You’re standing with your suitcase in hand facing steep stone stairs at around 3,400 meters. With each step up, you’ll likely realize that altitude and uphill climbs add up mercilessly. In Cusco (also spelled Cuzco), the neighborhood matters. Sleep quality varies dramatically between districts, and the exact address matters far more than you’d expect. The historic center is most convenient for your first days. San Blas tempts with atmosphere, but you’ll earn it climbing uphill.
We’ll help you figure out where to stay in Cusco Peru: we’ve selected eighteen main hotels in the city, in the lower-lying Sacred Valley, and in Aguas Calientes, where you typically sleep just one night before or after visiting Machu Picchu, and added several alternatives. Accommodation in Cusco includes prices in euros per night for two (where Google Hotels lists them) and honest complaints from previous guests. Once you’ve made your choice, check out what to see in Cusco. Those who spend a night in the capital before heading to the mountains will also find the article where to stay in Lima useful.
TL;DR
- For first days and short stays, the historic center around Plaza de Armas works well, but due to noise from the square and bars, it’s better to request a room facing the interior courtyard.
- If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere with cafés and don’t mind climbing steep stairs daily, you’ll probably fall in love with the bohemian San Blas neighborhood.
- Guides recommend spending your first nights in the Sacred Valley, which lies several hundred meters lower, making altitude acclimatization easier.
- If you want to avoid hauling luggage uphill and appreciate proximity to the airport, choose hotels on flat Avenida El Sol or in the Wanchaq neighborhood, where in November 2026 you’ll pay €130 at Sonesta Hotel Cusco.
- Budget travelers will find cheaper accommodation around the San Pedro market, where a night at Black Llama Hostel, Cusco costs €30 in November 2026. Party hostel Wild Rover Cusco is located in the Santa Ana neighborhood.
- According to Reddit discussions, one night in Aguas Calientes is enough because it’s expensive and noisy at night. It pays to stay overnight though, because 1,000 tickets per day are sold on-site, and according to Reddit, when online tickets sell out, you can only get them the following day.
Which Neighborhood to Choose and Where to Stay
The historic center lies roughly between 3,350 and 3,500 meters. San Blas, San Cristóbal, and Santa Ana are only 20 to 100 meters higher than Plaza de Armas, so elevation barely differs between neighborhoods. The difference comes from steep streets that challenge everyone.
Plaza de Armas and Centro Histórico. The heart of the city is a practical choice for your first days: main sights are within walking distance and plenty of luxury hotels occupy colonial buildings. Accommodation near the square sometimes brings noise. A guest staying in Inkaterra La Casona (see tip #4) complained about a noisy room facing the square in December 2025. From the airport you’ll get here by taxi in about ten to twenty minutes. In November 2026, a night here costs €70 at Novotel Cusco. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco costs €430. This area also includes Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, and Inkaterra La Casona – Relais & Châteaux.
San Blas. The bohemian neighborhood attracts with quieter streets full of artisans, cafés, and a dense network of vegetarian establishments. You’ll walk downhill to the square in five to ten minutes; coming back means climbing. Taxis may not reach the upper alleys, and your legs will get a workout on the climb. In November 2026, you can stay at Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas for €105 and at Atoq San Blas Hotel for €95. Luxury Antigua Casona San Blas is significantly more expensive. A night here in February 2027 costs €240.
San Cristóbal. The neighborhood sits on a steep slope directly above the main square and tends to be quieter. The neighborhood sits on the slope below the Sacsayhuamán ruins. The way back up will leave you breathless, but one guest in June 2026 appreciated that the hotel sits on a hill with views over the square. In November 2026 you’ll pay €100 at Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay. A suite at Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa cost €270 in June 2027.
Santa Ana. Of all the neighborhoods, Santa Ana is closest to Poroy station (about 6.5 km) and climbs to 3,500 meters, so expect steep hills. Evenings can be lively: hostels with their own bars are located here and noise carries through surrounding streets. In November 2026, a night at Wild Rover Cusco costs €15 and at Loki Cusco €15.
Around San Pedro Market. This relatively flat area suits those taking the morning train to Machu Picchu: San Pedro station is right by the market (find train schedules in the Trains section). From the market to the main square is about 0.3 to 0.7 km as the crow flies. The market area can be busier and less pleasant after dark. In November 2026, you can stay at Union Hotel Boutique Cusco for €70, or choose Black Llama Hostel, Cusco for €30.
