Maison Fortaleza

We loved the location, close to the centre, and the rooms were spacious, warm and had everything we needed. We were always given such a lovely, warm welcome. A perfect place to stay in Cusco. Highly recommend.

A nice little hotel, with friendly owners and no problems during our stay. It’s easy to get around on foot. Light sleepers might want earplugs because you can hear road noise, though that was true at all the places we stayed in Peru and didn’t take away from this hotel.

My boyfriend and I stayed at Maison Fortaleza for our first three days in Cusco at the end of June, to acclimate before the five-day Salkantay trek. Jean-Claude and Itala had the room ready with fresh towels, a chilled bottle of Chardonnay and a bowl of Andean popcorn. It was roomy and cozy, with a high ceiling and wooden beams. Nights got down to 35-40F, but we were never cold, and we had hot showers every night. We didn’t pay for breakfast, so I can’t comment on it. Itala was very hospitable, showed us where the kitchen was and invited us to use their water filter to fill our 2L hydration pak. She also offered coca and Muna tea. The night before we left for the trek, Jean-Claude and Itala shared encouraging words and their own experience, which calmed my nerves. When I struggled on the first day, I remembered what they’d said, regained my composure and enjoyed each moment of the hike. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful place if you want to stay a little away from the noise. It’s a short walk uphill from the centre, and each morning you get a beautiful, unobstructed view of town in the sunlight. We also got to chat with this sweet couple every day. They made us feel at home.

The thoughtful little touches made a real difference, especially the extra heaters and blankets. Itala and Jean-Claude were warm hosts, always ready with help or suggestions. Maison Fortaleza itself is peaceful but handy for getting around. The high ceilings, big bright windows, and spacious, spotless rooms give the old mansion an elegant, Swiss mountain cottage feel, which makes sense given the owners spend half their time in Switzerland. One of the best places I've stayed.