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Cuzco travel informationAccording to the Incas Cuzco was the navel of the world and the centre of the earth. In a way it still holds true, as even today the city at 3300m draws travellers from across the globe. For Cuzco and its 190.000 inhabitants tourism is the primary source of income, catering for the thousands of visitors that come here to see Machu Picchu, Sacsay Huaman and several other ruins spread across the Sacred Valley.The focal point of Cuzco is the Plaza de Armas, probably one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. Cuzco is the ideal starting point in your Peru trip if you want to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, for example with our 2 day Inca trek module, or travel by bus to Puno and for our Lake Titicaca tour. |
Our accommodation: Posadas San BlasFor your stay in Cuzco, we have selected several posadas in the San Blas district, just north of the rather touristy city centre. The posadas are in the heart of San Blas, about five minutes uphill by taxi from the Plaza de Armas. They’re small, traditional mid-class hotels usually with a garden, patio and cosy breakfast area and all have a wonderful homely ‘posada’ atmosphere. We chosen accommodation in the San Blas district because we think it’s more authentic than the city centre. The narrow streets are lined with small cafes and traditional restaurants. The streets are barely wide enough for the tiny Daewoo taxi to drive through, so don’t worry about any noisy traffic!Your tidy, modern room has a private bathroom with shower and toilet. The sights of Cuzco and the Plaza de Armas are a 15-minute (downhill) walk away. To get back to the hotel, just take a taxi back up the hill for about 50p. Remember, Cuzco is at 3300m altitude. If you’d like a change from the Peruvian cuisine and crave some home cooking, try Jack’s Irish Pub. It has a friendly atmosphere and serves tasty hearty grub at a reasonable price. |
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Cuzco Plaza 2This friendly hotel is round the corner from the Plaza de Armas. Rooms are built around a huge covered patio (see image) and the whole place oozes Latin-American charm. The staff is extremely welcoming, rooms are tidy and tastefully decorated with private shower, toilet, phone and TV. The excellent breakfast buffet is included.Del Prado InnA well-maintained hotel just steps away from the Plaza de Armas. It looks small from the outside, but this hotel has all the comfort and trademarks of a luxury mid-class hotel. There’s a cosy lobby, bar, breakfast room and spacious rooms with private bathroom, phone and TC. The breakfast buffet is included. Del Prado is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit more luxury and would like to be close to the Plaza.If you’d rather not stay in Cuzco itself, we can offer a comfortable lodge in the countryside outside the city. We think our Secret of the Valley eco-lodge is a very special find, tucked away in the hills near the village of Urubamba an hour’s drive from Cuzco towards Machu Picchu. |
A day in CuzcoBesides the many historic churches and cathedrals, Cuzco boasts some of the most perfectly preserved Inca walls in Calle Loreto and the Calle Hatun Rumiyoc. The Arte Religioso Museum and the Inca Museum are both very interesting, or visit the several monasteries open to the public. One of the monasteries has been converted into the most expensive hotel in the city.A night in this beautiful Monasterio filled with relics, historic paintings and antique furniture will set you back £180 a night. For a cheaper option, just stay for lunch (£15). At least you’ll be able to get to see the ground floor. In the small streets around the Plaza de Armas you’ll find lots of shops and restaurants. |
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For a bit of outdoor activity during your Peru trip, visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, 45 minutes walk up the ancient Inca path from Cuzco. The ruins are perched on a hilltop with a fantastic view across the city. Sacsayhuaman is an ancient Inca fortress made of huge limestone boulders constructed in a unique impenetrable pattern. For about 20 Sol you can take a tour on horseback along the crucifix, Kenko and the Temple of the Moon. The many tour operators located around Plaza de Armas also offer rafting tours, mountain biking or day trips to the surrounding area. |
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