There are many different neighborhoods and hotels in the Inca City of Cusco. Deciding which neighborhood to stay in, let alone which hotel, can be a daunting task. Generally speaking, you will want to stay in or around the historical center. Around the main square is the oldest part of the city with the most history and the most Inca Architecture.
Which Neighborhoods are the Best to Stay in?
Most of the sites of interest are located in the center of the city so you won’t have to walk nearly as much if you stay in one of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Here are the Recommended Neighborhoods:
- Historical City Center
- San Blas
- San Cristobal
- Santa Ana
Historical City Center
Potentially the best area to stay in the city especially if you’re planning to visit many sites in the city of Cusco. The Historical City Center has the most high-class restaurants, cafes and artisan stores. For example, if you are searching for the highest quality alpaca clothing or the best tasting food in the city and want to be within walking distance of it all then this is the place for you!
Places of interest in The Historical City Center:
- Plaza de Armas
- Cusco Cathedral
- Qoricancha
- Qosqo Center of Native Art
- Museum of Popular Art
- Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
- 12 sided stone
- Inca Museum
- Church of the Society of Jesus
- Museum and Catacombs of The Church and Convent of San Francisco
Hotels In the City Center
There are many different hotels to choose from in the city center they range from 2 to 5 stars. Depending on your budget, you could stay at a luxury hotel 5 Star hotel or a Standard hostel.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
Palacio Del Inka is a 500-year-old colonial mansion with an on-site restaurant. This hotel offers a true luxury 5-star experience. A few blocks from the main square and just across the street from Qoricancha. Palacio Del Inka is rated the best value in the city by TripAdvisor, with a whopping 3973 reviews, and a 5-star rating, this is really one of the best hotels in the entire city. That’s saying a lot considering there are thousands of hotels. Enjoy a high-class meal at the Inti Raymi restaurant, relax at the luxurious Andes Spirit Spa, and admire the elegant architecture of this luxury hotel and historic landmark.
Los Apus Hotel & Mirador
A 3-star hotel located just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas this hotel has one of the best values for a 3-star accommodation. Offering decent views of the city there are many common areas an outdoor an outdoor patio area to enjoy a meal or admire the view. Housed in a 17-century colonial house this hotel is an award winning Swiss owned business.
Viajero Kokopelli Cusco Hostel
Kokopelli is a hostel chain with locations in many cities across Peru. The Cusco Kokopelli location is the closest hostel to Plaza de Armas. If you are looking for a social environment in the center of the city then look no further. Kokopelli has shared dormitories and private rooms including female only dormitories. There are social events every day from karaoke, pisco sour lessons, bonfire nights and local DJ’s. Theres always something to do.
San Blas
San Blas is a quant neighborhood situated above the Historical center of Cusco. The bohemian center of the city, San Blas has art galleries and beautiful views of the city. With narrow picturesque streets, some inaccessible by car, every turn warrants a photo. The art culture in this neighborhood is no new phenomenon. Artists have been gathering here to show and trade their art since the time of the Inca Empire. If you are looking to explore Andean art and culture this is the neighborhood for you.
***PLEASE NOTE: Some roads are very narrow and inaccessible by car. Take this into account when choosing your hotel.
Places of interest in San Blas
- San Blas Waterfalls and Caves
- Plaza de San Blas
- Mirador de San Blas
- Mirador de la Piedra Redonda
- Church of San Blas
- Mercado San Blas
Hotels in San Blas
The hotels and hostels in San Blas often times have good views of the surrounding city. Being above the city center you will have to walk up or take a taxi from the Historical city Center. If altitude really affects you consider getting a hotel in a different neighborhood as this area is quite far uphill. Additionally, some streets are too narrow for vehicles so you may not be able to get a taxi to the door of your hotel.
Antigua Casona San Blas
The Antigua Casona San Blas is a 4-star hotel located in the hills of San Blas which offers high quality rooms and service. This hotel offers couples massages, yoga classes, room service and more. With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, and rated best value in San Blas, this is one of the best options in Cusco. This is a great option for anyone wanting to have a luxury experience in San Blas.
Casa San Blas Boutique
Casa San Blas Boutique is a restored 17th century colonial house located in San Blas. The owners used all traditional materials when restoring this hotel in order to keep its authentic aesthetic. With great views this 3-star hostel is rated the 2nd best value in San Blas. A great middle ground between luxury and budget this hotel has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor.
