El Mercado Hotel Boutique has 31 comfortable, modern rooms in a traditional, courtyard-style home. The communal area has decor that channels local folk art right along shabby chic furnishings. There’s also an outdoor patio with a similar atmosphere and shady areas to spend a quiet moment with a book. This boutique hotel is located a short walk from some of the city’s top historic attractions.

Walk to the Plaza de Armas, where you can see impressive colonial buildings like the Compañía de Jesus and the Cusco Cathedral. The history of this square goes back further than the colonial era – this used to be an Inca square, and there’s a statue in the square commemorating the Inca leader Túpac Amaru. It’s a short walk from there to the Cathedral Santo Domingo, where you can see a uniquely Peruvian version of the Last Supper, with Jesus eating a guinea pig (known locally as cuy. With so many attractions in this area, this area also has lots of restaurants and fascinating tours.

This boutique hotel prides itself on its gourmet menu, and the food here is designed to impress discerning taste buds. In fact, the name “El Mercado” references the fact that this hotel used to be part of a farmer’s market. There’s also a complimentary breakfast buffet that’s included in your stay, and the coffee bar serves free drinks. The bar and lounge has a charming, old-school vibe. If you want, you can also grab a packed lunch from the restaurant.

All the rooms have cozy, upscale furnishings. Rooms here have Wi-Fi, telephones, as well as flat-screen satellite TVs and DVD players. Bathrooms have marble fixtures, showers, and hair dryers.

Housekeeping makes it easy to feel comfortable in your surroundings, no matter how long you stay. There is self-service laundry on-site, as well as the option to have your laundry and dry cleaning sent out. Rooms have safety deposit boxes and there is also a convenient luggage storage.

You have a few options for staying active on site. Check out the indoor swimming pool, the squash courts, and the tennis court. They also offer some spa services.