You’re wondering: where to stay in Cusco first time. I can answer that perfectly!
Last October I went on an amazing 10-day trip through Peru, and Cusco was our base.
From the moment I arrived, I felt that this city had something magical—narrow cobblestone streets, impressive colonial architecture, and a mountainous landscape that makes every viewpoint look like a postcard.
(!!) Note: due to the altitude difference, it is advisable to take it easy on the first day and let your body acclimatize. The so-called city tour that takes you to Cusco’s archaeological highlights is ideal for this!
Cusco is so much more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu.
During my trip, I explored the Sacred Valley, hiked to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, and took the challenging hike up the colorful Rainbow Mountain, at 5,000 meters high.
We even went all the way to Lake Titicaca and ended the trip with a quick visit to Lima.
It was a mix of planes, trains, and buses, but several times, we returned to Cusco—the city that felt like home.
When traveling here, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in is essential.
Some neighborhoods put you in the middle of the action, while others offer a quieter, more local feel.
In this short guide, I share the best places to stay in Cusco, based on my own experience, so you can find the perfect base for your trip.
The best areas to stay in Cusco are the Historic Center (Centro Histórico), San Blas, Santa Ana, and Wanchaq.
The Historic Center (Centro Histórico) is ideal for first-time visitors to Cusco who want to be in the middle of the action.
Here you’ll find the Plaza de Armas, colonial architecture, and sights like San Pedro Market, the Cathedral, and the Qorikancha Temple.
Everything from restaurants to shops is within walking distance, but it can be crowded and pricey.
Just above the center is San Blas, Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, artisan workshops, and great views of the city.
It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy a laid-back, artsy vibe, with cozy boutique hotels and cozy cafes.
Keep in mind that the steep streets can be tough, especially at this altitude.
For travelers on a budget, Santa Ana, just west of the center, is a good option.
It’s a quiet, local neighbourhood with affordable accommodation and great city views.
While it’s less touristy, that also means fewer places to eat and a 15-20 minute walk to the Plaza de Armas.
If you really want to experience local life, Wanchaq is a great choice.
This is a middle-class residential area with markets, restaurants and good public transport links.
Not as picturesque as San Blas or the city centre, but authentic and a lot less touristy. You’ll need transport to get to the main attractions.
You can easily navigate to each area by tapping the link.
The Historic Centre of Cusco is without a doubt the ideal base for a stay in this magical city.
This heart of Cusco breathes history, culture and energy and offers everything you need as a traveller within easy reach.
Whether you come for the impressive ruins, the colonial architecture, the vibrant nightlife or just to soak up the atmosphere, you are always in the right place in the centre.
If you stay here, you are literally within walking distance of the most important sights.
The Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of Cusco, is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, churches and cosy cafés.
The Qorikancha temple, once the holiest temple of the Inca Empire, is just a few minutes’ walk away, and the San Pedro market, where you can taste the most delicious fresh juices and local specialities, is also just a stone’s throw away.
You can eat llama meat in Cusco. Although this may sound a bit too adventurous for some, and perhaps even sad, we can only confirm that llama meat is incredibly tasty. But a roasted guinea pig was a bit too much for us.
From the center you can easily book tours to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and more.
Tip #1: Tours can easily be booked through the tour agencies around the historic heart of Cusco. In the article about the 10-day travel route in Peru we go into great detail about the activities. But to make a long story short, we recommend that you book the tours with Waliki Tours Peru (easy to find via Google Maps).
Tip #2: Because ATMs can often give less than 100 EUR, you will in most cases be dependent on exchange offices in Peru. In Cusco, the best place to go for that is Calle El Sol. There are several offices there that offer a very fair exchange rate. The best ATM is the MultiRed ATM of Banco de la Nación. There is no better option.
In terms of accommodation, there is something for every budget, from backpacker hostels to cosy boutique hotels and luxurious five-star hotels in beautifully restored colonial buildings.
Thanks to its central location, you are never far from restaurants, sights or transport options.
In addition, the city centre is the place to discover Peruvian cuisine, with street food stalls, atmospheric eateries and refined restaurants where you can enjoy classics such as lomo saltado and ají de gallina.
The nightlife is also vibrant here, with bars, live music and clubs where you can dance until the early hours.
Another advantage is its good accessibility and safety; with many tourists, police patrols and well-lit streets, it is one of the safest parts of the city.
In addition, if you suffer from altitude problems, there are pharmacies, doctors and oxygen bars nearby.
The only downside is that it can be more crowded and expensive than the surrounding areas, but you can accept that because the central location saves you money on transportation and you can walk everywhere.
In short, if you want to make the most of your stay in Cusco, the Historic Center is the perfect base, where you can immerse yourself in the history, culture and vibrant atmosphere of this unique city.
Note: Despite all these positives, we did not sleep in the heart of Cusco. This was due to the fact that we had a very busy schedule and were dependent on very early bus rides. We therefore slept about 10 minutes from the Historical Center. In hindsight, with a slightly less busy schedule, it would have been a better option to stay in the cozy heart of the city. But as always, every city has several options for different types of travelers.