Avenida El Sol, Qorikancha, and Wanchaq. This area lies on flat terrain in the lower part of the city, at an elevation of 3,350 to 3,400 meters. It’s convenient for arrivals from the airport and departures from Wanchaq station. From January to April, combined services (bus then train) to Machu Picchu depart from here. According to two guests, it’s a fifteen to twenty minute walk from Sonesta to Plaza de Armas, less from hotels closer to Qorikancha. Along the way you’ll encounter typical city traffic. In November 2026, accommodation at Palacio del Inka, Hotel costs €235 and Sonesta Hotel Cusco runs €130.
Sacred Valley. Towns in the valley lie roughly 430 to 600 meters lower than Cusco (Urubamba at about 2,871 m, Ollantaytambo at about 2,792 m), making altitude acclimatization easier. They’re separated from the city by about 17 km (Pisac) to 42 km (Ollantaytambo) as the crow flies, so without your own car you’ll depend on transfers. Most trains to Aguas Calientes depart from Ollantaytambo, though according to reviews of one hotel right by the station, guests complained about train noise at night. In November 2026 you’ll pay €290 at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado.
Aguas Calientes. The town below the ruins works for one night if you want to catch the first morning bus and avoid stress from delayed trains. Besides online sales, Machu Picchu tickets are also sold on-site, but only 1,000 per day. When online tickets sell out, according to Reddit discussions you can only get them the following day. According to a Reddit discussion from June 2026, there’s significant noise at night from restaurants and the street, and one guest wrote that trains pass by windows until one in the morning. In November 2026, a night at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel costs €490.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll immediately see how much prices change a few blocks away.
When to Go, When to Book, and What to Watch Out For
Hotel prices and availability change according to season and local holidays, so it pays to think through your dates carefully. Hotels around Inti Raymi tend to sell out. The rainy season saves money at some hotels but not others, and in February the Inca Trail is closed.
Inti Raymi and the entire month of June. Inti Raymi is the Festival of the Sun, held on June 24 during the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. All of June in Cusco is marked by celebrations. At many hotels, the night of June 23-24, 2027 costs roughly 1.5 to 3.4 times more than the night of November 12-13, 2026. Some hotels, such as Tierra Viva San Blas and Atoq San Blas, cost the same or less. Palacio del Inka jumps from €235 to €620 per night for two. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco rises from €290 to €560, and Quinta San Blas by Ananay from €85 to €295. Monasterio, Palacio Manco Capac, Wild Rover, and Black Llama are likely sold out for this night because Google Hotels lists no rooms available. Tickets for the main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán fortress disappear quickly: according to Infobae (June 17, 2026), all 4,116 tickets sold out before the festival. Tickets cost S/ 490 to 850 (S/ is the Peruvian sol, 1 sol equals about €0.26), approximately €130 to €220.
High season and rainy season. The official high season for visiting Machu Picchu in 2026 runs from June 19 to November 2, when Cusco sees the most visitors. At some hotels, February is cheapest (Atoq San Blas Hotel €55, Sonesta Hotel Cusco €85), but luxury resorts in the valley and Aguas Calientes actually increase prices in February. The Inca Trail is closed in February. From January to April, travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco typically combines modes: first by bus then by train (in 2026 the bus departed from Wanchaq station). Verify schedules for the following year. Fiestas Patrias (July 28 and 29) and Corpus Christi (May 27 in 2027) are national holidays to consider when planning your dates.
Trains to Machu Picchu. According to PeruRail timetables, from May to December 2026, services run from San Pedro station by the market at 6:40 and 7:30 (journey about 4 hours 10 to 40 minutes). From Poroy station above the city, trains depart between 6:40 and 9:05 (about 3 hours 15 to 40 minutes). From Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley, services operate from 5:05 to 21:00 (journey 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes). Service in 2026 was interrupted by landslides (March to April), an August fire, and a train collision on October 2.
Airport and getting to town. The journey from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), located about five kilometers from the historic center, takes 10 to 20 minutes by car. Official taxis charge S/ 40 to 60 (about €10 to €15). Through apps like Uber or InDrive you’ll pay around S/ 15 to 25 (roughly €4 to €7). The UK Foreign Office advises booking transport through apps or your hotel reception and not getting into taxis stopped on the street. The new airport in Chinchero won’t open in 2026. Peru’s Ministry of Transport (MTC) stated in January 2026 that about 40% of construction is complete and operations will begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
Altitude and altitude sickness. The historic center lies at roughly 3,400 meters. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that some form of altitude sickness affects up to half of arrivals. Guides therefore recommend starting acclimatization somewhat lower in the Sacred Valley. The CDC advises against drinking tap water, so rely on bottled or filtered hotel water.
