For most overseas travelers arriving at the Lima airport in Peru, their first bucket list item to check off is usually Cusco and Machu Picchu. This requires a connecting domestic flight of about 90 minutes.
It is estimated that around 1.5 million to 2 million tourists head to Cusco annually, with the objective of combining a trip to this ancient sacred fortress, consistently designated as one of the Seven modern wonders of the world. Be prepared for controlled crowds, especially at Machu Picchu.
Located in southeastern Peru, Cusco is situated near the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range and the Huatanay River. Cusco and the Sacred Valley are usually chosen as starting points for a Machu Picchu experience.
The City of Cusco is located at an elevation around 11,200 ft, so be prepared for some altitude adjustment. Maximum temperature is 77 °F / while minimum temperature is 46.4 °F. Be prepared for cool evenings and bring a light jacket. Or better yet, buy one of the many baby alpaca sweaters, ponchos, hats, and gloves/mittens available for sale in the main square. Since we traveled light, this was the option we chose.
As background information, it is important to know that the city was the capital of the Inca Empire until the 16th-century Spanish conquest. In 1983, Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Location
Because Cusco is such a tourist draw for guests from all over the world, there is a plethora of hotels, hostels, and resorts to choose from. The various price points will appeal to just about any traveler, ranging from backpacker minimalism to luxury often defined by history, art, and architecture.
One of my favorites because of its proximity and colonial charm is Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. Strategically located in downtown Cusco city center, many attractions are only a short walk away. The hotel is known for its exceptional service enveloped in an atmosphere that blends the rich Inca cultural heritage and Spanish colonialism. Be prepared to feel like you are Incan royalty because the service is that good.
The Hotel
The hotel is a thirty-minute drive from Velasco Astete International Airport and two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Shuttle service is available for a fee. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is 12:00.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel offers 5-star luxury accommodation in a renovated 16th-century mansion, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980. Elegant antiques and crystal chandeliers decorate the lobby and common spaces.
The rooms at the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel feature luxurious upholstery and frescoes on the walls. All include a smart oxygen system to help with altitude acclimatization, a feature I didn’t know about until after our departure. With that being said, I must confess that my husband and I still suffered with mild symptoms associated with altitude sickness. Just make sure to drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and eat light.
The marble bathrooms were a nice luxurious touch and included circular hot tubs that were very inviting for relaxation. Amenities on-site include a restaurant, bar/lounge, and shuttle service to nearby attractions during your stay.
For groups, it is nice to know that a large colonial courtyard is available for different types of events, including special meetings, dinners, lunches, cocktails, and receptions. The capacity is 100 people cocktail-style and 80 people auditorium-type.
Onsite Food & Drink
The gourmet restaurant Mishti serves creative Peruvian flavors, while the Khasikay bar offers tapas and pisco-based cocktails. Breakfast with fresh fruit salad, omelets, and chocolate cakes is provided.
The Room
The hotel in Cusco city center offers 43 rooms with a view of the city or the hotel’s colonial patio. The rooms are elegant yet simple, designed for maximum comfort.
We stayed in a standard room of which there are a total of 11 available. They are designed to maximize comfort and coziness. For us, it was a tad bit too cozy. I like more space. Amenities include Temperature control, Safe, Smart TV, Towel warmer, Telephone, Minibar, Bathrobes and slippers.
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The Rates
For the best rates online as well as special packages, book directly with Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. Or check Booking.com or Expedia for competitive prices. Depending on day of the week, season and room type, rates run from around $125-350 USD per night. Check the website for special promotions.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
For more Hotel Scoop reviews of other hotels in the Cusco area, check out the following:
Costa del Sol Ramada Cusco – Room with a View
El Convento Hotel Cusco, Peru: a JW Marriott With History:
The Bottom Line
The location of Aranwa Cusco Hotel is great and gives you easy access to the main square and numerous restaurants for dining choices outside the hotel. Combined with the charming historic atmosphere replete with colonial art and yet modern amenities, it offers the best of old and new. Combined with the cultural ambiance and well-appointed rooms that are somewhat cozy yet extremely comfortable, it is an excellent place to soak up the local history and culture.
The hotel includes one of the best breakfasts in town.
All rooms feature a smart oxygen system. In theory, this should assist in your altitude adjustment.
The marble bathrooms with circular hot tubs are a luxurious touch.
Free internet keeps you in touch with social media and family.
Airport shuttle service is available for an additional fee.
Karin Leperi Pezo is a writer and photographer living part-time in Peru and part-time in Nevada. She paid a promotional fare for two nights as part of a luxury Peru tour with Machu Picchu Inc. All photos are by Karin Pezo unless otherwise credited. As always, all opinions are those of the author and are based on an actual overnight stay at the property. This sets apart Hotel Scoop reviews from AI-generated text.
