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Antigua Casona San Blas is right in the heart of Cusco’s oldest neighbourhood and one famed for its artisan galleries, bohemian vibe and quaint cafés. The building dates to pre-1800 and, after being abandoned for a period, was restored under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. Adobe bricks and roof tiles were salvaged to preserve the house’s original design and the result is a charming colonial boutique hotel with a contemporary vibe and a serious attention to detail. The team is beyond lovely and the hotel is sustainability-oriented, which is always a plus.
From $130 person/night
To reduce unnecessary plastic use, there is unlimited filtered water for everyone. A beautiful old-fashioned faucet sits by the hotel’s entrance to fill up your water bottle before heading out to town.
If you're struggling with altitude sickness, book a session in the sea-level pressurized hyperbaric chamber in the spa, where you can rest and recover while helping your body find equilibrium.
Keep in mind San Blas is uphill, so some walks back to the hotel may require a tad more effort than normal (lovely views though!). If opting for a taxi, direct it to the nearby square as the hotel’s one-way street is quite narrow.
The house has been thoughtfully restored to replicate the original design. The courtyard, one of many common spaces, has intricately carved wooden columns and balconies dressed in climbing ivy - Instagram-perfect! Comfy seats around the outdoor fire pit are heaven for relaxing or exchanging travel stories, while the restaurant serves classics with a Peruvian twist and all using locally-sourced ingredients. Wine lovers will appreciate the selection offered at the cava, while the spa and heated yoga studio are all about wellness.
There are 14 guest rooms, all with beautiful, carved wood details, colourful décor and added touches like extra pillows and shawls. All rooms have King or twin beds, radiators, flatscreen TVs and authentic terracotta brick or hardwood floors. The spacious bathrooms have large, Spanish-style showers with plenty hot water and are a delight. In-room green efforts include window and door insulation, LED bulbs and a zero-plastic waste policy. Some rooms overlook a beautiful terraced garden with native flowers and running water fountain - a beautiful view to wake up to.
The hotel’s central San Blas location means there are plenty of galleries and eateries to explore on the doorstep. The lively San Blas square is at the end of the street and the Plaza de Armas is only a 7-minute walk downhill, as are many other of the iconic sights. For a quiet afternoon, try a yoga class or book a pamper session at the Antigua Spa in the hotel. For the outdoorsy, try a day hikes around the city or the Sacred Valley, or paddle board at 3,800 metres on Piuray lake.