this perk often.

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• 💰 Price: $
• 📍 Location: San Blas
• 🦙 Highlights: Price & Views

Samay Wasi is cheap accommodation in Cusco located in the San Blas. Clung to the hillside, this hostel has killer views but you have to work for it on the climb up.

Rooms come with breakfast and there’s a decent kitchen to use if you like to save a little money by cooking a few meals in. They offer rooms for singles, doubles and dorms all with private bathrooms.

This stay will provide you with all the basic amenities you would need like wifi, city maps, laundry service and all rooms have heating.

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• 💰 Price: $
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Historic Centre)
• 🦙 Highlights: Cheap Dorms & Common Areas

The Kokopelli Hostel is a good choice if you’re looking for a bed in a dorm. This is a clean, safe spot in a great location to hang your hat at the end of the night. There’s also a private room with a private bathroom if that’s what you fancy.

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• 💰 Price: $
• 📍 Location: Outskirts of Plaza de Armas
• 🦙 Highlights: Value for your Money

The Killaqente Inn is great value for your money. The basic inn has spacious, cozy rooms that are comfortable and has hot showers. It’s about a ten minute walk to the main plaza.

Close to shopping, must eat restaurants, tour operators and all that Cusco has to offer. Amenities include wifi, free breakfast, airport transfers and more. This is where to stay in Cusco before Inca Trail trekking if you are on a budget and just need a place to rest for the night.

Mid Range Accommodations in Cusco

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• 💰 Price: $$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Central Location, Breakfast, & Hot Showers

Located close to the San Pedro Market, Tierra Viva Cusco Centro is where to stay in Cusco if you are on a mid range budget. This location is ideal if you’re not into walking uphill as many of the streets in Cusco are steep.

Rooms are spacious and beds are comfortable. The hotel will be able to provide you with any needs you’ll have as you travel around Cusco, including luggage storage, excursions, getting to and from the city, even breakfast togo for those early morning adventures. This Cusco hotel is quiet, charming, and a safe place to rest at night.

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• 💰 Price: $$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Supports a Good Cause

If you love supporting a good cause, stay at the Niños Hotel Meloc. This hotel is run by a Dutch-founded nonprofit foundation that serves underprivileged children in Cusco.

The rooms are charming complete with hand-painted designs and all feature a fan, heating and patio access. This is great mid range Cusco hotel located in the center of the city and easy walking distance to many of Cusco’s most popular points of interest.

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• 💰 Price: $$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Prime Location

Another place to stay in Cusco located in the center of the historic district is Hotel Midori. This small hotel housed in a restored colonial building that has large rooms that  feature heating, a seating area, TV and some rooms even have balconies.

This is a great spot if you want a room with lots of space in prime location for all the best things to do in Cusco.

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• 💰 Price: $$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Value, Location, & Wooden Balconies

Saska Boutique Hotel is a comfortable accommodation in Cusco. Located in close proximity to  Santo Domingo Church, Santa Catalina Convent and Church of the Company, this hotel has spacious rooms for the mid range budget.

All rooms are tastefully decorated, clean and comfortable. Staying here comes with all the usually perks including breakfast, luggage storage, hot showers and views. Try to get a room with a balcony, it’ll be worth it.

Where to Stay in Cusco for Luxury

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• 💰 Price: $$$+
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Perfect if you love history and luxury

If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Cusco then stay at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio. This former monastery dates back to 1592 and offers luxury accommodations in the center of it all.

Located in the heart of Cusco only 2 blocks away from Plaza de Armas, which is one of the best things to do in Cusco. This hotel in Cusco supplies everything you could need in a stay including room service, a restaurants and bar on site, impeccable service and breakfast.

Strolling around the hotel gives you a sense of being in a museum, everything has been well preserved and is decorated with beautiful paintings. If you love history and a bit of luxury this is where to stay in Cusco.

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• 💰 Price: $$$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Views, Quiet Location, & Property

Palacio Manco Capac is another colonial property located in the center of the city. Both Plaza de Armas and Saksaywaman ruins are a short walk (10 minutes) away, although be warned, walking back to the hotel from town is uphill.

Perched on a slope, staying at this Cusco hotel offers great views overlooking the historical district of Cusco. If you’re looking for a quiet, charming and well equipped hotel, then opt for a stay here.

Modern amenities include room service, free parking if you drove, views, a bar on site, breakfast and much more. Along with a comfortable bed and large rooms, service standards are set high so you’re guaranteed an amazing place stay in Peru.

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• 💰 Price: $$$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Boutique Hotel with a Spa

The Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxury boutique hotel surrounded by several must eat restaurants in Cusco, shops and tour operators. The hotel has only 16 rooms, each equipped with its own balcony overlooking the center courtyard.

This hotel features a spa, outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. If where to stay in Cusco to you means getting pampered, then look no further.

Wake up your senses with a workout in the fitness center. Next, spend the morning in the spa, followed by a traditional Inka massage and finally a relaxing soak in the hydromassage tub.

After lunch enjoy cocktail time or learn how to prepare Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour. This is only a taste of what your time in Cusco will look like if you stay in the elegant hotel.

