Where to Stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: A Guide by Area and Altitude

Choosing where to sleep matters more in this region than in most destinations, because the altitude changes a lot from one town to the next. This guide helps you decide by area, not by brand: what to expect in each place, how altitude affects your rest, and how to check that a lodging is legitimate.

Why altitude matters

Cusco sits at about 3,400 m above sea level (3,399 m is the most commonly cited figure). The US CDC recommends avoiding going in a single day from below 1,200 m to sleeping above 2,750 m, and, once you are above 3,000 m, increasing your sleeping altitude by no more than 500 m per day. It also suggests light activity and no alcohol during the first 48 hours.

If you are coming from the coast, this means the first night counts. Several sources suggest spending your first days at an intermediate altitude, such as the Sacred Valley, before going up to Cusco. See a doctor before traveling if you have heart or lung problems or are pregnant (the CDC advises against sleeping above 3,050 m during pregnancy).

Central Cusco and San Blas

• Central Cusco: the most practical area if you are staying a short time or have early flights. Everything is a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
• San Blas: an artisans’ neighborhood in the upper part of town, above the Plaza de Armas. Its streets are cobbled and steep, with stairs between levels. If you are traveling with heavy luggage or have limited mobility, ask how to get to the lodging and whether a taxi can reach the door.

Sacred Valley: sleeping lower

The valley drops from about 3,000 m at Pisac to about 2,050 m below Machu Picchu. The towns most commonly used as a base:

• Pisac (2,972 m, 32 km from Cusco): it has a large market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and ruins above the town. On market days the town fills up; book ahead if you are traveling on a Sunday.
• Urubamba (about 43 km from Cusco, close to an hour by road): the largest town in the valley and often used for acclimatizing. Together with Yucay, it forms a lower-altitude area of fields and small lodgings.
• Ollantaytambo (2,792 m, 72 km from Cusco): a town with an Inca archaeological site and the point where trains to Machu Picchu depart. It is convenient if you have an early train.
• Chinchero and Maras: higher up from the valley floor (Maras is at about 3,200 m) and with fewer options. They are good if you want quiet and have a vehicle or arranged transport.

When to go and what to expect from the nights

Climate data for Cusco shows that June to August is the driest period, with nights of around 4 to 5 °C and days of around 17 to 18 °C. From December to March it rains more often: January and February see rain on more than 60% of days. July and June are the most sought-after months, so prices rise and places fill up sooner.

Since nights are cold, ask about heating or a stove and extra blankets before booking. Don’t assume a room has them.

How to check that a lodging is legitimate

Mincetur, Peru’s tourism ministry, publishes the Directorio Nacional de Prestadores de Servicios Turísticos Calificados (National Directory of Qualified Tourism Service Providers), which includes lodgings. Check it on the ministry’s official website before paying a deposit. A 2018 press release describes this directory, so confirm its current location on the ministry’s website. Always keep your proof of payment.

In short

• Cusco is at about 3,400 m; the Sacred Valley runs between 3,000 and 2,050 m.
• If you arrive from the coast, consider sleeping in the valley first and keeping activity low for the first 48 hours.
• San Blas is steep: confirm access with luggage.
• Pisac fills up on market days; Ollantaytambo makes sense if you have an early train.
• June to August is the driest; January and February, the rainiest.
• Ask about heating and check Mincetur’s official directory.

When PuroCusco has businesses listed, you will find them at /categoria/dormir; for now, use this guide to decide on an area.