Casa Andina San Blas
On a quiet narrow street a short walk away from Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina San Blas is a beautiful, peaceful resting place near the heart of Cusco.
When I first arrived at the hotel from the airport, I was beginning to feel the effects of the altitude, and I was greeted by a cup of hot coca tea, which is available along with other refreshments in the lobby. It really does help. The hotel also exchanged a bit of pocket money for me before showing me to my room on the lovely courtyard.
Casa Andina San Blas is a few odd buildings around a small courtyard, in a busy section of town, but from within you are totally isolated from urban distractions. It was the perfect home base for my time in Cusco. I could walk through the shop-lined alleys of San Blas on my way to Plaza de Armas and back, which is only about ten minutes away. There are many shops and restaurants, and the neighborhoods are very safe and clean.
My room was basic but everything I needed. One small issue was the window shade which allowed a bit too much view into the room from the courtyard at night. I also prefer to sleep in total darkness, which I could not. But I slept well, and the next day I was rested and ready for my trip into the Sacred Valley. I took this picture of the hills at sunset from an outdoor sitting area near the lobby, an space which I took advantage of on several occasions as I adjusted to the thin air.
I recommend this Casa Andina San Blas for your stay in Cusco, an inevitable part of a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Visit the hotel website below, or it is an option on tours offered by Inca Expert Travel, which I also recommend. Tell them you saw it on ShanesAdventure.com!