A 16th-century former monastery built upon ancient Inca foundations, featuring serene cloistered courtyards, oxygen-enriched suites, Cusqueña fine art, and candlelit opera dining.
Stepping through the heavy wooden gates of Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco is to journey into centuries of Andean majesty and Spanish colonial grace. Originally founded in 1592 as the Monastery of San Antonio Abad upon the royal palace grounds of Inca Amaru Qhata, this registered national historical monument is celebrated worldwide as one of South America's most enchanting cultural treasures.
Behind its whitewashed stone walls lies an oasis of tranquil cloisters, weathered cobblestone courtyards, and grand stone archways adorned with climbing bougainvillea. At the center of the main cloister stands a magnificent 300-year-old cedar tree shaded by fragrant Andean flowerbeds and a historic stone fountain. Cusco's 11,150-foot (3,400-meter) altitude is managed effortlessly here: upon arrival, guests are welcomed with invigorating Andean muña tea, and rooms feature an advanced supplemental oxygen enrichment system that naturally aids sleep and altitude acclimatization.
Art and history permeate every corner of the retreat. Monasterio houses one of Cusco's finest private collections of 18th-century Cusqueña School colonial paintings, along with its own gilded baroque chapel adorned with gold-leaf cedar altars. Personalized art tours with resident historians, bath butlers who draw soothing herbal soaks in deep marble tubs, and Andean therapies in dedicated treatment rooms complete this extraordinary high-altitude sanctuary.
Every one of Monasterio's 122 guest rooms and suites is uniquely designed, preserving authentic colonial architecture with heavy timber beams, hand-carved dark wood furnishings, rich fabrics, and original oil paintings. All accommodations feature an innovative oxygen-enrichment system that enriches ambient oxygen levels by roughly 24%, lowering the effective altitude by 1,000 meters for restful sleep and effortless comfort.
Intimate and charmingly appointed with Spanish colonial wood furnishings and hand-woven Andean textiles. Equipped with a gentle supplemental oxygen enrichment system for seamless high-altitude acclimatization, marble en-suite bathroom, and plush bedding.
Offering expanded floor plans with romantic sitting areas and views of the tranquil cloistered courtyard. Features rich antique artwork, supplemental oxygen climate control, and lavish marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs or rain showers.
Most Junior Suites span two dramatic levels: an airy master bedroom rests on the upper mezzanine, while stairs lead down to a spacious colonial living salon with curated Cusqueña artworks. Complete with oxygen enrichment and marble bathroom.
The ultimate in colonial luxury and romance. These grand suites boast a private king bedroom with supplemental oxygen, expansive separate living room with plush sofas and antique furnishings, deep soaking marble tub, and dedicated butler service.
Dining at Monasterio blends Peru's celebrated culinary traditions with European finesse. From candlelit opera recitals in historic monastic halls to contemporary Peruvian gastronomy celebrating ingredients from across Peru's coast, Andean highlands, and Amazon jungle, every meal is an unforgettable event.
Housed in the monastery's arched stone hall, Chef Larisa Vesterbacka curates exquisite tasting menus. Three evenings weekly, dinners are accompanied by romantic live opera recitals featuring Cusco's premier tenor and soprano.
Acclaimed Peruvian chef Jorge Muñoz presents authentic flavors from the Pacific Coast, Andean Highlands, and Amazon basin. Enjoy al fresco dining overlooking the courtyard and a celebrated Sunday brunch.
Featuring a warm colonial fireplace and intimate leather seating, Oqre Bar offers artisanal pisco sours, indigenous coca leaf mixology, and Peruvian canapés paired with live jazz and blues sessions.
Monasterio offers an array of enriching activities tailored to immerse travelers in Cusco's storied culture while ensuring effortless well-being:
Cusco sits at an altitude of approximately 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level. To ensure complete comfort and prevent altitude fatigue (soroche), Monasterio offers advanced supplemental oxygen enrichment in guest rooms and suites, which increases the oxygen concentration in the room by approximately 24%, replicating conditions at an altitude 1,000 meters lower for deeper sleep and effortless acclimatization.
Guests reserving Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco through Vincent Vacations receive exclusive VIP privileges including daily full buffet breakfast for two in Illary Restaurant, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per stay, room upgrade on arrival subject to availability, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Originally constructed in 1592 as the Monastery of San Antonio Abad on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace, the property is a registered national historical landmark. It houses one of South America's premier private collections of 18th-century Cusqueña School religious oil paintings and features an extraordinary baroque chapel covered in gilded cedar wood altars.
Guests can enjoy candlelit dinners accompanied by romantic live opera recitals three times a week at El Tupay restaurant, contemporary multi-regional Peruvian gastronomy by Chef Jorge Muñoz at Oqre restaurant overlooking the courtyard, and craft pisco cocktails with live jazz at Oqre Bar. Artisanal treats and picnics for excursions are also curated daily.
Monasterio is ideally situated on the quiet, cobblestone Plazoleta Nazarenas in Cusco's historic center, just two blocks from the main Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Vincent Vacations can also seamlessly arrange your Hiram Bingham luxury train journey to Machu Picchu and private guided expeditions across the Sacred Valley.