Holiday rental or hotel in Cusco? Pros, cons and what to check

Cusco has it all: hotels in colonial mansions, family guesthouses, backpacker hostels and more and more holiday apartments rented through platforms. Choosing between an apartment and a hotel isn't just about price. In a city at 3,400 metres, with cold nights, steep streets and pre-dawn tour departures, details that don't matter elsewhere make a difference here. This guide compares both options and tells you what to check before booking.

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Advantages of a hotel

• 24-hour reception: useful if you arrive at night or leave at 4 am for Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain.
• Early or packed breakfast: many hotels prepare it for early tours.
• Luggage storage: you can leave bags while you go to Machu Picchu or do a trek.
• Oxygen and coca tea: almost all keep an emergency cylinder and offer coca tea at reception.
• Help with tours and taxis: staff recommend or book trusted transport.

• Luggage storage in Cusco: hotels, left-luggage, the Machu Picchu train and treks
• Hotels with oxygen rooms in Cusco: what they are, whether they work and who needs them

Advantages of a holiday apartment

• More space: ideal for families, groups or long stays.
• Kitchen: you can shop at the markets and cook, welcome on long trips.
• Neighbourhood life: staying in a residential building brings you closer to everyday Cusco.
• Price per person: for groups it's usually cheaper than several hotel rooms.

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The cold: the most important detail

Cusco nights are cold, especially from May to August, when temperatures drop close to zero. Many houses and apartments have no central heating. Before booking, confirm there's a heater, enough blankets and windows that close properly. Hotels tend to be better prepared, though it's still worth asking.

• Cusco weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect

Hot water and pressure

In some places hot water depends on electric shower heaters or small tanks that run out quickly. Ask how the hot water works, especially if there are several of you.

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Location and hills

A cheap apartment at the top of San Blas or San Cristóbal can become an exhausting climb every day, especially just after arriving. Check the slope on the map and whether taxis can reach the door. For a first visit, the historic centre or Avenida El Sol are more comfortable.

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Safety and check-in

• Check how key handover works if you arrive at night.
• Make sure the building door locks properly and the street is well lit.
• Save the host's contact and a backup in case they don't answer.
• In hotels and guesthouses, use the safe if there is one.

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Invoices and taxes

In Peru, non-resident foreign tourists may be exempt from IGV (sales tax) at registered hotels and guesthouses by showing their passport and proof of entry into the country. Ask your accommodation whether it applies and whether the published price already includes it. In private rentals this exemption doesn't always apply.

• Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards

Long stays: what changes

If you're staying several weeks or months, for example to study Spanish, volunteer or work remotely, an apartment usually wins. A kitchen lets you shop at San Pedro or Wanchaq markets and eat like a local, and many hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts. Before committing, spend a few days in the area to check the noise, proximity to supermarkets and transport, and the real quality of the internet connection. Also ask how electricity, gas and water are paid if they're not included in the price.

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Which to choose?

• Short trip with pre-dawn tours: hotel or guesthouse with 24-hour reception.
• Family or group: a spacious, well-located apartment with heating.
• Long stay or remote work: an apartment with good internet and a kitchen.
• Very tight budget: hostel or family guesthouse.
• First time at altitude: a hotel in a flat area with oxygen available.

• Hostels in Cusco: areas, what to check before booking and backpacker tips
• Luxury Cusco: boutique hotels, premium trains and private experiences
• Cusco with kids: altitude, itinerary and family activities

Quick checklist before booking

1. Is there heating or a heater?
2. How does the hot water work?
3. Is it on a steep street or up steps?
4. Can a taxi reach the door?
5. Is there a reception or a way to get in at night?
6. Can I leave luggage while I go to Machu Picchu?
7. Is the wifi good enough if I need to work?

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).