Your stay — Atawkama
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The Property — Atawkama
Atawkama is a no-frills, family-run hotel in the historic centre of Cusco, Peru. Its unpretentious lobby, adorned with traditional textiles, feels like stepping into a local's home. The hotel's Andean-inspired decor and warm staff create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for budget-conscious travellers and those seeking an authentic Cusco experience. You'll find everything you need, from comfortable rooms to a hearty breakfast, without the inflated prices of fancier options.
Chronicles of Cusco
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, was founded in the 13th century by Sapa Inca Sihuas. The city's rich history is evident in its stunning architecture, which blends indigenous and Spanish colonial styles. The Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Cusco, surrounded by impressive stone buildings, including the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Cusco's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its indigenous heritage, with the Quechua language and traditions still thriving today. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, historic sites, and vibrant markets to experience the city's unique blend of past and present.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cusco guide →Best months
The best months to visit Cusco are June, July, and August, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 18°C (64°F). The days are pleasant, and the nights are cool, making it an ideal time to explore the city's historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak month in Cusco, with the Christmas and New Year's celebrations drawing large crowds. Prices for accommodations and tourist attractions increase significantly during this time, and popular sites like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley may require advance bookings. The Inti Raymi festival, a reenactment of the Inca sun festival, takes place in June and attracts many visitors.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season for Cusco is April to May and September to November, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. You can find discounts on accommodations and tourist services, and the city's festivals and events are still in full swing.
Weather & packing
Cusco's climate is known for its sudden changes in temperature, so it's essential to pack layers for your visit. Don't forget to include a waterproof jacket or poncho to protect against the occasional rain shower.
Live City Briefing — Cusco
- The new Qhapaq Ñan Inca Trail, a 43km section of the Inca Road, has opened to visitors, offering a unique hiking experience with stunning views of the Andean landscape.
- The Cusco Municipal Government has introduced a new public transportation system, making it easier to get around the city and its surrounding areas.
- The Museo de Arte Precolombino has reopened after a major renovation, featuring an expanded exhibit on the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Atawkama, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) in the front half of the hotel, away from the service entrance, to minimize street noise and elevator noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially those near the service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from delivery trucks and staff activities.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Fierro doesn't offer a panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. However, rooms on higher floors may have a view of the nearby rooftops or the surrounding Andean landscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's address in the Fierro area of Cusco, which is a busy commercial zone.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, as the hotel is located in a commercial area. However, the hotel's interior is designed to minimize external noise.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's complimentary breakfast hours and options, as they may vary depending on the season. If you're planning to explore Cusco's historic center, consider asking the hotel staff for advice on the best routes and attractions to visit, as they may have insider knowledge on the area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Atawkama
Free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including the historic Andean-inspired wing, but some floors have stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available in the lobby, physical papers upon request
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 6:00 AM, late check-out until 2:00 PM on weekdays, S/ 100 fee on weekends
Limited baggage storage available for a fee of S/ 20 per item, per day
Step-free access to the main lobby and most rooms, but some rooms have structural limitations; one wheelchair-accessible room available
On-site parking available for a nightly fee of S/ 50, nearest public car park is 3 blocks away at S/ 30 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 10 per person per night, mandatory city tax
Deposit & card hold: S/ 200 as advance deposit, and a S/ 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: San Pedro (457 m · ~6 min walk)
- Synagogue: Chabbad Cusco (505 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (617 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Santa Clara (683 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
El Paraíso — 631 m · ~8 min walk
Plaza San Francisco — 883 m · ~11 min walk
Convento de San Francisco de Asís — 782 m · ~10 min walk
Teatro Municipal — 954 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 639 m · ~8 min walk
Farma Barrio — 75 m · ~1 min walk
Los Gatos — 94 m · ~1 min walk
San Pedro — 402 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Change money at banks or currency exchange offices in the city centre to avoid poor rates at airports or tourist bureaux. Be prepared for a 3-5% commission fee.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but mobile payments are less common. Look for 'tarjeta' signs to find card-only establishments.
