If you are planning to stay in Cusco for at least some weeks, it could be more beneficial to either rent a room or an apartment. And as Cusco is a busy town, it is a lot easier if you know some things ahead of time. Here are some tips:
In the high season (usually between June to October) it can be quite difficult to rent a good place; especially if you wish to find something close to the city center, in a safe area and for as cheap as possible. The prices around the city center (around the main square), are very high. Here, you would pay between around 1,300 and 3,500 Soles, per month. The price of a flat really depends on the number of rooms and whether it is furnished or not.
But don’t worry, the good news is that you can find also something cheaper :-). Maybe your new home will not necessarily be one, two or even three blocks from the main square; it is more likely to be five or six blocks away, but this will help you save money!
Important tips about renting an apartment or room in Cusco
In general, you will not find too many options for renting a flat or room on the internet. Most advertisements about renting a place in Cusco are found in the printed versions of the local newspaper called Rueda de Negocios. Just you need to know, that only in the Thursday edition of this newspaper do relevant announcements appear. However, it is possible to find some of them you will also find in the Tuesday edition. So, if you plan to search for a new “home”, definitely get your hands on the Thursday paper! Every week there are a lot of offers: from renting single rooms to apartments.
Remember, that one of the most important principles here, is “first come, first serve”. So, with the purchase of the newspapers, do not wait until midday. Instead, you should get Rueda de Negocios very early in the morning. In general, you can buy Rueda de Negocios from around 5:30 AM onwards. By doing so, you will have a better chance of selecting the best option before others grab it from under your nose. You can also Rueda de Negocios on line.
Other good places to search for a place in Cusco
Sometimes, very good advertisements about renting an apartment or room in Cusco, appear in the South American Explorers Club (SAE). If you do not find anything interesting in Rueda de Negocios, definitelly visit the Cusco SAE clubhouse. Their office is situated in San Blas, Atocsaycuchi 670 Street.
If you think you have found the perfect place to live, don’t get too excited. Make sure to the future leaser some extra questions before renting it.
Tips about making a contract with the landlord
If you have finally found the right place, ask the landlord about all relevant details, such as: what is included in the price and what is not included.
What is more important! Not only should you ask, but also check personally!! Especially, check to see if there is hot water provided. Of course, every leaser will claim that there is hot water, but always be careful. Even if there is an electrical system in the bathroom, you need to know that it is not always possible to have hot or warm water in this region. Very often, the electricity system does not work properly, so if you love a hot shower, it should be your number one query. The best option is to find a place where a gas system is provided. Only then can you be sure that you will consistently have hot water. Typically, newer buildings are equipped with a gas system – the only one problem is that these apartments or rooms are usually situated a little bit further from the city center.
The other important thing to ask is about the internet connection. Of course, many offers will have WiFi included, but you should ask about the speed of this internet. Especially if you plan on Skyping you loved ones back home! Usually, in Cusco, good internet service works only in the centre and close to the center. So always check if the internet speed is enough for you. If not, better look for another place.
Finally, you need to consider your security. Not all areas in Cusco are safe to live in, so if you decide to rent an apartment or room in a place away from the city center, please first ask locals (not only a leaser) if the neighborhood is safe (especially in the evenings). Some areas can appear as very safe during the day, but things can change at night.
A good alternative can be to find a place with private guards. Some areas and streets, especially those inhabited by foreigners, will have security guards. These places are definately more secure than others, even more than those in the city center!