The experts in boutique travel To Peru and South America
There is an impressive selection of Cusco luxury hotels amid the city’s Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture. Whether you prefer a hotel with an intriguing historical background, or something a bit more contemporary, there is a Cusco hotel that satisfies every style. Choosing any of the luxury hotels in Cusco is a wise investment in your trip and ensures that your visit to the capital of the Inca Empire is a success. Continue reading for help narrowing down your ideal Cusco luxury hotel and for tips on how to make the most out of your stay.
*Cover photo by Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.
Regarded as one of Peru’s finest hotels, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is celebrated for its opulence and striking interior design. Fifty-five suites comprise this property, each with its own style and story. Choose from suites that include private terraces, a colonial arch, or views of Nazarenas Square, to name a few.
A sense of calmness is felt immediately upon entering this 17th-century former convent, a noticeable change from the hustle and bustle of Cusco’s cobblestone streets. Personal butlers are assigned to upper category suites, each one devoted to enhancing their guests’ trips. Services include arranging luggage, preparing cocktails, coordinating laundry and shoe-shining, and more. Exceptional service is also provided in Senzo, the hotel’s restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional cuisine made using farm-fresh ingredients.
Free days are well spent by taking advantage of the hotel’s outdoor heated swimming pool (the only of its kind in Cusco) or Hypnôze Spa. Enjoy individual or couples massages, a steam room, and a relaxation area. Also indulge in a body wrap with local Andean herbs, or take a moment to reflect on your journey in the hydrangea-filled courtyard.
Learn more about Belmond Palacio Nazarenas here.
The first Relais & Chateaux property in Peru, Inkaterra La Casona’s transformation into a top luxury hotel was completed after five years of careful restorations. Built upon the former training grounds of an Inca army, the 5-star property has since been home to several noteworthy historical figures, including Simón Bolívar.
With only eleven suites, Inkaterra La Casona is ideal for those travelers who seek privacy and personalized service in the heart of a lively city. Original murals dating back to colonial times are reminders of this property’s rich history and uniqueness. The selected furnishings gently blend the new with the old and modern touches like thermostat-controlled heated floors are illustrative of this hotel’s lavishness.
Decompress after a day of Cusco activities at the Yacu Therapy Room. The hotel offers a variety of massage treatments that incorporate products composed of native herbal extracts, including orchids collected from Machu Picchu’s cloud forests.
Learn more about Inkaterra La Casona here.
Cusco Tours:
Palacio del Inka has a privileged location across from Koricancha, the Inca Golden Temple of the Sun. Constructed in the 16th century, this former residence is now a 203-room luxury hotel and restaurant.
One of the largest 5-star hotels in Cusco, Palacio del Inka provides a marvelous experience for groups of various sizes. It is rather easy to distract oneself by admiring the many pieces of colonial art while wandering the long and imposing halls of the hotel property. Not to mention, the hand-painted pitched ceilings in select rooms created with such patience and creativity.
Experience Palacio del Inka Cusco to the maximum by treating yourself to a session in its Andes Spirit Spa. The epitome of relaxation, the spa offers much more than a soothing massage. The thermal circuit includes a dry sauna, a Turkish bath, a Spanish shower, heated whirlpool, and a jacuzzi.
Learn more about Palacio del Inka Cusco here.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio is adjacent to its sister hotel, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. However, each 5-star hotel maintains its own aesthetic that appeals to a different type of luxury traveler.
Guests at Belmond Hotel Monasterio are charmed by the former monastery’s arched windows that overlook the property’s main courtyard. Enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea while admiring the meticulously tended rose gardens. One of the hotel’s two restaurants, Illiary, is also located on the southern side of the courtyard. With the option to dine inside or out, the restaurant is understandably popular with both guests of the hotel and those who are not.
The aura of Belmond Hotel Monasterio is more austere than that of Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. The colors are darker and more serious in tone and the furniture statelier – a sharp contrast to the serene yet playful nature of its sister hotel. Opera singers perform twice weekly during dinner at El Tupay Restaurant. At the same time, Gregorian chants fill the hallways outside of the 122 rooms and suites.
You will not find a spa at Belmond Hotel Monasterio as the building is a protected historical site, making it all the more appealing to history aficionados. Instead, spend free time perusing the rare art collection on a hotel-led tour or by visiting the hotel’s intact chapel.
Learn more about Belmond Hotel Monasterio here.
Conveniently located just blocks away from Cusco’s main square, the 5-star JW Marriott Cusco is an excellent choice for families and business travelers alike. What was once a 16th-century convent has been reimagined as a modern luxury hotel. Travelers can count on the Marriott brand to deliver the same terrific service that they have come to expect, along with subtle nods to Cusco’s culture.
This former convent’s original Inca stonework is showcased in the lobby and permeates throughout much of the building. Roaming the grounds, you might also meet the hotel’s resident alpaca named Panchita, a quirky and delightful addition to the staff and beloved among guests.
With 153 rooms and suites, JW Marriott Cusco is one of the most sought after 5-star hotels in Peru. Family rooms permitting up to four adults and meeting spaces that can hold up to 400 appeal to many travelers. Additionally, each room includes Netflix and air conditioning (uncommon in Cusco), making this hotel a bit more like home.
