Where To Stay In Cusco The Best Boutique Hotels

El Balcón 

Nestled within the historic heart of Cusco, just a leisurely stroll away from the vibrant energy of Cusco’s main plaza, stands El Balcón, a guesthouse that exudes charm and tranquility. This welcoming establishment is housed in a meticulously renovated 17th-century building, a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. The house has been lovingly restored, offering a blend of historical character and contemporary comfort.

The comfortable rooms are arranged around a lush, leafy courtyard, a verdant oasis teeming with a diverse collection of plants. The courtyard acts as the central focal point, creating a sense of community and providing a serene escape from the bustling city streets. The rooms themselves are thoughtfully embellished with natural materials and exquisite fabrics, showcasing the region’s rich artistic traditions. Local knick-knacks and handcrafted items are carefully placed throughout the rooms, adding a touch of authenticity and personality.

Many of the rooms boast private balconies, each adorned with handcrafted furniture, providing guests with their own personal space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. From these balconies, guests can savor pretty city views, taking in the sights and sounds of Cusco. The verdant courtyard serves as a peaceful sanctuary where guests can unwind with a captivating book or a comforting warm cup of coca tea on a chilly Cusco morning. The atmosphere is undeniably cozy and welcoming—the kind of place where you’ll find yourself wanting to extend your stay, lingering longer than initially planned, fully immersed in the relaxing ambience. It’s a place where memories are made, and the spirit of Cusco is truly felt.

Andenes al Cielo

Located on a picturesque, cobbled street, radiating with old-world charm, Andenes al Cielo stands as a testament to colonial grandeur. This elegant hotel is housed within a meticulously maintained colonial mansion, offering a glimpse into the region’s captivating history. The accommodation is thoughtfully arranged around an internal courtyard, featuring polished wood balustrades that add a touch of sophistication and elegance.

The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated with chocolate-brown furnishings and gleaming hardwood floors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with local tapestries, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the region, as well as colorful abstract paintings, primarily in dark shades of red and blue, adding a touch of contemporary flair. The color palette is carefully selected to complement the overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious and visually appealing environment. Each room tells a story, offering a unique experience that is both comfortable and enriching.

The Deluxe rooms are particularly attractive, offering an enhanced level of luxury and comfort. These rooms feature private balconies with stunning city views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Cusco. The wooden ceiling beams add a touch of rustic charm, while the fireplaces provide a cozy touch, perfect for relaxing on cooler evenings. The combination of these elements creates an unforgettable experience, making Andenes al Cielo a truly exceptional destination. It is a place where guests can unwind, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories of their time in Cusco.

Casa San Blas

This attractive hotel enjoys a prime location high up in San Blas, Cusco’s charming artisan quarter, renowned for its concentration of art galleries, jewelers, workshops, and antique stores. The streets of San Blas are a treasure trove of creativity, offering a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for visitors. Casa San Blas provides a convenient base for exploring this unique neighborhood.

The neat and tidy rooms are clean and bright, offering a welcoming and comfortable space for guests. Local fabrics and hand-painted designs adorn the walls, adding a touch of authenticity and showcasing the region’s artistic heritage. The attention to detail creates a pleasant and inviting ambiance, enhancing the overall experience.

The hotel’s Tika Bistro provides a delightful culinary experience, serving both local and international dishes in a pleasant setting. We highly recommend trying the Andean soup, a hearty and flavorful concoction made from quinoa, chicken, and potatoes, served alongside a delectable wild mushroom risotto. The Tika Bistro offers a true taste of Peru, showcasing the diversity and richness of the local cuisine. It’s the perfect place to relax and indulge in a memorable dining experience after a day of exploring the artistic wonders of San Blas in Cusco.

Rumi Punku

This centrally located hotel, situated on the picturesque Calle Choquechaca, offers guests a truly unique experience. Rumi Punku is housed in a beautifully preserved 16th-century colonial house, boasting a gorgeous original Inca door—Rumi Punku is Quechua for “Stone Door,” a testament to its historical significance. The hotel seamlessly blends colonial architecture with ancient Inca elements, creating a captivating atmosphere.

The rooms are arranged around a series of leafy courtyards, each meticulously embellished with potted plants, creating a tranquil and inviting environment. The golden-colored bedspreads add a touch of warmth and elegance to the rooms, while the paintings by local artists showcase the region’s vibrant art scene. The bathrooms feature modern amenities, including glass-fronted showers, providing a comfortable and stylish experience.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, there’s a small wellness area featuring a Finnish sauna, a hot tub, and a fitness center. The atmosphere throughout the hotel is quiet and peaceful, creating a serene escape from the bustling city streets. The soothing sounds of water fountains further enhance the relaxed ambience, making Rumi Punku the perfect place to unwind and recharge. It is a true oasis of calm in the heart of Cusco.

Hotel Marqueses

Hotel Marqueses, a charming establishment decorated with solid wood furnishings and rich burgundy drapes, provides a unique experience, focusing on community engagement. This hotel actively supports the local community through hospital assistance and by helping children in need, creating a positive impact. Guests can feel good knowing that their stay contributes to a worthy cause.

The hotel is housed in a beautiful 16th-century colonial house, exuding historical charm and architectural grandeur. The pretty cobbled courtyard is atmospherically lit at night, creating a magical and inviting space. The ambiance of the courtyard is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.

The rooms feature cedar and alder tree wood, adding a touch of natural elegance. Some rooms also have balconies overlooking Calle Garcilaso, where the famous soldier-poet Garcilaso de la Vega once resided, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich literary history. Located just a couple of blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Hotel Marqueses provides a convenient base for exploring the city center and all its attractions. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, history, and social responsibility, providing a memorable and meaningful stay in Cusco.

