If you want to find the best hotels in Cusco, Peru, this guide will walk you through all our recommended options. This list includes the hotels that we, here at Apus Peru, personally book for our clients. Each hotel is checked and reviewed by one of the team, making sure that it meets our high quality standards.
We believe that where you stay during your vacation affects your overall health and wellbeing, and of course can have a huge impact on enjoyment. After all, most people spend at least half their day in the hotel. Getting good night’s sleep is also vital for keeping your energy levels up when travelling.
Often, when we are on holiday, strange beds, unfamiliar noises, and a different environment can make it harder to rest. So it’s really important to pick accommodation in Cusco where you’ll feel completely comfortable. Particularly if you’re planning the bucket list trip of a lifetime!
Read on to discover the best places to stay in Cusco for your ideal Cusco itinerary – whatever your budget and preferences. Beginning with an outline of the areas you can choose from.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco lodging can be found in five main parts of the city. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these areas are very hilly, while others are fairly flat. This can be particularly important if you’re travelling with children, or when anyone in your party has mobility issues.
The Centre
This area is at the heart of the city, and is also flatter than other neighbourhoods. The centre is clustered around Avenida Sol and Plaza de Armas. It’s the best place to stay in Cusco if you want to walk everywhere.
The historic centre of Cusco is a lovely and safe place to be. On the downside, hotels here tend to be more expensive than in other parts of town.
Pardo and lower down Avenida Sol
The main post office in Cusco – Serpost Administración Cusco – is located at the end of Avenida Sol. There’s a number of hotels beyond this on Avenida Sol, and on Avenida Pardo Paseo de los Héroes, which runs parallel.
Stay here and you’ll need to walk a reasonable distance to reach the centre of the city. This is best in the morning, when it’s cooler, rather than in the afternoon.
Barrio San Blas and Recoleta
Reaching this part of town requires a steep uphill walk. You cannot always rely on taking a taxi, either, as some parts of this neighbourhood aren’t easily accessible by car.
Barrio San Pedro and Santa Ana
This is also a hilly area, requiring an uphill slog to reach your accommodation. On the plus side, it has fewer tourists, and therefore a more authentic feel.
The rest of Cusco
Most residents live in the rest of the city, which includes more modern areas. These neighbourhoods aren’t really within walking distance of the historic centre, so you’ll need to budget for taxis if you stay here.
3 Best Budget Hotels in Cusco
For your stay in Cusco, the best hotels on a budget are as follows. Each costs around USD $60 US per night for a double room. These affordable stays are listed in order of preference, with our favourite at the top.
Amaru Colonial
This is the original of all the Amaru hostals in Cusco. It has lots of character, with lovely wooden balconies and a central, plant-filled courtyard. Rooms are also decorated in a traditional Peruvian style. You can also enjoy atmospheric views across the cityscape from here.
Amaru Colonial can be found on a narrow street in San Blas. This property offers great value for money, plus easy access to both Plaza San Blas and Plaza de Armas. There are single, twin, double, triple, and family rooms.
Breakfast is served here daily, and due to the central location, there are plenty of eateries within walking distance. This squeaky-clean hotel also offers room service, a 24-hour reception, WiFi, laundry, and an airport shuttle service.
Pros:
- Great views
- Pretty courtyard
- Central location
- Welcoming staff
- Delicious breakfast
Cons:
- Limited amenities
- Decor a little plain
Click here to book the Amaru Colonial on Booking.com
Click here to book the Amaru Colonial on Agoda.com
Click here to book the Amaru Colonial on Expedia.com
Amaru Inca
We tend to use Amaru Inca as an ‘overflow’ hotel for the Amaru Colonial and have had groups stay here when the main Amaru hotel is full. It has a similarly central location in the San Blas area, plus a pleasant courtyard, and offers the same level of cleanliness as the Amaru Colonial.
While accommodation here isn’t quite as quaint or charming as at Amaru Colonial, this hotel still offers great value for money. Again, you can book single, double, twin, triple, or family rooms. All are Peruvian in style, and feature wooden flooring.
