The Safest Hotels in Cusco, Peru

Cusco is one of my favorite cities in the world.  I’ve spent over two months exploring this beautiful, bustling city by Machu Picchu.  Almost all travelers to Machu Picchu will fly into Cusco’s airport, before making their way to Peru’s most famous sight.  Though I started both Peru trips with friends, eventually I ended up in Cusco ALONE, as a solo traveler.  Thus, safety was paramount to me.  Here, I’m rounding up the safest hotels in Cusco, Peru ~ places that not only felt safe, but ended up feeling like home…

 

If you’re wondering which hotel on my list puts you closest to the Sacsayhuaman ruins (a Cusco MUST-VISIT), it’s El Balcon ~ a lovely boutique hotel centered around a gorgeous garden courtyard.

 

Map of Cusco Hotels

Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru

Stay Close to the Plaza de Armas!

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, & one of the most beautiful plazas in South America.  All the action happens here!  The closer you stay to the Plaza: the safer you’ll feel.  And you’ll get to enjoy all that beauty on a daily basis.  Two of my favorite Cusco hotels are located within blocks of the Plaza de Armas: 1) JW Marriott El Convento ($$$) & Novotel Cusco ($$).  Both hotels ONLY allow hotel guests to enter, & have beautiful private courtyards + great restaurants.

I loved staying at both hotels, & would return to either in a heartbeat.

GWTW Tip: Personally, I would only stay within 5-6 blocks of the Plaza de Armas. This is by far the most beautiful part of town, & also the safest, as there are always people walking around + guards to ensure safety, etc.  San Blas is my favorite neighborhood in Cusco, as it sits just a few short (but steep!) blocks uphill from the Plaza de Armas.

 

I’ve ventured further out into Cusco with locals, & it gets a little grittier/more urban ~ so I just don’t think there’s any reason to venture too far from the Plaza!

Why I Love the San Blas Neighborhood

I can describe why I love San Blas so much in one word: VIEWS!!!  Because it’s located uphill from the Plaza, San Blas offers some of the most incredible views in Cusco.  The first place my friend Tasha & I ducked into was La Bo’M Creperie ~ which not only serves amazing food, but also has stunning views of the city.  We were blown away!  I later stayed there, as they also have a hostel (which cost me about $15/night for a clean, private room).

Another favorite hotel in San Blas was Apu Huascaran, which is located right by Green Point (a popular place to eat) + my Spanish School, making it super convenient.  I always felt safe walking there, as there were many people out & about.  The cobblestone streets of San Blas are super charming, & there are tons of great places to eat ~ including Jack’s Cafe, which is one of my favorite brunch spots in the city.

The Safest Hotels in Cusco, Peru!

AKA All the Hotels I’ve Personally Stayed In…

⭐️  La Bo’M Hostel & Creperie –  I absolutely fell in love with this charming restaurant + hostel.  The hostel is tucked back behind the restaurant, making it feel entirely safe & private.  Hot pots of tea + yummy crepes will fill you up after a day spent exploring.  Click here for rates & availability

⭐️  Pariwana Hostel Cusco –  Often called the “Best Hostel in South America,” this is about as close as you can get to the Plaza de Armas!  Just two blocks away, this colorful hostel offers up to 14-person bunk rooms or private rooms.  It’s a great place to meet people for adventures to Machu Picchu, etc.  Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ ⭐️  Huascaran Casa Boutique San Blas – The views here are to DIE for!!  Very impressive for a more reasonably-priced hotel.  I returned here many times: rooms are large, courtyard is cozy & a great place to read or chat with people, & they offer free coca tea all day!  Plus, I love their convenient San Blas location.  Click here for rates & availability 

⭐️⭐️⭐️  Novotel Cusco — With a price point around $100/night: you get so much VALUE here.  My upstairs room had a gorgeous view of Cusco’s cathedral; I loved their gorgeous stone courtyard + having room service + a great breakfast.  And their location just a few (FLAT) blocks from the Plaza de Armas is near-perfect.  Click here for rates & availability 

⭐️⭐️⭐️  El Balcon – I stayed here on my second trip to Cusco; my friend Nina & I loved having a large room + incredible views from our second-floor balcony (hence the name).  Their garden is so cute, & complimentary breakfast was delicious.  Located a few blocks north of Plaza de Armas, closer to Sacsayhuaman.  Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️⭐️  Costa del Sol Wyndham – Located just one block from the Plaza de Armas, this is a fantastic location!  This former 17th-century mansion has a gorgeous stone courtyard; rooms are nice & spacious, but a little boring.  Room service offered 24/7 + they have an upscale restaurant + bar.  Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  JW Marriott El Convento – I LOVE this hotel!!  From friendly concierges to the gorgeous golden entrance: this Marriott is set in a former convent & has ambiance galore.  Stone walls + a steam shower up the ante in terms of luxury (a great shower after Machu Picchu feels like HEAVEN).  Great restaurant + amazing breakfast buffet + oxygen offered to guests.  One of my favorite hotels in Cusco; the one I’d recommend if my family was visiting.  Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Palacio del Inka – What stands out to me about Palacio del Inka is its SPA + incredible breakfast buffet: it’s the best in town!!  After a freezing trek to Rainbow Mountain, I went straight to the Palacio’s gorgeous spa, relaxing in their hot tub + whirlpools.  It’s my favorite spa in Cusco.  Rooms are elegant, as is this whole former palace. Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Belmond Monasterio or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – If you’re looking for true, five-star luxury in Cusco: Belmond has the market cornered.  Full disclosure: I never stayed at either hotel (I couldn’t afford it!), but I did check out Monasterio’s courtyard.  Both hotels are very exclusive, very private, & come with every amenity you could ask for ~ including gorgeous pools + five-star service.  Click here for rates & availability

Goodbye….Cusco!

I hope this article has been helpful in figuring out where you want to stay in Cusco!  And I can almost guarantee that if you stay at one of the hotels listed above: you will fall in love with Cusco the same way I have….

xoxo Noelia

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