Why stay in Cusco?
Cusco (or Cuzco, depending on who you talk to) was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Nowadays, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Peru.
Cusco is home to several museums, including the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo (modern art), Museo Historico Regional (in the home of an historian specializing in Inca culture) and Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha (pre-Columbian culture). You can also visit the city's many art galleries to see how local artists interpret the scenery around them. On the other hand, you could just wander the downtown Cusco streets and see the scenery for yourself. Have a nice stroll around the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by churches, eateries and shops where you can while away a pleasant afternoon - great for people-watching. Check out the city walls, dating from the Inca era (roughly from the 13th through the 16th centuries). There are also Inca ruins near the city as well, which make ideal day-trips. From Cusco you can hire a tour company to get you to Machu Picchu or Lake Titicaca, also.
There are lots of budget accommodations in Cusco, so your only trouble will be choosing one of them. Keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for young backpackers (even if the property has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - they're just the thing for any budget traveler who's interested in being social and meeting other travelers. A few noteworthy Cusco hostels are highlighted below.
Piccola Locanda is both a guesthouse and a travel agency which helps to fund (among other things) a school just outside the city. It is located two blocks from the city's main square. Hospedaje Familiar LLipimpac is a colonial guesthouse in Cusco's historic center.
Hostal El Triunfo is just a half-block from the main square, behind the cathedral, and offers free airport pickup. Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta is in an old neighborhood a short walk from the main square and also offers free airport pickup.
If none of these hostels sounds like it's ideal for you, that's nothing to worry about. There are other Cusco hostels listed here which you can choose from. Just read the descriptions until you find the one that matches your criteria.
What else do you need for your trip? No matter what it is, we can help you find it. You can look for the best deals on international airfare to Cusco and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Cusco Travel Guide.