Antigua Casona San Blas is a 4-star hotel located in the artistic San Blas district of Cusco. The property occupies a restored 17th-century colonial building, a short walk from the Plaza de Armas. An ideal address for those wanting to stay in the heart of the former Inca capital while enjoying a degree of tranquility away from the bustling center.

Why stay here

The property appeals for three main reasons: its preserved architecture, its location in San Blas (the district of artisans and galleries), and its role as a practical base camp before excursions to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The casona combines 49 rooms, a Peruvian cuisine restaurant, a full spa (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, yoga room), and 24-hour front desk service—a format well-suited to travelers combining city visits with day excursions.

The atmosphere

The casona is a restored 17th-century colonial building whose architecture blends Inca heritage with Spanish colonization. It features the distinctive hallmarks of Cusco's casonas: carved wooden beams, adobe walls, interior courtyards with fountains. The restoration has preserved these original elements, and the atmosphere remains that of an ancient residence rather than a reformatted hotel. The décor draws on hand-crafted wood furnishings and works by local artisans, in keeping with the spirit of the district.

The rooms

The property offers 49 rooms divided into three categories:

• Traditional rooms
• Superior rooms
• Suites

Bedding features quality mattresses and goose-down duvets, with carefully chosen linens. Amenities include a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries, flat-screen television, desk, and free Wi-Fi. Depending on the room category and location within the casona, some rooms open onto interior courtyards, gardens, or district streets; a few have patios or balconies—worth specifying at booking according to your preferences.

Restaurant, bar, and spa

The restaurant showcases Peruvian cuisine, using local produce and revisited traditional recipes. The buffet breakfast offers fresh fruits, pastries, juices, and hot dishes prepared to order. The bar serves house cocktails, including pisco sour, a classic Peruvian drink worth trying.

The spa features a sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi, along with a treatment menu (facials, massages, steam baths). A yoga room is available for guests. Additional facilities include an equipped meeting room, on-site boutique, and 24-hour front desk.

Location

The hotel is situated in San Blas, Cusco's artistic district, perched on the heights above the Plaza de Armas. The main plaza is reached on foot in minutes via cobblestone streets. The district itself merits a visit: artisan workshops, small galleries, colonial facades, and panoramic views over Cusco's rooftops.

Surroundings

From the hotel, you're within reach of the city's main sites:

• The Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral
• Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
• San Pedro Market
• The artisan workshops of San Blas district

Cusco also serves as a departure point for the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. If your itinerary spans multiple regions, you can extend your stay at Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu, in Colca Canyon at Casitas del Colca, or on Lake Titicaca at the Suasi Island Lodge. For a stopover in Lima, Casa República Barranco is a characterful option in the Barranco district.

Planning your stay in Pérou

Cusco is comfortably visited during the Andean dry season, typically May through September—the most stable period for combining city, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Plan to allow a day or two for acclimatization to the altitude (3,400 m) before undertaking strenuous excursions. To build a complete itinerary, consult our Pérou trips.