Monasterio occupies a 16th-century baroque monastery in the historic centre of Cusco, built on the foundations of the palace of the Inca emperor Amaru Qhata. It is arranged around a cloistered courtyard with an old fountain, and its walls and chapel hold paintings of the Cusco School, so the mix of Inca and Spanish cultures that defines the city is all around. The 97 rooms and 20 suites are no two quite alike, in a Spanish Colonial style with religious art and local decoration, and some suites come with added oxygen to ease the altitude, which here is about 3,300 metres. Oqre serves Peruvian cooking with a modern twist, El Tupay, in the old refectory, is more traditional, and there is a bar and live music. Treatments include an Andean massage and aromatherapy with qantu, the sacred flower of the Inca. The chapel can host ceremonies. The hotel is 20 minutes by car from the airport, 40 minutes from Poroy station and three and a half hours by train from Machu Picchu.
- Nearest airport
- Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), a 20-minute drive
- Rooms
- 97 rooms and 20 suites
Insider tip When the weather allows, ask for a table in the courtyard by the old fountain, and ask the staff for a tour of the building.
Why I choose it A historic building at the centre of Cusco, with oxygen-enriched suites that help on the first nights at altitude.