Cusco Peru was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and today remains the gateway to world-famous Machu Picchu and the uber-Instagrammable Rainbow Mountain. Over 500,000 travelers each year visit this region, making it one of the most popular cities in South America.
While the city has only half a million residents, a small fraction of Lima, you will still have several options when deciding where to stay near Cusco. We’ve gathered up the best Cusco hotels and neighborhoods for every kind of traveler, as well as the best hostels in Cusco, for our budget-friendly travelers.
We will cover off all types of Cusco accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Cusco hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Cusco Peru 2023, the best Cusco hotels, best places in Cusco to visit, the best places to stay in Cusco, hotels near Cusco attractions, Cusco neighborhood guide and many more.
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Plaza de Armas – Where to Stay in Cusco for Tourists
Plaza de Armas Cusco is one of two areas that make up the historic centre of Cusco. This central square is the gathering place for travelers and locals alike.
The square is a hub of activity and is lined with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Several important architectural and archaeological sites are centered around Plaza de Armas, as well as some interesting museums.
If you are setting off to hike the Inca Trail, you can purchase any last-minute supplies at the San Pedro market. With the highest concentration of Cusco hotels, this is the best area for tourists visiting Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Where to Stay in Plaza de Armas
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Plaza de Armas
Pirwa Colonial Hostel
Ecopackers
Teatro Inka Hostal
Dragonfly Hostels Cusco
Budget Hotels in Plaza de Armas
Royal Inti Cusco
Askha Cusco Inn
Kusipaqari Hotel
Casa Hospedaje Hatun Quilla
Mid range Hotels in Plaza de Armas
Royal Inka II
Hotel Marqueses
Cooper Hotel Boutique
Hotel Garcilaso
Family Friendly Hotels in Plaza de Armas
Andean Wings Boutique Hotel
El Mercado
Hotel Oblitas Plaza De Armas Cusco
Costa Del Sol Ramada Cusco
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Plaza de Armas
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
San Blas – Where to Stay in Cusco with Family
The other half of Cusco’s historic centre is called San Blas, named for the Plaza San Blas. San Blas Cusco enjoys a prime location just above the Plaza de Armas area.
Everything is within walking distance, however, it’s a bit quieter, making it the best area for tourists seeking a family-friendly neighborhood near central Cusco.
The Temple of San Blas dates back to the 16th century, and the nearby Coca Museum is an interesting look at the history of the coca leaves, which you will likely sample in Cusco. Don’t miss the weekly fair on Saturdays!
Where to Stay in San Blas
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in San Blas
Marco Wasi
La Waka Perdida
Black Sheep Hostel Cusco
Pantastico Bed & Bakery
Budget Hotels in San Blas
Hostal Atlantis
El Auqui Cusco
Hostal Arrieros
Hostal Monarca
Mid range Hotels in San Blas
Andean South Inn
Amaru Colonial
Casa Andina Standard Cusco San Blas
Hotel Casona les Pleiades
Family Friendly Hotels in San Blas
Hostal Goya Andina
Cusi Hotel
Cusco Hotel Cascada Del Inka
Koyllur Inn
Affordable Luxury Hotels in San Blas
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
Lucrepata – Where to Stay in Cusco for an Authentic Experience
On the other side of San Blas is the residential area called Lucrepata. Still within walking distance of central Cusco, this area is quiet and has more residents than tourists.
It’s a hilly walk from Plaza de Armas, which can be a challenge given the altitude, but it can also be a good way to acclimate for a hike on the Inca Trail. You can also find some green spaces and parks in this neighborhood, which is a great selling point for Lucrepata!
Where to Stay in Lucrepata
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Lucrepata
La Waka Perdida
Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta
Hostal Killa Q’Ente
Marco Wasi
Budget Hotels in Lucrepata
Hostal Atlantis
Cusco Hotel Cascada Del Inka
Qorikilla Zaguan
Hotel Golden Inca
Mid range Hotels in Lucrepata
Apartamento En El Centro Historico de Cusco
Koyllur Inn
Hotel Awki’s Dream
La Posada de Atahualpa
Family Friendly Hotels in Lucrepata
Andean South Inn
Villa San Blas
La Morada
Hotel Balconcillo
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Lucrepata
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
San Cristobal – Where to Stay in Cusco for Great Views
San Cristobal is another neighborhood that sits high on a hill overlooking all of Cusco. San Cristobal Church can be seen from most of Cusco, making this an easy landmark for finding your way home. Be prepared for a strenuous workout, however, as it’s quite the climb!
Given the distance from the historic centre, this is one of the best places to stay in Cusco on a budget. This is also the closest area to Saqsaywaman, an Incan complex of stone walls.
Where to Stay in San Cristobal
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in San Cristobal
Blacky Hostel
Auquis Ccapac Guest House
Selina Cusco Saphi
Mosoq Wasi Boutique
Budget Hotels in San Cristobal
Hostal Qolqampata
Casa Imperial Inn
Casa Wasi House
Cusco Plaza Saphi
Mid range Hotels in San Cristobal
El Balcon
Samana Inn & Spa
Hotel Rojas Inn
MamaSara Hotel
Family Friendly Hotels in San Cristobal
Conquista Cusco
Anden Inca Hotel
Hostal Saphi
Kay Pacha Hostal
Affordable Luxury Hotels in San Cristobal
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux
Santa Ana – Where to Stay in Cusco on a Budget
This small area of Cusco sits between the historic centre and San Cristobal. With a high concentration of hostels in this neighborhood, it’s one of the best places to stay in Cusco on a budget.
Plaza Santa Ana is the central hub of this neighborhood and is about a 20-minute walk from the historic centre.
Be sure to use caution in the areas of San Pedro and the train station, as they are common areas for pickpockets. Stick to well-lighted areas, and use your usual travel smarts as you would anywhere.
Where to Stay in San Ana
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in San Ana
Cusco Packers Hostel
Ukumari Hostel
Owl Home Cusco
Atawkama Hostel
Budget Hotels in San Ana
Hotel Cusi Wasi
Hostal Quipu Cusco
Casa Arcopata
Hotel Casa Fierro Cusco
Mid range Hotels in San Ana
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Ninos Hotel Fierro
Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique
San Francisco Plaza Hotel
Family Friendly Hotels in San Ana
Mirador de Santa Ana
Capuli Casa Hospedaje
Casa Hospedaje Hatun Quilla
Tocapu Boutique Hotel
Affordable Luxury Hotels in San Ana
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux
Where to Stay near Cusco Airport
The area immediately surrounding the airport is mostly residential, but there are a few hotels scattered about. Located about 20 minutes from the historic centre, you can choose to stay near the airport for the convenience of catching an early flight, while still enjoying the sights of Cusco by hiring a taxi.
There are a few markets and restaurants in this area as well, so it’s not entirely off the beaten tourist path. However, it’s an area best suited for business travelers and those arriving late at night or departing early in the morning.
Where to Stay near Cusco Airport
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near Cusco Airport
Golden House Inn – Cusco
Hotel San Juan de Dios Cusco
Hospedaje Turismo Caith
Hostal Inkas Peru
Budget Hotels near Cusco Airport
Magic Cusco
Wayra Dreams Hotel
Qamaq Hospedaje Familiar
Florida del Inca Hotel
Mid range Hotels near Cusco Airport
Hotel Agustos Cusco
Hotel Ferre Cusco
Wayqey Hotel
Hotel Marcelinos
Family Friendly Hotels near Cusco Airport
Los Girasoles Cusco
Salones del Inca Hotel
Mirador Apart Hotel
In Casita
Affordable Luxury Hotels near Cusco Airport
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
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