Winter and heating. While the sun pleasantly warms the Andes during the day, in June and July nighttime temperatures drop toward zero. In July 2025, Infobae reported −2°C in Cusco, and Peru’s meteorological service SENAMHI indicated temperatures of 0 to −8°C for July 2026 in areas above 3,200 meters. According to one Reddit user (October 2026), almost no one in Cusco has heating. According to reviews, heating is also absent in some budget and mid-range accommodation. On booking sites, therefore filter for accommodation with heating. Some hotels provide hot water bottles for beds, such as Palacio Nazarenas and according to a Google Maps review summary, Antigua Casona San Blas as well.
18 Best Hotels in Cusco and the Surrounding Area
We’ve organized the hotels roughly by neighborhood: starting in the historic center, moving through San Blas, San Cristóbal, Santa Ana, and the area around San Pedro Market on Avenida El Sol, and ending in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. Prices are per night for two people; for hostels, they’re for the cheapest available room (according to Google Hotels, likely a private room—dorm beds are usually cheaper). We show three dates: November 2026 (start of the rainy season), February 2027, and the night before the Inti Raymi festival, June 23–24, 2027. Opening hours and prices change. Check before you visit.
1. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco sits on Plazoleta Nazarenas in the historic center. The building functioned as the San Antonio Abad monastery from 1595 and was only converted into a hotel with 97 rooms and 20 suites in 1965. One guest compared staying here to living in a museum and appreciated the collection of colonial paintings and the art tours. Another guest praised the evening opera performances in the on-site restaurant.
The historic building has its downsides: one guest in August 2026 warned that rooms with only one small window can feel claustrophobic. A night for two in November 2026 costs €430, and in February 2027 you’ll pay €405.
💡 Tip: Oxygen isn’t automatic in the rooms. If you’re worried about altitude sickness, you need to select a specific category labeled “with Oxygen” when you book.
2. Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco is right across the street from its sister property, Monasterio. Its walls have seen an Inca temple, a sixteenth-century palace, and a Jesuit college from 1644. According to the Google Maps review summary, guests appreciate the spacious suites, outdoor heated pool, and complimentary minibar. One guest praised the on-site restaurant.
One guest in July 2026 found an alpaca-shaped hot water bottle in the bed. You can find prices for your dates on the Belmond website. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM and check-out ends at 12:00 PM.
💡 Tip: All suites in this hotel are oxygen-enriched, which can help ease altitude issues in the first few days.
3. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco stands on the corner of Ruinas and San Agustín streets in a restored sixteenth-century convent built on Inca foundations. One guest appreciated the pool with sauna. Another visitor praised the breakfasts with omelet station and filtered water available in dispensers in the hallways.
A guest in August 2026 wrote about oxygen-enriched rooms, and another in September 2026 said staff will bring oxygen to your room (the hotel doesn’t officially confirm this). In November 2026 you’ll pay €290 per night. A February stay costs €350, and the night before the June Inti Raymi runs €560.
💡 Tip: If you’re interested in the building’s history and the Killke culture archaeological finds in two exhibition halls, take advantage of the hotel tour. According to one guest, they’re free.
4. Inkaterra La Casona – Relais & Châteaux
Inkaterra La Casona – Relais & Châteaux occupies a sixteenth-century historic house on Plazoleta Nazarenas. Since March 2008 it has operated as a boutique hotel with just eleven suites. One guest was grateful that staff arranged to pick up luggage when their train was delayed. Another guest praised the staff’s English.
Reviews also mention specific complaints. One guest in December 2025 criticized a cold, noisy room facing the square with no thermostat. Another visitor encountered the smell of urine around the building. A night in February 2027 and before Inti Raymi both cost €390. If you’re hesitant about this property, try the boutique Casa Clara by Ananay as an alternative, which one guest described as quiet and clean. A night there runs €230 in November 2026, €230 in February 2027, and €400 before Inti Raymi.
💡 Tip: The base rate includes breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktail hour, and oxygen.
5. Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco, formerly known as Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco, occupies a seventeenth-century colonial house on Santa Teresa street. It offers 77 rooms just a short walk from the main Plaza de Armas. One guest enjoyed the interior courtyard with seating and the building’s historic charm.
Another guest mentioned problems with a booking through Expedia. But the hotel resolved the issue to their satisfaction. You’ll pay €105 for a night in November 2026. In February 2027 it costs €80, and before the Inti Raymi festival €165.
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for a meat-free breakfast, 180 meters away on Plaza de Armas you’ll find El Jardín, a vegetarian café.
6. Novotel Cusco
Novotel Cusco catches your eye on San Agustín street with its colonial courtyard under a glass roof. A guest in June 2026 praised the location five minutes’ walk from the square.
One guest in June 2026 got a room with a cold draft from the windows, noisy air conditioning, and a bathroom like something from a sanatorium, and according to them the room didn’t look like the photos. In November 2026 you’ll pay €70. In February 2027 it costs €95, and the June night before Inti Raymi runs €160.
💡 Tip: One guest appreciated the colonial suite with gallery and outlets for both 110 and 220 volts.
7. Antigua Casona San Blas
Antigua Casona San Blas is located in the neighborhood of the same name, and according to the Michelin guide occupies an eighteenth-century colonial house. The boutique hotel has a popular spa, and according to the Google Maps review summary guests appreciate the hot water bottles in the bed. One guest in August 2026 highlighted the welcome coca tea and tea bar.
Another visitor the same month noted that staying here isn’t cheap. A night for two runs €240 in February 2027, and before the June 2027 Inti Raymi you’ll pay €325. Green Point restaurant, 23 meters from the entrance, is vegan.
💡 Tip: There’s no oxygen in the rooms, but the spa offers a hyperbaric chamber.
8. Atoq San Blas Hotel
Atoq San Blas Hotel is located high in the San Blas neighborhood, at roughly 3,460 meters elevation. Google’s review summary mentions strong hot showers and working heating. One guest in September 2026 appreciated being able to leave a suitcase at the hotel during their Machu Picchu trip, which was waiting in their room when they returned.
The steep streets and stairs will wear you out, which according to a May 2026 guest the hotel warns about in advance. A night for two here costs €95 in November 2026, drops to €55 in February 2027, and runs €85 in June 2027.
💡 Tip: Staff will prepare breakfast to go for early morning excursions, as guests mentioned in May and September 2026.
9. Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas
Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas belongs to a Peruvian chain, and according to Google’s summary offers accommodations in a historic colonial building decorated with local artifacts. One guest in March 2026 wrote that the hotel is a pleasant distance from the busy center. Another traveler chose it in June 2026 for three nights before the Salkantay trek and two nights after finishing.
Despite the quieter location, one guest in January 2026 warned about celebrations and fireworks on the adjacent square that can go off anytime day or night. A night for two runs €105 in November 2026, €105 in February 2027, and €95 in June 2027. About 64 meters from the entrance you’ll find Chia Vegan restaurant, which presents itself as vegan (double-check the menu to be sure).
💡 Tip: Across all three dates the hotel cost €95 to €105, even the night before Inti Raymi, so it’s easy to plan your stay with a fixed budget.
10. Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay is located in the San Cristóbal neighborhood at approximately 3,476 meters. According to Google Maps reviews, it offers views over the entire city and alpacas in the courtyard. One guest in September 2026 appreciated the responsive reception staff who called a doctor to the hotel for him.
Older reviews expressed concerns about cold rooms, but a guest in June 2026 didn’t experience any cold.
A night for two costs €100 in November 2026 and around €110 in February 2027. In this area we also list Hotel Arqueólogo Casa Peralta, which according to reviews provides views and heating. A night in November 2026 costs €90. A more budget option is KAARO House Cusco priced at €25 in both November 2026 and February 2027. One guest in June 2026 complained about the location in a harder-to-find alley.
💡 Tip: You can reach the main square in 10 minutes downhill on foot, as one guest confirmed in May 2026. Coming back uphill, expect a climb.
11. Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa in the San Cristóbal neighborhood is one of eight Cusco residences protected as Peruvian cultural heritage and occupies a sixteenth-century house built on Inca foundations. The accommodation offers 15 suites arranged around a quiet colonial courtyard. According to Google Maps reviews, guests enjoy visiting the on-site Qoya spa with heated pool and sauna and praise the breakfasts featuring local products.
