Cusco: this vibrant and thriving city will make you want to keep adding days to your stay. With a unique blend of architecture, a compelling history and intriguing centuries-old indigenous culture, it’s no wonder millions of travellers come to visit this touristic gem each year.
Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a budget hostel, or in the market for something more luxurious, Cusco has a range of accommodation to cater to all travellers.
Many buildings are of a colonial style and most offer cosy interior courtyards. The historic centre is usually the most sought after and probably the best area to stay in – though you should be prepared to pay a bit more! – however, if you climb a little northwest from the plaza, you’ll also encounter Cusco’s vibrant backpacker scene with affordable accommodations.
Whatever your budget, we have a list of places where to stay in Cusco, Peru so that you can start planning your trip:
Cusco Accommodations Guide: Luxury Hotels & Budget Hotels in Cusco
Palacio Del Inka
This luxury collection hotel is located in the historic centre of Cusco, in front of Koricancha, just a five-minute walk from the main square. It’s a place where you can acclimatise in comfort and style, and if need be, oxygen and coca tea are also provided upon request.
Travellers looking for a break will appreciate the stylish and modern rooms equipped with cable TV and heating. There is also an onsite gym and indoor swimming pool for an extra fee.
The restaurant offers both local and international cuisine and for cocktail lovers, there is a Pisco Sour making class to enhance your bar skills.
Address: Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel and Spa
No, not Colombia, rather in the heart of Cusco!
With superb facilities, this boutique hotel and spa offers sixteen spacious suites located on a gorgeous patio. A fusion of modern and colonial style, the suites feature king size beds and include room service.
You can relax in the huge bathtubs or visit the onsite spa after long hikes exploring the ruins dotted around this old Incan capital.
Address: Calle Pumacurco 336, Centro Historico
El Mercado Hotel
Situated in the heart of Cusco, El Mercado Hotel occupies the former spot of a market located a couple of blocks from Plaza de Armas.
The comfy rooms with original and quirky decor feature flat-screen cable TV, coffee makers and free bottled water. Enjoy the exceptional service offered at the restaurant, bar or coffee shop.
This hotel ups the ante with its attention to detail and cosy quilts on the patio, where you can listen to live music whilst sipping on a happy hour cocktail – I recommend the Pisco Sour!
Address: Calle Siete Cuartones 306
Mid-range Hotels in Cusco
Hostal Corihuasi
A brisk five-minute walk uphill from the main square will lead you to this family tree guest-house.
It is a maze-like colonial building with beautiful rooftop views of Cusco. The rustic-style rooms have plenty of space, a private bathroom, cable TV, safe deposit box and heaters.
Added touches include alpaca-wool blankets to keep you snug and inside the cosy dining room, you will find a warm fireplace with Spanish galleries and beautiful views of the city.
As a tip, room number one is most sought after for its panoramic views!
Address: Calle Suecia 561
Niños Hotel Meloc
Reserve a night at this popular hotel and support a fantastic non-profit foundation that serves underprivileged children in Cusco.
Niños Hotel Meloc is a five-minute walk from the main square and offers a range of clean, crisp rooms from single to quintuple with electric heating and WiFi.
Outside there is also a lovely courtyard, for socialising. A sentimental touch replaces room numbers with the names of children who have been adopted over the years.
The hostel’s tone of responsibility extends to the kitchen, with all its tasty food coming from the hotel’s garden.
Address: Calle Meloc 442
Quinua Villa Boutique
At Quinua Villa Boutique guests will find themselves moving through history as each room represents a different era in Peruvian history.
The cosy apartments feature unique touches, including a bedspread made of used jeans, and a fireplace and kitchen stocked with a basket of cooking supplies where you can get creative with your culinary skills.
This place is located atop a hill, five blocks from the central square, with plenty to see on the way down.
Address: Pasaje Santa Rosa A-8 San Blas
Budget Hotels in Cusco
Pariwana
This centrally located hostel is highly regarded amongst solo travellers as a great place to meet others. You can socialise over a game of ping-pong in the courtyard, or enjoy a drink in the chic bar.
The dorms, which are cleaned daily are well spaced with comfy beds and a locker with a plug inside.
The daily breakfast has choices of vegetarian, gluten-free or American options and the onsite bar serves tasty Peruvian cuisine.
As a bonus, you can enjoy endless cups of coffee and tea.
Address: Mesón De La Estrella 136
Ecopackers
This service-orientated and friendly colonial style house is just 150 meters from Cusco’s main square. It offers bright and spacious rooms with private lockers, fully equipped common kitchen and a continental breakfast.
There is plenty of space to socialise over a game of billiards or lounge around in the charming inner patio.
The bar serves Peruvian and international dishes and if that’s not enough, they even have a barbecue on the terrace at your disposal. Some rooms include cable TV, private bathrooms, and free computers are also available in the common area.
Address: Santa Teresa 375
Intro Hostels Cusco
This group of hostels was created by globetrotters, who combined their worldly experience to create an authentic and special lodging for fellow travellers.
