Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Loki Hostel Cusco
One of Cusco's most famous party hostels, offering dorm and private rooms in a colonial building with a lively social atmosphere, rooftop terrace, bar, and regular events. The ideal choice for solo travelers and backpackers who want to meet other travelers. Regular activities include pub crawls and day trips.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Point Hostel Cusco
A popular social hostel near Plaza de Armas offering comfortable dorms and private rooms with a fun atmosphere and strong community vibe. The rooftop bar with city views is legendary among backpackers. Excellent location, helpful staff, and regular events make it one of Cusco's best-loved hostels.
Check rates on Booking.comPariwana Hostel Cusco
A well-designed social hostel in a large colonial house near Plaza de Armas, offering clean dorms and private rooms with common areas, bar, and rooftop terrace. Known for its lively atmosphere and friendly international staff. Award-winning hostel chain with consistent quality.
Check rates on Booking.comHostal Corihuasi
A friendly family-run guesthouse offering basic but clean and comfortable rooms at excellent value in the San Blas neighborhood. The owners are locals who provide helpful tips and can arrange tours. Simple breakfast available and the location is perfect for exploring San Blas on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comMama Simona Hostel
A charming budget hostel in the historic center offering spotlessly clean dorms and private rooms with a homey atmosphere and excellent location. The terrace with mountain views is a great spot for morning coffee. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable about Cusco activities.
Check rates on Booking.comWild Rover Hostel Cusco
A large and lively party hostel housed in an old colonial building, known for its legendary bar and social events. Offers a range of dorm sizes and private rooms, all very clean. The in-house bar with happy hours and events makes it a hub for meeting fellow backpackers.
Check rates on Booking.comAguas Calientes Hostel Supertramp
The most popular budget option in Aguas Calientes (gateway to Machu Picchu), offering clean dorms and private rooms at the best price in town. The friendly staff help with Machu Picchu logistics and booking. Central location within walking distance of the train station.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hotel Rumi Punku
A wonderful mid-range boutique hotel set around a courtyard with a genuine Inca doorway (rumi punku means 'stone door') incorporated into the building. The property offers comfortable rooms with colonial décor, good breakfast, and excellent value for its superb location near San Blas.
Check rates on Booking.comCasa San Blas Boutique Hotel
A delightful small hotel on the famous San Blas lane, offering 17 comfortable rooms with wooden beams, colonial accents, and local fabrics. The rooftop terrace with panoramic Cusco views is a highlight, and the family owners provide warm personal service. Excellent value for the unbeatable location.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Los Marqueses
A charming 3-star hotel occupying a colonial mansion with an attractive courtyard and antique furnishings, offering comfortable rooms at excellent value just two blocks from Plaza de Armas. The hotel has retained much of its original colonial character including carved wooden balconies and stone corridors.
Check rates on Booking.comNiños Hotel
A charming boutique hotel with a social mission - profits support the Niños Unidos Peruanos foundation helping street children. Offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms in a colonial house with a lovely garden, good buffet breakfast, and warm staff. Very popular with socially conscious travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comAranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
A sophisticated boutique hotel in a 16th-century colonial house in the historic center, offering elegant rooms decorated with Peruvian art and fine textiles. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and complimentary oxygen bar, making it a comfortable step up from budget options at a reasonable price.
Check rates on Booking.comPakaritampu Hotel
A welcoming 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo, perfectly located for exploring the Sacred Valley and departing early for Machu Picchu. The property offers comfortable rooms with great mountain views, a pleasant garden restaurant, and attentive service from the local Ollantaytambo family that runs it.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Pisac Inn
A cozy family-run hotel in the Sacred Valley town of Pisac, offering rustic rooms with garden views and a fantastic breakfast of local organic produce. The owners are knowledgeable about local hiking trails and can arrange guides. Walking distance to the famous Pisac market and close to the archaeological site.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Eco Quechua
A sustainable boutique hotel in San Blas with eco-friendly practices, comfortable rooms decorated with local Quechua textiles, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views. The hotel supports local artisan communities and provides excellent breakfast. A conscious choice for environmentally-minded travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
A legendary 5-star hotel occupying a beautifully restored 16th-century Jesuit monastery in the heart of Cusco's historic center. Rooms feature colonial antiques, original Cusco School paintings, and the hotel pumps oxygen into rooms to help guests acclimatize to altitude. The courtyard garden with its 300-year-old cedar tree is magical.
Check rates on Booking.comInkaterra La Casona
An exquisite boutique hotel occupying a 16th-century colonial mansion on Plaza Nazarenas, offering just 11 suites decorated with antiques and local artwork. The property exudes exclusivity with its serene courtyard, personalized service, and acclaimed restaurant serving elevated Peruvian cuisine. Rates include butler service and daily excursions.
Check rates on Booking.comPalacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A stunning 5-star hotel built on the ruins of Inca palaces adjacent to Qorikancha temple, blending original Inca stonework with sophisticated contemporary luxury. The 203-room hotel features an award-winning restaurant, Andean spa, and some rooms have direct views of the original Inca walls. Prime location on Plazoleta Santo Domingo.
