About Cusco

Cusco - also Cuzco or Qosq’o - is the cosmopolitan former capital of the Inca Empire, and as well as being arguably one of the most fascinating cities on the continent, it's also the closest city to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. So it’s quite a busy place as far as visitor numbers go. If you like the look of our Gurus' recommendations for the best places to stay in Cusco - which include some really characterful hotels housed in converted heritage properties - then don’t hang about too long before booking!

The beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and the way it’s arranged around the older Incan structures, is one of the most appealing aspects of Cusco. Narrow cobbled passages open out into graceful squares, while ornate churches rub shoulders with low-rise Incan temples - you’re just as likely to see pet llamas as you are to see expensive alpaca wool clothing for sale. Just walking the streets you soak up layer upon layer of history, with Spanish buildings right on top of the Incan city walls, and ruins dotted all over. Several important Incan structures remain in very good condition - for example Qoricancha, the Sun Temple. There are also a number of great museums here, as well as excellent markets for souvenir hunting. Local specialties include cut, chicha and alpaca.

Above all, Cusco is a great starting point for hiking the Inca trail and accessing Machu Picchu. At an altitude of 3400m above sea level, it's a great place to acclimatise before setting off.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Cusco range from luxury hotels through heritage boutique properties, to several budget options.

The Best Places to Stay in Cusco

For a city break

  • The Palacio del Inka is an elegant 203 room hotel right in the heart of town. The decor is colourful, from the smallest room to the excellent Andean restaurant. There’s also a range of spa treatments available.
  • El Mercado offers a fabulous mix of tradition and contemporary decor in the centre of Cusco. There are exposed beams and white washed walls but there are also some great pieces of modern art. There are 31 rooms plus a gorgeous terrace, perfect for drinks in the evening.
  • Casa Son Blas is nestled in Cusco's artisan quarter. Rooms are named after symbols from Peruvian textile tradition and feature rustic-style furnishings and exposed wooden beams, while suites offer split-level living. Drinks are served on the pretty terrace.

Heritage boutique

  • Casa Cartagena is housed in a stunning brick and adobe building, offering guests an authentic taste of historic Cusco. The individually styled suites are spacious and contemporary, with restored wooden balconies overlooking the hotel courtyard. The Andean-inspired spa is a plus. It's very popular, so book early.
  • Abittare is a colonial-era manor house turned boutique hotel. Guestrooms line a traditional flagstone courtyard and feature contemporary design and period balconies; book a luxury suite for a separate living room.
  • The slightly larger (43 room) Aranwa Cusco is housed in a 16th-century colonial mansion, but it still has a boutique feel. Rooms have classic interiors to complement the heritage property's original features, from frescoes to exposed stone walls. Book a luxury suite for a hot tub and living space. It's another super popular choice, so plan early if you like the look of it.

Top end luxury

  • You might recognise some of the name, and yes, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is the same Belmond as the Orient Express. So you can expect a similar kind of luxury and charm here. Built in the 16th century this converted monastery with its leafy courtyard gardens, antique furnishings and original art and features is a really memorable place to stay.
  • The Belmond Palacio Nazarenas shares the first bit of the name too so you can expect the same service and luxury, but this time in a remodelled palace with walls made of stones carved by the Incas. There are 55 rooms and suites, all elegant, but the suites come with their own bar and butler. There’s also a wonderful spa.
  • Inkaterra La Cason is an 11 room hotel in a beautifully converted colonial mansion. If you’re interested in the history of this city then this is the place to stay. Decorated with antiquities dating back to the days of the Spanish Empire. The Peruvian restaurant is superb. And you’re just two minutes walk from the cathedral.
  • Last, consider the lovely El Convento Cusco for some heritage luxury. It combines historic grandeur with modern comfort in a renovated 16th-century convent. Guestrooms line the gallery of the interior courtyard; inside, original exposed walls are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows alongside bespoke furniture.

For best value

  • Right in the heart of Cusco, just short walk from the Plaza de Armas, Unaytambo is a large colonial house with 14 rooms - many with private balconies. There’s a beautiful terrace and the decor is colonial too. Rooms start from around £80 per night.
  • The larger Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco is in a converted 17th century mansion in the centre of town. There’s still something rather splendid about this 90 room hotel. It’s arranged around an arcaded central courtyard and there’s an excellent Peruvian restaurant.
  • El Retablo is a quirky budget B&B option in a restored heritage building, close to the centre. Interiors feature colourful and traditional 'retablo' motifs hand-painted by local artisans, in addition to handwoven tapestries and cosy linens; splash out on a luxury suite for a balcony with city views.

For an apartment or cottage

  • If you'd prefer your own space, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com for a range of properties to suit the needs of all visitors.

