Hotels in Cusco
Cusco sits high in the Peruvian Andes at approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, where it once served as the center of the Inca Empire. Today the city blends Inca and Spanish landmarks, with colonial churches and manors built on foundations of finely cut Inca stone. The historic center has churches, museums, and narrow cobbled streets, and Inca ruins lie both within the city and in the surrounding hills.
Places to stay in Cusco
- Ureta Hotel — 3★ · 9.6/10 · Calle Lima C-12 Barrio Profesional
- RHouse Cusco — 3★ · 8.2/10 · Jr. Tupac Yupanqui Nro. 280, Urb. Tahuantinsuyo, Cusco, 8003
- Casa Esmeralda by Katari — 3★ · 9.4/10 · Pasaje Esmeralda, 160
- Quechua Aparhotel — 3★ · 7.0/10 · 173/d Chaparro, Cusco, Cuzco, 08002
- Torre Dorada Cusco — Calle Los Cipreses, 5 - Residencial Huancaro
- Yabar Hotel Plaza — 3★ · 8.6/10 · Loreto 115, Cusco, 8002
- Ayni Cusco Hotel — 3★ · 8.8/10 · Calle Andrés Avelino Cáceres A - 6 Chanapata
- Golden Inca Hotel — 3★ · 9.0/10 · Calle Retiro 435
- Group House Apart Hotel — 4★ · 9.3/10 · Prolongacion Avenida de la Cultura 1108
- Wakapunku Boutique B&B — 9.3/10 · Calle Choquechaca, 133
Where to stay in Cusco
San Blas, perched on a hillside northeast of Plaza de Armas, is Cusco's artisan quarter, its narrow cobblestone lanes lined with workshops, galleries, and cafés—a 10–15 minute walk uphill from the Plaza. The Historic Center around Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, where Inca stone foundations anchor colonial buildings and many dining and evening options are concentrated.
Why visit
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and sits at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters)—nearly 3,200 feet higher than Machu Picchu itself. Located roughly 80 kilometers from the citadel, it serves as the gateway for journeys into the Andes and retains Inca stone architecture woven into colonial buildings throughout its streets.
Getting around Cusco
- Nearest airport — Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is 6 km from the city center, approximately 20 minutes by car to Plaza de Armas.
- Public transit — Local minibuses and buses run from the area near the airport to the city center; taxis are the more direct option.