Book Amaru Inca and you can expect sweeping city views, a yummy buffet breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, WiFi, laundry and airport shuttle services, a tour desk, and a computer room.
Pros:
- City views
- Very clean
- Yummy breakfast
- San Blas location
- Courtyard garden
Cons:
- No bar or restaurant
- Located on a steep, narrow street
Click here to book the Amaru Inca on Booking.com
Click here to book the Amaru Inca on Agoda.com
Click here to book the Amaru Inca on Expedia.com
Tika Wasi
Located on Tandapata, a street high up in the San Blas neighbourhood, Tika Wasi is another of our favourites. But the location isn’t nearly as close as the Amaru hotels are, to the main plazas. After a long day of sightseeing, it’s quite a steep walk back up here. Think lots of stairs – and because it’s quite tricky to get there via the one way streets, some taxi drivers won’t want to take you.
That said, the higher up the hill you are, the better the views, and Tika Wasi offers stunning panoramas from all the public areas. Rooms are a bit eclectic and can be hit and miss, but they’re always clean. There are suites as well as single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms.
Incidentally, in Quechua Tika Wasi means house of the flower. This colourful hotel features free Wifi, a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttles, and laundry service, and offers a buffet breakfast each day. A real highlight is the lovely garden, which has a terrace and hammocks.
Pros:
- Squeaky clean
- Nice atmosphere
- Breathtaking views
- Varied buffet breakfast
- Garden with terrace and hammocks
Cons:
- Further from town than Amaru hotels
- Steep uphill walk to get here
- Room standards vary
Click here to book the Tika Wasi on Booking.com
Click here to book the Tika Wasi on Agoda.com
Click here to book the Tika Wasi on Expedia.com
3 Best Standard Hotels in Cusco
Rumi Punku
Rumi Punku is definitely one of our favorites, which is why we also mention it as one of our top family hotels. See all the details with its pros and cons below, but here’s a brief summary:
Rumi Punku is a peaceful hotel with lovely courtyards, fountains, and flowers. Located at the end of Choquechaca Street, it’s close to Cusco’s main attractions without the hassle of climbing stairs. The hotel features beautiful gardens, a cozy lobby, and comfortable rooms with all the essentials. The hotel’s beautiful decorations, with plants and lovely patios, make it feel like a home away from home.
Click here to book Rumi Punku on Booking.com
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Click here to book Rumi Punku on Expedia.com
Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas
Tierra Viva in Cusco’s San Blas district is a serene retreat that blends traditional charm with modern comfort. Set in a remodeled colonial residence with adobe construction, the hotel boasts lovely courtyards, fountains, and gardens filled with Andean plants and flowers. The spacious rooms, arranged around indoor patios, feature large windows that let in the vibrant colors of the Peruvian highlands.
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the dining room and relax in the cozy hall near the entrance. With its prime location close to Cusco’s main attractions, friendly staff, and thoughtful amenities like free tea and pure water, Tierra Viva offers a peaceful and pleasant stay.
Pros:
- Lovely and professional staff
- Clean bedrooms with all the expected amenities
- Nice outside patio to relax and enjoy the sun
- Quiet location in the San Blas district
Cons:
- Walking uphill from the center to the San Blas district can be tiring
- Taxi access to the hotel entrance can be limited during busy hours due to the small street
Click here to book the Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas on Booking.com
Click here to book the Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas on Agoda.com
Click here to book the Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas on Expedia.com
Casa Andina Standard Koricancha
Casa Andina Standard Koricancha, a reliable 3-star hotel from Peru’s well-respected Casa Andina chain, offers a comfortable stay in the heart of Cusco. Despite recent online rumors, the hotel is indeed open and welcoming guests. Located near the Santo Domingo Convent and within walking distance of Plaza de Armas, the hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Cusco’s many attractions, restaurants, and shops.
