Cusco is the quintessential Inca city filled with large ceremonial squares and ruins made from large quarried stones. Cusco was to the Inca, the center of the universe according to legend, here was where the civilization thrived and many golden temples were constructed. With the arrival of the Spanish the city transformed into a colonial oasis in the middle of the Andes. The Spanish left behind magnificent colonial houses with wonderfully exquisite patios filled with flowers and fountains. The abundance of churches also constructed by the Spanish conquistadors were filled with treasures of wood, art and gold bought with them from Spain.
Today the city is a mix of Spanish colonial heritage and modern urban living. From the heights of the city, you can see the ancient cobblestone streets and terracotta roofs that give Cusco and old world feel. Cusco is a tourist hub with people from all over the world using the city as a base for trips to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the Amazon Jungle or even trekking through the Andes. Cusco is a great place to relax and most tourists spend a few days in the city exploring the markets, museums, restaurants and the famous nightlife.
The essence of the ancient people lives in the city as you pass the stone walls and see the local people go about their daily life.
The Aranwa in Cusco is a 5-star boutique hotel that features history, luxury which is located in the center of the city of Cusco. The hotel features elegant rooms that are decorated in the colonial style. All rooms feature intelligent oxygen system and modern bathrooms, some with whirlpool tubs.
The hotel is housed inside a restored 16th Century Convent, blending a mixture of historic grandeur and all the modern comforts. The rooms are fitted with deluxe bedding, marble bathrooms and an oxygen system. Located in the heart of Cusco city has onsite restaurants, bars and a hotel spa featuring old Inca healing treatments.
Overlooking the city on a hillside location, the hotel has scenic views of the Plaza de Armas, The Cusco Cathedral and the surrounding Andean Mountain. The hotel is 4 kilometers from the center and is close to Sacsayhuaman. Enjoy your breakfast in the charming courtyard. The room have excellent views of Cusco and feature all the modern amenities.
If it is romance that you are after than this is the hotel for you, the hotel is filled with impeccable decoration and wonderful gardens. The hotel features an outdoor heated swimming pool. Marvel at the stone walls, colonial frescos and tasty restaurants. Located in the heart of Cusco city, this elegant hotel is perfect for every occasion.
The Aranwa Sacred Valley is located on the banks of the Vilcanota river. The hotel is built on the lands of a 17th Century Colonial Hacienda. The rooms are decorated in colonial and modern style. Located in the mystical Sacred Valley the hotel combines both ancient Inca culture and the colonial majesty all this located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Located in the heart of the Inca city, the hotel is housed in a 17th Century Colonial mansion complete with high beamed ceilings, carved wooden doors and ancient murals combined with modern comforts. Dine at the Paprika Restaurant or have a cocktail at the Walak Bar. Close to all the important sites in Cusco with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Just a few minutes away from the main square, the hotel is located in a beautiful 17th Century house featuring courtyards and antique balconies. The modern equipped room have all the services for a pleasant stay. The hotel features a bar and restaurant which offers breakfast and a varied menu throughout the day.
Completely renovated, the decoration offers a warm, tranquil and inviting atmosphere, with all rooms featuring all modern amenities. The hotel has its own restaurant which is highly regarded for fine dining. Located close to the airport, city center, the train station and local markets, the hotel is a great choice for your stay in Cusco.
Located in the bohemian district of San Blas, this beautifully restored colonial house has all the luxury and modern amenities that you will need. The hotel features a restaurant and bar where you can dine in the wonderful patio by the fire. Rooms are decorated in the colonial style and feel warm and cozy.
Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Sacred Valley Yucay
Located in the heart of the beautiful Sacred Valley and just five minutes from Urubamba, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful garden. The Sonesta is a remodeled 18th century monastery that retains it colonial charm. The hotel is between Cusco city and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and features all the modern amenities. Bring the family pooch as the hotel is dog friendly.
The hotel is located on the corner of the Plaza de Armas [Main Square] of Cusco and just a few steps away from the Cusco’s main Cathedral. It’s also close to most popular tourist attractions of the city. Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy beautiful views of the city. The hotel offers a breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a series of services that will allow you to have a pleasant experience.
Located one block from the main square, the hotel features a beautiful patio and is housed in a Spanish colonial house. The hotel has rooms for all types of passengers, from single rooms to family rooms. All rooms have modern amenities and private bathrooms. See the hotel on the Plaza Regocijo.
Hotel Rumi Punku features traditional décor throughout the property and a central patio with a garden. Rooms are comfortably furnished and include private bathroom, cable TV, and offer views of the inner courtyard. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Guests can use the hotel’s hot tub and sauna for an extra fee.
The Hotel Union is located in the market district of Cusco. The hotel features both Andean touches and contemporary comfort. The rooms have all the modern amenities. Take advantage of the free daily activities including cooking classes, weaving lesson and enjoy live music.
Clean and comfortable hotel built in a Spanish Colonial house. The patio inside the hotel is a wonderful place to have a few drinks. Across the road is the Royal Inca Park which is great for the children and features, a swimming pool, play area and many different fields to play sport. Located close to the colorful Pisac Market for all your souvenir needs.
Owned by world famous Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, the restaurant is a must when traveling to Cusco. All the food used is produced in the Cusco region. The restaurant is a higher end dining experience and the must tries are Lamb Ragu Fettuccini and Lamb in Casquenian Curry. You will be impressed by the service also.
Green Point creates a delicious variety of delicious dishes all plant based. The dishes are all created by founder Fabricio Durand. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and is located in the San Blas district of Cusco. This is one for the vegan or even if you are not, you will still enjoy the food experience.
