Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

Monasterio - A Belmond Hotel - is centrally located in Cusco - a two block walk from the Plaza de Armas - Cuscos central square where the cathedral and most important museums are located. The hotels central location provides an ideal base from which to discover Cusco and the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman - Pisac and several other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu can be reached via a spectacular three-hour train journey from Cusco. . Part of the magic is that from the outside - the whitewashed stone walls of Monasterio give little hint as to the splendid interiors within. But step inside the hotels cool - quiet confines and you will see graceful stone arches - cobblestones and original oil paintings. Stroll a little further and you will come to our cloistered courtyard complete with lush - scented gardens and a fountain. Its here you will find a 300 year-old cedar tree - a testament to the living history of this special place. Guests have remarked that spending evenings in the courtyard under starry skies makes them feel like they have been transported into a lyrical novel. . It is blissfully tranquil here/ and there is no need to worry about Cuscos altitude. Besides the muna tea you will be welcomed with - you can request a room with oxygen-enriched air. Our butler will even draw you a bath - for some well-earned relaxation after exploring the city. Whats so heart-warming about Monasterio is its personal touches. Oil paintings adorn the walls of our bedrooms - and the hotel as a whole houses one of Cuscos finest collections of 18th/century colonial religious art.