The 35 clean, well-appointed rooms provide all the necessary comforts, including bathrooms with hairdryers and bath sheets. Guests can relax in the hotel’s charming patio and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the restaurant. The hotel is also conveniently close to a train station and popular shopping venues like the Alpaca-fleece clothing Souvenir Store and Mercado Central de San Pedro.
Pros:
- very convenient location
- clean rooms with all necessary amenities
Cons:
- Hotel rooms lack distinctive character, typical hotel ambiance
- Rooms of the same category can vary significantly in size, with some being quite small
Click here to book the Casa Andina Standard Koricancha on Expedia.com
3 Best Superior Hotels in Cusco
At Apus Peru, these are our most booked hotels in the superior category, which roughly translates as a 3 star plus property. Room rates are around USD $200 to $230 US per night for a double.
Andenes Cusco
Located close to the central square but not on the busy main street, Andenes Cusco is a recently renovated property. The hotel occupies one of the most convenient and accessible sites in the city, a few doors up from well-known Jack’s Cafe. The world famous 12 angled stone, Hatunrumiyoc, is also just down the street.
Rooms are medium in size, with nice wooden flooring and ceiling beams. Pops of colour and pattern give them a warm yet modern look. There are family, triple, double, and twin rooms, some with balconies or city views. The balconies, which are clustered around a spacious courtyard, add to the cosy feel of the hotel.
Andenes Cusco has a nice courtyard garden. Breakfast is available daily, as well as room service. Guests also benefit from a concierge, a laundry service, WiFi, an airport shuttle service, and currency exchange.
Pros:
- Central courtyard
- Warm, contemporary decor
- Some rooms with balconies
- Peaceful yet central location
Cons:
- Some rooms are fairly small
- Soundproofing could be improved
Click here to book Andenes Cusco on Booking.com
Click here to book Andenes Cusco on Agoda.com
Click here to book Andenes Cusco on Expedia.com
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
If you’d like to find a four-star hotel in Cusco, Casa Andina Premium is our recommended pick. It’s located on Limacpampa Chica, – the compact square in Limacpampa with a pretty fountain, and is just around the corner from the Coricancha.
This is a lovely hotel belonging to the premium category of a very consistent Peruvian hotel chain, “Casa Andina”. It has well appointed rooms, and we prefer to book those positioned away from the street, on the inside of the courtyard, as it’s quieter. There’s a range of twin, double, triple, family, and accessible rooms and suites.
A real perk of this hotel is the Alma Restaurante and Bar, which serves Andean cuisine made from high quality Sacred Valley produce, and has an outdoor terrace. The property also offers a lounge with fireplace, room service, cable TV, a spa, disabled facilities, and more.
Pros:
- On-site spa
- Amazing breakfast buffet
- Disabled facilities
- Beautiful historic building
- Bar and restaurant serving great food
Cons:
- Not the best soundproofing
- Some rooms are noisier than others
Click here to book Casa Andina Premium Cusco on Booking.com
Click here to book Casa Andina Premium Cusco on Agoda.com
Click here to book Casa Andina Premium Cusco on Expedia.com
Ananay Quinta San Blas
This newer boutique hotel in the San Blas area, comprises an old casona that was fully renovated about a decade ago. The property has a fresh, simple feel to it, plus a great location on the main San Blas street.
Ananay Quinta San Blas is also set around a central courtyard. This has an almost Mediterranean feel, with Greek style blue and white paintwork and Moroccan tiling. Rooms and suites sleep up to three, and all offer King size double beds.
Hotel amenities include a 24-hour reception, a guest lounge, a bar, and the pleasant courtyard garden dotted with potted plants. Accommodation is bright with white walls and linens plus splashes of colour, and ceiling beams which add character.
Pros:
- Very central location
- Guest lounge and bar
- Flower-filled courtyard
- Fresh, European-style look
- Characterful renovated casona
Cons:
- Some areas can be noisy
- Rooms only heated from evening onwards
Click here to book Ananay Quinta San Blas on Booking.com
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Click here to book Ananay Quinta San Blas on Expedia.com
2 Best Boutique Hotels in Cusco
If you hanker after boutique style and don’t mind paying a little more for the privilege, then these properties are the best Cusco hotels to go for. Here you’re looking at around USD $300 to $450 per night for a double room.
