Hotel Rumi Punku is a quaint 42-room hotel set inside a historic colonial building, with a white exterior and an Inca-style stone entrance. Its small size and displays of local Cusquenian art, individually-crafted furniture, and exotic hand-carved sculptures makes it feel like a boutique hotel. Original architectural touches feature prominently throughout the hotel, including traditional stone supports for the walls and wood beamed ceilings. Despite the small number of rooms, there’s the feeling of a vast amount of common space -- all in the form of charming, open-air courtyards and terraces. The main courtyard has a picturesque stone water fountain, flowering plants and trees, and patio furniture with umbrellas. There are also several roof terraces with sun loungers and lovely views over Cusco or distant Andean mountain peaks. During our visit, we saw plenty of travelers mingling in the TV room, helping create a casual social vibe. Expect to see a wide array of tourists here, from families and couples to groups of friends.

Hotel Rumi Punku is located on an inclined cobblestone street with old Spanish colonial homes, on the edge of the San Blas quarter. The area is home to traditional artisans, and it’s a six-minute walk to Plaza San Blas' artisan market and indoor food market selling authentic local dishes. It's a seven-minute walk to Cusco’s main square, Plaza de Armas. Qurikancha, the most important temple of the Inca Empire dedicated to the Inca Sun God, is just a 10-minute walk away. Meanwhile, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Sacsahuayman, a pre-Inca citadel dating back to 1100, is just over 25 minutes walking or an eight-minute taxi ride away. Wanchaq train station is a 17-minute taxi ride and Poroy station -- the departure point for Machu Picchu -- is 33 minutes away by taxi. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is just 25 minutes by taxi, but the hotel will pick you up for free.

All the rooms in Hotel Rumi Punku have a simple, rustic vibe, with wooden floors and richly hued golden yellow curtains and bedspreads. Modest wood furniture and local Cusquenian art add to the quaint atmosphere, though the look is a bit dated and some of the furniture is worn. Beds have ample sheets for warmth and are quite comfortable according to previous guests. Generally speaking, rooms come in two main categories: Standard and Superior. Standard rooms all have desks and minibars as well as free bottled water, toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Superior rooms add bathrobes and slippers, and courtyard views. Some also have larger beds and balconies. Ear plugs are provided in all categories, as noise carries between rooms. Bathrooms are simple, with plain white tiling and a thin marble sink top. Most bathrooms have a shower, although some higher category rooms have shower/tub combos or jetted tubs. All rooms come with basic toiletries.

The best feature of this hotel are its charming, tranquil open-air courtyards and terraces, which allow plenty of space for guests to spread out and relax. In total, the hotel has three separate courtyards with fountains, stone sculptures, and abundant plants. There are also two common terraces that get plenty of sunlight. The spa is small, but decorated in a charming rustic style, with cool stone walls and authentic maritime accents including a wooden helm wheel and an authentic brass porthole window. Its facilities include a hot tub, sauna, and a couple exercise machines, though the placement of the stationary bike next to the hot tub is odd, at best. There’s also a TV lounge where guests can mingle and unwind, as well as a business center with four separate computers -- each with its own headset and webcam. There’s no bar or restaurant, but the hotel serves a hearty free breakfast buffet that’s delicious according to guests. Breakfast includes cold items such as fresh fruit, avocado, quinoa, cereals, and fresh bread, and hot items such as bacon, sausages and eggs made to order. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.