Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Cuzco has hundreds of hotels of all types, and just about the only thing they have in com-
mon is that they charge some of the highest room rates in Peru. Cuzco fills to bursting
between June and August, especially during the 10 days before Inti Raymi on June 24 and
during Fiestas Patrias (Independence Days) on July 28 and 29. Book in advance for these
dates.
Prices are market driven and vary dramatically according to the season and demand.
Rates quoted here are for high season.
Though the Plaza de Armas is the most central area, you won't find any bargains there,
and accommodations along Av El Sol tend to be bland, expensive and set up for tour
groups. As Cuzco is such a compact city, it's just as convenient to stay in another neighbor-
hood nearby. Hilly San Blas has the best views and is deservedly popular. There are also
many options west of the Plaza de Armas around Plaza Regocijo, in the commercial area
towards the Mercado Central, and downhill from the center in the streets northeast of Av El
Sol.
Many of Cuzco's guesthouses and hotels are located in charming colonial buildings with
interior courtyards, which can echo resoundingly with noise from other guests or the street
outside. Many places that offer breakfast start serving as early as 5am to accommodate Inca
Trail trekkers and Machu Picchu day-trippers. For this reason, early check-ins and check-
outs are the rule.
With advance notice, most midrange and top-end places will pick you up for free at the
airport, the train station or the bus terminal.
Inquire about hot water for showers before committing yourself to a hotel. It's often
sporadic, even in midrange accommodations, and there's nothing worse after a multiday
trek than a lukewarm shower! In some hotels the hot water is more reliable on some floors
than others. It helps to avoid showering at peak times of day, and it's always worth telling
reception if you're having trouble - they may simply need to flick a switch or hook up a
new gas canister.
All places listed claim to offer 24-hour hot-water showers, and unless otherwise noted,
midrange and above places include cable TV and internet access. The top hotels all feature
rooms with heating and telephone; exceptions are noted in the review. All top-end and
some midrange hotels have oxygen tanks available, at a price, for altitude sufferers.
Cuzco's swanky top-end hotels are usually booked solid during high season. Reserving
through a travel agency or via the hotel's website may result in better rates.
