Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a city built in layers: Inca stone at the base, Spanish colonial walls on top, and five centuries of stories in between. Inkaterra La Casona sits right in the middle of all of it. Tucked into a quiet plaza just steps from the main square, this 16th-century manor feels less like a hotel and more like being let into one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
The Property
La Casona is one of the first Spanish buildings in Cusco, raised on grounds that once belonged to an Inca military academy. Over the centuries it hosted conquistador Diego de Almagro and, later, Simón Bolívar. After a careful restoration, it opened as Cusco’s first boutique hotel and the first Relais & Châteaux property in Peru.
There are just 11 suites, all arranged around a colonial stone courtyard. Original murals still line the halls, and every corner mixes antique colonial pieces with quiet modern comfort. Afternoon tea and a cocktail hour are part of the stay, there’s an intimate dining room focused on local ingredients, and the Yacu therapy room offers treatments designed for the altitude.
Why It’s Here
La Casona is here because it lets you feel Cusco’s history from the inside. It’s a 16th-century manor house on a quiet plaza with only a handful of suites, so it feels more like a private home than a hotel. Coming back after a day at altitude to a fireplace, a hot bath and complete silence, a few steps from the main square, is what makes it special to me.
The Rooms
All suites have a stone fireplace, heated floors, a large marble bathroom with a bathtub, and a dining area or sitting space.
Patio Suite: Overlooks the central colonial courtyard.
Balcón Suite: A little more space, with its own dining area by the fireplace.
Plaza Suite: Only two of them, overlooking Plaza Nazarenas, with original murals and a separate living room.
My recommendation: The Patio Suite. Every suite here comes with the same essentials (the fireplace, the heated floors, the marble bathroom with a tub), so the entry-level room gives you the full La Casona experience for the best price. The courtyard views are also wonderfully quiet. If it’s a honeymoon or a special celebration, the Plaza Suite is worth the splurge: the murals, the extra living space and the view over the plaza make it feel truly one of a kind. The Balcón Suite sits in between, but the difference doesn’t quite justify the price jump.
Ideal For
Couples, honeymooners and travelers who love history, design and intimacy over big-hotel amenities. A perfect start or end to a Machu Picchu trip. Less ideal for families with young children who need space to run or for travelers looking for a pool and resort facilities.
Good to Know
Location: Plaza Nazarenas, historic center of Cusco, a short walk from the Plaza de Armas
Nearest airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Cusco
Getting there: About 20–30 minutes by car from the airport
Price: From around $450 per night
Best time to visit: May to October (dry season). April and November are quieter, with fewer crowds.
Altitude tip: Cusco sits at about 3,400 m. Take it easy the first day, and consider starting your trip in the Sacred Valley, which is lower.
Book It
Ready to stay? I can book Inkaterra La Casona for you and, when available, add perks like daily breakfast, a hotel credit or an upgrade. Send me your dates and I’ll take it from there.
