The possibilities of where to stay in Cusco, Peru are vast. There are lots of places to stay in Cusco that will accommodate every type of traveler on any type of budget. From luxurious hotels to family run hospedajes, there is guaranteed a place to stay in Cusco for everyone.
Cusco is the third largest city in Peru but one of the most popular in terms of tourist traffic. Perched high in the Andes, Cusco is most famous for being the gateway city to Machu Picchu.
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.
Check out these Cusco Travel Guides for more inspiration:
Best Things to do in Cusco, Peru
12 Restaurants to try in Cusco
17 Things to Know Before Traveling to Cusco
How to Get from Cusco to Puno – the Gateway to Lake Titicaca
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Quick List of the Best Places to Stay in Cusco, Peru
- 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
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.
Prices are market driven and very drastically depending on what season you are traveling to Cusco in. If you are traveling to Cusco during the high seasons of June – August, expect the highest room rates.
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 offer the best views as its on a hillside. 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.
It is also nice to know that 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. Higher end hotels in Cusco usually offer free airport transfer so be sure to arrange that before you arrive.
Also if you are looking for Cusco hotels with oxygen (due to altitude sickness), most if not all high end and some mid range hotels offer this service.
Where to Stay in Cusco on a Budget
Cusco Packers Hostel
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.
Samay Wasi
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.
Kokopelli Hostel
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 bathroom if that’s what you fancy.
Killaqente
The Killaqente Inn is great value for your money. The basic inn has spacious 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
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
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.
Niños Hotel Meloc
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.
Hotel Midori
Another place to stay in Cusco located in the center of the historic district is Hotel Midori. This small colonial hotel 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 things to do in Cusco.
Saska Boutique Hotel
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.
Cusco Hotels for Luxury
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
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 the place for you.
Palacio Manco Capac
Palacio Manco Capac is another colonial property located in the center of the city. Both Plaza de Armas and Saksaywaman ruins are a 10 minute walk 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.
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.
Cartagena Boutique Hotel
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.
Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux
Top Pick ✨
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 tranquility in the best location to stay in Cusco, then book a stay at this historic and exclusive hotel.
Peru Travel Guides
📍Plan your Trip:
🗺 How long to travel Peru? 2 Week Itinerary through Peru
☔️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Peru is in the shoulder months of dry season – March-May or October-September.
💰 Average Daily Budget: Peru Budget Guide
⛺️ Peru accommodation Guides
🪂 Highlights
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- Trekking Salkantay Independently
- Sacred Valley
- Colca Canyon
- Homestay on Lake Titicaca
- Lima’s Food Scene
- Trekking Cordillera Blanca
- Huacachina Desert Oasis
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Peru
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