Travel information

  • Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport a mere 3km (1.8 miles) from Cusco. The airport serves a combination of both domestic and international connections.
  • Catch a train to Cusco with services to Machu Picchu.
  • If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars
  • Best time to visit - May to October is the dry season with mild temperatures - making it great for exploring.

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The best hotels in Cusco

El Retablo

Cusco (Cusco City Centre)

Set in a restored heritage building, this charming B&B sits close to the centre of historic Cusco. Interiors feature traditional 'retablo' motifs hand-painted by local artisans, in addition to handwoven tapestries and cosy linens; book a luxury suite for a balcony with city views. An inviting hotel.

  • City Style - Set in a historic property in central Cusco, renovated with the help of local artists, this hotel has plenty of local city style
from $89 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Abittare

Cusco (Cusco City Centre)

A colonial-era manor house is the setting for this boutique hotel in Cusco. Guestrooms line the property's traditional flagstone courtyard. Inside, suites feature contemporary design in a sandy palette and a period balcony; book a luxury suite for a separate living room. A stylish heritage hotel.

from $96 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Unaytambo

Cusco

Unaytambo is located in the heart of Cusco just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. Set in a large house it features rooms with a traditional colonial decor which offer private balconies and plasma TVs. Sit out on the terrace and relax or explore the area! A charming stay in a brilliant spot.

from $105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Casa San Blas

Cusco (Cusco City Centre)

This boutique hotel is nestled in historic Cusco's artisan quarter. Inside, rooms are named after symbols from Peruvian textile tradition and feature rustic-style furnishings and exposed wooden beams, while suites offer split-level living. Drinks are served on the pretty terrace; a cosy hotel.

from $105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco

Peru

The Marquis of Picoaga's converted 17th century mansion in the centre of the ancient city of Cusco. Retaining its old splendour, the more characterful rooms are set around a charming arcaded courtyard. The restaurant serves international and Peruvian dishes. Ideally placed to explore the city.

from $143 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Palacio del Inka

Cusco

This stunning property is situated in the heart of Cusco, a great base from which to get to know the city. It offers extremely elegant rooms with stunning use of diverse colours and has its own excellent restaurant focusing on Andean ingredients. A top-notch and classy choice for a city stay!

  • Romantic Break - Luxurious accommodation to make you feel like royalty, superb cuisine and a range of spa treatments-perfect for a romantic trip
from $169 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
El Convento Cusco

Cusco (Cusco City Centre)

Historic grandeur and modern comfort combine in this renovated 16th-century convent-cum-hotel in Cusco, Peru. Guestrooms line the gallery of the interior courtyard; inside, original exposed walls are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows alongside bespoke furniture. Dine at Qespi; a cultured bolt-hole.

  • Spa breaks - Boasting a luxury spa that draws on traditional Incan healing practices, book this hotel for your next Latin American spa break
from $195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Aranwa Cusco

Cusco (Cusco City Centre)

This boutique hotel is housed in a 16th-century colonial mansion in Cusco, Peru. Rooms have classic interiors to complement the heritage property's original features, from frescoes to exposed stone walls. Book a luxury suite for a hot tub and living space. Dine at Mishti Restaurant; a stately hotel.

from $280 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
El Mercado

Cusco

A fabulous mid-ranged property in the heart of Cusco. Stunning rooms mix tradition and contemporary styles; think exposed beams, white washed walls, in-room free standing baths and modern art. A gorgeous terrace is perfectly primed for evening drinks. Walking distance to the cities' sights. Superb.

from $309 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Cusco (Plazoleta Nazarenas)

This stunning former monastery is situated in the heart of Cusco's historical centre. Boasting luxurious colonial-style accommodation with plenty of artwork, the hotel also has a beautiful courtyard garden and several bars and restaurants. Be treated like royalty at this utterly gorgeous city spot.

  • City Style - This property is situated in the heart of Cusco's historical centre, a perfect location for getting to know the city
from $347 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel

Cusco (Centro Histórico)

Set inside a beautiful brick and adobe property, this boutique hotel offers guests an authentic taste of historic Cusco. The individually styled suites are spacious and contemporary, with restored wooden balconies overlooking the hotel courtyard. The Andean-inspired spa is a real plus.

from $450 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco (Plazoleta Nazarenas )

Brimming with heritage, Inkaterra La Casona offers a glimpse into the rich history of Cusco. Set in colonial mansion, the hotel is packed full of antiques and artefacts dating back to days of the Spanish Empire. Luxurious rooms and a superb Peruvian restaurant complete this magnificent hotel.

from $539 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco (Plaza Nazarenas 276)

This remodelled Palace is situated in central Cusco and has walls made of Inca stones. It features elegantly decorated suites which each come with their own bar and butler! Go for a refreshing dip in the pool or totally relax in their wonderful spa. An absolutely magical spot and unforgettable stay.

from $645 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees