Cusco, Peru
Behind a quiet façade on Plaza Nazarenas lies one of my favorite hotels in South America. Built on Inca foundations and home to a convent for more than two centuries, Palacio Nazarenas is where five hundred years of Cusco’s history meet Belmond’s effortless elegance: frescoed walls, hidden courtyards, and the first outdoor pool in the city.
The Property
The building has lived many lives. It began on the site of an Inca palace, became a colonial mansion and a Jesuit school, and from 1715 was a convent for nuns from noble Andean families. After a meticulous restoration, it opened as a hotel in 2012, and today it is one of the jewels of the Belmond collection.
There are 55 suites spread around seven courtyards, with original frescoes, stone arches, fountains and a chapel. The Senzo restaurant cooks with herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s own gardens, the Hypnôze Spa offers Andean-inspired treatments, and the heated outdoor pool, surrounded by colonial walls, is the first ever built in Cusco. Every suite is oxygen-enriched to help with the altitude.
Why It’s Here
Palacio Nazarenas is here because it combines Cusco’s history with a level of comfort that’s rare in the old town. You can run your hand along Inca stone walls in the morning and float in a heated pool under the Andean sun in the afternoon. The oxygen-enriched rooms are a detail I really value at 3,400 m: sleeping well on your first nights changes everything.
The Rooms
All suites have oxygen enrichment, four-poster beds, a large bathroom with a bathtub and heated floors, and a sitting area.
Junior Suite: In the historic part of the hotel, with a small sitting area and dining table.
Studio Suite: More space and light, with a larger living area; some have a balcony or terrace.
One Bedroom Suite: A separate bedroom and lounge, with high ceilings and garden views.
Signature Suite: Only a few of them, in the best locations, with a large living room, a balcony and space to spread out.
My recommendation: The Studio Suite. The Junior Suites are beautiful but compact, and in a hotel this special you’ll want room to enjoy it. A Studio gives you that extra space without a big price jump, and if you can, ask for one with a balcony or terrace. If it’s a honeymoon or a milestone celebration, the Signature Suite is worth the splurge: the living space, the views and the sense of privacy make it unforgettable. The One Bedroom Suite is a great choice for families, since the lounge gives everyone their own space.
Ideal For
Honeymooners, couples celebrating something special and travelers who want history with all the comforts of a grand hotel: a pool, a spa and impeccable service. Also a good fit for families who want a calm, elegant base in Cusco. Less ideal for travelers on a tighter budget, or those looking for something small and homely, where La Casona, right across the square, is a lovely alternative.
Good to Know
Location: Plaza Nazarenas, historic center of Cusco, a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas
Nearest airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Cusco
Getting there: About 15–20 minutes by car from the airport
Price: From around $800 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. All suites are oxygen-enriched, which helps a lot, but take it easy the first day and consider starting your trip in the Sacred Valley, which is lower.
Families: One child aged 11 or under can stay in the room using the existing bedding.
Book It
Ready to stay? I can book Palacio Nazarenas 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.
