What is the best area to stay in Cusco?
By Ben Pike. Jan 17, 2023
Cusco is the springboard to Peru’s most iconic attractions, like Machu Picchu. A mountain city, dense in history, where stones placed by the Incans are still lived in to this day. As the country’s number one tourist hotspot, it’s bursting with life. Tourists rub elbows with Indigenous Andean locals yelling in markets as they sell locally grown produce and woven fabrics. Traditional Quechuan (The local Andean people) dresses flow down the cobblestone streets and into grand beautiful plazas. The smell of dozens of Peruvian delights waft the air, and llamas pose with grandma for that holiday snap. All that, and a lively nightlife!
The best area to stay in Cusco is the historical center, as near as you can to the Plaza de las Armas or Plaza Mayor, which is the heart and soul of all that happens in Cusco. To the north of the square you will find the San Blas area, which is home to the city’s many artisan workshops and shops and which still conserves all the charm of the old Cusco. It´s one of the most popular tourist areas, although its only pitfall is that you are constantly going up and down stairs, which is a common problem in Peru. However, if you don’t have any mobility limitations, then it’s a safe and charming neighborhood which you are sure to fall in love with.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Cusco, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Cusco, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Lima or where to stay in Bogota.
Historic Center, the best area to stay in Cusco
History Lovers / Drinking & Dining / Nightlife
If you are looking to be right there, slap bang in the middle of the action, the Historic Center is the place to stay. This is the area of the city with the highest concentration of hotels, hostels, bars, restaurants and markets, and with prices to suit the width of every wallet.
All set within a labyrinth of enormous ancient interlocked stones, cobbled streets, Hispanic churches, and aromatic markets. This has been the central point of Incan civilization for over 500 years and some of the same hustle and bustle still continue to this day, so it can get busy.
If you are looking for a tour or a trek? From the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, to a quad bike ride to somewhere you can’t pronounce. You can book it all right here in one of the numerous agencies. And for the history and art buffs, there are a variety of museums and galleries.
Hotels in Cusco Historic Center
Other areas to stay in Cusco
Airport Area
Convenience to Airport / Business / Transfers
We would only recommend the Airport area for people looking to stay close to the airport. If you are on a business trip or have an early morning flight, and you want to be able to roll straight out of bed and into the departure lounge, then here it is.
The whole district hugs the airport, but most hotels are strung out down the 3S road. You can literally walk out of customs and into a hotel in less than 5 minutes.
There’s not much in the general area, but for something to do, visit the Wanchaq Market on Huascar Avenue. There is nothing touristic about it, but it’s great to just soak in the local Peruvian atmosphere. If you get hungry, there are plenty of eateries and restaurants on the 3S. You won’t find the same quality of food as in the center, but there is a good variety.
Sacred Valley
Close to Ruins / Tranquil / Nature
The Sacred Valley is the ideal place to stay for anyone looking to step away from the crowds and be closer to nature. It’s the same valley that stretches out a string of Incan ruins from Cusco to Machu Picchu and beyond.
There is a small town at nearly every major archaeological site along the Valley. They feel almost perfectly placed to be able to wake up, put on your boots, and hike straight up the mountain and into magical ruins before the crowds have even left Cusco.
Pisac for the more spiritual. With its wide array of ceremonies and sustainably built mud cottages. Urubamba is the largest town within the valley. With some of the best fresh food markets in Peru. And Ollantaytambo is for sure one of the prettiest places in the whole country. Here, people still live in the very same houses built by the Incans all those years ago.
Our recommended hotels in Cusco
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in CuscoNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
