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:

Where to stay in Cusco

Luxury 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

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.