Cusco City was chosen as one of the best destinations in the world by the TripAdvisor tourism portal. Netizens highlighted the varied menu they find in the restaurants, the attractions of the ‘Inca City’, but above all the hotel service that many described as “excellent”.
Touring Cusco is discovering endless mysterious places, with hidden stories in corners that you may have never seen before stepping on this country. We recommend you to visit another impressive destinations in Cusco like the tour to rainbow mountain peru or the humantay lake tour from cusco, which only takes one day. But if you are gonna to stay more days in Perú, other archaeological places you can know will be the choquequirao trek peru, the salkantay trek to machu picchu, and the classic inca trail 4 days 3 nights.
Based on that recommendation, we look for the luxury hotels in Cusco where elegance, comfort and glamor are present in each of their environments; One of them is even installed in the middle of the vegetation and a few meters from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
So, prepare your bags, find the one that best suits you and enjoy yourself, because we are sure that this experience will be unforgettable and you will receive the perfect balance between luxury, tourism and history.
3 Luxury Hotels in Cusco
Three luxury hotels in Cusco in Cusco offer travelers, in addition to imperial luxury, comfort and good food, the opportunity to rest surrounded by the magnetism of a city whose history is not finished.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Few, or perhaps no hotels in Peru, treasure more secrets than the Belmond Hotel Monasterio del Cusco. It occupies, to begin with, a privileged space. Once, the place was the palace of the Inca Amaru Qhala and later, in 1592, the Spanish built, on those walls, the San Antonio Abad Seminary, one of the most impressive colonial architectural icons and in the best state of preservation of the imperial city.
The Belmond Hotel Monasterio was inaugurated in 1598 by the sixth bishop of Cusco, Monsignor Antonio de la Raya. Later, in 1650, after a terrible earthquake, the building was seriously damaged and in the following years it had to undergo a total restoration. Among the changes and improvements that were made then was the construction of the beautiful chapel of San Antonio Abad, which, as the time dictated, was decorated in the indigenous or mestizo baroque style, with paintings from the renowned Cusco School that evoke passages of life of San Antonio, finely adorned by wooden frames bathed in gold leaf.
After some time the Belmond Hotel Monasterio became the Royal Pontifical University of San Antonio and in 1816 it became a monastery again until, finally, after several years and some circumstances, it became the luxury hotel that it is today. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio – five stars – is a splendid model of colonial architecture in which the austere monastic cells have been used to transform them into 122 dream rooms and suites (with marble bathrooms surrounded by gardens). These, due to the height (3,399 m.a.s.l.) are heated (they can be pumped with oxygen), so that travelers can rest without surprises.
The spa service is second to none. The main cobbled patio and the stone cloisters also stand out. In the middle of this symmetrical space, a 300-year-old cedar stands imposingly, which shelters travelers at breakfast time and also in the afternoons, when the sun goes down and hearts ask for a cup of tea. The hotel has a charming bar, two restaurants and a “deli”, an adjacent small place with take-out food, such as sandwiches for those who dare to take long walks or have a picnic in the surroundings.
The Belmond Hotel Monasterio houses a wonderful collection of 18th century art that passengers, if they so wish, can appreciate in the company of an expert guide. The church also hosts classical concerts and other events, which guests can access.
The stones that make up the portico of the main door in the Plazoleta de Nazarenas still show the Spanish Coat of Arms and the image of Archbishop Juan Serricolea y Olea.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: At the foot of the Magic Mountain The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a luxurious country-style hotel, is located in 5 hectares of gardens, a 4-minute walk from the Machu Picchu train station, 4 km from the Temple of the Moon and 9 km from the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
«It is actually a village with 85 houses founded in the heart of the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, which allows the traveler to discover the history and natural wonders that make the Historic Sanctuary an extraordinary refuge», says Gabriel Meseth, head of content for Inkaterra.
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a luxurious country-style hotel, is located in 5 hectares of gardens, a 4-minute walk from the Machu Picchu train station, 4 km from the Temple of the Moon and 9 km from the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Inkaterra
«It is actually a village with 85 houses founded in the heart of the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, which allows the traveler to discover the history and natural wonders that make the Historic Sanctuary an extraordinary refuge», says Gabriel Meseth, head of content for Inkaterra.
Meseth also assures that, according to the American Orchid Society, within the property is the largest native orchid garden in the world, no less than 372 species. In addition, it has the Andean Bear Rescue Center (spectacled bear), which conducts scientific studies for the conservation of the only species of bear in this hemisphere. 214 species of birds have been registered at the hotel, confirming Machu Picchu as a destination for bird watching. «After the excursions – organized by the hotel – the traveler can enjoy the Unu Spa and the Andino Sauna, as well as the New Andean cuisine at Café Inkaterra», Gabriel affirms.
Not for nothing, the travel and lifestyle magazine Travel + Leisure, within the framework of the World’s Best Awards 2019, highlighted the hotel chain Inkaterra in third place in the category ‘Best Hotel Brands in the World’. It is the only Peruvian brand in the mentioned ranking.
In this regard, Joe Koechlin, founder and president of Inkaterra said: “It is a real pride that a Peruvian brand is among the 25 favorites, according to the opinion of Travel + Leisure readers. We appreciate the invaluable support of our travelers, who make this recognition possible for four decades of teamwork, resilience and perseverance to share with the world the cultural richness and natural diversity of Perú”.
Tambo del Inka: In the heart of the Sacred Valley
El Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Valle Sagrado is, in addition to being wonderful, the only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu. It has an extraordinary chef, Edú Sernaqué, famous for his creative dishes that highlight the native products of the region.
The hotel has a business center, therapeutic spa, and gym, as well as an emerald lagoon and blooming riverside gardens. Each of the 128 elegantly designed rooms, including 12 suites, blend in with the surroundings and offer views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River from private balconies that are literally picture postcard.
Other luxury hotels in Cusco
He adds that Cusco is the best place to start an adventure in the Andean mountains and follow the journey of the ancient civilizations that once lived in our country. “A stay of 2 or 3 nights is ideal for visitors, but where to stay? Here are 8 of the best luxury hotels in Cusco”:
- La Casona Inkaterra: With only 11 rooms set around an impressive colonial patio, this hotel combines the best of Peruvian history and luxury.
- El Retablo: For those looking for something quirky and unique, but still with a touch of luxury, this boutique hotel should be considered.
- Boutique Aranwa: Due to its amazing collection of antiques and works of art, guests will feel like in a museum.
- El Mercado: This small boutique hotel is an excellent choice for those seeking understated luxury. The white walls are decorated with flowering plants and colorful artwork.
- Libertador Palacio del Inka: Impressive and luxurious, this Libertador hotel offers its guests everything they may need when visiting Cusco.
- Belmond Palacio Nazarenas: Located next to the Belmond Monestario hotel in Cusco, this option remains historically rich and beautifully decorated.
- Marriott Cusco: Built in a restored convent, the grandeur of this Marriott hotel is obvious from the moment you walk through the door.