The newly renovated hostel is a three-minute walk from the main square and offers great service, clean rooms and a spacious courtyard where different social activities are organised daily.
Other facilities include an outdoor cooking area, a billiards table and daily free walking tours of the city.
Address: Cuesta Santa Ana 515
More Tips On How to Pick (and Enjoy) Your Cusco Stay
So you’ve got options for where to stay in Cusco. Now let’s make those options work for you.
Neighborhood Matchmaker (Find Your Base)
Cusco is compact, but the micro-neighborhoods have very different personalities…and stair counts! Use this as a quick vibe check:
| Neighborhood | The Vibe | Best For | Stay Near | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico (Plaza de Armas + around Koricancha) | Colonial arcades, museums, stone streets, everything at your doorstep. | First-timers, short stays, “out-at-dawn for tours.” | Plaza de Armas, Calle Triunfo, Loreto, Avenida El Sol. | Evening noise, festival fireworks, higher rates. |
| San Blas (artist quarter) | Whitewashed walls, ateliers, bohemian cafes, epic city views. | Couples, photographers, café people. | Plaza San Blas, Cuesta San Blas, Carmen Alto. | Steep stairways and thin air; luggage schleps are real. |
| San Cristóbal / Llaullipata Ridge | Quiet, scenic, rustic lanes above Sacsayhuamán. | Sunrise lovers, hikers, those who want hush. | Mirador San Cristóbal, Tandayoc. | Altitude + steps; colder nights; limited late-night taxis. |
| San Pedro / Santiago District | Local markets and budget eateries, quick walk to center. | Foodies, market hoppers, budget travelers. | San Pedro Market, Paseo de los Héroes. | Busy streets, pickpocketing in crowds—be street-smart. |
| Santa Ana / Cuesta Santa Ana | Residential calm with heritage houses and courtyards. | Mid-range guesthouses, long stays, families. | Plaza Santa Ana, Kiskapata. | Uphill walk back home; cobbles can be slick in rain. |
| Wanchaq / El Sol corridor | Modern conveniences, supermarkets, bigger hotels. | Business travelers, those who prefer flatter walks. | Avenida El Sol, Real Plaza (for errands). | Less “storybook” colonial feel than the center. |
| Poroy / Sacred Valley edge (for split-stays) | Semi-rural calm; easy access to trains and ruins. | Travelers doing valley day trips or onward to Machu Picchu. | Poroy station (seasonal), highway access. | Commute into Cusco for dinners; plan taxis in advance. |
Altitude-Smart Sleep Strategy
Cusco sits at ~3,400 m (11,150 ft). You’ll feel it most at bedtime and first thing in the morning. Build in comfort on purpose:
- Heat matters. Look for the words calefacción (heating) or in-room heaters. Many beautiful colonial homes are drafty; a portable heater and extra alpaca blanket will change your life.
- Hot showers: Ask properties to confirm “ducha con agua caliente 24 horas”. Some solar systems run cooler before sunrise.
- Oxygen support: Some higher-end hotels keep oxygen on call. You may never need it, but anxious fliers sleep easier knowing it’s there.
- Humidify: Thin Andean air is dry. A travel humidifier or simple bowl of water near a heat source stops “airplane nose” and helps you sleep.
- Pace your elevation: If you’re very altitude-sensitive, consider arriving to the Sacred Valley (Pisac/Urubamba/Ollantaytambo, ~600–1,000 m lower) first, then moving up to Cusco.
When to Book (and What Prices Mean)
Cusco’s rates move with seasons, festivals and train demand. Expect broad ranges and plan accordingly:
| Season | What It Feels Like | Typical Price Rhythm | Book-Ahead Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (May–Sep) | Blue skies, chilly nights, perfect hiking. | Highest prices, especially Inti Raymi week (around June 24) and July/August holidays. | 6–10+ weeks (luxury/mid-range), 3–6 weeks (budget). |
| Shoulder (Apr & Oct) | Warmish days, flowers or post-rains clarity. | Good value, lots of availability. | 3–6 weeks for best selection. |
| Rainy (Nov–Mar) | Showers, dramatic clouds, greener terraces. | Lowest rates; some boutique places close for maintenance. | 1–4 weeks; walk-in deals happen midweek. |
| Festival spikes | Semana Santa, Corpus Christi, New Year. | Brief surges even in rainy season. | As early as you can; lock cancellable rates. |
Picking the Right Room (not just the right hotel)
- Noise awareness: Bells ring, dogs debate philosophy, fireworks celebrate everything. If you’re light-sensitive, avoid street-facing balconies in the center and request interior courtyard rooms.
- Access & luggage: Some heritage buildings have no lifts and several flights of stairs. If mobility is a concern, request planta baja (ground floor) or at most the first level.
- Windows & warmth: Stone walls can be chilly. Rooms with exterior windows warm faster by day; heavy curtains keep heat overnight.
- Family needs: Ask about interconnected rooms or split-level suites—many colonial homes divide space creatively.
