Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru

There are so many things to see and do in Cusco - from chocolate shops to cool cafes, cooking classes to street vendors and old churches. It’s no wonder that Cusco is the tourist capital of Peru, drawing over a million visitors each year to its beautiful cobblestone streets. Cusco is a city that you visit once and want to stay forever, or at least want to return again and again. ​

Having been to Cusco numerous times, we prefer to experience the city by staying in an apartment. It makes us feel more like a local, plus we enjoy the extra space and privacy. The increasing popularity of vacation rentals has led to an explosion of resources on the internet. There are thousands of properties to choose from, and it’s so difficult to decide. How can you find the right vacation rental in Cusco?

We would love to make a suggestion: We stayed in a lovely modern apartment in "Centro Historico" and absolutely loved it. The apartment offered so many amenities for a relaxing and fun trip. It's a brand new 2 story apartment built inside a historic house in Cusco; rustic charm meets modern convenience. A beautifully decorated place, centrally located and filled with charm, it was a luxury accommodation in a sea of backpacker hostels. Everything from the large fireplace, hardwood floors, natural stone tile throughout the kitchen and (numerous) bathrooms gave the apartment a high-end feel. We especially loved the small patio area with a BBQ and brick oven in the yard.

With my fibromyalgia, I have mentioned before that staying in strange beds can sometimes be difficult for me - not here. The beds were so luxuriously soft. At the end of our stay, I joked that I wanted to pack it up and take it with me! Daniela accompanied us on this trip and enjoyed having her own room. With two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, the three of us had more than enough room.

This apartment is 7 blocks away from the Main square (Plaza de Armas). This Plaza is so full of life: it’s one of the most picturesque areas in "Centro Historico." The square especially comes to life at night. We were able to enjoy many traditional dances and music. Just be aware of all the vendors who can spot a tourist from a mile away. A smile and polite “no gracias” typically sends the clear message for them to move on.

One of our favorite spots is about 2 blocks away from the apartment: the famous "Mercado de San Pedro." This market is one of the best-kept secrets of Cuzco. Mercado de San Pedro is an active and colorful central market. The proximity to the market is actually one of the main reasons we chose this apartment.

If you are only visiting Peru for a short time and looking to experience some of the authentic vibe, then we highly recommend that you visit this market and the streets surrounding it. There are so many fantastic little restaurants and street vendors. We spent several days here, and certainly could have stayed many more. In fact, we are already considering a return trip! If you are interested in this lovely and affordable apartment, check out the link at https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14790323?source_impression_id=p3_1568946090_PDZ6QL0p8ozwAlSV

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