Belmond Hotel Monasterio

We stayed at Hotel Monasterio in Cusco for three days in May. We were at the beginning of our Machu Pichu Sacred Valley trip, travelling from Lima to Cusco. Our goal was to see Cusco and adapt to the altitude before heading to Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. We could not have chosen a more delightful place to adapt to the high altitude than Hotel Monasterio. From our room, which had oxygen being filtered through the ducts, (no oxygen cylinder or chambers, endless supply of cocoa tea and munia tea, and a menu that included light options such as the delicious chicken consommé to soothe and nourish the first day of adjustment, all things needed to make adapting to high altitude comfortable was there. They say to take it easy the first few days. Resting was a pleasurable experience at Montesario in the beautiful airy rooms in the former Jesuit learning center, with beautiful art. When we got tired of being indoors, we sat in the beautiful sunny courtyard where we could enjoy the sun and read, or walk along the terracotta drenched walls of the old Jesuit monastery with beautiful original Cusquenian art. When adapting to altitude one of the first things that disappear is appetite and the restaurant Oqre accounted for that with the delicious chicken consommé and pumpkin bisque for travelers. Once we adapted, we could experience the delicious dishes from the restaurant that included dishes that showcased the local ingredients. My favourite was the trout preparation with local Chaufa rice fried rice. The trout skin was crispy. If there is a danger at Oqre, it is the danger of overeating. Their bread basket is always filled with freshly baked bread and crackers. While you wait for your appetizers to appear, the wait staff will bring out an amuse bouche, which is generally a tasty morsel. Between the bread basket and amuse boche you can get full before the main meal has appeared. While Oqre was our default restaurant at Monasterio, we also had dinner at Tupay, on opera night. It was an unbelievable sensory experience. We did two experiences: the Art Tour and the Chef for the Day. The Art Tour had a very knowledgeable guide, Mihal, take us through some of the Hotel’s extensive art collection and explain the Cusquenian school of art, the difference between Peruvian baroque and European baroque, among other things. Her tour was so informative and educational that it helped us appreciate colonial art collection in the Qoriqancha. The second experience was Chef for the Day. It began with a trip to the San Pedro Market. Mario was our guide and we not only got to taste various fruits, cheese and bread, but Mario made it a cultural experience, explaining how where the different cheeses come from, the importance of different types of bread. When he learnt our trip to Macchu Pichu involved climbing huayana Pichu he bought cocoa leaves for us and advised us to carry a mix of cocoa tea and munia tea and peanuts with us. This advice would be invaluable for us when we were climbing Huayana Pichu. The trip to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables was followed by pisco sour lessons. Erik not only taught us how to make pisco sour, but we gave us a detailed lesson on the different kinds of pisco available in Peru and which variety to use on different occasions. He was also able to give us tips on how to use fruits local to Chicago for pisco. Some could be used as purees and others needed to be made into an infusion. The actual cooking demonstration involved learning to make ceviche and lomo saltado with chef Heynor and Mario as his assistant. The experience was hands on, and chef was patient instructor. He also had suggestions for substituting the local ingredients such as local chilies with Mexican chilies available in my country. It was such an enjoyable learning experience. The chef for a day included a three-course dinner for the night at Tupay. The hotel is working to make your stay soothing and hassle-free. The breakfast opens at 5am and if you are taking a very early flight or train, they can prepare a packed breakfast for you, something that was so helpful since we had a 6.40 train to Macchu Picchu. And breakfast spread is like a king’s feast with fresh local fruits, fresh fruit juices, yogurt, delicious breakfast pastries, sandwiches, soups. I loved having a warming chicken quinoa soup or beef soup for breakfast while I was there. Perhaps the most unexpected treat was getting to taste cactus seed tea and coffee made the Andean way. These items were not on the menu, but when Mario learnt that I love drinking different types of tea and coffee he made sure I got to try them. This is the unique magic of Monasterio—its luxury is the soothing, indulgent, and elegant kind, that anticipates what you need before you realize you need it.

Had an amazing stay at The Monasterio. The service was outstanding. A beautiful breakfast buffet. The courtyards were relaxing and beautiful designed. We took the art tour to appreciate all of the original art on the property. Fantastic!

Ok where to start. As soon as your greeted at the doors and walk in the magic begins. You see a beautiful courtyard and you walk back in time and can see all the elegance. Your greeted with pure warmth and your given a little history tour of the incredible hotel your about to enjoy. Even the way you’re given your key makes the experience special. Before I continue my review we had the honor and pleasure of meeting Edson who took incredible care of my wife and I and gave us an experience that we will cherish forever. He recommended varios restaurants and made our reservations. He also sent to our room various treats. He is the definition of hospitality. So if you stay at this hotel ask for him and I’m sure he will make your stay better than imagined. This hotels attention to detail is impeccable the art,furniture and construction just immerses you back in time. The location is perfect and even though there’s a big city outside the walls while inside the property it’s pure peace. The breakfast and restaurants on property are great and the service all around the hotel is unbelievable. This has to be one or if not the best hotel stay I’ve ever had. Oh and before I forget you have to visit the chapel on property it is amazing.

Our stay at the Monasterio was absolutely perfect. The art and architecture of the building are beautiful and the staff are the perfect combination of professional and friendly. Perfect location for exploring Cusco. I really can’t recommend this highly enough.

The entire stay felt special. From the ringing of the bell to announce our arrival to the upgraded suite on our final evening after returning from our excursion to Machu Picchu, we enjoyed the thoughtful touches and excellent service.