When not exploring the city, guests are welcome to retreat to the hotel’s signature spa. Services include massages, a steam room, a swimming pool, and more. The hotel’s Qespi Restaurant & Bar is also one of Cusco’s most elegant and where travelers can explore Peru’s world-famous cuisine.
Learn more about JW Marriott Cusco here.
Formerly a colonial residence, Casa Cartagena has been transformed into one of Cusco’s poshest hotels. Original Inca walls and frescos were preserved during the restoration and are complemented with chic furnishings. As a result, this hotel is perfect for travelers who prefer a more modern vibe. Its fifteen suites include either a balcony or terrace with views of Cusco’s bohemian San Blas district or of the hotel’s minimalist grass courtyard.
High occupancy rooms make this luxury hotel a family-friendly choice. Up to four adults can stay in its spacious upper category suites, each equipped with four-person whirlpool tubs. Furthermore, an on-site restaurant, La Bodega de la Chola, offers local cuisine in an intimate setting.
For added comfort, guests can visit the hotel’s tri-level Qoya Spa. On the first floor, is a relaxing ten-person whirlpool. The second and third floors contain men’s and women’s massage rooms, saunas, and Spanish showers.
Learn more about Casa Cartagena here.
Nestled above the city of Cusco on San Cristobal hill is Hotel Palacio Manco Capac. Comprised of twenty-two rooms and suites, this former Republican-era residence was constructed on the grounds where Manco Capac, the first ruler of the Inca Empire, once lived. For those travelers that don’t mind a steep walk from the city center, this boutique hotel is recommended for its exceptional views of Cusco and of the surrounding mountains.
Although just a ten-minute walk from the Cusco city center, patches of eucalyptus forest and delightful gardens create a sense of refuge in the city, perfect for travelers in search of a bit of solitude. A ten-minute walk in the opposite direction will lead you to Sacsayhuaman, a megalithic Incan fortress and must-see in Cusco.
After spending the day exploring Cusco, travelers can unwind and share their experiences next to the fireplace in either of the hotel’s cozy common rooms.
Learn more about Hotel Palacio Manco Capac here.
Located only two blocks from Cusco’s main square, Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is a luxury hotel with a grandiose style that is representative of the building’s 16th century past. Each of the hotel’s forty-three rooms and suites is unique and decorated with intricate woodwork furniture. Comfort is key; therefore, all rooms and suites are oxygen-enriched, have heated floors and a whirlpool tub.
Guests are welcome to take an audio tour of the hotel’s extensive art collection. The hotel houses 300 colonial paintings, sculptures, furniture, and gold and silver pieces. This tour is a great way for travelers to complement their tours of Cusco’s historical sites.
The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, Mishti Mestizo Restaurant, which is an excellent choice for learning more about Peruvian cuisine in the heart of the Inca empire.
Learn more about Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel here.
One of the more understated luxury Cusco accommodations, Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel is a superb option for travelers looking for a bespoke travel experience. This hotel is located in Cusco’s hilly and picturesque San Blas district. To enter the hotel, travelers must first pass through a long, Inca stone tunnel that leads to the hotel’s courtyard.
Compared with other Cusco hotels, Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel is more modern in style. Rooms are bright and spacious and offer views of the garden or city. Likewise, the hotel’s common spaces provide aerial views of the city, making breakfast an extra splendid affair. With only nine suites, the hotel staff can offer a very personalized service.
The hotel’s restaurant, Refugio, offers a mix of traditional Peruvian and fusion cuisine. Their partnerships with local farmers is a testament to their dedication to working together with local communities to provide a premium experience for their guests.
Learn more about Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel here.
El Mercado is a 4-star hotel perfect for budget-conscious travelers who wish to compromise neither luxury nor comfort. Located three and a half blocks from Cusco’s main square, this charming boutique hotel is a former farmer’s market. Thirty-two tastefully decorated rooms and suites comprise this hotel. Additionally, all junior suites are complete with a fireplace and freestanding tub.
In honor of its past, an on-site fruit juice stand and street food cart are available for guests. Sample local favorites like passion fruit juice, and for the more adventurous, grilled beef heart. On the other hand, for travelers who favor a more traditional meal, El Mercado’s on-site restaurant is sure to satisfy.
On Thursday evenings, live music is performed in the hotel’s central courtyard. Guests are invited to gather around the fire pit for both traditional and jazzy tunes. It’s the small details that solidify El Mercado as one of the best hotels in Cusco.
Learn more about El Mercado here.
Although each hotel is unique, Cusco’s luxury hotels offer a splendid and up-scale experience for a wide variety of travelers. These properties’ attention to detail, value of comfort, and blend of Cusco’s past and present cultures will undoubtedly enhance your overall trip and strengthen your appreciation of Peru.
Are you ready to plan your adventure to Cusco, Peru? Contact us and let us know which Cusco luxury hotels interest you.
Liz found herself in Peru by following her passion for wildlife conservation. In remote parts of the Peruvian montane forests, she also discovered a love for arracacha (her favorite Andean tuber) and spicy rocoto sauce.
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