Monasterio lounge

Sprawling some 3,000 metres above sea level sits a 16th Century monastery, incorporating elements from its Inca and Spanish history, this historic site is has grown far from its spartan beginnings.

Cuzco's famous 126-room Hotel Monasterio, one of the Orient Express properties, bills itself as the 'finest hotel in Cuzco, Peru' and with a host of awards and accolades, they've got the acumen to back up the claim.

Hotel Monasterio Local Cuisine

While now utterly luxurious, the architecture of Monasterio still reflects the property's 1592 origins as a home for Jesuit seminarians. The refurbished baroque construction also includes touches of Spanish Colonialism in the rooms, from key furniture pieces to the vivid use of colour.

Due to its location, exactly 3,400 metres above sea level, the hotel also incorporates oxygen concentrators to supplement the oxygen in selected rooms and suites so as to better combat altitude sickness. With oxygen pumping into the rooms 24 hours a day, interior accommodations are reflective of an atmospheric pressure of approximately 2,400 metres.

Hotel Monasterio Courtyard

From the 91 Deluxe Rooms through the numerous Junior and Presidential Suites to the ultimate Royal Suites, all rooms offer either relaxing views of the quaint courtyard or Cuzco township sights.

Nominated 'Best Hotel in South America' for three consecutive years between 2005 and 2007 in the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards, the Monasterio offers a new adventure each time even for returning guests as no two rooms are alike, varying in size and format.

And of course location can't be neglected. Lying in the heart of Cuzco's township, the hotel is steps away from the 'Plaza de Armas' or city square, a ten minute drive from the main airport, and a three or four hour drive from Machu Picchu, arguably Peru's most famous icon.

Hotel Monasterio Lobby Bar

The other face of the hotel is its Meetings and Incentives offerings, with two meeting rooms and two courtyards, the hotel is best suited to small to medium sized events, with Weddings as their traditional strong suit.

Additional features of the hotel include an onsite chapel, two restaurants, a lobby bar, and even a hotel museum.