Round up the bill to the nearest 5 soles for restaurants and bars, and 10 soles for hotel staff. Taxis don't require tipping, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around 5-7 soles at local cafes
A menu del dia (set lunch) at a local eatery costs around 15-20 soles
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-40 soles
Try the street food stalls in the San Pedro Market for affordable options
Supermercados like San Eduardo and Tottus have locations in the area
Visit the local markets or bazaars for affordable shopping options
A day pass for the urban bus system costs 5 soles. From the airport, take a bus R2 or R3 for 10-15 soles
Bargain at markets and bazaarsUse public transportation instead of taxisEat at local eateries instead of touristy restaurants
Good to know — Cusco
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.39 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
CuscoWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Cusco, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Atawkama
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 639 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Farma Barrio — 75 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Airport exit (main road) → Plaza de Armas (2 blocks from Hostal La Union)
💡 Boards outside the terminal on Av. La Cultura. Flag one down. They're cramped with luggage, fine with a small backpack. Drop at 'Plaza' – then walk up Calle Suecia.
Av. Grau (colectivo stop) → Ollantaytambo (for train to Machu Picchu)
💡 Faster than bus. Hail one heading west on Av. Grau (cars with 'Ollantaytambo' on windshield). They leave when full (4-5 passengers). Much cheaper than PeruRail's shuttle.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) → Hostal La Union (Cusco city centre)
💡 Don't take touts at arrivals. Walk past the taxi sellers to the official 'Taxi Seguro' booth just outside – same price, no haggling.
Av. Grau (2 blocks from Hostal La Union) → Urubamba (Sacred Valley)
💡 Cheapest way to the Sacred Valley. Look for 'El Chaski' or 'Túpac Amaru' signs. Sit on the left for views of Patacancha Valley. Cash only – exact change.
About Cusco
Wikipedia ↗
Cusco or Cuzco (; Latin American Spanish: [ˈkusko]; Quechua: Qosqo or Qusqu, both pronounced in Cuzco Quechua as [ˈqosqɔ]) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range, and the Huatanay and Urubamba rivers. It is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Cus...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Atawkama?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) in the front half of the hotel, away from the service entrance, to minimize street noise and elevator noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Atawkama?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially those near the service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from delivery trucks and staff activities.
Is Atawkama noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, as the hotel is located in a commercial area. However, the hotel's interior is designed to minimize external noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Atawkama?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Fierro doesn't offer a panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. However, rooms on higher floors may have a view of the nearby rooftops or the surrounding Andean landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Atawkama?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's complimentary breakfast hours and options, as they may vary depending on the season. If you're planning to explore Cusco's historic center, consider asking the hotel staff for advice on the best routes and attractions to visit, as they may have insider knowledge on the area.
What time is check-in at Atawkama?
Check-in at Atawkama is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Atawkama have Wi-Fi?
Free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Atawkama?
S/ 10 per person per night, mandatory city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Atawkama?
A menu del dia (set lunch) at a local eatery costs around 15-20 soles
What is the cheapest way to get around from Atawkama?
A day pass for the urban bus system costs 5 soles. From the airport, take a bus R2 or R3 for 10-15 soles
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The best months to visit Cusco are June, July, and August, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 18°C (64°F). The days are pleasant, and the nights are cool, making it an ideal time to explore the city's historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
Top Attractions in Cusco
💡 Try the jugo de papaya con avena (papaya oat smoothie) from Stall 112, about 3 soles. Go in the morning for the best selection.
💡 Go at sunset for the best light, and bring water. The walk up from Plaza de Armas takes about 20 minutes. No entrance fee, but tip the guard if you use the small lookout tower.
💡 Free guided tours of the cathedral happen after Sunday mass (11am) if you hang around. Alternatively, just enjoy the free Wi-Fi from the plaza.
💡 Free entry on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Check their website as hours vary in low season.
💡 Visit just before closing at 5pm to avoid crowds and catch golden light. The Cusco Tourist Ticket covers this plus several other ruins and museums.