Here’s our list of the 5 best boutique hotels in Cusco for all budgets!

1. Palacio Nazarenas

The luxury boutique Palacio Nazarenas is possibly our favourite hotel in all of Peru.  This all-suite boutique hotel is located in an impeccably restored 18th century colonial residence and boasts sumptuous travertine marble bathrooms complete with heated floors, exquisite bed linen, a comprehensive pillow menu, 24 hour butler service and a free in-room bar. Definitely worth the splurge!

Read our full review here.

The Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

• Your butler is also your barman and will give you a Pisco Sour making class right in your suite! The perfect start to an evening in Cusco!

• Lounging by Cusco’s only outdoor swimming pool.

Room rates from US$595

2. Inkaterra La Casona

The Inkaterra chain of hotels never ceases to impress us and La Casona on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco is no different. This 11 room closed-door boutique hotel is an exquisite place to spend a night with sumptuous colonial-style rooms decorated with original weavings, tapestries and works of art curated by the hotel owners private collection from different periods of Peruvian history.

Read our full review here.

Inkaterra La Casona Boutique Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

• Taking afternoon tea curled up in one of the cozy armchairs in front of the roaring fire in the lounge area.
• The personalized service where no request is too big – try the bath butler service…

Rates from US$418

3. Fallen Angel Guesthouse

This four room boutique guesthouse is one of Cusco’s quirkier hotel offerings and is perfect if you are looking for something completely different! Each room has a different theme (passion, tranquility, strength and freedom) and is decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary, Incan and colonial design showcasing local Peruvian artists.

Read our full review here.

The Fallen Angel Boutique Guesthouse in Cusco.

What we love:

• The bath-tub tables filled with goldfish in the bar downstairs.

• The mind-popping visuals – wherever you look there is something different and interesting to catch your attention.

Room rates from US$180

4. Atiq Boutique Hotel

The Atiq boutique hotel is probably our favourite new boutique hotel that opened its doors in Cusco in 2015. This a luxury nine room hotel where all the focus is on personalized service. Located right in the heart of the city on Avenida del Sol with rooms designed by renowned Peruvian designer Elena Testino this is a great option for your Cusco stay. Rooms 302 and 303 were our favourites with great views of the Q’oricancha Temple.

Read our full review here.

Atiq Boutique Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

• The complete focus on personalised service. Owner Marcel and his team are on hand 24/7 to make sure you have an exceptional stay not only in the hotel itself but during your entire stay in Cusco.

Room rates from US$190

5. Tambo del Arriero

This 18 room hotel is our favourite budget boutique hotel option in Cusco. Located in a lovingly restored colonial mansion that was once a place of rest for traders, this boutique hotel option offers spacious, cozy rooms in a colonial style. Bathrooms are modern with fabulous showers and staff are friendly and helpful.

Read our full review here.

Tambo del Arriero Boutique Hotel in Cusco

What we love:

• The great bathrooms with unexpected extras at this price point like heated towel racks and slippers.

• The excellent coffee served at breakfast.

Room rates from US$120.

See more great accommodation options in Cusco here.

How to get to Cusco.

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1. Travel to Machu Picchu luxury-style…

For a beautiful memory of your Machu Picchu trip, travel in style on the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to the famous Inca citadel. Champagne and live music in the train station kick off this unforgettable experience, as you enjoy gourmet food, entertainment and stunning views along the journey. Guaranteed to put a big smile on his or her face!

2. Adrenaline-rush…

For a shot of adrenaline unlike anything you have ever tried, book one of the Skylodge Adventure Suites in the Sacred Valley. Spend the night in your own private plastic capsule dangling 400m above the ground attached to the cliff face by nothing more than steel cables… Yes, you heard that right just steel cables! A gourmet dinner and wine is included and this is an experience guaranteed to spice up any date night!

3. Star gazing…

For a night time activity try a trip to the Cusco Planetarium where you will learn all about Incan astronomy and can star gaze upon Cusco’s beautiful starry sky with your loved one.

4. Take a romantic night-time walk

Valentine’s doesn’t always have to be about grand gestures and expensive meals and gifts. Cusco is a great place to take a romantic walk around the heart of this colonial city that is beautifully lit up at night.

Wander through the San Blas district, around the Main Square, Plaza Regocijo and Plaza San Francisco to discover some of the romance of this city.

5. Indulge in a sensory experience

For a sensory overload, head to Fallen Angel for a cocktail or dinner. Goldfish-filled bathtub tables, disco balls and a massive ‘fallen’ angel along with lots of contemporary art by local artists on display make this one of Cusco’s coolest hang-outs.

Gluten-free breakfast options at Palacio del Inka Hotel.

6. Start the day with a decadent breakfast

For a decadent start to the day head to the Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel for their buffet breakfast. This is one of the best breakfast spreads in Cusco and includes healthy and gluten-free options as well great pastries, hot breakfast dishes and an a la carte breakfast menu with delicious eggs benedict and quinoa pancakes.

7. Splurge on a luxury picnic.

For a Valentine’s day date unlike any other, splurge on a luxury picnic served up by the team behind the Cicciolina restaurant. Forget soggy sandwiches and luke-warm tea and try sipping on a cocktail as you admire the stunning Sacred Valley view from your own private picnic area before dining on rustic Andean fare.

Click here to see more fun things to do and see in Cusco, Peru.

Information on the best places to eat in Cusco. 

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Some days we feel like something quick and light for breakfast and on others a 2 hour leisurely brunch is needed! Here is our pick of the top cafes and restaurants serving the best breakfast in Cusco. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a quick coffee, a fix of Western-style breakfast or something a little more high-end…

Cicciolina

We love Cicciolina any time of day but their brunch options served until 11.30am are delicious! Try the poached egg served with caramelised tomato, grilled asparagus and crusty bread. Another favourite is the breakfast ‘mezza’ plate which is great to share and comes with a selection of cream cheese, smoked trout, scrambled egg, grilled veggies and artichoke fritatta served with their fresh bread baked daily in their on-site bakery.

