El Mercado
Cuzco, Peru
At a Glance
The hotel’s funky interiors are inspired by the vivid colours and varied textures you might find at a traditional Peruvian market, along with nods to other Cusqueñan cultural and historical details
A perfect example of a modern boutique hotel – occupying a former market building, with a beautiful courtyard area, slap bang in the centre of town
Breakfast is a real highlight here – choose from a number of freshly made juices (don’t be afraid to experiment with unknown fruits) from the hotel’s take on a traditional market juice stall
As the evening draws in (and the temperature drops) relax by the flickering fire pits in the courtyard with the lip-smacking punch of a classic pisco sour
Mountain Lodges of Peru (owners of the hotel) promote responsible and environmentally conscious tourism and help to support health and education within the local communities. Visit www.yanapana.org
-
J
-
F
-
M
-
A
-
M
-
J
-
J
-
A
-
S
-
O
-
N
-
D
Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Cuzco’s location and altitude result in only two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season typically lasts from November to March, with the heaviest rains arriving in January and February. The best time to visit Cuzco and the surrounding area is during April-October. Though daytime temperatures rest in the mid-to upper 60s throughout the year, the city sees fewer rain showers during its winter months. Bring warm clothing as night-time temperatures dip into the low 30s and 40s due to the altitude.
Insider's View
At night gaze out over the bright lights of Cuzco from the second floor balcony
Go for this property if you aren't looking to spend a lot of time in your room! Great economical option for those who only need a bed to sleep in and nothing more.
To start planning your holiday to El Mercado
Description
El Mercado by Mountain Lodges of Peru is a 32-room boutique hotel located in a beautifully renovated colonial building three and a half blocks from the main square in Cuzco and a great base for visiting the city's highlights.
El Mercado, built on the premises of a former market (mercado), opened its doors in 2013 to great acclaim. The 32 guest rooms are tastefully decorated, many of these have a view of the city and the two suites and the five junior suites have their own bathtub and fireplace. Amenities include a coffee machine as well as a selection of mate teas. The walls and floors of the bedrooms are all heated, which is a great touch as the evenings do become chilly when the sun sets in Cuzco due the altitude. There is WiFi throughout the hotel and there is an elevator to access the upper floors.
El Mercado has embraced the former market location as part of its concept. The breakfast room is open all day and the buffet style dishes are cooked on the spot using fresh local ingredients, just like a Peruvian market street vendor. El Mercado has a warm and friendly atmosphere, the décor is by Jordi Puig, the same designer behind the trendy Hotel B in Lima. There’s also a charming courtyard and a stylish bar/restaurant where guests can enjoy typical Peruvian tapas dishes including anticuchos, washed down with a glass of local beer or a traditional pisco sour.
Accommodation
At El Mercado there are 32 guest rooms, junior suites and suites.
| Junior Suite | El Mercado’s Junior Suites provide the perfect accommodations for a relaxing stay in Cuzco. A King size bed with premium linens, a fireplace, and ensuite bathroom with separate bathtub and shower make Junior Suites the right style accommodation for a special occasion. |
| Superior Room | El Mercado's Superior rooms provide the perfect accommodations for a relaxing stay in Cuzco. A King size bed, flat screen tv, ensuite bathroom, and stylish local decor provides a welcoming feeling. |
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at El Mercado.
Experiences
-
Andean Textiles Tour
Peru's brightly coloured textiles are iconic and can be seen throughout the country, each region boasting its own distinctive style. Pay a visit to the Sulca family Textile Gallery and admire the skills of this generations old art form.
-
Cooking Lesson Palacio Nazarenas
Enjoy the best of Peruvian cuisine and learn all about delicious local ingredients by visiting a local market in Cuzco and joining a bespoke cooking class (prepare 4 delicious dishes) at the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.
-
Cuzco Off-Road Mountain Biking
Peru offers some of the best mountain biking down-hills in the world. Using a mix of rarely used dirt roads, ancient Inca Trails and smooth mule tracks enjoy an action packed off-road adventure outside of Cuzco.
-
Cuzco Walking Tour - Half Day
Explore the magical city of Cuzco on foot with a local guide visiting the highlights from Qoricancha Temple, known as the heart of the Inca Empire, as well as local markets, where you can shop for fine silver, ceramics and famed alpaca crafts.
-
Family Inflatable Canoeing Urubamba
White-water rafting & inflatable canoeing are fun sports, suitable for pretty much any one. No experience is needed to take part in this great day out to a beautiful section of the Urubamba River.
The Pinipampa section is class I-II outside of Cuzco.
-
Full Day Highlights of the Sacred Valley with Wayra Lunch
Wonderful full day private excursion to the village of Pisac home to its colourful Indian market and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lunch in Urubamba, followed by a visit to the impressive Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo.
-
Inca Rail Machu Picchu - 360°
Boasting expansive panoramic windows and an outdoor observation carriage, the 360° carriage on Inca Rail is all about the views, and the perfect way to enjoy the spectacular scenery as you journey by train to Machu Picchu through Peru's Urubamba Valley.
-
Inca Rail Machu Picchu - The First Class Train
Travel to Machu Picchu in total comfort on the Inca Rail First-Class service, enjoying views from the large picture windows and outdoor balcony as you pass through stunning landscapes in the Urubamba Valley.
-
Inca Rail Machu Picchu - The Private Train
The Private Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu allows guests to travel in comfort, relaxing in the plush lounge chairs and soaking in the valley views along the way to this iconic ancient citadel. A private carriage is reserved exclusively for your party.
-
Urubamba White-Water Rafting
Anyone looking for a fun and adventurous day out from Cuzco or Sacred Valley should try this superb white-water rafting trip, which takes guests down a beautiful section of the Urubamba River - suitable for almost all ages and abilities.
Location & directions
Cuzco, Peru
El Mercado is located three and a half blocks from the Plaza de Armas or Main Square, in the centre of the heart of picturesque Cusco.
How to get there
13-hour flight from London to Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, followed by a 1-hour 15-minute domestic flight to Cuzco (overnight in Lima usually required).
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
Stay on the UK site
Go to the USA site