Cusco, Peru, was the ancient capital of the Incan Empire. Today, Cusco serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu and many more natural and archeological wonders in the Sacred Valley. It’s also a vibrant and unique city in itself, nestled in Peru’s section of the Andes Mountains, offering a unique blend of Incan heritage, colonial architecture, and modern Peruvian culture.
There’s not a tonne of things to do in Cusco city itself – most of the things to see require a day trip or half-day trip out of the city – but it does have a unique atmosphere and plenty of places to eat and drink. When I was in Cusco, I spent most of my time there resting to acclimatise to the altitude and preparing for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Whether you’re preparing for a long hike, or just want to explore some more of Peru’s culture, choosing the right place to stay in Cusco is important. Like every city, there are some areas that are better to stay in from a tourist perspective, and more dangerous areas that should generally be avoided.
Wherever you decide to stay in Cusco, as a general rule of thumb, make sure it’s within the centro historico (historical centre). Outside of the historical centre of Cusco, the suburbs can quickly become unpredictable.
So, here is my guide to the best places to stay in Cusco!
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Which Areas to Stay in in Cusco
Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas)
Plaza Mayor (also known as Plaza de Armas) the main square and the heart of Cusco. Staying here puts you at the centre of the action, surrounded by historical buildings, restaurants, and shops. You’ll have really easy access to the city’s main attractions, and be completely immersed in Cusco’s unique atmosphere – it’s almost like going back in time. However, the area can be quite noisy late into the night, accommodation is more expensive as it’s the city centre, and it is quite touristy. I personally got a bit tired of rejecting the many vendors who come out onto the streets to sell things to tourists.
Pros:
- Central location and lively atmosphere
- Plenty of dining and shopping options
- Beautiful views of the square and architecture
Cons:
- Can be noisy, especially at night
- Often more expensive than other areas
- Very touristy
➡️ Click here to search for Plaza Mayor on booking.com
Calle Saphi
Calle Saphi is a street running northwest from Plaza Mayor. It’s quite a busy street and absolutely full to the brim of hotels and hostels, including one of two Selina hostels in Cusco. It’s known for offering some of the best accommodation options at more affordable prices, whilst still being a short walking distance from the main attractions in Cusco. The area is quieter than the Plaza Mayor, without being totally deserted.
Pros:
- More budget-friendly than Plaza Mayor
- Still within walking distance of main attractions
- Quieter than the main square
Cons:
- Location is less central
- Fewer high-end accommodation options
➡️ Click here to search for Calle Saphi on booking.com
South of Plaza Mayor
I’ve named this area “south of Plaza Mayor” because I can’t find an actual name for this area on Google Maps. However, to the south of Plaza Mayor (…as you might have guessed), there is a cluster of hostels, including the Viajero Hostel which is one of two that I stayed in in Cusco (the other I won’t mention, because I didn’t like it there). I felt quite neutral about the area; it didn’t feel the safest but it was a very short walk to the centre and there were a lot of amenities around. The hostel, I loved!
Pros:
- Home to lot of popular hostel chains
- Within walking distance of main attractions and Plaza Mayor
- Lots of amenities around
Cons:
- Fewer high-end accommodation options
- Feels like you’re not too far from the “dodgy” end of town
🛏 Check out Viajero Hostel
➡️ Click here to search this area on booking.com
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San Blas
The San Blas neighbourhood, often referred to as the artisan quarter of Cusco, is on a hill northeast of Plaza Mayor. Whilst this does get you a really good view over the city, beware of the hills in Cusco: what can seem like a fairly reasonable walk quickly becomes difficult at 3,400m altitude! The San Blas neighbourhood has a charming, bohemian atmosphere with a lot of art galleries, craft shops and that kind of thing. It’s around a 10 minute walk from the main square.
Pros:
- Charming atmosphere with art galleries and craft shops
- Spectacular views over Cusco
- Quieter and more residential feel
Cons:
- Steep streets can be challenging
- Further from the main square
➡️ Click here to search for San Blas on booking.com
Santa Ana
Santa Ana is another neighbourhood not far from Plaza Mayor, however, it is up another gigantic hill. I can personally attest to this, because one of my friends in Cusco was staying in a hostel up this hill and, man, it’s hard to lug yourself up those steps with such little oxygen in the air! The area does feel really safe, though, and there are lots of hostels, shops and tour providers on this street.
Pros:
- Lots of amenities and tour providers nearby
- Close to Plaza Mayor
- An especially good location for hostel over hotels
Cons:
- The steep walk from Plaza Mayor can be challenging
- Fewer high-end accommodation options
➡️ Click here to search for Santa Ana on booking.com
Lucrepata
Lucrepata is a residential area slightly removed from the tourist centre, more of a local experience. It’s quiet, with more affordable accommodation options and a more realistic view of life in Cusco. It’s to the east of the San Blas neighbourhood, so even further from the city centre, and has fewer tourist amenities nearby.
Pros:
- Quiet and peaceful
- More affordable accommodation options
- Opportunity to experience local Cusco life
Cons:
- Further from main attractions
- Fewer tourist amenities nearby
➡️ Click here to search for Lucrepata on booking.com
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How Long to Stay in Cusco
How long you should stay in Cusco depends on your travel plans. You could easily keep your base in Cusco for a couple of weeks, heading off to see different sights inside and out of the city. Or, you could spend a few days here, a few days in Pisac, a few days in Aguas Calientes prior to Machu Picchu… you get my drift!
Especially if you’re flying straight there (I recommend going via Arequipa to help you acclimatise), you should also factor in a couple of days to adjust to the altitude.
Here’s a general guide:
- 2-3 days: Minimum recommended stay to explore the city and acclimatise to the altitude before visiting Machu Picchu or starting the Inca Trail.
- 4-5 days: Allows for a more relaxed exploration of Cusco, including day trips to nearby sites in the Sacred Valley.
- 1 week or more: Ideal if you want to fully immerse yourself in the culture, take multiple day trips, and perhaps include a trek to Machu Picchu (although you wouldn’t need accommodation in Cusco during the trek, just somewhere to store your bags).
Best Hotels in Cusco
If you’re looking for room service, hot tubs and all-round luxury, here are some of the best hotels in Cusco:
Palacio del Inka is a luxury hotel in a historic mansion, offering a blend of colonial and Incan designs.
Palacio Manco Capac is a boutique hotel with stunning views over Cusco, located in San Blas.
Antigua Casona San Blas is a charming hotel in a restored 16th-century colonial house in the San Blas neighbourhood.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a high-end hotel in a restored 16th-century convent near Plaza Mayor.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is an all-suite luxury hotel in a former palace and convent in the historic centre.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel in a restored 16th-century mansion, featuring colonial art and artefacts.
Sonesta Hotel Cusco is a modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and good value in a central location.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a luxury hotel in a former monastery, known for its beautiful courtyard and oxygen-enriched rooms.
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel is an upscale boutique hotel in a restored colonial mansion, offering a spa and gourmet restaurant.