Hostal de Magio San Blas
One of the highest rated hostels in the city, Hostal de Magio is a perfect option if you are looking for budget accommodation but, don’t want to sacrifice on cleanliness. With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor the staff at this hostel is some of the most attentive. The 4-bed dormitory has a really low cost of only 18 soles and the economy double room is just 44 soles this includes tax and FREE BREAKFAST!
San Cristobal
Located north of Plaza de almas and west of San Blas this neighborhood boasts some of the best views of the city such as the Church of San Cristobal. Near the Church is Colcampata the palace of Manco Capac, the legendary founder of Cusco. A quite part of town away from the noise of the center this a great place to have a relaxing afternoon.
Places of interest
- San Cristobal Church
- Colcampata
- Acueducto de Sapantiana
- Siete borreguitos
Hotels in San Cristobal
One of the quietest parts of this city this is a great getaway from the chaos of the center. Many of the hotels here have great views of the center below. Additionally, San Cristobal is at the foot of Sacsayhuaman one of the main attractions in the region.
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
We talked about the palace of Manco Capac earlier, well it turns out you can actually stay at the palace of Colcampata. Whatever your thoughts are on the idea of staying in an archeological site it’s a unique opportunity to sleep where the founder of Cusco used to live. A 4-star hotel with private gardens and views of the city there are many services available including massages, steam baths, buffet style breakfast and more.
Hotel Boutique Gold Garden
A 3-star hotel located near the Church of San Cristobal. A nice hotel only 1km from the famous Sacsayhuaman and near to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city this hotel is a great balance between luxury and budget. With services such as room service, free transport to the airport, and free breakfast you’ll feel nice and comfortable at this hotel.
Kurumi Hostel
The only hostel in the neighborhood this is the most affordable option in the area. Located just below the Church of San Cristobal and only three blocks from Plaza de Armas this hostel is in a great location. There are dormitories for 26 soles and private rooms for as low as 66. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4 stars this is a great budget option when looking for accommodation in the San Cristobal neighborhood.
Santa Ana
Located on the north Western slope of the Cusco valley this neighborhood is a great mix of quiet, historical and nightlife. A historically significant city where archeologists have found evidence of civilization dating back as far as 700 B.C. This is also the neighborhood in which the Spanish first descended into the city of Cusco. Enjoy a walk to the Church of Santa Ana and the arch of Alcabala.
- Church of Santa
- Arch of Alcabala
Hotels in Santa Ana
Being a bit secluded from the rest of the city Santa Ana offers all types of hotels and hostels. A quiet neighborhood with great views of the city and picturesque streets this is a great choice when trying to decide which part of the city to stay. From luxury 4-star hotels to affordable 2-star hostels Santa Ana has a lot to offer.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Part of the Hilton chain of hotels, it is located just across from the Santa Ana Church. Built into the side of the Santa Ana slope the hotel has absolutely amazing views of the city. Being a 4-star hotel, you can expect excellent service for your entire stay. With amenities such as air conditioning, spa and massages, and an on-site restaurant. This is the nicest hotel in the Santa Ana neighborhood so if luxury is what you want then this is the spot for you.
Loki Cusco
A restored 450-year-old Andean adobe Casona this hotel has a lot of History. Rated #2 on trip advisor out of 950 hostels in Cusco this hostel has dormitories starting at 35 soles and private rooms starting at 70. With a large bar and four different courtyards this is a great place to socialize and meet fellow travelers.
Wild Rover Hostel
Located just across from the Church of Santa Ana this hostel has events every night. A great place to meet like minded tourists this hostel has a great social atmosphere. Prices range from 35 soles for a 20 bed dormitory (I have never heard of a dorm that large) to 185 for a private matrimonial. This hostel has probably the best views of any hostel in the city with a nice balcony lookout and clean tidy rooms. A great option if you want a hostal in the Santa Ana neighborhood.
Other Neighborhoods
There are other areas in Cusco that you could technically chose to stay however, these locations are far from the city center. You will have to take a bus or a taxi in order to explore the archeological sites and museums. These neighborhoods are generally much cheaper than the ones listed above but, they can lack the cultural and social feel that the other neighborhoods offer.
- San Sebastian: A neighborhood around 30 mins (by car) south of the city center this neighborhood.
- Wanchaq: A neighborhood bordering san Sabastian this area is home to the Wanchaq train station which can take you as far as Arequipa
- Independencia: Located Northwest of the Historic Center this neighborhood boarders Santa Ana and has many affordable hostels.
