Your stay — El Retablo
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Cusco.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Retablo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel has a lift and the floors above the 3rd floor are likely to be less prone to street noise from Cusco's busy streets.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first three floors, as they may be more susceptible to street noise and foot traffic from the hotel's location in Cusco.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not provide any notable view options, as the hotel is located in the city center and surrounded by buildings.
Quietest floors
4th-5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, as the hotel is located in a bustling area of Cusco. The hotel's concrete floors may also amplify foot traffic noise from the lift and surrounding rooms.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's free luggage storage service, allowing you to explore Cusco without carrying your bags. Request a room with a fan for a more comfortable stay, as the hotel's rooms may not have air conditioning.
- 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 — El Retablo
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but historic section on the second floor has a staircase-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available in the lobby, but no physical newspapers
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00, Early bag-drop available from 08:00, Late check-out until 18:00 with fee of S/ 50 (approximately USD 13.60)
Available 24/7, S/ 10 (approximately USD 2.70) per bag, per day
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, but the historic section has some structural limitations
On-site parking available, S/ 30 (approximately USD 8.10) per night, nearest public car park is the Plaza de Armas parking lot, S/ 20 (approximately USD 5.40) per hour, and no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 10 per person, per night (approximately USD 2.70)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of S/ 200 (approximately USD 55) and a credit card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capilla (204 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Capilla San Antonio Abad (229 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Templo de la Sagrada Familia (330 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de San Cristóbal (332 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Inti Killa — 782 m · ~10 min walk
Parque Tricentenario — 288 m · ~4 min walk
Museo de las Plantas Sagradas — 141 m · ~2 min walk
Paraninfo Universitario — 588 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
globalnet — 259 m · ~3 min walk
Farmandina — 592 m · ~7 min walk
Minimarket San Cristobal — 162 m · ~2 min walk
San Pedro — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
You can exchange currency at the airport or in town, but be aware that rates at airports and tourist bureaux are often poor. It's better to exchange at a local bank or use an ATM.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Cusco's tourist areas, but some smaller shops and markets may only accept cash. Mobile payments are not as common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 10-15% in restaurants and bars is standard, and 5-10 soles for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 5-7 soles at a local café or street vendor.
A meal at a local eatery or market stall can cost around 15-25 soles.
A main course at a budget restaurant can cost around 30-40 soles.
The San Pedro Market and the surrounding streets are good places to find cheap eats, including traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and ají de gallina.
Local supermarkets like Tottus and Wong are common in Cusco and offer affordable prices on staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods.
The San Blas neighborhood has a variety of affordable high-street and market shopping options, including local textiles and handicrafts.
A day pass for public transportation in Cusco costs around 12 soles, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-25 soles.
Avoid eating at tourist restaurants and opt for local eateries or street food for more affordable options.Use public transportation instead of taxis or shuttles for a more budget-friendly way to get around.Shop at local markets or second-hand stores for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Good to know — Cusco
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · 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 El Retablo
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · globalnet — 259 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Farmandina — 592 m · ~7 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Retablo?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel has a lift and the floors above the 3rd floor are likely to be less prone to street noise from Cusco's busy streets.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Retablo?
Avoid rooms on the first three floors, as they may be more susceptible to street noise and foot traffic from the hotel's location in Cusco.
Is El Retablo noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, as the hotel is located in a bustling area of Cusco. The hotel's concrete floors may also amplify foot traffic noise from the lift and surrounding rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at El Retablo?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not provide any notable view options, as the hotel is located in the city center and surrounded by buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at El Retablo?
Take advantage of the hotel's free luggage storage service, allowing you to explore Cusco without carrying your bags. Request a room with a fan for a more comfortable stay, as the hotel's rooms may not have air conditioning.
What time is check-in at El Retablo?
Check-in at El Retablo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Retablo have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Retablo?
S/ 10 per person, per night (approximately USD 2.70)
Where can I eat cheaply near El Retablo?
A meal at a local eatery or market stall can cost around 15-25 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Retablo?
A day pass for public transportation in Cusco costs around 12 soles, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 20-25 soles.
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.