Antigua Casona San Blas
In the central San Blas area, Antigua Casona is one of our favourite Cusco properties. From the fire pit for chilly Cusco nights, to the superb artworks, tasteful Andean inspired furnishings, and gorgeous rooms, it’s hard to beat the understated elegance. The location, close to Plaza San Blas, is also superb.
This hotel also boasts one of our favourite Cusco restaurants. You can choose whether to dine in the actual restaurant or by the fire pit – either way, it just has such a lovely feel. The restaurant, Piedra & Sal, serves three meals a day, and breakfast is included with all room rates.
Room options include traditional and superior rooms, plus suites. Some of the latter have a private terrace. Solo travellers, couples, and families can all be accommodated. With 49 rooms, this property is big enough to offer a range of facilities, without being huge and impersonal.
Amenities available at Antigua Casona San Blas include WiFi, room service, a 24-hour front desk, a bar, an airport shuttle service, and a spa and wellness centre. The breakfast served here is very highly rated, and caters for all sorts of special diets.
Pros:
- Cosy fire pit
- Incredible staff
- Close to Plaza San Blas
- Fabulous restaurant on site
- Local artworks and furnishings
Cons:
- No air conditioning
- Some rooms can be noisier than others
Click here to book Antigua Casona San Blas on Booking.com
Click here to book Antigua Casona San Blas on Agoda.com
Click here to book Antigua Casona San Blas on Expedia.com
Aranwa Boutique Cusco
A much larger hotel than the Antigua Casona, the Aranwa Cusco is also in a very convenient location. The property also occupies a very ornate building, but is not as intimate or personalised as the Antigua. Aranwa is a Peruvian hotel chain comprising several hotels, which offers a very high standard of boutique accommodation and service.
Some of us – and our clients – find the colonial rooms here to be a bit over the top, and opt instead for the more modern style rooms. In fact the property is packed with period furnishings, glittering chandeliers, and colonial styling throughout. It feels steeped in history, and the 16th century mansion is a National Historic Monument.
Room types include classic, deluxe, and superior rooms, plus junior suites and larger suites with balconies. Each has one King bed or two Queens, accommodating up to five guests in each.
This boutique property in Cusco is home to the Khasikay Bar serving cocktails and tapas, plus Mishti Gourmet Restaurant offering creative Peruvian cuisine. The daily breakfast also features menu items like freshly cooked omelettes and even decadent chocolate cakes.
Pros:
- Spacious rooms
- Wonderful staff
- Colonial style property
- Ornate character building
- On-site bar and restaurant
Cons:
- Some decor a little OTT
- Not the most varied breakfast selection
Click here to book Aranwa Boutique Cusco on Booking.com
Click here to book Aranwa Boutique Cusco on Agoda.com
Click here to book Aranwa Boutique Cusco on Expedia.com
2 Best Family Hotels in Cusco
Here at Apus Peru, we’re finding that increasing numbers of families are travelling to this wonderful country. So if you’re seeking Cusco hotels for families, we can recommend a couple of top-notch options.
If you’d like to find more specific recommendations for families going to Peru, you could also take a look at our co-founder’s personal blog. Articles include general tips for family holidays in Peru, and advice on travelling to Machu Picchu with children.
Rumi Punku
This is one of our favourite hotels in Cusco, and also has several larger family-sized rooms and suites for multiple occupancy. Be sure to check out the room on the roof, which has views to die for! The property is situated in a no-through road, yet just a few hundred metres from the historic heart of Cusco.
Three star Rumi Punku is traditional in style, and the authentic Peruvian feel offers families a real sense of place. Like many Cusco hotels, the accommodation is set around a central courtyard, giving the property a friendly atmosphere.
