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Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

Close to Cusco’s main square and with rooms set in the colonial-era cloisters of the city’s old market, El Mercado offers value-stays in a slice of old Cusco, a stroll from the city centre.

The décor fuses Spanish-era grandeur with modern design (from renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig). Rooms come in warm creams with abstract textile carpets, Philippe Starck-inspired drapes and bright modern art on the walls. They sit over a large central atrium with a fire pit and lounge chairs.

The Plaza de Armas and Cusco’s best restaurants and bars are two blocks away.

Surrounding area

The hotel sits on a steep cobbled street lined with colonial houses and old Spanish churches in the heart of downtown Cusco, with convenience stores and other hotels as neighbours. 

Plaza Kusipata and its surrounding streets (which are lined with restaurants) are a five-minute walk. The main city square (The Plaza de Armas), the cathedral and most of the city’s historic buildings are just under ten minutes away.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: Not available
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Festival of the Sun

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.4 miles]

Colourful parades and ancient Inca ceremonies are re-enacted at this world-famous winter solstice festival.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 5 hours

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Overview >

Sacsayhuaman

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.7 miles]

A vast, fortified Inca sun temple that perches over Cusco, housing boulders and masonry astonishingly jigsaw-pieced together, without cement or metal tools.

Best for ages: 18+ | £24

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Overview >

Qorikancha

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.9 miles]

The Inca empire’s most elaborate sun temple, covered in gold and silver, is now a colonial church housing stunning Inca stonework.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Overview >

A day in Cusco

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[1.8 miles]

The heart of the old Inca empire has a wealth of Inca ruins, Spanish treasures and historic architecture to explore.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1 day

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

A small village on a mountain covered in yellow grasses, with mountains in the background
Experience

Hike from Cusco to Huchuy

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[2.5 miles]

This, the shortest and easiest of alternative Inca trails, takes three days from Cusco and offers wonderful mountain views, little-visited Inca sites and a final day at Machu Picchu itself.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4 | 3 days

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Overview >
Town square and market with small church viewed from across the valley.
Experience

Chinchero village

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[15.5 miles]

This little village in the Sacred Valley near Cusco is a centre for traditional indigenous weaving in Peru. It has a lively market and ancient Inca agricultural terraces.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Peru

Peru

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.

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Overview >