Santa Monica Travel Guide
Cusco
Visit Santa Monica
Popular places to visit
Plaza de Armas
Cusco’s busy main square has been the center of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants.
San Pedro Market
Get caught up in the chaos of this intriguing attraction and enjoy a uniquely Andean experience.
Sacsayhuaman
The colossal stones of Cusco’s hilltop fortress are a powerful testimony to the ingenuity of Incan construction techniques.
San Blas Church
Find out about the history of Cusco with a stop at San Blas Church. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.
Cusco Cathedral
An imposing building constructed with stones from an Inca fortress is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and artwork that spans three centuries.
Coricancha
Discover the remains of an important Incan temple dedicated to the sun, admire its construction and learn about its fascinating history.
Things to do
Full-Day Excursion to Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo from Cusco
South Valley Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas Half Day Tour
Cusco: #1 Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day Trip with Meals
Cusco City Tour Four Ruins in Half-Day
Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley
Top hotels in Santa Monica
Polo Santa Monica
"Rooms were freezing, hot water took more than 10 minutes to arrive, staff spoke zero English. Bedding was clean, food was reasonable, about on a par with a Motel 6 in Alabama."
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
"Beautiful hotel with very well appointed rooms, lovely communal areas with places to sit and friendly, helpful staff. Great breakfast and lovely bar area. Location is excellent - you can walk to Cusco centre and around the area from the hotel. Only down side is the rooms are dark."
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Kantu Hotel
"The property was immaculate. Breakfast was great. Best was the staff amazing. Probably one of my best stays."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
"I had a lovely stay here! We had a lot of excursions planned, so the early breakfast schedule was super helpful. The staff were all very friendly, and the hotel was well maintained. The city centre was also walkable, with lots of currency exchange spots nearby, plus great room service options if ..."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Hampton By Hilton Cusco
"Very good"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
"The hotel was beautiful and the staff was wonderful. We did an in room massage that was perfect. Our room, bedding and shower was great. We did stay in a room with a balcony that was on the main road, which is a bit loud. Location was excellent and easy to walk to anything you need."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Monica
Santa Beatriz
While Santa Beatriz may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Real Plaza Cusco and National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco.
Progreso
When in Progreso, you can plan a visit to Ttio Market and National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Villa Victoria
While there might not be top attractions in Villa Victoria, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market.
Mateo Pumacahua
While there might not be top attractions in Mateo Pumacahua, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium and Plaza Tupac Amaru.
Rosaspata
Though Rosaspata may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Plaza Tupac Amaru and Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium.
Tahuantinsuyo
When in Tahuantinsuyo, you can plan a visit to Plaza Tupac Amaru and Plaza San Blas, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
