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Where to Stay in Cusco

Where to Stay in Cusco

Cusco Cuzco Department, Peru Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Abundant, especially in the historic center and San Blas, popular for social interaction.

  • Guesthouses / Hostales

    Frequently family-run-run, offering a charming atmosphere and private experience.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Numerous comfortable options with amenities like breakfast and heating.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Housed in renovated buildings from from the time of colonization era, offering unique character and service.

Unique & Specialty Stays

  • Luxury Hotels

    Premium services, fine dining, spas, and sometimes oxygen-enriched rooms.

  • Casa Certain

    Rooms in local homes, often through platforms like Airbnb, for cultural interaction.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments and houses via Airbnb or Booking.com, appropriate for longer visits.

  • Camping

    No official city campsites; mainly for multi-day treks like the Inca Trail with operators.

Neighborhood Guide

Cusco's different districts each offer a different ambiance and set of advantages for accommodation. Choose an area that fits with your travel style and preferences.

Plaza de Armas & Historic Center

Pros
  • Central location to key landmarks
  • Wide selection of restaurants
  • Excellent access to transportation
  • Many choices of hotels
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially at night and during festivals
  • Further things tourist-focused, less local feel
  • Generally higher prices
  • Nightlife extends into late hours

San Blas

Pros
  • Picturesque plus entire of character
  • Generally quieter with an unique local feel
  • Excellent boutique hotels and inns
  • Good section for art lovers
Cons
  • Very steep hills are challenging, especially with altitude
  • A bit further from major transport hubs
  • Requires more walking or short taxi journeys
  • Some bars and restaurants generate noise on weekends

Coricancha / Santo Domingo

Pros
  • Good central location
  • Slightly less crowded than Plaza de Armas
  • Easy admittance to local transport
  • Easy to walk to the center and historical sites
Cons
  • Can be busy with traffic in the town during the day
  • Mix of local traffic noise plus calmer side streets
  • Less historic ambiance than the main the city center
  • Fewer direct tourist amenities compared to main plaza

Additional Neighborhood Information

Wanchaq

A more current commercial district, offering less historical charm but practical for certain needs. Closer to the main bus terminal and some shopping centers. Hotels in this area are often more budget-friendly. Lacks the historic ambiance of central areas. Further from main attractions, requiring a taxi or bus to the historic center.

Safety Considerations

The historic center and San Blas are generally safe, especially during the day and early evening. As with any city, exercise caution, especially at night, in less-lit side streets. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, occurs in crowded tourist areas.

Booking Strategies

Booking your accommodation effectively can secure your preferred choice and sometimes save you money.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-August): Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular hotels or Inti Raymi.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-3 months beforehand for good selection.
  • Low Season (November-March): Booking 1 month or less in advance is typically fine.
  • Machu Picchu Train/Tours: Book much further in advance than accommodation.

Trusted Booking Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo, and Airbnb are reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Many local hotels give direct reservations, at times with better rates or perks.
  • Negotiation: Less common for established hotels. Smaller guesthouses might offer discounts for cash, especially in the quiet season.
  • Policies: Deposit and cancellation policies vary; always review before confirming.

Seasonal Pricing

Peak Prices
  • Accommodation prices reach their peak during the dry season (June-August).
  • Prices are also high around major holidays like Christmas and New Year's.
  • Anticipate more demand and quicker sell-outs during these periods.
  • Booking book well ahead for the busiest times travel dates secures preferred options.
Lowest Prices
  • Prices are lowest during the wet season (January-March).
  • This period offers greater flexibility and better discounts for walk-in rates.
  • Less crowded attractions and quieter experiences are common.
  • Greater accessibility for last-minute travel plans.

Important Booking Reminder

Read Carefully

Always review the specific deposit and cancellation policies of each accommodation and booking platform before finalizing your reservation.

Altitude Acclimation

Some luxury hotels feature oxygen-enriched rooms, a beneficial amenity for acclimatization.

Consider Home Exchange

For unique stays, explore platforms like TrustedHousesitters for house or pet sitting options.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommended properties across different budget levels, along with specialized options. Availability and ratings may be different.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Hostels

Popular choices known for their central location and social atmosphere.

Mid-range Hotels/Guesthouses

Offer comfort and good locations, blending local charm with amenities.

Top Picks by Budget Continued

Luxury Boutique/5-star

Provide premium services and elegant experiences.

Explore More Options

Find additional hotels and deals through these platforms.

  • Agoda: Strong in Asian countriesn markets, but also good for Peru.
  • IHG Hotels: For various international chain options.
  • Vrbo: For vacation rental options.
  • TrustedHousesitters: For unique house sitting opportunities.

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Look for hotels with larger or interconnected rooms. Apartments via Airbnb are good. Properties with amenities like pools or gardens. Numerous mid-range-range hotels are family-friendly.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels having robust social atmospheres, organized activities, and shared kitchens. Mid-range accommodations in the historic center or San Blas offer convenience and a sense of safety.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals, like apartments on Airbnb or via local real estate agents, provide kitchen facilities and more space. A few hotels offer discounts for long-term guests.

  • Exceptional Cultural And historical importance

    Belmond Hotel Monasterio: A true historical landmark. Inkaterra La Casona: Elegant boutique hotel in a restored colonial mansion. Many small the historic center and San Blas are set in beautifully preserved colonial buildings.

Specialized Stays

  • Boutique Stays

    Many boutique hotels offer unique character with personalized service, blending traditional architecture and modern comforts.

  • Chances For homestays

    Direct homestays within Cusco city are less common, but found in the adjacent rural communities, often as part of multi-day tours.

  • Eco-Lodges

    Some options exist outside the city, specifically in the Sacred Valley, focusing on sustainable tourism and natural settings.

  • International Brands

    Selections like IHG Hotels and Marriott provide consistent international standards of comfort and service.

Important Considerations

Altitude Acclimatization

An option is to book accommodation with oxygen-enriched rooms or those at lower altitudes (where possible) for your first few nights.

  • Many luxury hotels offer this feature.
  • Staying hydrated is also .
  • Take it easy upon arrival.
  • Coca tea is widely available.
Location & Convenience

Choose a neighborhood that aligns with your activity level and preference for access to attractions and nightlife.

  • Historic Center for immediate access.
  • San Blas for charm and artisan feel.
  • Wanchaq for budget and bus terminal proximity.
  • Taxis are readily available for transport.

Booking Your Stay

Online Platforms

Utilize major booking websites to compare prices, read reviews, and check availability for a wide range of accommodation types.

Direct Booking

Certain hotels provide exclusive offers or benefits when booking via their official websites.

Read Reviews

Always check recent traveler feedback to gain insights into cleanliness, service, and location before making a decision.