One of the pluses for parents staying here is the fact that you can relax in the sauna or hot tub (upon payment of an additional fee). The hotel also offers cable TV in each room, which can keep the kids entertained. An affordable laundry service also means you can keep on top of the washing.
Pros:
- Powerful showers
- Good value for money
- Full of charm and character
- Quiet yet convenient location
- Post-Inca Trail massages can be arranged
Cons:
- Some sounds from other rooms
- Decor a little dated
Click here to book Rumi Punku on Booking.com
Click here to book Rumi Punku on Agoda.com
Click here to book Rumi Punku on Expedia.com
Arqueologo
Arqueologo is in a convenient location on a peaceful street. The hotel is one block away from Plaza de las Nazarenas, which is itself three blocks from the main square and the Cathedral. The property is a super pretty place, offering loads of charm and character to appeal to kids and adults alike.
It’s built in a Spanish colonial style, with open courtyards surrounded by rooms. There are balconies overlooking these courtyards. Most accommodation is spread over two floors, with the bed on the top floor and the living space on the first. When our founder and her family stayed, the beds were Kings comprising two twins pushed together, and they were extremely comfortable.
Accommodation types at Arqueologo range from mountain, garden view or balcony rooms to family suites. Rooms offer views over the courtyard, gardens, or the San Cristóbal neighbourhood the hotel is located in. This is a charming area characterised by narrow lanes, Baroque and colonial buildings, and original Inca walls.
As it can be very chilly in the city overnight, a plus is the fact that every room has an adjustable radiator heater. This can be turned on during the evening and early morning, for extra warmth.
In addition to welcoming families, this homely hotel is also eco and pet friendly. Useful amenities include private parking, free WiFi, and a laundry service. A good breakfast is also available daily.
Pros:
- Large garden
- In-room heating
- Comfortable beds
- Charming San Cristóbal area
- Family, pet and eco friendly property
Cons:
- Hot water not always available
- Staffing levels can vary
Click here to book Arqueologo on Booking.com
Click here to book Arqueologo on Agoda.com
Click here to book Arqueologo on Expedia.com
3 Best Luxury Hotels in Cusco
If you want to spoil yourself, your partner, or your family while visiting Peru, then why not book into one of the city’s most sought-after properties? Prices for the following three options range from $450 upwards.
Casa Cartagena
We’ve always loved this boutique hotel, from the very first time we visited. It’s in a great location, just off Plaza Nazarenas. The colonial mansion it’s housed in has been renovated and restored to its original charm. Well, from the exterior, at least. Inside, it’s a different story, as the rooms are very modern and not colonial at all!
Each room is uniquely styled, but every one offers an equally high standard of accommodation. Bathrooms are both contemporary in style and huge in size, with every amenity you could wish for. As there’s only 16 rooms and suites at Casa Cartagena, the overall feel is intimate.
Choose between deluxe double or twin rooms, or a Master or Presidential Suite. Some rooms and suites have two double beds, so that can easily accommodate families. Suites come with a pool view balcony.
When our founder stayed here with her family, they had two rooms – one very large master suite (with a living room attached) and one bedroom with three separate beds for her three kids. They loved everything about this hotel. It is a beautiful, calm oasis within in an otherwise bustling city, and the location is excellent.
Casa Cartagena has an on-site spa, a small outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The spa includes a big hydromassage bath, with loungers set around it for relaxing. You can also book a range of pampering and restorative treatments.
Other facilities at Casa Cartagena include a laundry service, a bar, a 24-hour reception, a business centre, room service, an airport shuttle, and a restaurant. The latter serves both international cuisine and local specialities.
Pros:
- Great location
- Professional, helpful staff
- Beautiful historic property
- Very comfortable accommodation
- Good amenities including pool, spa, and restaurant
Cons:
- Not the cheapest choice
Click here to book Casa Cartagena on Booking.com
Click here to book Casa Cartagena on Agoda.com
Click here to book Casa Cartagena on Expedia.com
Inkaterra La Casona
The dramatic, Spanish-style building housing this hotel really stands out. A series of arches surrounds the central courtyard, and you can expect lots of marble, chandeliers, and baroque columns throughout.