One guest in April 2026 wrote that the hotel wasn’t worth the money spent and that reception and spa gave him conflicting information. In November 2026 the price climbed to €535, which likely corresponds only to more expensive categories. In February 2027 you’ll pay €295 and in June 2027 a night costs €270. The fully vegan restaurant The Vegan Temple is 112 meters away.
💡 Tip: The official website mentions in-room oxygen, but verify this feature for your specific room category before booking.
12. Wild Rover Cusco
Wild Rover Cusco operates as an adults-only hostel in the Santa Ana neighborhood. According to Google Maps reviews, it attracts guests with a daily events program, a bar serving food, and hot showers. One guest in July 2026 described the atmosphere as fun but not intrusive.
One guest in August 2026 complained about cold rooms and staff asking for five-star reviews. A night here costs €17 in November 2026. An alternative in the same neighborhood is Loki Cusco, another hostel with a bar in a historic building where they also serve vegetarian food at the bar. A night costs €16 in November 2026, €26 in February 2027, and €25 in June 2027.
💡 Tip: Santa Ana is steep. One guest at Loki in January 2026 advised preparing for the uphill walk like a workout, so with a heavy backpack consider taking a short taxi ride.
13. Union Hotel Boutique Cusco
Union Hotel Boutique Cusco sits in a flat neighborhood about 0.2 km from San Pedro Market. A guest in August 2026 praised the breakfasts where you can have eggs, pancakes, or waffles made to order. For post-excursion relaxation there’s a hot tub and the internal courtyard with an alpaca named Kiki also receives praise. You can join a complimentary pisco sour cocktail-making class.
One guest in September 2026 encountered thin walls, a hole in the wardrobe into the next room, and ants in the bathroom. A night for two costs €75 in November 2026. In February 2027 it costs €80 and the night before Inti Raymi in June 2027 costs €140.
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for a quick plant-based lunch, just 43 meters from the hotel you’ll find Green Falafel. According to reviews it offers cheap falafel, hummus, and kombucha.
14. Black Llama Hostel, Cusco
Black Llama Hostel, Cusco operates as a design hostel near San Pedro Market, suited mainly for solo travelers and digital nomads. According to Google Maps reviews, guests appreciate the curtained beds, hot showers, good coffee, and grab-and-go breakfasts. A guest in July 2026 praised the bright common areas and coworking space. Entertainment includes organized activities like pisco sour classes or evening karaoke.
Shared rooms mean less peace and quiet. One guest in July 2026 criticized small, overcrowded bedrooms and noise: music until midnight, club returns at 3 a.m., tour departures and cleaning from 7 a.m. A night costs €28 in November 2026 and €19 in February 2027. An alternative is Viajero Cusco Hostel for €23 to €30. It offers free city tours, a guest in September 2026 described it as sociable, and reviews mention weaker Wi-Fi. A Reddit user in July 2025 labeled it a party hostel where sleeping before your own early Machu Picchu departure is difficult.
💡 Tip: One guest in July 2026 noted strict times for check-in and breakfast service. Keep a close eye on your daily schedule.
15. Palacio del Inka, Hotel
Palacio del Inka, Hotel belongs to the Luxury Collection network and stands directly opposite the Qorikancha temple in a flat part of the city. In this historic building, known as Casa de los Cuatro Bustos, travelers enjoy rooms with historic charm, breakfast, and spa according to Google Maps reviews. One visitor in July 2026 praised the welcome coca tea and alpaca in the courtyard. Wanchaq station is about 0.7 km away, the airport approximately 4 km.
A double room costs €240 in November 2026, in February 2027 the price rises slightly to €260, and the night before the Inti Raymi celebration in 2027 costs €620. Watch out when paying. One guest in June 2026 stated they were charged nearly 100 USD for hotel operation fees at check-out despite a fully paid reservation.
💡 Tip: If you book through portals like Agoda or Expedia, request written confirmation in advance that the final price includes all hotel fees. This prevents an unpleasant surprise at check-out.
16. Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco is a four-star hotel in the Wanchaq neighborhood with 127 rooms. It opened in January 2010 in the renovated building of the former Cusco Savoy complex. Breakfast is served from 3 a.m., which suits early departures to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Another visitor appreciated the 24-hour reception.
In November 2026 a night for two costs €130, in February 2027 it drops to €85, and before Inti Raymi in June 2027 expect €150. One guest in June 2026 received a room without heating at first and on the second attempt got a heated one. Therefore ask for an exchange right away at reception.
