Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cusco

Cusco, once the beating heart of the Inca Empire, remains a city where history and culture are etched into every cobblestone street and colonial façade. From its narrow alleys to its grand plazas, Cusco tells a story of the fusion between Inca heritage and Spanish colonial influence. 

Standing proudly amid this living history is a property that is far more than just a place to stay it is a destination in itself: Belmond Hotel Monasterio Cusco.

This five-century-old landmark blends the soul of a colonial monastery with the comfort of modern luxury, offering guests not just accommodation, but the rare opportunity to sleep within the walls of history.

Originally built in 1592 on the remains of the palace of Inca Amaru Qhala, Belmond Hotel Monasterio began its life as a Jesuit seminary, serving as a hub of education for Spanish nobility in colonial Cusco. Its Baroque architecture, marked by heavy stone walls, sweeping arches, and sacred religious art, has been carefully preserved, making it one of the city’s most treasured heritage sites.

Stepping into the hotel is like stepping back in time. Guests are greeted by sprawling courtyards with fountains, cloistered walkways, and walls adorned with 16th-century religious paintings. Painstaking restorations have ensured that the monastery retains its historic grandeur, while still meeting the expectations of today’s luxury travelers.

Few properties in Cusco can rival the hotel’s prime location. Just steps away from Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square, guests are within walking distance of landmarks like Cusco Cathedral, the Church of Santo Domingo, and museums that house relics of the Inca civilization.

It also serves as the perfect launch point for adventures beyond the city, from the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. For travelers eager to explore both Cusco’s cultural treasures and the natural wonders of the Andes, the hotel’s location could not be more convenient.

The hotel offers more than 120 rooms and suites, each designed to reflect the charm of its monastic past while embracing modern comforts. Due to the original layout of the monastery, rooms are not overly large, but their character is undeniable.

Carved wooden furnishings, high vaulted ceilings, and original artwork give each room a historic ambiance. A particularly unique feature is the availability of oxygen-enriched rooms, a thoughtful touch for guests adjusting to Cusco’s altitude of over 11,000 feet.

• Classic Rooms – Warm, intimate, and designed with colonial flair.
  
• Superior Rooms – Offering tranquil garden or courtyard views.
• Junior Suites – Spacious, with a small living area and refined décor.
• Presidential Suites – The pinnacle of luxury, with antique furnishings, expansive living space, and premium amenities.

Dining at Belmond Hotel Monasterio is as much a cultural experience as it is a gastronomic one. With two restaurants and a refined bar, the property showcases both traditional Peruvian flavors and international sophistication.

Illariy Restaurant Set in a sunlit courtyard, this restaurant is ideal for breakfast. Guests enjoy fresh breads, exotic local fruits, and authentic Peruvian specialties.

El Tupay Restaurant Located in a historic dining hall with stone walls and lofty ceilings, El Tupay serves modern Peruvian cuisine made with fresh Andean ingredients. On select evenings, guests can savor their meals accompanied by live opera performances.

Lobby Bar & Lounge – The perfect place to unwind with a cocktail, including Peru’s iconic Pisco Sour, while soaking in the monastery’s refined colonial atmosphere.

More than just a hotel, Belmond Monasterio doubles as a cultural institution. Guests can attend classical music concerts, view rotating art exhibitions, or admire the Baroque paintings that line its cloisters. The property also organizes interactive experiences from Andean-inspired spa treatments to Peruvian cooking classes that allow guests to connect deeply with local traditions.

Exclusive guided tours, cultural lectures, and historical walks around Cusco are also offered, ensuring that every guest departs with more than just memories of luxury, but with a genuine appreciation for Cusco’s heritage.

As part of the prestigious Belmond collection, now owned by LVMH, the hotel delivers impeccable service on par with the world’s leading luxury properties. Staff members are not only warm and welcoming but also highly knowledgeable, ready to assist with everything from day trips to Machu Picchu to herbal tea remedies for altitude sickness.

Additional amenities include private transfers, event spaces for weddings or conferences, and curated travel packages that can be tailored to each guest’s needs.

What sets Belmond Hotel Monasterio apart is its ability to merge the grandeur of history with contemporary elegance. Every hallway, cloister, and garden tells a story that stretches back centuries, yet the hotel never compromises on comfort.

For art lovers, history enthusiasts, or travelers seeking the extraordinary, staying at this property is akin to inhabiting a museum that breathes with life. It is an opportunity to connect with the past while indulging in the luxuries of the present.

Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cusco is not just a five-star hotel; it is a living monument, a sanctuary of art, and a gateway to Peru’s cultural heart. With its unmatched location, carefully preserved colonial architecture, oxygen-enriched rooms, exceptional dining, and flawless service, it stands as one of the most remarkable accommodations in the world.

For anyone planning a journey to Cusco, this historic monastery-turned-hotel is an essential experience. Here, history, culture, and luxury intertwine seamlessly, creating unforgettable moments in a city that was once the center of the Inca Empire.