- Digital nomads: Confirm desk space, reliable Wi-Fi in rooms (not just common areas), and plug access near the bed. Power can surge; a travel surge protector is gold.
What to Pack Specifically for Cusco Stays
This isn’t the trek list—this is the cozy-stay list. Bring these and you’ll be everyone’s favorite roommate.
Pocket Checklist Cheat Sheet
| Item | Why It Helps | Use It When |
|---|---|---|
| Compact space heater plug adapter or mini hot-water bottle | Boosts warmth in stone rooms without central heating. | Night temps; rooms with high ceilings. |
| Earplugs + eye mask | Bells, fiestas, early pickups. | Festival weeks & weekend nights. |
| Travel humidifier or saline spray | Dry altitude = dry sleep. | Before bed and upon waking. |
| Slip-proof house socks | Courtyard tiles get chilly. | Breakfast patio, midnight tea runs. |
| Power cube with surge protection | Outlets can be scarce or old. | Charging camera + phone + watch at once. |
| Small tip cash (S/5–S/20) | Porters & housekeeping bonuses go a long way. | Luggage help up staircases. |
Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru (Best Areas, Altitude Tips, Prices & Booking Advice): 12-Question FAQ
1) What are the best neighborhoods to stay in (and who are they best for)?
Centro Histórico puts you by Plaza de Armas, Koricancha, museums, and tour meet-ups—ideal for first-timers and short stays. San Blas is artsy and atmospheric with cafés and views—great for couples and photographers. San Pedro/Santiago offers market energy and value stays a short walk from the center. Santa Ana/San Cristóbal are quieter, view-rich hillsides (more stairs, thinner air). Wanchaq/El Sol has modern conveniences and bigger hotels with flatter walks.
2) How does altitude affect where I book?
At ~3,400 m (11,150 ft), you’ll feel the altitude most at night. Prioritize properties with in-room heating, hot water 24/7, and thick bedding. If you’re sensitive, consider starting in the Sacred Valley (Pisac/Urubamba/Ollantaytambo, ~600–1,000 m lower) and moving up to Cusco after a night or two.
3) What’s a realistic price range by category?
Very rough, per person per night: Budget hostels/guesthouses S/60–S/150 (US$15–40); mid-range boutique/inns S/180–S/420 (US$45–110); luxury S/500+ (US$130+). Rates swing with season, festivals, and whether breakfast/oxygen support/spa access are included.
4) When should I book?
Dry season (May–Sep) has the highest demand—book 6–10+ weeks out for mid-range/luxury. Shoulder (Apr, Oct) offers sweet-spot availability—book 3–6 weeks out. Rainy (Nov–Mar) sees lower prices and occasional closures—1–4 weeks out can work, with midweek walk-in deals.
5) Is the Historic Center noisy at night?
It can be. Bells, fireworks, plaza events, and early tour pick-ups are common. Request interior courtyard rooms, bring earplugs/eye mask, and confirm quiet hours. San Blas streets higher up are calmer but involve steep returns.
6) Heating, hot water, and comfort: what should I confirm?
Ask specifically about room heating (calefacción), extra blankets/alpaca throws, and 24-hour hot water (some solar systems run cooler pre-dawn). A small space heater on request and humidifier (or bowls of water near heat) help with dry air.
7) Which areas work best for families?
Centro Histórico near Avenida El Sol and Koricancha offers flatter walks and quick access to tours. Wanchaq/El Sol corridor has supermarkets, pharmacies, and larger rooms. Ask for ground-floor or low-stair rooms in colonial buildings.
8) Digital nomad needs: where should I target?
Look for dedicated desks, strong in-room Wi-Fi (not just lobby), and multiple outlets. Wanchaq/El Sol and parts of San Blas have cafés and more consistent connectivity; bring a travel surge protector.
9) Is San Blas worth the climb?
Yes—artisan vibe, views, and cafés are outstanding. But stairs plus altitude are real. Pack light, arrange luggage help, and consider taxi up / walk down routines. If mobility is a concern, book lower San Blas streets.
10) Safety & practicalities—anything to know?
Cusco is generally friendly. Use standard city sense: zipped daypacks, avoid isolated lanes late, and be mindful in San Pedro Market crowds. Many stays offer bag storage for treks; separate valuables and use tamper-evident ties.
11) Should I split my stay with the Sacred Valley?
Smart idea if you’re altitude-sensitive or planning valley ruins. Do 1–2 nights in the Valley, then 2–4 nights in Cusco to enjoy museums, food, and day trips (Rainbow Mountain, South Valley). Poroy or city stations simplify train logistics when in season.
12) What room features maximize comfort in colonial buildings?
Aim for interior patios (quieter/warmer), windows with heavy curtains, thicker duvets, and hot water radiators or heaters. If you’re noise-sensitive, skip street-facing balconies. If stairs are tough, request planta baja rooms.
Whether you’re spending some time in Cusco before or after walking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu, there are plenty of accommodations for every budget.
Palacio de Inka looks so luxurious! Thank you for the guide!