Hotels in Cusco

Cusco: Gateway to the Inca Heartland

Cusco, Peru sits at 3,400 metres above sea level in the Andes, 1,100 km southeast of Lima. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the city preserves colonial Spanish architecture built directly on top of Inca stone foundations — visible throughout the Plaza de Armas and along Calle Hatunrumiyoc, where the famous 12-angled stone remains in place. The Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), constructed in the 15th century, stands beneath the Convent of Santo Domingo, making the layered history tangible at street level.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate in three zones: the Historic Centre around Plaza de Armas, the artisan neighbourhood of San Blas on the hillside above, and San Pedro near the central market. San Blas suits travellers who prefer quieter cobblestone lanes and craft workshops; the Historic Centre keeps guests within walking distance of the Cathedral and major tour operators running the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu circuits.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: Arrive one day before activities to acclimatise; coca tea is widely available at hotels.
• Getting to Machu Picchu: Take the train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo station — journey time 1.5–3.5 hours depending on origin.
• Currency: Peruvian sol (PEN); ATMs are common on Avenida El Sol.
• Best season: Dry season runs May–October; the Inti Raymi festival falls on 24 June each year.