Where to stay in Cusco? The answer is simple: stay in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the historic center.
The controversy is elsewhere and helps convince you to spend a few days in the city. There you go: Cusco is as (and perhaps even more) interesting as Machu Picchu.
Owner of an incredible center, Cusco is the historic capital of Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s largest tourist destinations – around 2 million people pass through there every year.
See too: 6 travel itineraries around Peru
How to buy entry to Machu Picchu/
Where to stay in Cusco: which is the best region?
When choosing where to stay in Cusco, the simplest option is to stay close to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city for centuries.
The region was already the center of Cusco when the Incas ruled there. With the arrival of the Spanish, conqueror Francisco Pizarro decided to maintain the importance of the Square. In fact, it was there, in 1533, that he declared the conquest of Cusco.
In the Plaza de Armas you will find some of the most important monuments in Cusco, such as the city’s Cathedral. There are also several restaurants and bars there.
Therefore, Plaza de Armas is the best area to stay in Cusco.
Hotels in Cusco in Plaza de Armas
- Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco – In a beautiful historic mansion, with a great location and daily rates at 80 dollars. One of the best hotels in Cusco.
- El Virrey Boutique – Cheap and comfortable three stars. Daily rates at 50 dollars.
- Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco – Fantastic location. Favorite among couples and daily at 110 dollars.
- Casa Andina – We’ve already tested it! Another very well located and favorite with couples, with daily rates at 80 dollars.
- Hostal El Peregrino – Cheap and well-located hotel in Cusco. Daily at 30 dollars.
Find hotels in the Plaza de Armas region
Hotels in Cusco for families in San Blás
Do crowds of tourists irritate you? Well, in that case Praça das Armas might not be a good idea for you. An alternative is to sacrifice location a little, but stay in a charming neighborhood of the city. In this sense, San Blás is the most suitable.
It is a neighborhood of artisans, with narrow streets, several slopes and a bohemian reputation. There you will find several cool bars and restaurants, as well as great views of the city. And San Blás isn’t even that far from the Plaza de Armas – it’s just a few blocks away.
See more accommodation options at San Blás
San Blas Square, Cusco (Photo: Carlos Adampol Galindo, Flickr Commons)
Hotels in Cusco for honeymoon and luxury trips
Cusco has accommodation options for travelers of all types, whether backpackers or people looking for luxury and comfort.
If you have money to spend, a good option is to stay in a hotel that has a story to tell. In Cusco, some historic buildings have been transformed into luxury hotels.
- The most famous of them is the Hotel Monasterio, which operates in a building that is more than four centuries old. Built by the Spanish to be a seminary, it became a hotel in 1965. This five-star hotel has a daily rate of 400 dollars.
Hotel Monasterio building
- The Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka is another option that is located in a historic mansion. Former residence of nobles, the Palacio del Inka usually appears on all lists of the best hotels in Cusco. Daily rates at 280 dollars.
- Finally, the Costa del Sol is another hotel that operates in a colonial house. In this case, the mansion was built in the 17th century and served as a home for a marquis. Daily rates at 80 dollars.
See other options in Cusco
Cheap hotels in Cusco
Budget traveler, rest assured: there are several hostels in the city, including around the Plaza de Armas.
- Highlight is the Samay Wasy Hostel, which is highly rated by those who stayed there. This hostel is in San Blas and, judging by the photos, it has a really cool view of the city. Daily rates at 15 dollars.
Vista do Samay Wasy Hostel
- The Sol Plaza Inn is another good, cheap option that is not next to the Plaza de Armas, but within walking distance of there. The cost/benefit of this hotel is responsible for making it a bestseller in the city. Daily rates at 15 dollars.
If you are staying in a hostel, two important tips: always check if the location offers heated water 24 hours a day. I’ve stayed in a hostel in Cusco that only had heated water during certain periods.
Also, keep in mind that if you stay too far from the tourist attractions (and the Plaza de Armas) you may have to travel by taxi, especially at night.
Find affordable accommodation in Cusco
How many days is ideal to stay in Cusco?
The ideal is to stay at least five days in the Sacred Valley, which can be divided between Cusco (three to four nights) and Machu Picchu (one to two nights).
Are you going to travel through Peru? Recommended hotels in other cities
Options in Lima
- Casa Andina Premium – Five stars, luxury, comfort and excellent location. Daily rates at 130 dollars.
- Casa Andina Select – Four-star hotel from the same chain. Daily rates at 90 dollars.
- Tierra Viva – One of the best hotels in Miraflores, with daily rates from 70 dollars.
- La Casa del Viajero – Simple, comfortable and well located guesthouse. Daily rates at 40 dollars.
- Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Very good three-star hotel. Daily rates at 40 dollars.
Options in Aguas Calientes
- Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco – Operated in a 17th century mansion. Daily rates start at US$90, reaching US$120 in high season.
- El Virrey Boutique – Perfect location, in the main square of Cusco. It’s a couples favorite. Daily rates at 58 dollars.
- Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco – Another with a fantastic location and views of the square. Daily rates at 90 dollars.
- Casa Andina – Good breakfast and great location. Daily rates at 80 dollars.
Also read our guides:
Do I need a visa, passport and travel insurance?
You do not need a visa or passport to visit Peru: your ID is enough, as long as it is in good condition and has a relatively current photo, in which you can be recognized. About this, read the guide on how to travel abroad with just your ID.
Travel Insurance is mandatory in dozens of countries and essential for any trip. Don’t be left unprotected in Peru. See how to get the best cost/benefit insurance with our discount code.