Their coffee is some of the best in Cusco and the vibe is laid-back elegance. Breakfast dishes start from S/.24 and coffee from S/.7.

Address: Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd Floor, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 23 95 10.

Read our full review here.

Poached egg, grilled asparagus and caramelized tomato at Cicciolina.

Jack’s Cafe

This is one of Cusco’s hottest spots for hearty all-day breakfasts. Don’t be surprised to find queues of people out the door waiting for a table. Favourite brunch dishes include the ‘El Gordo’, a dish heaped with bacon, eggs, sausage, bacon, fried potatoes, beans and toast for S/.20 and the big fluffy pancakes served with caramelized bananas for S/.18. They also do a great coffee and their gooey brownies are to die for…

The vibe is busy, casual and the crowd is mainly Western.

Address: Calle Choquechaka 509, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 254 606.

Read our full review here.

Palacio del Inka Hotel

We were deliciously surprised by a recent visit to try the breakfast at the Palacio del Inka Hotel. Open to the public, breakfast is served from 5am until 10am and is perfect for anyone looking for a gourmet-style brunch with five star service in the stunning setting of their colonial courtyard.

Breakfast costs US$23 and includes an a-la-carte menu with options such as brioche French toast served with maple syrup and excellent eggs benedict. You can also help yourself to the mind-boggling selection of options on the buffet which include a great gluten-free range of dishes, healthy options including smoothies, fruit and granola and the usual suspects including a delicious range of French pastries, meats and cheeses.

Address: Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 231 961

Read our full review of Palacio del Inka hotel here.

Eggs Benedict at Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Cocoliso

For those looking for a lighter breakfast option head to the quirky Cocoliso Cafe on Calle Palacio 122. Run by Tomas and Elise, this is a great spot to grab a good coffee and a French pastry while soaking up the morning sun in their cute courtyard.

When you’re done, head across to the Cocoliso boutique full of designs by contemporary designers including their own Cocoliso brand, Lorena Pestaña jewellery and the SaKé range of handbags.

Pastries from S/.3.50 and Coffee from S/. 6.

Address: Calle Palacio 122, (inisde the courtyard), Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 242 159.

Read our full review of Cocoliso Cafe here.

Click here for more great places to eat in Cusco.

Download your free copy of ‘The Ultimate Machu Picchu Guide’ here.

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During the Corpus Christi celebrations the cathedral remains open to the public to come in and admire the saints. Don’t miss a visit to the San Francisco Square to try the traditional  Corpus Christi dish of ‘Chiriuchu’, ‘chiri’ meaning spicy and ‘uchu’ cold in Quechua. This dish is served cold and is a mix of  guinea pig, chicken, corn tortillas, fish eggs, seaweed and toasted corn. Delicious!

One of the colourful litters outside Cusco’s cathedral

Fun & laughter!

Throne bearers enjoying a well-earned break.

Traditional display of ‘Chiriuchu’ ready for tasting!

For more Information on travelling to Cusco click here

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Often, a special meal containing the deceased person’s favourite foods will be prepared on the 1^st, with the first and largest plate being placed on a type of shrine or altar. They may also display the person’s favourite items or drink and the typical Tanta w’awa or baby bread.

On the 2^nd, the families will go to the cemetery to place flowers on the graves and to celebrate and remember the deceased person’s life. In some areas of Peru, there are still communities that go to the cemetery on the night of the 1^st, with the belief that the dead will rise from their graves at midnight to take part in the feast.

In the Andean culture death is a continuation of life, and a way to connect with dead people is through offerings. Typically these offerings in the Cusco region contain ‘Tanta W’awa’ or ‘baby bread’ a type of doll made from dough. To try some traditional ‘wawa bread’ head to the San Pedro Market to see local women selling wawa bread.

Click here for more great info on things to see and do in Cusco

Information on how to get to Cusco

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Christmas Eve on December 24th is a key date in Cusco’s annual festivities and the Main Square is again the focal point hosting the famous ‘Santurantikuy’ market. Directly translated it means the ‘market for the buying of the saints.’ This traditional market is where Cusco locals come to buy the pieces for their nativity scenes. Hundreds of people come from the surrounding Andean communities to sell mosses and plants which are also used to decorate the ‘nacimientos’ or cribs. You can also buy the colourful traditional candles that are on display.

Cusco’s main mass the ‘misa de gallo’ takes place at 10pm on Christmas Eve in Cusco’s Cathedral. Expect a packed house with locals coming out to celebrate in crowds. Locals then head home to exchange gifts and eat a celebratory meal with their families.

An important element of Christmas in Cusco are the ”chocolatadas’ where organisations or groups of people provide Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. The streets are filled with ‘campesinos’ from the communities who spend several days sleeping on the streets of Cusco and participating in ‘chocolatadas’ so that their children can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, bread or the typical paneton and toys on this feast. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas eve where families gather in their homes to share a meal together.

Christmas day itself tends to be quiet in Cusco with most people celebrating at home with their families. Some of the restaurants and pubs are open on the 25th and serve a Christmas menu so that you can sample some of the typical Christmas fare if you happen to be in Cusco over Christmas.

The ‘Bajada de Reyes’ or Epiphany takes place on January 6th and is a ceremony in the Andean villages dating back to the pre-Hispanic era to commemorate the new village leaders or ‘Varayoc’ coming into power. It is particularly celebrated in the town of Ollantaytambo.

Our favourite things to do in Cusco

Top 5 things to do in Ollantaytambo

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