In recent years, the hotel offer in Cusco has evolved drastically, growing in options that range from luxurious restored monasteries to cozy boutique bed & breakfasts. However, choosing where to rest is not just a matter of comfort, but a strategy to be close to the main tourist attractions of Cusco."Most of the most wanted accommodations are found in central areas, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas, the ideal starting point for most tours and new experiences in the city.
Among the best places to stay is the San Blas neighborhood, known for its bohemian feel, although many hotels in this district involve climbing steep hills that can be a challenge after a day of hiking; on the other hand, some visitors prefer lodgings located very close to the Plaza de Armas. Whatever your choice, it is essential to book well in advance, even more so if you plan to travel in high season, especially during the jubilee month to coincide with the majestic Inti Raymi and the traditional Cusco festivals at the end of June and July. on these dates, the city transforms and occupancy reaches 100%.
Outside the high season (November-April), the prices of hotels in Cusco Peru drop considerably, sometimes up to 50%, allowing you to use those savings for better excursions or gastronomic experiences. Additionally, many establishments offer free airport transfers if you coordinate your arrival in advance, a vital service to start your trip on the right foot.
Ready to visit Cusco? Remember that your choice of accommodation is only the first step of an unforgettable journey. Once your base of operations is set, the real magic awaits you outside, between Inca walls and cobblestone streets. Don't let the altitude stop you; on the contrary, use it as an excuse to walk slowly and marvel at every corner. So that you make the most of your stay, we have selected the best destinations to visit; next, travel through the most popular tourist destinations of Cusco and discover the new experiences that this archaeological capital has reserved for you.
Tour the most popular tourist destinations in Cusco
Your journey through the most popular tourist destinations begins in the city of Cusco. To start a trip full of history and ancient ruins, your first choice should be the Cusco City Tour, the initial tour to understand the Andean and colonial fusion, taking you from the imposing Cathedral in the Main Square to the stone walls of the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). Later, visiting the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo and Pukapucara with panoramic views and ancient constructions along the way.
Also, to expand your horizon, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stands as one of the options for your trip through Cusco. Here, traditional towns like Pisac and Chinchero offer craft markets and archaeological sites located on the mountain slopes. The journey continues toward Ollantaytambo, a living Inca city where its cobblestone streets and original channels are still in use today.
The finishing touch of this journey is, without a doubt, the train trip to Machu Picchu, a visual and cozy experience, where the path is a visual show where the landscape transforms before your eyes: you will go from the snowy peaks and cornfields of the valley to the lush vegetation of the jungle brow as the train car winds along the Urubamba River until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, the final point to reach Machu Picchu.
Cusco Hotels
Near the Plaza de Armas
Very Expensive
- Palacio del Inka Hotel. Located in front of the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), this hotel is a museum built on the Inca foundations of the Aclla Huasi and a historic colonial mansion. It stands out for its impressive interior courtyard with stone arches and a Spanish-style fountain, surrounded by hallways that display colonial art. Just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, it offers elegant rooms and good service. Address: Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259.
- Monasterio Hotel. Considered one of the most exclusive accommodations in South America, this hotel occupies the old San Antonio Abad seminary (1592), built over an Inca palace. Currently operated by the prestigious Belmond chain, the place combines the atmosphere of a museum with comfort, housing its own golden chapel and a valuable art collection from the Cusco School. Address: Calle Palacios 136 (Plazoleta Nazarenas).
Expensive
- Hotel Ruinas. Although its name might sound curious, this establishment remains a solid option for those looking for a central and quiet location, just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It is a boutique hotel that balances classic architecture with modern comforts, ideal for travelers who value cleanliness and personalized service over flashy luxury. While it does not have large common areas, its rooms are comfortable and many offer city views. Address: Calle Ruinas 472.
- Hotel Novotel Cusco. This hotel from the well-known French chain combines colonial history with modernity. Its main structure is a 16th-century mansion with a spectacular covered patio, ideal for enjoying a coffee or a dinner in a climate-controlled environment. The rooms are divided between the colonial section (more atmospheric) and the contemporary tower (more standard but functional). Located steps away from the Plaza de Armas, it is a safe bet for its consistent service and its excellent breakfast buffet. Address: Calle San Agustín 239.
- Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco (formerly Picoaga). This hotel occupies an impressive 17th-century mansion that belonged to the Marquis of Picoaga, divided into two parts: colonial and contemporary. The historical section keeps beautiful stone arches, high ceilings, and a charming patio, while the modern wing offers functional rooms with all the comforts of the Wyndham brand. Located a few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, it is an excellent alternative that combines colonial charm with affordable prices. Address: Calle Santa Teresa 344.
- Hotel Royal Inka I and II. These sister hotels are classics in the Cusco tourist offer. Royal Inka I stands out for its location in front of Plaza Regocijo; it occupies a historical mansion with Inca foundations and offers a more intimate and traditional experience. On the other hand, Royal Inka II, located on Santa Teresa Street, is larger and has modern rooms arranged around a decorated atrium, plus additional services like a jacuzzi and sauna. Both are very popular with tour groups for their value for money and closeness to everything. Address Royal Inka I: Plaza Regocijo 299 / Royal Inka II: Calle Santa Teresa 335.
