Some places aren’t just stayed in, they are deeply felt. ✨ Casa Clara is one of them. ✨ After a slightly stressful, adventurous, yet exhilarating couple of days exploring Machu Picchu, we finally made our way back to Cusco. Tired, backpacks barely hanging onto our backs, hungry, we rang the doorbell to the most charming hideaway to celebrate our anniversary, Casa Clara.

Tucked away at Nazarenas 221, in the historic heart of Cusco, this boutique gem sits in a serene quiet square surrounded by art galleries, exquisite food, and fascinating museums. Stepping inside its walls felt like leaving the world behind. It was sheltered from the city’s hustle, though just a block or two away, the vibrant hum of Cusco’s streets was waiting if we wanted it. Casa Clara is the kind of place you could walk past without ever knowing it was there, like a little secret known only to those who seek it. 💐

What makes it even more special is its history. Casa Clara is set within an 18th-century Colonial manor built in the traditional Cusqueño style, with stone archways, wooden balconies, and a courtyard open to the Andean sky. Long before it became a hotel, the building served as part of the Monastery of Santa Clara, founded in the 1500s by the Clarist nuns as a place of quiet reflection for the daughters of Spanish conquistadors. The hotel has been lovingly restored, preserving its centuries-old walls, carved beams, and antique furnishings, while adding thoughtful modern comforts. 🖼️

We were greeted by Cecilia, whose warmth immediately made us feel at home. She welcomed two tired, rugged travelers instantly. As we walked through the halls toward our room, we couldn’t help but admire the antique pieces placed so perfectly in each space, each one telling its own quiet but grand story. Pieces that I couldn’t have even dreamed about. They were so unique, structurally strong, and somehow wise in their display. The courtyard opened to the heavens above, the night sky framed like a living ceiling more magnificent than any cathedral dome. 🌌

Our room was perfection. It was peaceful, intimate, and best of all, without a television. That absence made it even more intimate, encouraging us to slow down and savor the moment. 🌕

Every morning began with the smells of breakfast preparations, vibrant fruits bursting with juice, and the rich aroma of coffee drifting through the courtyard up to our room. Claudia, with her kind and gentle spirit, prepared cappuccinos that could rival any café in Italy. Her warmth was genuine, you could feel it radiate from her presence. She was someone that made you feel great by just being in her presence. She, like the hotel itself, left a lasting impression on our hearts. 💞

Our stay at Casa Clara wasn’t just about beautiful architecture or luxury, it was about soul. You could see and feel how deeply the caretakers loved this wonderful historic place, and how much they wanted each guest to feel not just welcomed, but cherished. In a city where history is written into every stone, Casa Clara stands as both a guardian of the past and a sanctuary for the present. 🎁

We will never forget our stay here and we hope to see Cecilia and Claudia in the future! 🥰