In fact the Inkaterra properties are, on the whole, our favourite hotels in all of Peru. Apparently, Simon Bolivar stayed in Inkaterra La Casona while in Peru, too. This was the first Relais & Châteaux property in Peru.
The exquisite 16th century Spanish colonial manor house is located just steps away from the picturesque main square. Once occupied by the conquistadors of Peru, it is now an exclusive boutique hotel that has been carefully restored to retain its historical heritage and decor.
All accommodation is in suites set around a Spanish courtyard, and the property offers subtle elegance without sacrificing authenticity. This low rise hotel offers ground and first floor suites, set up as twins or doubles.
Each suite comes with a seating area, cable TV, and a minibar. You can also expect plump sofas, plush soft furnishings in rich shades, and wooden wall panelling. Free-standing stone baths are also featured in the bathrooms.
Staff at Inkaterra La Casona can book massages or private driver guides on guests’ behalf. An airport shuttle service is also available. Other amenities include a bar and restaurant, room service, and a spa.
Pros:
- All-suite hotel
- Great breakfast
- Exceptional service
- Peaceful yet central position
- Stunning colonial-style property
Cons:
- There can be some noise from outside
Click here to book Inkaterra La Casona on Booking.com
Click here to book Inkaterra La Casona on Agoda.com
Click here to book Inkaterra La Casona on Expedia.com
Palacio Nazarenas
Often described as a six star hotel, Palacio Nazarenas stands head and shoulders above other Cusco luxury hotels, and comes with a price tag to match.
Of all the luxury hotels our founder has stayed at, the Belmond Palacio Nazarenes tops the list. Because the original palace has recently been renovated, the Nazarenas surpasses its sister hotel the Monasterio by far. (Until the Nazarenas opened, the Monasterio held the title for the best luxury hotel in Cusco.)
The detailed artwork and authentic colonial interiors are exquisite, but the hotel is truly extraordinary because it marries these with modern amenities that make guests want to return. As every room has oxygen piped in, altitude sickness is not an issue.
The hotel also boasts the only decent heated swimming pool you’ll find in a Cusco hotel. It’s a dream when you’re travelling with kids. Even if you have no children or aren’t into swimming, then the private butlers that come with the large, elegant rooms is another reason to book a stay!
All accommodation at the hotel is in suites, and each can sleep a couple or small family. Rooms are as spacious as you can ever expect to find in a hotel, complete with a huge walk-in closet, a vast bathroom with large shower stall and separate soaking tub, a large combined bedroom and living room, and a generously-sized private balcony.
The accommodation is beautifully decorated and furnished, the beds are super comfortable, and it was very quiet all night long. The hotel has several courtyards and the rooms overlook these, which contributes to the elimination of street noise. The public areas are tastefully decorated, and provide a serene escape from city life.
Palacio Nazarenas also offers a wealth of impressive facilities. These include Mauka restaurant, which serves Peruvian and international dishes. There’s also a poolside bar serving cocktails, and a superb spa. This specialises in aromatherapy treatments using locally grown ingredients.
Pros:
- Private butler service
- Spa specialising in aromatherapy
- Cusco’s best heated swimming pool
- Restaurant and poolside cocktail bar
- Piped oxygen wards off altitude sickness
Cons:
- High price tag
Click here to book Palacio Nazarenas on Booking.com
Click here to book Palacio Nazarenas on Agoda.com
Click here to book Palacio Nazarenas on Expedia.com
Cusco Hotels Conclusion
Whatever your budget and preferences, there’s a Cusco hotel with your name on it! From pocket-friendly properties to five star style and luxury, it’s easy to find the perfect big-city bolthole for a couple, family, solo traveller or group, once you know where to look.
All of these Cusco accommodation options have been thoroughly checked by Apus Peru, and we’ve only listed those we’re happy to recommend without hesitation.
