Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Character and identity

Set inside a 15th-century mansion that has served as palace, museum and now hotel, this 203-room property sits directly opposite Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, a few minutes from Cusco's main square. The design language layers cobblestone courtyards, stone arches, carved-wood furniture and a vivid blue lobby that references the Andahuaylillas church, with 195 artworks (including 60 Cusco school originals) threaded through the public rooms. Guest-only Inti Raymi handles dinner with a master sommelier's list, while the spa offers the city's only hydrotherapy circuit. Service runs formal and attentive, with cultural programming woven through the stay.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this hotel apart is the marriage of genuine heritage architecture with a serious cultural programme, from the curated art collection to the hands-on Peruvian experiences. Book it if you want Cusco's history under your feet and overhead. Splurge on a room with a private terrace or the Inca Temple Suite for families, and time a Saturday stay to catch the art tour.