We stayed at the Belmond Monasterio in Cusco, Peru, on the final night of our trip to hike Machu Picchu. It’s one of the most iconic and storied luxury hotels in Peru, blending preserved heritage, colonial elegance, fine cuisine, and modern comfort. The property feels like stepping into a living museum, where centuries-old architecture, curated artwork, and tranquil courtyards meet refined hospitality.
If you’re considering staying here, we recommend booking the best available flexible rate through a preferred booking channel whenever possible, so you can receive extra perks (like free breakfast for two, property credit, and upgrades when available) at no additional cost. You’ll find the booking link in the table below.
Arrival from Machu Picchu
A highlight of this part of the trip was the journey itself. We took the Hiram Bingham train from Machu Picchu back to Cusco, and the ride was about 3.5 hours—long enough to actually settle in and enjoy it rather than just think of it as transportation. Because we traveled at night, it was dark outside, so this one wasn’t about the scenery—it was about the onboard experience.
The atmosphere feels more like a moving dinner party than a standard train ride, with a proper meal served onboard and a bar car that stays lively throughout the trip. After dinner, we spent time in the bar car with live music and a fun, social vibe as the train made its way toward Cusco. I’d been looking forward to this train ride more than reaching the top of Machu Picchu, and even without the views, it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Location
The hotel is very centrally located in Cusco, just a couple of blocks from the Plaza de Armas (the city’s main square), with easy access to major landmarks such as the Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the San Blas neighborhood.
Rooms
The hotel has approximately 120 rooms and suites, many of which are enriched with oxygen to help guests acclimatize to Cusco’s high altitude.
The rooms are decorated in colonial style, with antique furnishings, carved wooden headboards, stone or marble bathrooms, and handcrafted textiles. Accommodation ranges from Superior and Deluxe Rooms to Junior and One-Bedroom Suites featuring spacious layouts, separate living areas, and courtyard views.
While I thought the hotel was stunning, I did not care for the rooms. They felt very dark, with little to no windows, and a bit dated. Although, some might say that is part of the charm of a converted monastery.
Restaurants and Bars
The Lobby Bar is a former refectory, with vaulted ceilings and stone walls, and is a great place to have a drink after a long day, including Peru’s famous pisco sour.
Oqre, is the main restaurant overlooking the central courtyard. We had breakfast here each day, with a great morning buffet.
El Tupay Restaurant offers refined Peruvian cuisine with European influences, often accompanied by live opera or classical music, creating an elegant and theatrical dining experience. We were feeling a little under the weather the first night so we did not get a chance to try El Tupay.
Building and Architecture
Monasterio combines Andean Baroque and Spanish colonial architecture, with cloistered walkways, vaulted ceilings, stone archways, interior courtyards, and a 300-year-old cedar tree.
One of its most extraordinary spaces is the San Antonio De Abad Chapel, an ornate Baroque-style chapel with gilded altars, carved woodwork, and religious iconography.
Pros and Cons
Overall, I enjoyed my 2-night stay at the Belmond Monasterio. The hotel was beautiful and I loved everything except the rooms.
Pros
- Great location in Cusco – just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas
- The hotel architecture and history
- The food was great
Cons
- The rooms felt dark and dated
- There is no gym or pool with an overall lack of modern amenities
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