💡 Tip: Wanchaq station is just 0.2 km from the hotel and the airport about 3.5 km away. According to two guests, you can walk to Plaza de Armas in 15 to 20 minutes.
17. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado offers a completely different experience: an expansive resort in the town of Urubamba, sitting at about 2,871 meters, roughly 530 meters lower than Cusco. According to Google Maps reviews, guests enjoy panoramic mountain views, spa, pool, and hot tub. The property also has its own train station.
An overnight stay costs €295 in November 2026, in February 2027 a night runs €525, and in June 2027 it costs €505. One guest in July 2026 complained that a baby llama was tied to a stake on a one-meter rope all day. Another guest in July 2026 wrote about reserved staff and oxygen complimentary only for ten minutes. An alternative in the valley is Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness in a hacienda with alpacas and peacocks. A night costs €190 in November 2026, €160 in February 2027, and €170 in June 2027. One guest in June 2026 found one of the pools too cold and another mentioned dated rooms.
💡 Tip: According to the top-rated comment in a Reddit discussion from August 2024, there’s no point paying for a five-star hotel in Cusco where you’re basically paying just for sleep. Luxury belongs in the Sacred Valley where you’ll actually use the hotel.
18. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is located right in the jungle in Aguas Calientes. The property features eighty casitas (small houses) made from adobe bricks, tucked away in the cloud forest on five hectares of private reserve. According to hotel information, 372 species of orchids grow here. Based on Google Maps reviews, guests praise the natural thermal pools and bird-watching opportunities. One guest in June 2026 commended the guide the hotel arranged for their Machu Picchu visit.
A night for two costs €490 in November 2026, €780 in February 2027, and €560 in June 2027. A guest in July 2026 paid over 518 USD per night for a room with a broken phone and glass shards in the bathroom. In June 2026, part of the hotel’s spa was under renovation. A more affordable alternative is El MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra near the train station, priced at €100 in November 2026, €180 in February 2027, and €180 in June 2027. A guest in July 2026 noted street noise and complained that the smell of meat from the kitchen ruins vegetarians’ appetite. Another option is Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu. It costs €30 to €50, serves breakfast from 4:30 a.m., and has a terrace with views.
💡 Tip: The room rate includes breakfast, à la carte dinner, and guided tours around the property, so you don’t need to search for food in town.
How to Choose the Right Hotel and What to Watch Out For
When booking in Peru, it pays to watch out for fees, heating, and name mix-ups.
IGV and fees. Foreign tourists are exempt from the eighteen percent IGV tax (Peru’s value-added tax) because it counts as an export of services. However, this only applies to stays of up to sixty days per entry. Show your passport and entry record (TAM) at reception. By law, you don’t have to pay by card or in dollars, though some hotels require this in practice. Accommodations may also charge a ten percent service fee, which applies even when you’re exempt from the tax. Hotel reviews mention cases of additional fees being charged even for fully prepaid reservations. According to Reddit discussions, boutique hotels sometimes charge 5% for card payments and list prices in dollars. When paying in soles, always ask about the exchange rate.
💡 Tip: Keep your passport with entry record and booking confirmation explicitly stating “tax included / IGV exonerado” with you. This prevents potential disputes.
Oxygen, coca tea, and water. At an altitude of roughly 3,400 meters, oxygen comes in handy. It’s included in the rate for all suites at Palacio Nazarenas, rooms at Casa Cartagena according to the hotel website (verify your category), and Inkaterra La Casona. Monasterio only provides it in categories marked “with oxygen”. At JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, one guest wrote in August 2026 about oxygen-enriched rooms, and another in September 2026 mentioned that staff brings oxygen to the room. The hotel doesn’t officially confirm this. You can legally get coca tea at reception in many hotels. However, don’t bring it back to the European Union, where it’s prohibited. Tap water isn’t drinkable. Filtered water for refilling is offered at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco and Antigua Casona San Blas.
Hotels that are easily confused. Names often repeat in the city, so always verify the exact address. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco is not Hotel Monasterio San Pedro. The latter has rooms in poor condition according to reviews. Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco differs from Wyndham Cusco Saqsayhuaman. The former Xima Exclusive has been called Hotel Cusco La Paccha, Affiliated by Meliá since January 1, 2026, and is located at Avenida El Sol 1436. XIMA Cusco Hotel at number 1010 is a different establishment. One guest there in December 2025 experienced an employee unlocking and entering a sleeping guest’s room. The former Kokopelli is now Viajero Cusco Hostel.