Some pictures of the Historical Center. During the day but also in the evening it is simply fantastic to explore the streets and the monumental buildings
Some pictures of the Historical Center. During the day but also in the evening it is simply fantastic to explore the streets and the monumental buildings
San Blas is one of the nicest and most atmospheric neighborhoods in Cusco and therefore a great place to stay.
It is located just above the Historic Center, so you are close to all the sights, but still in a quieter area.
The neighborhood is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, white houses with blue balconies and beautiful views over the city.
This is the place to be for those who like a slightly artistic atmosphere.
Everywhere you will find small craft shops, art galleries and cozy cafes where you can wander around for hours.
On San Blas Square there is a nice market on Saturdays where local artists sell their work, and you can often enjoy street musicians and live music.
You can eat and drink delicious food in San Blas.
The neighborhood is full of cozy coffee bars and restaurants where you can enjoy both Peruvian specialties and international dishes.
Many of these places have a great view over Cusco, especially at sunset.
In terms of accommodation, there is something for every budget: from boutique hotels and cozy guesthouses to affordable hostels.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than in the busy center, but you are still within a 5 to 10 minute walk to the Plaza de Armas and the main sights.
A small disadvantage is that San Blas is on a hill, so you sometimes have to walk up a steep street.
Due to the altitude of Cusco, this can take some getting used to at first, but you are rewarded with a great view and a nice, quiet atmosphere.
In the evenings it is cozy here with small bars and live music, but without the noise of the center.
In short, if you are looking for a charming and relaxed neighborhood with an artsy vibe, great views and nice eateries, San Blas is the perfect base in Cusco!
During the city tour you will visit the historical highlights of the Inca period. From that moment on you will realize that Cusco is a very magical destination.
During the city tour you will visit the historical highlights of the Inca period. From that moment on you will realize that Cusco is a very magical destination.
Santa Ana is an interesting and affordable option for travelers who want to explore Cusco without paying top dollar.
This neighborhood is located just west of the Historic Center and offers a quieter, more local feel than the busier San Blas or Plaza de Armas.
Here you’ll be staying among locals, away from the tourist crowds, while still being relatively close to all the major sights.
You can walk to the city center in about 15 to 20 minutes, although be prepared for a hilly route.
The reward? Beautiful views of Cusco and much lower prices for accommodations and restaurants than in the city center.
Santa Ana has become increasingly popular in recent years with budget travelers and backpackers looking for a more authentic experience.
The neighborhood has a number of nice hostels, guesthouses and small hotels that are often cheaper than similar options in the center.
You’ll also find simple but tasty local eateries where you can score a delicious meal for a few soles.
Think of traditional menu del día restaurants, where you can get a soup, main course and drink for a low price.
Although Santa Ana doesn’t have the same tourist charm as San Blas or the city centre, it’s a great option for those who value peace and affordability.
It’s also a good base for travellers who want to enjoy local life in Cusco without being in the hustle and bustle.
Keep in mind that there are fewer facilities for tourists and that you’ll occasionally need a taxi to get to certain places quickly.
But if you’re looking for a cheap and authentic place to stay with a great view of the city, Santa Ana is definitely worth considering!
Cusco is the ideal home base to visit some of Peru's highlights. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.
Cusco is the ideal home base to visit some of Peru's highlights. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.
The final area we recommend is Wanchaq, a great choice for travelers looking for a quiet and local experience in Cusco.
Located just outside the tourist center, this is a middle-class residential area where mostly locals live, work and go about their daily lives.
This means you’ll encounter fewer tourists and see a much more authentic side of the city.
Wanchaq has a relaxed and safe atmosphere, and accommodations here are often cheaper than in the city center, while still being within a short taxi or bus ride of the main attractions.
Note that this part of Cusco is not exactly beautiful.
This is true for every part of Cusco except the historic part.
In Wanchaq, you’ll find local markets, restaurants and shops where you can eat and shop without paying tourist prices.
The Wanchaq Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce, local food and cheap snacks.
Restaurants here are often simple, but serve delicious, authentic Peruvian food for a fraction of the price you’ll pay in the city center.
The area also has good supermarkets and shops, which is handy if you’re staying in Cusco for a longer period and want to cook for yourself.
As for accommodation, Wanchaq has comfortable hotels, apartments and budget-friendly guesthouses.
Most places are more modern than the colonial buildings in the city center and often offer more space and better facilities for a lower price.
Public transport is also well organised, and taxis are cheaper here than in the busier areas.
We stayed between the Historic Center and this area of Cusco because transport is a bit easier to arrange here compared to the narrow streets of the historic center.
A small disadvantage is that you’re not within walking distance of the major attractions, but for a few soles you can be in the city center within 5 to 10 minutes.
In short, Wanchaq is perfect for travellers who want to stay comfortably and affordably, without being in the middle of the tourist hustle and bustle.