Meliá Hotels International lands in Cusco with its first hotel in the historic capital of the Inca Empire

Nestled among majestic mountains at an altitude of over 3,400 meters, Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be the setting for the next Peruvian destination for Meliá Hotels International, the leading hotel company in Spain, which has just announced the opening of the Hotel Cusco La Paccha Affiliated by Meliá, scheduled for January 1, 2026.

This new project represents much more than a geographical expansion: it's an invitation to discover the essence of Peru from one of its most iconic destinations, considered the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu. Just 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, the hotel – formerly known as Xima Exclusive Cusco – is located next to the renowned ornamental fountain La Paccha de Pumaq Chupan, one of the city's main tourist attractions. It is also surrounded by colonial churches, museums, and vibrant markets that allow travelers to immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural heritage. The Qoricancha Museum is only five minutes away, and the San Pedro train station, the departure point for the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, is also very close.

Inspired by Cusco's traditional architecture, the hotel reinterprets the colonial style with a contemporary design centered around a spacious central courtyard, a source of natural light and a meeting point for the various spaces. The surrounding galleries connect the rooms with harmony and serenity, while the native plants adorning the courtyard create a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

With 167 fully equipped rooms, a restaurant, bar, spa and an event space, the hotel offers a comprehensive experience for connecting with the environment.

Cusco attracts millions of travelers each year seeking to connect with the ancestral history of the Andes and experience unique moments in an unparalleled natural and spiritual setting. For Meliá, this acquisition represents an opportunity to enhance the brand's global visibility, consolidate its presence in the Latin American market, and strengthen its portfolio in Peru, currently comprised of Meliá Lima and INNSiDE Lima Miraflores, both in the capital, as well as the future Casa de la Pila, a member of the Meliá Collection in Lima, also signed this year.

Furthermore, this establishment completes Meliá's presence on the country's most iconic tourist circuit: Lima–Cusco. This strategic axis allows the hotel to offer travelers a comprehensive experience that combines Lima's cosmopolitan sophistication with the historical and cultural richness of the ancient Inca capital, creating a unique itinerary that connects world-renowned gastronomy, archaeological heritage, and incomparable Andean landscapes.

As Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, stated, “Throughout 2025, we have added ten new projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, thus consolidating the momentum of an ambitious expansion plan in the region. This strategy not only reinforces our presence in destinations of great cultural richness and tourist appeal, but also reaffirms our commitment to a high-quality hotel offering across the continent, aligned with the expectations of the contemporary international traveler.”

For her part, Carolina Morillas, the property owner's representative, stated: “We are very proud to begin this new chapter with Meliá, a company with a solid international track record and a firm commitment to excellence and sustainability. We are confident that this partnership will position the hotel as a benchmark in Cusco, offering an authentic, high-quality experience that deeply connects with the local culture.”

Source: Meliá Hotels International.