Closed or outdated. According to Google Maps, Selina Cusco Saphi, Mama Simona Hostel, and Ecoterra Essentials San Blas are permanently closed, though some booking sites still offer the latter.
New hotels 2025 and 2026. At the end of November 2025, Hampton by Hilton Cusco opened at Avenida Tullumayo 227 with 120 rooms. From here it’s a 15-minute walk to the square according to one guest in June 2026. A night costs €130 in November 2026, €85 in February 2027, and €180 in June 2027. Hotel Cusco La Paccha, Affiliated by Meliá has been operating since January 2026. It’s the chain’s first hotel in the city and has 167 rooms.
Vegetarian and vegan spots. For meat-free dining, the San Blas neighborhood offers vegan restaurant Green Point and Chia Vegan, which presents itself as vegan but verify the menu. Inside the market you’ll find Govinda Lila with a menu for S/ 15 (about €4). There’s also the vegan The Vegan Temple. In the center on Plaza de Armas, vegetarian El Jardín operates. Nearby is El Encuentro with a menu for S/ 12 (about €3). Near San Pedro market you’ll find Green Falafel. In Aguas Calientes, vegetarian SATTVA by Govinda serves food.
Hotel or Airbnb. According to one Reddit user, a hotel is a better choice than an apartment because Airbnb works out more expensive and a hotel includes breakfast. Another user in September 2026 warned against an apartment near San Pedro market where they found black mold.
What’s Next
Once you’ve chosen your base, check out the article Co vidět v Cuscu. If you spend time in the capital before your journey to the Andes, the guide Kde bydlet v Limě will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Cusco for the first time?
For the first few days, the historic center around Plaza de Armas is a good choice, with most sights within walking distance. Mid-range hotels like Novotel cost around €70 per night in November 2026. Luxury stays in former monasteries run around €280 to €420. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and don’t mind stairs, you can choose the San Blas neighborhood.
Is it better to sleep the first night in the Sacred Valley?
The valley, with the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, lies about 530 to 600 meters lower than Cusco. Guides therefore recommend starting acclimatization there. It’s especially useful if you’re heading to Machu Picchu in the first few days, because the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes only about an hour and a half.
Is it worth staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?
For one night it’s worth it, because you can catch the first bus to the ruins in the morning and there’s no risk of your ticket expiring due to a delayed train. In 2026, rail service was disrupted by an August fire and an October train collision. Prices here are higher than in the city. Hostel Supertramp starts at €30 and the mid-range El MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra costs €95 in November 2026.
Do I have to pay the 18% IGV as a tourist?
International visitors don’t pay this tax if they’re staying in Peru for a maximum of sixty days per entry. At check-in, show your passport with the entry stamp (TAM). Anyone requesting an invoice for a company with a Peruvian tax number (RUC) pays the IGV. Accommodation may charge a service fee of around 10%. Reviews mention cases of additional charges even for prepaid reservations, so ask about the final amount in advance.
Do hotels in Cusco have heating and oxygen?
According to reviews, heating is missing in some budget and mid-range accommodations. Look for “heating / calefacción” in the description. All suites at Palacio Nazarenas, Inkaterra La Casona, and Casa Cartagena have in-room oxygen according to the hotel websites. At Monasterio, selected categories offer “with oxygen”. Coca tea is usually free at reception, but don’t take it home if you’re traveling to Europe or other countries where it’s prohibited.
When is accommodation in Cusco most expensive?
Prices are highest on the night before Inti Raymi on June 24, 2027: at Palacio del Inka €600 compared to €230 in November 2026. Most tourists arrive during high season, which lasts until early November. Many hotels will likely be sold out for this night. At some hotels, February is the cheapest (Atoq San Blas €55, Sonesta €80), but luxury resorts in the valley and Aguas Calientes actually raise prices in February.
How do I get from the airport to the center?
The airport is about five kilometers from the center and the ride takes ten to twenty minutes. An official taxi costs around S/ 40 to 60, which is about €10 to €15. Via Uber or InDrive apps you’ll pay S/ 15 to 25, or about €4 to €6. The new Chinchero airport is estimated to open at the earliest by the end of 2027.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