View Property →

• 💰 Price: $$$
• 📍 Location: Plaza de Armas (Central Cusco)
• 🦙 Highlights: Top Pick of where to Stay in Cusco

The Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux is the perfect blend of modern and rustic. A colonial gem in the heart of the city and one of the best luxury hotels in Cusco.

Styled with oversized carved doors, antique chandeliers, marble furnishings and stone fireplaces, this historic colonial mansion left no detail behind. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and high style, elegant and tasteful.

If you are looking for elegant room and tranquility in the best location to stay in Cusco, then book a stay at this historic and exclusive hotel.

Cusco Travel Guides

I spent almost a month roaming around Cusco’s cobblestone streets going on epic adventures, eating amazing food, and petting llamas. I haven’t traveled to every country in South America yet, but for now, Cusco is by far one of my favorite cities in South America.

There are many reasons to love this town but between the amazing hikes and the delicious food, I promise you will love your visit to Cusco. Check out the guides below to help plan your trip to this charming destination.

• Machu Picchu Travel Guide – Everything you need to know about traveling to Machu Picchu.
• Best Things to do in Cusco – This is the big guide on all the best things to do in Cusco.
• How to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes – Find out all the ways to get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco.
• Best Restaurants in Cusco – 12 Must eat restaurants in Cusco.
• Best Things to do in Aguas Calientes – There’s more to do in this town than just Machu Picchu.
• 17 Things to Know Before Traveling to Cusco – 17 Useful Things to Know Before you Go.
• How to Trek the Salkantay Trail Independently – By far my biggest adventure in Peru was trekking 5 days on the alternative route to Machu Picchu. And we did this without a guide, tent, or reservations. This guide explains exactly how to do it.
• Hiking Humantay Lake without a Tour – This is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco.
• How to Get from Cusco to Lake Titicaca – There are 4 different ways to get from Cusco to Puno.

• 2 Week Peru Itinerary – Short on time? I spent 2 months in Peru to be able to write the best 2 week Peru itinerary.

• 14 Remarkable Things to do in Peru – Find out 14 epic things to do in Peru.

• 15 Incredible Places to Visit in Peru – These are 15 incredible places you can’t miss when exploring this delightful country.

Peru Travel Vlogs

Would you rather see what it’s like to travel Peru? Joe and I filmed many vlogs during our travels through Peru, like the one above where explore all the best things to do in Cusco.

And please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our Peru Series on YouTube

Onward Travel from Cusco

Onward travel from Cusco offers a variety of exciting destinations and experiences, whether you’re continuing your journey deeper into the Sacred Valley, exploring more of Peru, or venturing into neighboring countries. Here are some popular onward travel options from Cusco.

• Machu Picchu – The most common and scenic way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco is by train and takes around 3.5 hours.
• Pisac – A town famous for its traditional market and impressive Inca ruins. It’s about an hour’s drive from Cusco and can be visited as a day trip or an overnight stay.
• Ollantaytambo – Known for its well-preserved Inca town and fortress, Ollantaytambo is also a starting point for trains to Machu Picchu. It’s about 2 hours by car from Cusco.
• Chinchero, Moray, and Maras – These sites offer unique Inca agricultural terraces, a colonial town, and stunning salt mines. They can be visited in a day trip from Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
• Rainbow Mountain – One of the best day trips from Cusco.
• Lake Titicaca – Puno is the gateway city to Lake Titicaca, about 8 hours by bus or train from Cusco. Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and home to the famous floating islands of the Uros people.
• Arequipa – Known as the “White City” for its beautiful colonial architecture made of white volcanic stone. Arequipa about a 10 hour bus ride or a short flight from Cusco. It’s a gateway to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
• The Amazon Jungle – For those looking to explore the Amazon Rainforest, Puerto Maldonado is a popular destination and a short flight from Cusco.
• Lima – Flights from Cusco to Lima take about 1.5 hours, making it the fastest way to travel between these cities. Lima, the capital of Peru, is known for its history, culinary scene, and coastal attractions.
• Nazca – Famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, Nazca can be reached from Cusco by a combination of bus and flight, or by a long bus ride. Many travelers combine this trip with a visit to Ica and Huacachina, where you can enjoy desert dunes and an oasis.
• Bolivia – Travel from Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia, often involves crossing Lake Titicaca via Puno and Copacabana, Bolivia.
• Chile – You can travel from Cusco to northern Chile via Arequipa and Tacna, or by taking flights with connections.

📌 Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Peru

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Cusco

Those are the best places to stay in Cusco that not only provides the comforts to ensure a delightful stay but service that goes above and beyond.

Whether you are using Cusco as a home base to explore nearby attractions like Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley or simply soaking in the beautiful charm of the city, I hope this guide provides you with all the information you need to have a wonderful, smooth, and comfortable stay.

Peru Travel Tips ↓

📍 Planning a trip to Peru? Peru is one of my favorite destinations and I’ve spent months exploring this amazing country in South America.

Check out the accommodation guides below for more inspiration in planning your Peru travels.

Where to Stay in Arequipa 

Best Places to Stay in Lima

Best Hotels on Lake Titicaca

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