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

• Want to fly to Cusco?

• 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.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Cusco.
• Expand your search in include our recommendations in The Sacred Valley or Lima
• Or Contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cusco