Cusco sits high in the Peruvian Andes, near the Sacred Valley, and its historic centre is built over the monuments of the Inca Empire. The city is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the surrounding Inca ruins, and its streets mix colonial architecture with Inca stonework.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the Plaza de Armas is the anchor of the historic centre, and the neighbourhoods that matter for accommodation sit on or around it. San Blas rises on a hill a few blocks above the plaza, while other options cluster near the plaza itself and along the streets leading away from it. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Cusco
1. San Blas
San Blas is the hillside neighbourhood just above the Plaza de Armas, reached by walking up from the plaza towards the Plazoleta de las Nazarenas and then up the hill. It has a large and growing concentration of small guesthouses and hostels, and it is the area most often recommended for travellers looking for budget and mid-range places to stay.
It suits budget travellers, backpackers and anyone who wants to be close to the centre without being on top of it. Be aware that it is uphill from the plaza, so the walk back involves a climb; several streets, such as Carmen Alto, terminate at a T at the top of the hill.
2. Around the Plaza de Armas and the historic centre
The streets immediately around the main square and the wider historic centre put you within a short walk of the plaza, with accommodation ranging from hostels to mid-range hotels. Places here are typically two or three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, and some have views over the square itself.
This suits first-time visitors who want the sights, restaurants and transport connections within easy walking distance, as well as those who prefer not to deal with hills. It is also where you find the livelier party-oriented hostels, so light sleepers should note that some streets near the centre are known for nightlife.
3. Near the Plaza de San Francisco
The area around the Plaza de San Francisco, west of the main square, is a quieter alternative within the historic centre. Guesthouses here are still only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, with one described as roughly a seven-minute walk away.
It suits travellers who want a calmer base close to the centre, including those who prefer a guesthouse atmosphere over a large hostel. The trade-off is that you are slightly further from the main plaza than places right on it, but still within the historic centre.
4. Further out along Avenida Tullumayo and Avenida Huascar
A few options sit outside the immediate historic core, along Avenida Tullumayo and Avenida Huascar. These are cheaper and quieter, with one place about a fifteen-minute walk from the city centre.
This suits budget travellers who do not mind walking to reach the centre, or who want a quieter base away from the busiest streets. The main practical point is distance: you will be walking into the centre for the plaza and the main sights rather than stepping out into them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small guesthouses and hostels, including dormitory beds and simple private rooms, are widespread, with a particular concentration in San Blas. Many offer shared or private bathrooms, hot water, wifi and sometimes breakfast or a shared kitchen.
- Mid-range: Small hotels and guesthouses with private rooms, often a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, with private or shared bathrooms, TV and breakfast. Prices vary by room type, occupancy and season.
- Splurge: The source material does not describe a distinct luxury category or name specific high-end areas, so treat the upper end as the better mid-range rooms and hotels in the central areas rather than a separate district.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in San Blas or in the streets immediately around the Plaza de Armas. San Blas gives you the widest choice of places to stay and keeps you within a short walk of the main square, while the plaza area puts the centre of the historic city on your doorstep. Both let you reach the main sights on foot, which matters when you are adjusting to the altitude.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book accommodation in Cusco in advance?
According to the source material, there are many options in Cusco to suit all budgets, and most will not need to be booked beforehand.
Which area has the most budget accommodation?
San Blas, the neighbourhood a few blocks up the hill from the Plaza de Armas, has many guesthouses and hostels and is the area most associated with budget places to stay.
Is San Blas within walking distance of the main square?
Yes. San Blas is described as four blocks up the hill from the Plaza de Armas, and several places in the area are within a few blocks of the square.
Where should I stay if I want to be close to nightlife?
The historic centre near the main square is where you find the livelier hostels, and one area is described as close to the centre of the local nightlife. If you want quiet, look at San Blas or the area around the Plaza de San Francisco instead.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.