Steeped in centuries of history and nestled high in the Andes, Cusco is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu, it’s a destination worth exploring in its own right. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the city is full of history, culture, and charm, with a mix of ancient ruins and colonial architecture around every corner – nowhere is that more evident than in its most exclusive hotels. From former monasteries to beautifully restored mansions, these five luxury stays offer not only great comfort and service, but also a real connection to the city’s rich and fascinating past. Read on for Humboldt Travel‘s favourite properties in this beautiful city.
Belmond Monasterio
Right in the centre of Cusco, just a short walk from the buzzing Plaza de Armas, Belmond Hotel Monasterio feels like a peaceful escape into another era. Set in a former 16th-century monastery built atop ancient Inca foundations, the hotel blends centuries-old charm with modern comfort. With its peaceful courtyards and colonial artwork, the hotel gives you a real sense of the city’s past.
Dining here is an absolute treat, with its restaurant OQRE offering true Peruvian cuisine with views across the leafy courtyard, and El Tupay, serving seasonal international cuisine with live opera in the candlelight lounge three nights a week.
Monasterio is more than just a luxury hotel – it’s a place of total tranquillity to rest after your busy days exploring the surrounding area.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Tucked behind ancient stone walls in a quiet corner of Cusco, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is an urban sanctuary, filled with a discreet sense of elegance.
Once a 17th-century convent, the hotel blends rich history with contemporary flair. Each suite feels like a private haven, filled with handwoven textiles, carved wood and colonial-style décor, each with access to the only outdoor heated pool in the city. The pool is the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the Andes, and the spa, inspired by Incan healing, adds a deeper layer of relaxation.
Whether you’re dining on Andean cuisine at Mauka or sipping a refreshing pisco sour by the pool, the experience is intimate and unforgettable.
Inkaterra La Casona
Located in a quiet plaza in the heart of Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona is a beautifully restored 16th-century manor house that feels more like a private home than a hotel.
Surrounding the peaceful courtyard, its 11 suites each have chimneys, heated floors and extra-large bathtubs. The manor is decorated with colonial furniture, Pre-Columbian textiles and original murals, blending colonial character with modern touches.
The service is warm and discreet, with no formal reception desk, just a dedicated team there to anticipate your every need. After exploring Cusco, you can unwind with a locally inspired spa treatment or enjoy a quiet tea in the lounge. It is understated luxury at its finest – quiet, soulful and deeply connected to the spirit and history of the city.
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Casa Cartagena
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa is where history and modern elegance intertwine, offering an experience as rich and captivating as the city itself.
Once a 16th-century colonial mansion and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel now features 15 spacious suites, each with private balconies, arranged around a serene courtyard. Each suite combines original architectural details with contemporary amenities, including oxygen-enriched air systems to ease the effects of high altitude.
You can unwind at the spa, which offers treatments inspired by Andean traditions, or relax in the indoor hydro-massage pool and sauna. The on-site restaurant, La Bodega de la Chola, serves elevated Peruvian cuisine, cocktails and canapés for intimate dining experiences beneath Cusco’s starry sky.
With its attentive service, historical ambiance and modern comforts, Casa Cartagena provides an intimate and memorable experience in the heart of Cusco.
Palacio del Inka
Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka offers a rich tapestry of history and elegance. The hotel is housed in a 500-year-old mansion set across from the ancient QoriKancha Temple, just minutes from the main square of Cusco.
A bigger hotel, Palacio del Inka has 203 individually-designed rooms and suites with feature vaulted, hand-painted ceilings, baroque antiques and Hispanic art which embraces traditional Peruvian culture.
After a day of sightseeing, you can unwind at the Andes Spirit Spa and dine at the on-site Inti Raymi restaurant which provides a culinary journey through Peruvian flavours, complemented by a selection of fine wines.
With its blend of timeless architecture, thoughtful luxury, and unbeatable location, Palacio del Inka offers an immersive stay that captures the very essence of Cusco.
Whether you’re visiting Cusco to marvel at the ancient wonders of the Sacred Valley, soak up the city’s colonial charm, or simply unwind, where you stay can shape your whole experience. These five luxury hotels offer more than just beautiful rooms – they give you a deeper connection to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With thoughtful service, stunning settings, and a strong sense of place, each one helps make your time in Cusco truly unforgettable.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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