Check rates on Booking.comSumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
The finest hotel in Aguas Calientes, positioned just minutes from the bus to Machu Picchu with stunning views of the Vilcanota River and surrounding cloud forest. The 62-room property offers Andean-inspired décor, a full-service spa, and a gourmet restaurant celebrating local Peruvian flavors. Perfect base for exploring Machu Picchu at your leisure.
Check rates on Booking.comCasa Andina Premium Cusco
A contemporary 4-star hotel in a historic colonial building near San Blas, offering modern comforts with Andean design touches and an innovative oxygen bar to aid acclimatization. The property features a restaurant, bar, and spa, with attentive service and central location. A reliable and comfortable choice for business and leisure travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott El Convento Cusco
An opulent 5-star hotel in a restored 16th-century convent on Plaza de Armas, offering 153 rooms with colonial décor, a full-service spa, multiple dining outlets, and an enviable central location. The hotel seamlessly blends original colonial architecture with modern luxury amenities. The rooftop terrace with Plaza de Armas views is outstanding.
Check rates on Booking.comTierra Viva Cusco Plaza
A charming boutique hotel just half a block from Plaza de Armas in a beautifully restored colonial house with exposed Inca stonework. The 54 rooms are elegantly decorated with local textiles and artwork. The hotel's small size ensures personalized service and a tranquil atmosphere despite the central location.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Historic Center (Plaza de Armas area)
The heart of Cusco, centered on the magnificent Plaza de Armas and surrounded by colonial churches, restaurants, and shops
Best for: First-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything
San Blas
Cusco's most charming neighborhood, climbing the hillside above the historic center with artisan workshops, boutique hotels, and panoramic viewpoints
Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers, photographers, and those wanting a quieter atmosphere
San Pedro
The neighborhood around the traditional San Pedro Market, where locals outnumber tourists and you can find the best budget food
Best for: Budget travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience real local Cusco life
Aguas Calientes
The small town below Machu Picchu on the Urubamba River, surrounded by cloud forest and lively with travelers heading to and from the ruins
Best for: Visitors who want to spend more than one day at Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley
The valley towns of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo offer a slower pace, fresh air, and lower altitude than Cusco city
Best for: Those acclimatizing to altitude, families, and travelers who prefer quieter surroundings
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
A legendary 5-star hotel occupying a beautifully restored 16th-century Jesuit monastery in the heart of Cusco's historic center. Rooms feature colonial antiques, original Cusco School paintings, and the hotel pumps oxygen into rooms to help guests acclimatize to altitude. The courtyard garden with its 300-year-old cedar tree is magical.
Check rates on Booking.comInkaterra La Casona
An exquisite boutique hotel occupying a 16th-century colonial mansion on Plaza Nazarenas, offering just 11 suites decorated with antiques and local artwork. The property exudes exclusivity with its serene courtyard, personalized service, and acclaimed restaurant serving elevated Peruvian cuisine. Rates include butler service and daily excursions.
Check rates on Booking.comPalacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A stunning 5-star hotel built on the ruins of Inca palaces adjacent to Qorikancha temple, blending original Inca stonework with sophisticated contemporary luxury. The 203-room hotel features an award-winning restaurant, Andean spa, and some rooms have direct views of the original Inca walls. Prime location on Plazoleta Santo Domingo.
Check rates on Booking.comSumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
The finest hotel in Aguas Calientes, positioned just minutes from the bus to Machu Picchu with stunning views of the Vilcanota River and surrounding cloud forest. The 62-room property offers Andean-inspired décor, a full-service spa, and a gourmet restaurant celebrating local Peruvian flavors. Perfect base for exploring Machu Picchu at your leisure.
Check rates on Booking.comCasa Andina Premium Cusco
A contemporary 4-star hotel in a historic colonial building near San Blas, offering modern comforts with Andean design touches and an innovative oxygen bar to aid acclimatization. The property features a restaurant, bar, and spa, with attentive service and central location. A reliable and comfortable choice for business and leisure travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott El Convento Cusco
An opulent 5-star hotel in a restored 16th-century convent on Plaza de Armas, offering 153 rooms with colonial décor, a full-service spa, multiple dining outlets, and an enviable central location. The hotel seamlessly blends original colonial architecture with modern luxury amenities. The rooftop terrace with Plaza de Armas views is outstanding.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 3-6 months in advance for luxury hotels during June-August peak season
Sacred Valley hotels are often cheaper than Cusco city and offer lower altitude for acclimatization
Aguas Calientes hotels book out fast - reserve as soon as you have your Machu Picchu tickets
Check if breakfast is included - many mid-range hotels include it in the rate
Oxygen-enriched rooms are offered by top luxury hotels and genuinely help with altitude sickness
Verify heating is available - Cusco nights are cold year-round at 3,400m altitude
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.