Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Product brand
UnclaimedA five-star historic hotel in Cusco, Peru, occupying a restored seventeenth-century seminary built on Inca foundations.
Last updated August 31, 2026
Overview
Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a luxury hotel in the historic center of Cusco, Peru, approximately two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The property occupies the former Saint Anthony the Abbot Seminary, a religious complex founded in 1598 by Antonio de Raya y Navarrete, Bishop of Cusco, and administered by the Jesuits. The seminary was established to educate young men for the clergy, including sons of impoverished conquistadores, and was built on the foundations of a palace associated with the Inca ruler Túpac Amaru. The building’s present character reflects several layers of Andean, Spanish colonial, and ecclesiastical history. A major earthquake damaged the complex in 1650, after which it was reconstructed and given a Baroque chapel. Historic details remain visible throughout the property, including stonework around the entrance doors bearing the original Spanish heraldic escutcheon, religious paintings, gilded frames, and architectural elements connected with the former seminary. A central courtyard contains a fountain and an old cedar tree said to be roughly three centuries old. The seminary relocated to a newer facility in 1965 after the Jesuits obtained support for a replacement school from Cardinal Richard Cushing, Archbishop of Boston. The historic buildings were subsequently acquired and converted into a hotel. The property was obtained by the Sousa group through the privatization of Entur Peru in 1994 and opened as a hotel after extensive restoration in 1995. Peruvian entrepreneur Lorenzo Sousa was identified as the project’s promoter and as an early developer of luxury tourism in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, including luxury rail travel in southern Peru. Hotel Monasterio initially operated through a joint venture involving the Sousa family and Orient-Express Hotels. Orient-Express Hotels assumed management in 1999, connecting the property with an international portfolio of heritage hotels and travel experiences. In 2014, the hotel adopted the name Belmond Hotel Monasterio as Orient-Express Hotels changed its corporate name to Belmond. Belmond was later acquired by LVMH, placing the hotel within the French luxury-goods group’s hospitality portfolio. The property’s appeal combines historic architecture with full-service luxury accommodation at high altitude. It has undergone more than one remodeling of guest rooms and common areas, while retaining its protected heritage character. The hotel became known for introducing supplemental oxygen into guest rooms to help address the effects of Cusco’s elevation. Its food-and-beverage offer has included Peruvian-style dining and lounge venues such as El Tupay Restaurant, Illariy Restaurant, Deli Monasterio, and the Lobby Bar. The hotel is protected as a historical landmark under Peru’s cultural heritage authorities and remains positioned as a heritage-led luxury base for visits to Cusco and nearby destinations including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
History
The site now occupied by Belmond Hotel Monasterio has a history extending from the Inca period through Spanish colonial rule and modern luxury tourism. The seminary was founded in 1598 by Antonio de Raya y Navarrete, Bishop of Cusco, in response to Catholic educational priorities associated with the Council of Trent. Its administration was entrusted to the Jesuits, and the institution trained young men preparing for the clergy, including impoverished descendants of conquistadores. The complex was constructed on foundations associated with the palace of the Inca ruler Túpac Amaru. An earthquake in 1650 caused substantial damage. Reconstruction produced the Baroque chapel and other architectural features that helped shape the building’s later identity. The property retained religious art, historic stonework, gilded frames, and ecclesiastical spaces. Its central courtyard, fountain, and mature cedar became distinctive elements of the hotel after conversion. During the twentieth century, the Jesuits secured support from Cardinal Richard Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, to build a new seminary. The institution moved to the new site in 1965. The historic seminary buildings were later acquired and redeveloped as a hotel. The Sousa group obtained the property during the privatization of Entur Peru in 1994. Following extensive restoration, Hotel Monasterio opened in 1995 under the promotion of Peruvian entrepreneur Lorenzo Sousa, who was associated with the development of luxury tourism in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and southern Peru’s luxury-train sector. The hotel operated through a joint venture between the Sousa family and Orient-Express Hotels. Orient-Express assumed management in 1999. The relationship brought the property into an international collection of heritage hotels and travel businesses while leaving its identity rooted in Cusco’s colonial architecture and Andean setting. The property was remodeled more than once to update rooms and communal areas, while its historical status and protected fabric were retained. It was also described as an early hotel to provide supplemental oxygen in guest rooms as a response to Cusco’s high elevation. In 2014, the property became Belmond Hotel Monasterio after Orient-Express Hotels changed its corporate name to Belmond. The Belmond brand subsequently became part of LVMH following that group’s acquisition of Belmond. Today, the hotel operates as a luxury heritage property focused on accommodation, dining, and destination-based hospitality in Cusco. Its restaurants and bar complement the historic setting, while its location provides a base for cultural travel in Cusco and excursions toward the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- 2014
Property is renamed Belmond Hotel Monasterio
[1]The hotel adopted the Belmond name following the corporate rebranding of Orient-Express Hotels.
