El Retablo

El Retablo

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cusco that’s a little bit out of the ordinary, El Retablo could be just the thing. This 17-room B&B is set in an historic townhouse that has been beautifully and colourfully decorated under the direction of the chief artist from the Cusco School of Fine Arts. It’s a light, bright and very welcoming place, with white walls and bedlinen gorgeously offset by vivid Peruvian artwork on the walls and ceilings and by lovely handwoven textiles; flowers being the dominant theme. A retablo is a traditional Peruvian small box that opens to reveal a 3D miniature scene, and you are greeted by dozens of these colourful and intricate retablos in the lobby.

Breakfast is taken at wooden tables in a spacious vaulted room with intricately painted ceiling, leading out to the courtyard garden that is a great space to relax in. You’ll be set up for the day with the tasty and filling breakfast, including eggs cooked to order and sweet and savoury crêpes and some excellent coffee.  For other meals, the numerous cafés and restaurants of Cusco are within easy distance. There is a pisco happy hour with snacks and live music every evening for you to enjoy before you head out for dinner and you can relax by the firepit in the courtyard when you return.

You’re just a 10-minute or so walk from many of Cusco’s attractions, including the main square, the Plaza de Armas, and, from El Retablo’s sister hotel, El Mercado, you can take tours of Cusco’s famous San Pedro market or hike to archaeological sites including Inkilltambo.