Nestled among majestic mountains at over 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco—the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—will soon welcome the latest Peruvian destination of Meliá Hotels International. The leading Spanish hotel group has just announced the upcoming opening of the Hotel Cusco La Paccha Affiliated by Meliá, scheduled for January 1, 2026.This new project represents more than just geographic expansion: it is an invitation to experience the essence of Peru from one of its most iconic destinations, widely regarded as 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 beside the well-known ornamental fountain La Paccha de Pumaq Chupan, one of the city’s tourist attractions. It is also surrounded by colonial churches, vibrant markets, and museums that immerse travelers in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Qoricancha Museum is just five minutes away, and the San Pedro train station, the departure point for the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, is also nearby.Inspired by Cusco’s traditional architecture, the hotel reinterprets colonial style through a contemporary lens, centered around a spacious central courtyard that serves as a source of natural light and a meeting point for the various spaces. The surrounding galleries connect the rooms with harmony and serenity, while native plants adorning the courtyard create a relaxed and natural atmosphere.With 167 fully equipped rooms, a restaurant, bar, spa, and event space, the hotel offers a comprehensive experience that fosters connection with the surroundings.Cusco attracts millions of travelers each year who seek to connect with the ancestral history of the Andes and enjoy unique experiences in an unparalleled natural and spiritual setting.
For Meliá, this addition represents an opportunity to enhance the brand’s global visibility, strengthen its presence in the Latin American market, and expand its portfolio in Peru, which currently includes Meliá Lima and INNSiDE Lima Miraflores, both located in the capital. It also includes the upcoming Casa de la Pila, a member of the Meliá Collection in Lima, also signed this year.Furthermore, this new property completes Meliá‘s presence along Peru’s most iconic tourist route: Lima–Cusco. This strategic axis enables the company to offer travelers a holistic experience that combines Lima’s cosmopolitan sophistication with the historical and cultural richness of the ancient Inca capital—creating a unique itinerary that blends world-renowned gastronomy, archaeological heritage, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.As Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, stated: “Throughout 2025, we have added ten new projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforcing the momentum of an ambitious expansion plan in the region.
This strategy not only strengthens our presence in destinations of great cultural and touristic value, but also reaffirms our commitment to offering high-quality hospitality across the continent, aligned with the expectations of today’s international traveler.“Carolina Morillas, representative of the hotel’s ownership, added: “We are proud to begin this new chapter alongside Meliá, a company with a solid international track record and a strong commitment to excellence and sustainability. We are confident that this alliance will position the hotel as a benchmark in Cusco, offering an authentic, high-quality experience that deeply connects with the local culture.” (https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/melia-hotels-international-arrives-in-cusco-with-its-first-hotel-in-the-cap/)