Located one block from the Plaza, this restaurant offers some of the best Peruvian fusion food in all of Peru. Cicciolina merges New Andean dishes and international cuisine. The interior is decorated with dangling dried garlic and peppers. The open kitchen and inviting bar create a warm atmosphere and try the Tapas Bar.
A Cusco institution and known far and wide for its breakfasts, Jacks Café is a must visit when you are in Cusco. Breakfast is served all day but there are plates for lunch and dinner. The servings are big so bring your appetite. Featuring international cuisine, the food will not disappoint.
While Pachapapa serves several delicious traditional Peruvian dishes, the restaurant is known for its oven-roasted guinea pig (cuy) served with local herbs and spices. Another menu favorite is the eponymous PachaPapa, which is a marinated alpaca brochette, with stuffed hot pepper, corn tamal, assorted potatoes grilled with Andean cheese, and fresh salad.
The Plaza in Cusco is a very interesting place to spend some time, whether it is for people watching or visiting the churches located on the square. The plaza is surrounded by a vast variety of cafes, restaurants and bars to cater for any palate. If you are missing home than there is also a McDonalds and KFC to comfort. One of the most beautiful plazas in all South America, filled with manicured gardens and people from all over the world.
This is considered the main street in Cusco and leads to the main square. On this street you will find banks, money change houses, restaurants and small markets where you can buy many wonderfully colorful Peruvian handicraft. Here is also located the Temple of Qorichancha. At the end of Ave Sol there is a large tourist market that is worth a visit.
Located around three blocks from the main square and up a set of wonderfully steep stairs is San Blas, considered the bohemian district of Cusco. San Blas has its own square which features a church, restaurants and quaint little arts and craft shops. From the San Blas Plaza there are many streets that lead off to trendy little cafes and restaurants. On the weekend locals and gringos sell their art on the streets.
Down Ave Sol you will encounter Santa Domingo Church that is built on the foundations of the famous temple of the Sun, Qorichancha. Take a guided tour around the site and see what remains of the Inca temple and the Spanish Colonial church that sits atop. The church has an impressive religious art collection. Worth a visit to see the mix of Inca and Spanish architecture.
One of the most impressive sites in the Cusco area, Sacsayhuaman sits atop of Cusco, watching over the city to ensure its safety. If you visit only one site in Cusco than this should be the one. The Inca designed Cusco in the shape of a Puma with the head being Sacsayhuaman and the body the city of Cusco. See the super impressive stones and constructions that we have come to expect from the Inca. If nothing else the views of Cusco are worth the walk up to the site. Close to Sacsayhuaman are the other Inca sites of Puka Pukara, Qenko and Tambo Machay.
Built hundreds of years ago, the church located on the Main Square is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Architecture. The inside is impressive with many works of art and carved wooden pulpits. Make sure to visit the painting of the last supper, which surprisingly features Guinea Pig as the main course. A little joke by the Inca artist.
From the Plaza de Armas walk past the Cathedral a block and you will come across a large Inca wall. Contained within the wall is a stone, the only one found that features 12 angles. You will know that you are close when you see the crowd and the gentleman who is dressed like an Inca. You may take photos with the Inca for a small tip. Be amazed by the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Worth a photo or two on your way to San Blas.
Famous worldwide for its cuisine, Peru is one of the best places in the world for tasting wonderful and exciting new food. If you are interested in learning some of the tricks to cooking Peruvian food than take one of the many cooking classes in Cusco. Many will visit a local market to buy the fresh produce before learning how to cook. Enjoy sipping a Pisco Sour while taking the class. For those who love food and cooking.
For everything Cosmic, you will want to visit the Cusco Planetarium. The tour will inform you about the Inca Astronomy. Enjoy looking through the telescope at the twinkling night sky. You will be given information about the constellations and how they worked with the Inca life with stories in the planetarium dome.
Cusco is known as a party town. Which is certainly the case. But not only will you find an abundance of nightclubs and bars for the young and the young at heart, there are also quiet bars and pubs to have a few drinks. If you want to take a short walk than there are many bars in the San Blas Neighborhood that have spectacular views of the city, where you can enjoy the view. The plaza in Cusco is a wonderful place to spend some time at night and is lit and is a beautiful place to spend some time.
The San Pedro Market is Cusco’s most popular market. It is located around 3 blocks from the main square. Inside find anything and everything you could ever want. There are food stalls, fruit and vegetable stalls, meat stalls, chicken stall and small restaurants selling lunch. The upper part is for souvenirs and are often cheaper than in other markets. If you are into witchcraft this is the place for you.
Inside, you will be able to appreciate a great variety of fruits, vegetables, and other equally important foods. In general, most markets are much cheaper than other local chain supermarkets. Not to mention that by buying in these markets you are greatly supporting the local economy. If you are looking to try a delicious traditional lunch, don’t miss out on the different food stalls. The San Blas Market is one of the best markets in Cusco that offers a unique experience to its buyers and visitors.
At the end of Ave Sol, there is a large craft market that caters to tourists. The prices are cheaper than in the center of the city. There is a large array of items and souvenirs to choose from and all the stall owners are keen for your business. Take the 15-minute walk it will be well worth your time.
Located in the town of Pisac, this market is famous for tourists on day trips from Cusco. Centered near the main square, the market is a colorful explosion of everything Peruvian. Around the main square there are plenty of cafes and restaurant if you are feeling a bit puckish. Save some money for this market there is plenty to buy.
This is where the locals do there shopping, see all the different stalls from meat, chicken, seafood. There is a big section of vegetables and every type of fruit you could imagine. See the section for potatoes and also for every grain you could every want. Walk down Av Sol until the SerPost office (post office). From there turn left and the market is one block down.
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