Hotels in Cusco

Whispers of the Andes: A Journey Through Cusco's Timeless Heritage and Enchanting Ruins

Discover Cusco, the historic heart of Peru, where the echoes of the Inca civilisation meet Spanish colonial splendour. Wander through ancient ruins, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and exquisite churches nestled within its charming streets. Visit renowned museums and the celebrated Unesco-listed sites, each narrating a tale of a bygone era. Cusco offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for holidaymakers seeking a journey back in time.

Discover great hotels near Cusco

Accommodation in Cusco offers a blend of cosy guesthouses and luxury hotels, with many places featuring charming colonial architecture and modern amenities. Whether you prefer an intimate B&B or a more upscale stay, you'll find a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers near Cusco:

1. El Parche Ruteroopens in new window: This inviting 3.0-star hostal type lodging offers a blend of comfort and relaxation, perfect for leisure travellers. With a variety of dining options including a Snack Bar, it caters to your culinary needs. The property is surrounded by outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horse riding, ensuring an adventurous stay. Guests appreciate the entertainment amenities, including a video library and a selection of books, all contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Chinchero Boutique Hotel & Toursopens in new window: A charming 3.0-star hotel, Chinchero Boutique Hotel & Tours boasts an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, making it ideal for leisure seekers. This property features modern amenities that enhance the travel experience, creating a comfortable environment for relaxation. With its boutique setting and attention to detail, it delivers a distinctive experience that resonates well with discerning travellers. The high guest satisfaction reflects a commitment to exceptional service and quality.
3. Pisonay Hotelopens in new window: As a budget-friendly option, Pisonay Hotel offers great value with a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, catering to cost-conscious leisure travellers. The hotel features complimentary breakfast options, including a daily continental breakfast, making mornings hassle-free. Its welcoming atmosphere and focus on affordability do not compromise the quality of the experience, ensuring a pleasant stay in Cusco.

Where to stay in Cusco

Some of the best areas to stay in Cusco are Titicaca, San Jeronimo, and El Bosque. Titicaca offers stunning lake views and rich cultural experiences, while San Jeronimo boasts vibrant local markets and traditional Peruvian cuisine. El Bosque is known for its tranquil atmosphere amidst lush greenery. For first-time visitors, San Jeronimo is particularly appealing for its authentic local charm.

1. Titicacaopens in new window: Staying near Lake Titicaca is a unique experience, as it’s the highest navigable lake in the world. This area is perfect for travellers seeking to explore the rich indigenous culture, with opportunities to visit floating islands like Uros and Taquile. You can immerse yourself in local traditions and enjoy breathtaking views. There are various accommodations, from charming lakeside lodges to comfortable hotels. The area is also known for its vibrant markets, where you can shop for handmade textiles and crafts, making it a fantastic base for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
2. San Jeronimoopens in new window: San Jeronimo offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city centre, perfect for those who want a more local experience. You can explore traditional markets and sample Peruvian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The area is home to beautiful colonial architecture and is close to several cultural attractions, including museums that showcase Cusco's rich history. It's ideal for those seeking a blend of tranquillity and cultural immersion, with a range of comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to both the city and natural landscapes.
3. El Bosqueopens in new window: El Bosque is a serene neighbourhood that provides a peaceful escape while still being close to the action. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and offers beautiful walking paths, making it a lovely spot for nature lovers. The area is known for its boutique hotels and cozy guesthouses, ideal for those looking for a more intimate stay. You can enjoy nearby attractions such as art galleries and cultural centres, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to experience the local art scene and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Things to do in Cusco

Cusco invites travellers with its highland allure, blending rugged mountains with verdant parks and bustling markets. Enjoy scenic hikes, quaint boating trips, and local shopping excursions in a charming setting that melds ancient ruins with splendid natural vistas.

• Plaza de Armasopens in new window – Begin your Cusco journey at Plaza de Armas, a vibrant piazzaSquare that serves as the heart of the city. Here, you can admire a blend of historical ruins and impressive cathedral architecture, explore nearby churches, and even find small museums that shed light on the rich heritage of the area, all nestled within a recognised UNESCO site.
• Cusco Cathedralopens in new window – A short walk from the central square leads you to Cusco Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral, steeped in history, offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate intricate religious art and architecture that has stood the test of time. Its location within the UNESCO site further enhances its appeal as a key historical monument.
• Coricanchaopens in new window – Next, visit Coricancha, the ancient temple that once held great significance in the Incan civilisation. The structure’s blend of ruins with later colonial influences provides an insightful glimpse into the region’s layered past, making it a must-see for those interested in historical architecture and ancient cultures.
• San Blas Churchopens in new window – Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, San Blas Church offers a more intimate setting. This church, known for its unique style and detailed craftsmanship, invites you to explore its serene interior and learn about its historical importance to the local community.
• Plaza San Blasopens in new window – Conclude your tour at Plaza San Blas, a quaint piazzaSquare that embodies the local spirit of Cusco. With its close proximity to San Blas Church, it provides a relaxed environment to reflect on the day’s discoveries and absorb the timeless charm of this historic region.

4 tips for savvy savings when booking a hotel in Cusco

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Cusco is from January to March, when hotel rates tend to be lower. For those keen to delve into the city's rich history and culture, a stay of at least 3 to 4 days is recommended. This duration allows for ample time to explore significant landmarks, such as the impressive ruins, the grand cathedral, and various historical churches. Visitors can also enjoy informative tours, visit engaging museums, and experience the local shopping scene, all while indulging in the vibrant café culture. With careful planning, travellers can enjoy a culturally enriching experience at great value for money.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: To discover last-minute deals to Cusco, begin by exploring the Dealsopens in new window or Last-Minute Deals sections on Hotels.com, where you may find discounted hotel options as your travel date approaches. Additionally, enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com ensures you're kept informed about flash sales and exclusive promotions, helping you seize opportunities to save. Utilising the Smart Shopping tool via the app allows you to compare hotel prices and amenities, so you're more likely to see updates on availability and price drops for your preferred accommodations, enabling you to book that perfect last-minute getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate depending on factors such as the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year, so having some flexibility with your travel dates may help you find a better deal on your stay in a Cusco hotel. For those seeking unique accommodations, boutique hotels often provide a more personalised experience and can sometimes offer better value. When you book with Hotels.com, we’ll inform you whether the price for your chosen dates is above or below the average. If the price is on the higher end, we’ll suggest alternative dates that could be more affordable, assisting you in your search for a good deal.
4. Consider your location: Hotels situated near the city centre usually tend to be more expensive, but thanks to Cusco's excellent public transport connections, you may discover a more affordable independent hotel located a bit further out that remains well-connected. For those eager to explore alternative, less crowded neighbourhoods or even lesser-known nearby towns, there is often excellent value for money to be found. Opting for these alternative destinations could provide a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

Best time to go to Cusco

Cusco experiences its lowest average temperature in June, at 47.7°F (8.7°C), while November is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 52.5°F (11.4°C). February tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Cusco are January, April, and July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light to frequent rainfall. In contrast, October to December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by moderate to frequent rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.