El Albergue 

El Albergue offers unparalleled convenience, located directly inside Ollantaytambo’s train station, with regular and efficient services to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. This strategic location makes it an ideal choice for travelers embarking on this iconic adventure. The convenience of stepping off the train and directly into your hotel is a significant advantage.

This wonderful hotel provides rustic yet stylish accommodation, offering a blend of comfort and charm. It’s a quiet haven, surrounded by a lush garden brimming with fuchsia, passionflower, and peach trees, creating a serene and tranquil environment. The garden offers a delightful escape, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Dating back to 1925, El Albergue offers sixteen tastefully decorated rooms, each featuring original parquet floors and regional artwork, showcasing the local culture. Lovely abstract paintings by American artist and owner Wendy Weeks adorn the interiors, adding a touch of artistic flair. Hand-woven textiles and large containers once used to store chicha contribute to the unique décor, creating an authentic and memorable atmosphere.

The restaurant is excellent, offering a culinary experience that is both delicious and sustainable, with food sourced directly from the hotel’s herb garden and organic farm. Guests can enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with care and attention to detail. The farm is home to pigs, sheep, and alpacas, adding to the charm of the experience. El Albergue provides a unique and unforgettable stay, seamlessly blending convenience, comfort, and sustainability in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

El Mercado

This stylish hotel, aptly named El Mercado, is located on the very site of a former bustling food market, paying homage to its vibrant past. The hotel’s design reflects this history, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for guests. The location offers a connection to the local community and its rich culinary heritage.

El Mercado boasts fun and quirky interiors, creating a playful and engaging environment. Wacky paintings adorn the walls, adding a touch of whimsy and personality. The restaurant features a juice bar that is playfully laid out like a traditional market stall, enhancing the overall experience. It’s a place where creativity and fun are celebrated.

With a young and trendy vibe, El Mercado offers 32 well-appointed rooms, each designed with comfort and style in mind. Decorative wicker baskets and large abstract paintings add to the visual appeal, while the comfortable beds are adorned with stylish throws. These touches create a welcoming and relaxing space for guests.

In the evenings, a large fire pit is lit in the courtyard, providing a gathering place for guests to socialize and relax. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink and connect with other travelers, sharing experiences and creating lasting memories. El Mercado provides a vibrant and unique experience, blending style, comfort, and a playful atmosphere in the heart of Cusco.

Rupa Wasi Lodge

Nestled within a lush tropical garden, Rupa Wasi Lodge offers an idyllic escape into nature. The garden is home to a variety of trees, including avocado, walnut, and native species, creating a vibrant and tranquil environment. The location promotes a sense of peace and harmony with nature.

This unique ecolodge comprises charming wooden huts built using natural materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The use of natural materials creates a cozy and authentic atmosphere that complements the surrounding landscape.

The rooms are simply furnished yet cozy and welcoming, offering a comfortable and relaxing space for guests. Some rooms even have small balconies, providing lovely views of the surrounding cloud forest and the town of Aguas Calientes. These balconies offer a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the natural environment.

The lodge’s excellent restaurant, The Tree House, serves delicious Peruvian cuisine with Asian, Italian, and Latin American influences, offering a diverse and exciting culinary experience. Foodies can delight their taste buds by taking part in fun cooking classes, gaining firsthand knowledge of how to prepare the perfect Peruvian dish. Rupa Wasi Lodge provides a unique and memorable experience, blending comfort, sustainability, and culinary adventure in the heart of the cloud forest surrounding Aguas Calientes.

Inkaterra La Casona

Inkaterra La Casona, a wonderfully restored 16th-century manor house, exudes colonial charm and offers an unforgettable experience of luxury and history. Every detail has been carefully considered to preserve the building’s historical character while providing modern comforts.

Located in a quiet square, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Cusco. This location offers easy access to cultural attractions and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.

The hotel boasts eleven luxurious suites, each meticulously decorated with colonial furnishings, Andean works of art, and hand-woven rugs, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The suites are designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and style, reflecting the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Beautiful antiques adorn the interiors, adding to the sense of history and grandeur, while heated flooring and stone fireplaces provide welcome warmth on Cusco’s chilly nights, creating a cozy and homelike atmosphere. These thoughtful touches ensure that guests feel comfortable and pampered throughout their stay.

The restaurant, with only a handful of tables, offers an intimate dining experience. The food is superb, featuring beautifully presented Peruvian fusion cuisine made with fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the Sacred Valley. A small wellness center is also available, providing guests with the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Inkaterra La Casona provides an unparalleled experience of luxury, history, and culinary excellence in the heart of Cusco.

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado 

Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, nestled within peaceful gardens on the serene banks of the Urubamba River, offers a luxurious and tranquil escape into nature. The setting is designed to promote relaxation and a connection with the surrounding environment.

This exquisite hotel is constructed using natural stone and wood, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Sacred Valley.

All rooms feature private balconies, providing guests with their own personal space to enjoy the stunning views. The interiors are tastefully furnished with alpaca fabrics and locally made furnishings, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

An attractive outdoor heated pool invites guests to relax and soak up the sun, while the elegant Spa features floor-to-glass windows offering lovely vistas of the surrounding vegetation. Guests could easily spend an afternoon loll around in the whirlpool tub, indulging in the lush views.

Managed by the renowned UK-based Belmond, the property offers excellent services and activities, including horse riding and engaging children’s activities, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests. El Huerto restaurant serves seasonal Andean cuisine, with many ingredients sourced directly from the hotel’s own vegetable garden. Fresh herbs and spices add a unique twist to most dishes, resulting in a varied menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado provides a truly exceptional experience, combining luxury, nature, and exceptional service in the heart of the Sacred Valley on the Urubamba River.