El Retablo
Location
Cusco
Accommodation Type
Guest House
Accommodation Level
Mid-range
Price Guide
El Retablo
The ambiance at Casa Andina Colca Canyon is one of peace and tranquility. Simple, no fuss, rustic casitas linked by plant-lined walkways with a central fountain. It’s located near the centre of Chivay, which serves as a gateway to the Colca Canyon.
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.
Times to Go
Cusco is a year-round destination.
El Retablo highlights
- Charismatic and friendly boutique B&B
- Vibrant, colourful décor created by local artists
- Excellent location three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
- Murals, tapestries and retablos showcase Peruvian art
- Within easy walking distance of Cusco’s main attractions
- Relaxing courtyard garden
Peru Travel Specialists
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El Retablo location
El Retablo
Details
- 17 rooms
- Open all year round
- Children welcome
- As El Retablo is on a steep street and the immediate approach is by foot only, it may not be appropriate anyone with mobility problems.
Facilities
Breakfast room
Courtyard garden
Wi-Fi
Tea and coffee available all day
Packed breakfast for early departures
Happy hour in the courtyard
Activities
- Tour San Pedro Market
- Explore historic Cusco
- Hike to Inkilltambo and other archaeological sites
El Retablo rooms
The 17 rooms all feature white walls and bedlinen, and immensely colourful wall and/or ceiling decorations based on flowers. Each room has a smart TV, Wi-Fi, heating, hairdryer, phone and safe plus a small but well-equipped bathroom with good shower.
There are 10 Superior and 7 Superior Deluxe rooms, with the Superior Deluxe being larger and having their own seating areas. Some also have balconies with great views of Cusco.
Luis the llama is your guide to choosing hotels that make a difference to their community or environment.
And you can click him for our TRAVEL + PROTECT page.
Luis the Llama likes this because…
“El Retablo is owned and operated by Mountain Lodges of Peru, a Peruvian company with a strong commitment to local communities, training and employing local people at their properties. The company is committed to sustainable development with effective and efficient use of energy, water and waste disposal.”
And don’t forget … for every booking we take, Peru Specialists (which is part of Tribes Travel) plants trees in deforested areas of South America and Africa through The Travel Forest, and we also back The Tribes Foundation’s conservation and social projects.
You can click on Luis to read more about our TRAVEL + PROTECT initiatives on our Tribes website, including ways you can help with our ongoing projects.
Peru Specialists
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to Peru. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Call: 01473 599008