The city of Cusco is the perfect central locale for exploring some of the most fabulous places South America has to offer such as Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and Lake Titicaca to name a few. Located in the bohemian district of San Blas, far enough away from the bustling streets of the center, but still just a few blocks from Cusco’s main square, Encantada Casa Boutique Spa Hotel is where we chose for our “home base” while in Cusco, Peru.
Offering 18 oversized rooms, in the heart of South America’s archaeological capital, this is a truly enchanting place to stay. The San Blas district is an area of peaceful, picturesque, narrow streets lined by whitewashed colonial-style houses, with Encantada Casa Boutique at the peak overlooking the entire city. Churches, museums, restaurants, shopping, and ancient Inca streets are just a short walk from Encantada. The clean and modern design, as well as the tranquil, serene, feel this boutique portrays make it the perfect spot for rest and relaxation while not out wandering and exploring the Cusco region.
Middle – Coca tea with the room key and complimentary Pisco sour ticket
Right – Lobby stairway to accommodations and fourth-floor terrace
Upon our arrival at Encantada Casa Boutique, after yet another long day of travels, we were warmly welcomed by hotel staff, and immediately offered a cup of Coca tea to ease us into the increased elevation. The concierge assisted us with delivering our luggage to our room on the second floor, while we relaxed in the lobby. There are cozy space heaters throughout, and super comfortable couches to sink into which were just what we needed after our long day. Sipping on our fresh Coca tea (best we’ve had yet) was just an added bonus!
While relaxing, the front desk staff brought us our room keys, went over hotel services and options, provided us with the wifi information, and presented us with two tickets to use anytime throughout our stay for a complimentary Pisco sour each. After finishing our tea, we headed up to check out our room, check out the views from the fourth-floor terrace before dark, and change into some comfy clothes for a night-in underneath delightful heaters sipping Peruvian wine and catching up on our work at the in house restaurant.
This boutique spa hotel is surrounded by delightful gardens full of fresh blooms and boasts the most picturesque panoramic views of the well-preserved historic center of the city of Cusco. Although it was chilly as dusk was upon us, we were fortunate to experience these views in daylight as well as when the city lit up in the evening. Both were incredible.
After exploring the magnificent, tranquil, clean, and well-kept property, just as it was getting a little too cool for our liking, we headed downstairs to the lounge/restaurant for the remainder of the night. Here, we enjoyed our first ever, perfectly crafted Pisco sours, the emblematic cocktail of Peru. We then ordered a snack of mouthwatering garlic French fries while we sipped on a bottle of Tacoma Gran Blanco Sauvignon Blanc, local wine from Ica Valley, Peru. After polishing off the majority of our wine, we finished off the evening with a main plate of delicately spiced, but lusciously creamy and comforting chicken and vegetable curry with rice.
Shortly after filling our bellies with delicious food and wine, we made our way to our room to retire for the night. We were pleasantly surprised by the evening turndown services Encantada provided. Our room was refreshed, and our comforters folded over warmly inviting us each to our delightful bed and bedding. A heated water bottle tucked upon our sheets was the final touch to our perfectly relaxing first night at Encantada, and aided in the all-around contentment we were feeling before heading off to dreamland.
We stayed two nights here, and would without hesitation recommend this hotel. From the moment we arrived at Encantada we felt welcomed and well attended to. The staff was friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable. The food at the in-house restaurant, Magia, was outstanding and freshly prepared. There was a diverse menu for both breakfast and dinner, local Peruvian flavors, perfect wine options, fresh fruits and juices, and delicious tea. The rooms, as well as the entire hotel grounds, were clean, the beds were comfortable, and the whole property felt tranquil, as well as safe, and secure.
Right – Yummy breakfast omelet
Every room at Encantada Casa Boutique Spa Hotel is equipped with the following:
- Private bathroom with plentiful 24-hour hot water
- Hairdryer
- Premium down duvets
- Heaters
- Telephone with a direct dial system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
- Safe-deposit
- 110V and 220V electricity supply
A few noteworthy tips:
Cusco is 3,400 meters or about 11,200 feet in altitude and this hotel is located on a hill. Prepare to walk up some stairs at high altitude to get to your room. We promise the views from the outside terrace are well worth the effort.
Encantada is 100% non-smoking.
The hotel offers complimentary luggage storage and laundry service for an additional fee.
The building is cylindrical going up from the dining area so the halls can become a little noisy. However, without the beautiful circular stairway, the roof terrace views of all of Cusco wouldn’t exist. Once again, well worth it.
Thank you Encantada Casa Boutique Spa Hotel for making us feel at home during our time spent in Cusco!
Encantada Casa Boutique Spa Hotel
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Highlights
- Top notch views of Cusco
- Complimentary breakfast 5:30 am to 10:30 am
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff available 24/7
- Reliable and fast, free Wi-Fi
- Clean, tranquil, and serene atmosphere
Challenges
- Barking pups from the streets or neighboring residences caused slight disturbance
