Luxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoLuxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoMonasterio occupies a restored 16th-century baroque monastery in Cusco's San Blas neighbourhood, positioned a five-minute walk from the historic Plaza de Armas. The building rests on original Inca foundations and was formally established as San Antonio Abad Seminary in 1595 before becoming a hotel in 1965. At 3,300 metres above sea level, the property provides a cultural anchor within Cusco while maintaining accessibility to regional destinations including Machu Picchu.
Check availability Official websiteThe building's history spans four centuries. In 1595, Bishop Antonio de Raya y Navarrete founded San Antonio Abad Seminary on the original foundations of an Inca palace, specifically the palace of Inca Emperor Amaru Qhata. A major earthquake damaged the original structure in 1650; subsequent reconstruction introduced the distinctive Baroque-style chapel that remains a focal point. The property is protected as a historical landmark by Peru's National Institute of Culture and preserves original Spanish colonial architectural elements including the Spanish Arms Escutcheon at entrance doors. The building houses one of Peru's most significant art collections, featuring 18th-century colonial religious paintings created by the renowned Cusco School, with vaulted ceilings framing gilded altarpieces and oil paintings.
The hotel sits two blocks from Plaza de Armas, Cusco's main square, characterized by colourful stalls and historic stone walkways. A five-minute walk connects the hotel directly to the plaza, placing guests in the heart of Cusco's colonial centre. This proximity enables immediate access to the city's primary cultural and commercial district without requiring transportation.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) lies 15 to 20 minutes away by car from the hotel. Poroy Train Station, the departure point for trains to Machu Picchu, is 25 to 40 minutes' drive distant. Machu Picchu itself is reachable via a 3.5-hour train journey from Poroy or through a 90-minute flight to Lima with subsequent regional travel arrangements. The property's elevation of 3,300 metres positions it at Cusco's high-altitude zone.
The central courtyard features a 300-year-old Andean cedar tree, recognized as the last of its kind remaining in Cusco. This ancient tree serves as a silent witness to the property's evolution and remains a distinctive landmark within the monastery's grounds, sheltering generations of seminary students and latterly hotel guests.
The hotel is located in San Blas, two blocks from Plaza de Armas, with a five-minute walk connecting the property to the main square.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) is 15 to 20 minutes away by car.
The nearest train station (Poroy) is 25 to 40 minutes' drive away, from which a 3.5-hour train journey reaches Machu Picchu.
The structure was established as a seminary in 1595 on Inca foundations (the palace of Inca Emperor Amaru Qhata) and became a hotel in 1965. It is protected by Peru's National Institute of Culture.
Monasterio is located at 3,300 metres above sea level, requiring acclimatization for many visitors.
Back to the Monasterio overview for photos, map, address and verification, or see the full guide above.
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