Looking at rankings for the best hotels in Central and South America’s urban hubs, it’s clear the once-capital of the Inca Empire is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the sun. Set amid the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is a springboard for exploring the Sacred Valley — and readers voted three hotels there to the top 10 spots on this year’s list. Bogotá ranked close behind with two winning properties. T+L readers also gave high scores to properties in Panama City, Santiago, São Paulo, Lima, and Cartagena.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
The No. 1 Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a mansion in central Cusco and a newcomer to the World’s Best Awards, outstripped the rest of the competition with a score of 98.18. Peru ranked strong overall, represented by Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco (No. 2) and Inkaterra La Casona (No. 6).
But this year’s list included standouts in other countries, too — such as the dazzling Rosewood São Paulo (No. 5), a property that opened in 2022 in what was once the Matarazzo Maternity hospital. The Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá (No. 7) and the W Bogota (No. 10) brought readers’ attention to the Colombian capital, while readers fell hard for the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo (No. 3) in Panama City, which opened in 2023. “It’s an amazing hotel to experience a contrast between historic and modern touches,” said one happy customer of the Softel Legend hotel. “The service, location, quality of rooms, food, and dining — all world-class,” summarized another. Voters also praised The Singular Santiago (No. 4), which multiple respondents loved for its excellent location, elegant decor, and unmatched service.
The Winner
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco: Cusco, Peru
Courtesy of Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
Situated inside a 500-year-old mansion, this heritage-rich property makes a striking impression thanks to the building’s detailed tilework, original art pieces, and carefully maintained antiques. In addition to the beautiful design, T+L readers appreciated Palacio del Inka’s connection to local culture — one guest strongly recommended the on-site tour for a history lesson as well as the complimentary cocktail experience at the Rumi Bar to learn how to make a Pisco sour. Readers also fawned over the traditional Peruvian food at the Inti Raymi restaurant, and the breakfast buffet, which is accompanied by a live harp player. Another highlight? The spa features a hydrotherapy circuit — including a dry sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy showers, and a heated whirlpool — plus treatments like massages and facials.
The Full List
1. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco: Cusco, Peru
Reader Score: 98.18
2. Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco: Cusco, Peru
Reader Score: 97.47
3. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo: Panama City, Panama
Reader Score: 97.42
4. The Singular Santiago: Santiago, Chile
Reader Score: 96.44
5. Rosewood São Paulo: São Paulo, Brazil
Reader Score: 96.27
6. Inkaterra La Casona: Cusco, Peru
Reader Score: 95.85
7. Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá: Bogotá, Colombia
Reader Score: 95.33
8. Hotel B: Lima, Peru
Reader Score: 95.29
9. Casa San Agustin: Cartagena, Colombia
Reader Score: 94.83
10. W Bogota: Bogotá, Colombia
Reader Score: 94.62
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