Inkaterra La Casona was the first boutique hotel in Cusco, and in our opinion, remains the best. Located in a carefully restored 16th-century Spanish Colonial mansion, the opulent period interiors are discretely closed to the curious public behind a heavy, intricately carved wooden door facing the flower-filled Plaza Nazarenas. This quiet area of Cusco, which today is a highly coveted locale among discerning guests, was formerly reserved for the homes of Inca elite, the warrior class and institutes of higher learning. With just 11 suites that surround a central garden, La Casona provides an intimate residential feel, capturing the sense of privacy and privilege experienced by those who once lived here. All guests are treated to top-flight service and cuisine, as La Casona was the first property in all of Peru to be incorporated into the prestigious Relais & Châteaux community.
PROPERTY FACTS
11
Plaza Suites (2) Patio Suites (4) Balcon Suites (5)
Bed & Breakfast
Yes, Throughout and Complimentary
Open Year Round
Relais & Châteaux
Full Service
Yacu Spa
Number of Rooms:
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RATES
From $418 per night
Starting B&B
LOCATION: Cusco, Peru
Closet Domestic Airport:
La Casona is only a 10 minute drive from the Cusco airport (CUZ) which is served by frequent daily direct flights to and from Lima, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and Juliaca. Lima (LIM) (1 hour flight time) provides onward connections throughout Peru and points international.
Cusco sits at an altitude of 11,152' (3,400 m) a.s.l. and the elevation often mandates that travelers take it slow and give themselves time to properly acclimate and explore. 2 or 3 nights at La Casona, assisted by complimentary supplemental oxygen, will generally do the trick.
Unique Arrival & Departure Options:
WHEN TO VISIT
The Peruvian Andes can be visited year round and pleasant weather can be enjoyed at any time. Typically the Andes have a dry season from May-October and a green season from November-April when afternoon rain showers are common. Despite the differences in precipitation, daily temperatures range from 30°-40° F (0°- 4°C) at night to 60- 75° F (15°- 24°C) during the day, though with the higher altitude it can sometimes approach freezing at night. We particularly like the months of April and May which have spring-like weather, fewer tourists, hillsides and farmland awash with wildflowers, greenery and local crops.
FOR FAMILIES
Though children under 12 can be accommodated in the suites with an extra bed, La Casona is better suited for adults-only.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY
Cusco itself demands at least two or three days to even scratch the surface of the collection of museums, artisan workshops, archaeological sites, colonial churches and authentic local markets that color the former Incan capital. We recommend three or four nights at La Casona on either end of a longer trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Don't rush a stay here, especially with a home as nice as La Casona to return to each evening.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
La Casona has an enviable location and sits right next door to the Museum of Pre-Colombian art, in a special oasis between the San Blas artist district and Cusco’s vibrant main square, the Plaza de Armas.
The small size of the property (11 rooms) provides a very intimate and high touch guest experience.
La Casona maintains a closed-door policy except for confirmed guests. This extra level of privacy and discretion attracts celebrities and dignitaries from around the world.
Suites are gorgeous - each features a wood-burning fireplace, heated floors, exposed beams and extra-large soaking bathtubs.
The property has a storied history. The manor that houses La Casona was once home to the Warakos Academy - training grounds for an elite army of Inca warriors. Later, it was inhabited by the conquistador Diego de Almagro and briefly, even the famous liberator of South America, Simón Bolívar, called La Casona home.
An Experience Concierge is on-site to assist guests in arranging a guide and driver to explore the surrounding region, purchase train and Machu Picchu tickets or coordinate private airport transfers.
BEST COMBINED WITH
3 or 4 nights at La Casona are best combined with a lengthier exploration of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We recommend a week minimum in Peru to cover the highlights between these three regions. Cusco's central location as a hub for transportation throughout Southern Peru makes it easy to extend a journey to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon or elsewhere.
Want to know about altitude sickness in Peru from someone who spent 10 years guiding there? This blog shares my personal experience, advice on what to expect, and preventative measures you can take for yourself and your clients.