Picolo recommends · Hotel in Cusco, Peru
Palacio del Inka
Wooden balconies line the courtyards of an old colonial mansion, and the Inca Temple of the Sun stands on the other side of the street.
Carved balconies look down on stone courtyards, and the feeling is of a grand house rather than a hotel lobby. Palacio del Inka fills a colonial mansion right beside Qorikancha, once the most important temple of the Inca empire and dedicated to the sun.
The Spanish built the Santo Domingo monastery on top of the temple walls, and you can see both from the street outside. Back at the hotel there is a spa and a choice of restaurants.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Palacio del Inka
We chose it for history on a grand scale with a polished level of service. Having Qorikancha across the street means you can visit one of Cusco's key sights before the tour groups arrive.
It is a large hotel within a chain, and the style is classic rather than intimate. If you want a small, personal place, a boutique hotel will feel more like a home.
What you get
- Colonial mansion with balconied courtyards
- Spa
- Several restaurants
- Polished, full service
- Next to the Temple of the Sun
A day at Palacio del Inka
- Morning
- Over the street to Qorikancha as soon as it opens.
- Midday
- Lunch at one of the hotel's restaurants.
- Afternoon
- A treatment in the spa to rest after the stairs and the altitude.
- Evening
- A walk to the Plaza de Armas once the lights are on.
Location
Near Qorikancha, Cusco, Peru
Open in MapsQuestions about Palacio del Inka
Is Palacio del Inka close to Qorikancha?
Yes, the hotel stands next to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and the Santo Domingo monastery that the Spanish raised on its walls.
Does Palacio del Inka have a spa?
Yes, there is a spa on site, which is welcome after long days of walking at Cusco's altitude.
What kind of building is Palacio del Inka?
It is a colonial mansion arranged around courtyards with wooden balconies, combining a historic setting with modern hotel standards.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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