- 1999
Orient-Express Hotels takes over management
[1]Orient-Express Hotels assumed management of the hotel.
- 1995
Hotel opens after restoration
[1]The restored complex opened as Hotel Monasterio and entered Cusco’s luxury-tourism market.
- 1994
Property is obtained during Entur Peru privatization
[1]The Sousa group acquired the former seminary property through the privatization process involving Entur Peru.
- 1965
Seminary moves to a new facility
[1]The religious school relocated after support was obtained for a newer seminary building.
- 1650
Earthquake damages the seminary
[1]A major earthquake damaged the complex, leading to reconstruction that included a Baroque chapel.
- 1598
Saint Anthony the Abbot Seminary is founded
[1]Antonio de Raya y Navarrete, Bishop of Cusco, founded the seminary on foundations associated with an Inca palace and placed its administration with the Jesuits.
Products and positioning
Luxury heritage hospitality in a restored colonial and ecclesiastical landmark, with a strong emphasis on Cusco’s history, architecture, culture, and access to southern Peru.
Luxury accommodation · 1995
Guest rooms and suites
Accommodation located within a restored former seminary, combining historic architecture, colonial decorative elements, and modern hotel amenities. The property has been remodeled to update rooms and common areas while preserving its protected heritage character. Supplemental oxygen has been provided in guest rooms to help guests manage Cusco’s high altitude.
Restaurant
El Tupay Restaurant
A principal hotel dining venue associated with the property’s Peruvian-style culinary offer and its positioning as a full-service luxury hotel in central Cusco.
Restaurant
Illariy Restaurant
A restaurant within the hotel’s food-and-beverage operation, serving as part of the property’s broader Peruvian-style dining proposition.
Deli and casual dining
Deli Monasterio
A deli-style food-and-beverage venue included in the hotel’s hospitality offering for lighter meals, refreshments, and casual service.
Bar and lounge
Lobby Bar
The hotel’s lobby bar provides drinks and lounge service within the historic seminary setting and complements the property’s accommodation and restaurant operations.
Brand decisions
2014
Corporate rebranding to BelmondStrategyBackground
Orient-Express Hotels changed its corporate name as it developed the Belmond identity for its luxury travel and hospitality portfolio.
Action taken
Hotel Monasterio was renamed Belmond Hotel Monasterio.
Aftermath
The property continued operating as a Belmond-branded luxury heritage hotel in Cusco.
1999
Management transferred to Orient-Express HotelsStrategyBackground
The restored hotel was operating as a luxury property in Cusco and was connected to a joint venture involving the Sousa family and Orient-Express Hotels.
Action taken
Orient-Express Hotels assumed management of Hotel Monasterio.
Aftermath
The hotel became part of Orient-Express’s international heritage-hospitality portfolio while continuing to operate in its historic Cusco setting.
Recent events
- 2014
Hotel Monasterio adopts the Belmond name[1]
Other
The property was renamed Belmond Hotel Monasterio when Orient-Express Hotels changed its corporate name to Belmond.
- 1999
Orient-Express Hotels assumes management of Hotel Monasterio[1]
Other
Orient-Express Hotels took over management, linking the Cusco property to its international luxury-hospitality portfolio.
- 1999
Orient-Express Hotels assumes management[1]
Other
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. took over management of Hotel Monasterio, linking the Cusco property to an international luxury-hotel operator.
- 1995
Hotel Monasterio opens after restoration in Cusco[1]
Other
The former seminary complex opened as a luxury hotel following restoration promoted by Lorenzo Sousa and the Sousa group.
- 1995
Hotel Monasterio opens following restoration of former seminary[1]
Other
The former Saint Anthony the Abbot Seminary was converted into a luxury hotel after the Sousa group acquired the property through the privatization of Entur Peru. The hotel opened in 1995.
Sources1 sources
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