Moderate
- Hotel Emperador Plaza. This establishment remains a gem of consistency and cleanliness just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. It is the definition of a practical and reliable hotel: small, discreet, and with a personalized service that travelers value greatly. Its rooms, decorated with carpets and floral textiles, offer classic comfort, and the bathrooms stand out for being surprisingly large for the standard of the historic center. Address: Santa Catalina Ancha 377.
- Hotel Cusco Plaza Nazarenas. It is a simple and honest accommodation that uses an old mansion with a magnificent central patio and creaky parquet floors that tell a story. If you are looking for an experience with views, ask for the room on the top floor with vaulted ceilings; waking up seeing the same domes as the colonial elite is an accessible luxury here. Address: Plaza Nazarenas 181.
- Hotel Garcilaso. This colonial mansion was the home of the writer Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and today functions as a mid-range hotel with a lot of character. Although the furniture can feel a bit nostalgic or "vintage," the architecture makes up for everything with its huge patio, surrounded by blue balconies and geraniums. It is ideal for those who value the historical atmosphere over modern minimalist design. Address: Calle Garcilaso 233-285.
- LP Los Portales Hotel Cusco. A solid option for those looking for functionality and guarantees of standardized service. This hotel is spacious and comfortable, decorated with Andean murals and colonial touches; although its location on Matará street is a bit more busy and commercial than the streets of San Blas, it offers the advantage of accessibility. It is perfect for travelers who prefer the security of an established chain. Address: Calle Matará 322.
- Hostal Plaza de Armas. Its name says it all: the location is king. Located literally on a corner of the Plaza de Armas, this hostel is a very popular budget option among young and practical travelers; although the rooms tend to be compact and many face the interior to avoid noise, the cleanliness is impeccable. If your priority is to be in the center of the action and use the hotel only to rest after a long tour, this is your best alternative. Address: Portal Mantas 114.
- Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza. Located under the portals that connect the Plaza de Armas with the Plaza Regocijo, this hotel (which took the place of the old Posada del Inca) offers one of the most enviable locations in the city. Under the Casa Andina brand, it guarantees modern, warm, and efficient rooms, keeping the charm of the original structure with its cozy lounge with a fireplace. It is ideal for those looking for a quality experience. Address: Portal Espinar 142.
Inexpensive
- Municipal Hostel (San Cristóbal). For young travelers or those on a tight budget who don't mind a bit of exercise, this hostel is a viable option. Located on the San Cristóbal slope, it offers one of the most enviable panoramic views of all Cusco, far from the tourist noise of the center but within walking distance. Address: Calle Kiskapata 240.
- Hostal Los Marqueses. This establishment occupies an authentic viceregal mansion that exudes character from every side. While it does not offer modern luxury, its value lies in the atmosphere: a magnificent patio with stone arches, a breakfast room, and guest rooms that keep the essence of the past. Address: Calle Garcilaso 256.
- Hostal Resbalosa. A favorite of the backpacking community, its name honors the steep and slippery cobblestone street where it is located. Getting here with a backpack is the best pre-training for the Inca Trail. Its rooms are simple, with wooden floors and clean bathrooms. Address: Cuesta Resbalosa 394.
- Hotel Rumi Punku. Its name in Quechua means "Stone Door," and you only need to see its entrance to understand why: an impressive Inca wall welcomes you to this sanctuary. Located on the quiet Choquechaca street, this hotel has integrated imperial heritage with modern comfort, offering interior gardens, a flowery colonial patio, and rooms equipped with thermal duvets (vital for cold nights). Address: Calle Choquechaca 339.
Machu Picchu Hotels
- Gringo Bill´s Hostal. Bill has hosted Machu Picchu travelers for almost a quarter century, and his was one of the first Machu Picchu hotels. This rambling house has stone walls chock full of plants just off the Plaza de Armas. The corner rooms with balconies and windows get the best ventilation and have the greatest views. Colla Raymi 104, Aguas Calientes. 084/211-046.
- Hatuchay Tower. One of the high rise Machu Picchu hotels, a whole four floors above the river at the edge of town on the road heading to the ruins. Carpeted rooms are comfortable with modern furnishings and amenities, but the interior design is nothing out of the ordinary. Carretera a Machu Picchu. 084/211-201
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu. A five-minute walk from the center of town takes you to this stunning ecolodge in tis own minitropical cloud forest. The stone bungalows, none with the same design, have a rustic elegance, with exposed beams and cathedral ceilings. Activities include a one-day Inca Trail trek, bird-watching excursions, and orchid tours, as well as a twilight nature walk. Imperio de los Incas s/n, Aguas Calientes. 084/211-032
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Best location of all Machu Picchu hotels. This hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu citadel puts you closest to the ruins, a position for which you pay dearly. But not only will you have the thrill of watching the sun rise over the crumbling stone walls, you´ll be the first ones through the rus´gate in the morning, and have the place to yourself after most of the tourists depart each afternoon. Machu Picchu. 084/211-094
Best tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
