Amaru Inca and Amaru Colonial: Top Cusco Budget Hotels

Amaru Inca, a top budget hotel in Cusco.
Photo by Amaru Inca

These simple, endearing hotels are located in San Blas, the artisan quarter of Cusco. Both Amaru Inca and Amaru Colonial take budget lodging up a notch in both design and accommodation. Upon entering the relaxing lobby with ornate wood finishes, you receive a warm welcome from the staff, who are available to assist you 24-hours a day. 

Check out this video of the two properties, by Ian Burke of our Cusco office:

After checking in, you make your way through the flower-filled stone courtyard, an iconic architectural feature of colonial Cusco. Hector Leon from Peru For Less’ Cusco office recently visited the hotel and noted that “the rooms are nice and comfy,” which is perfect after an exciting day exploring the capital of the Inca Empire. In both hotels, the clean and tidy guest rooms feature wood furniture and splashes of Andean art. They are equipped with a private bathroom, cable TV and heating. 

A room at Amaru Inca hotel.

Superior Room at Amaru Inca. Photo by Amaru Inca.

“I felt like I was walking into a villa – it wasn’t super fancy or anything but it was exactly what I was looking for in a Cusco hotel,” says Andres Miró Quesada of Peru for Less’ Marketing Team, who recently stayed at Amaru Colonial. “It was really comfortable, super quiet, there were lots of plants, the food was delicious and the city views were amazing!” 

Onsite services at both include a terrace, garden, free Wi-Fi, and a heartier breakfast than you’d expect from a 2-star hotel. Amaru Inca is a bit closer to the main Plaza de Armas, about 8 minutes by foot. Amaru Colonial is a 12 minute walk to the plaza, but provides many special vantage points to catch impressive views of the city.

Lizzie Thomas, Peru for Less’ Experience Manager shares that, to sum it up, it is “a basic hotel done very well.” If you want an excellent value with a hotel that is modest but covers all the bases and then-some, Amaru Inca and Amaru Colonial extend the experience you are looking for.