Cusco captivates us not just as a starting point, but as a destination in its own right — a living, breathing city where Incan stonework lines colonial streets and every plaza hums with centuries of ceremony, colour, and culture. It’s the kind of place that recalibrates your sense of history before you’ve even set foot on the trail to Machu Picchu.
Cusco was once the beating heart of the Inca Empire, and its streets are lined with remarkable remnants of this ancient civilization. Massive stone walls, archaeological wonders, and temples serve as living reminders of Inca ingenuity and spiritual beliefs. Sites such as Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán stand alongside colonial-era churches, blending two worlds in one mesmerizing cityscape.
A stroll through Cusco immerses visitors in a vibrant tapestry of Andean culture and Spanish tradition. The city’s main squares and bustling markets brim with artisans selling handwoven textiles and local delicacies. Year-round festivals feature colorful parades and traditional music, offering travelers endless chances to experience Cusco’s living heritage through art, dance, and cuisine.
Cusco is much more than a historic city—it’s the prime starting point for numerous adventures throughout the Sacred Valley and beyond. Adventurers set off from here on iconic treks like the Inca Trail, or embark on day trips to nearby mountain villages and ancient ruins. With its altitude and location, Cusco is perfectly positioned as the jumping-off point for exploring some of Peru’s most extraordinary cultural and natural wonders.
Housed in a meticulously restored 16th-century manor, Inkaterra La Casona is Cusco’s first five-star boutique hotel, nestled on the historic Plaza de las Nazarenas. The property features just 11 suites, each surrounding a peaceful central patio and adorned with colonial furnishings, pre-Columbian textiles, and original murals, creating an authentic atmosphere. Modern comforts include heated floors, fireplaces, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Guests can indulge in bespoke spa treatments at the tranquil Yacu Therapy Room and savor carefully crafted Peruvian cuisine in the intimate dining room.
Occupying a former 16th-century monastery built on ancient Inca foundations, Belmond Monasterio is a celebrated luxury landmark within two blocks of Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas. Guests enter through understated stone walls into a world of baroque grandeur, with serene cloistered courtyards, original oil paintings, and a centuries-old cedar tree at the heart of its garden. Superb amenities include fine Peruvian restaurants, a historic chapel, and the distinction of offering oxygen-enriched rooms—an innovative feature for the high-Andean altitude.
Set just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas, El Mercado is a boutique hotel with roots as Cusco’s old farmer’s market, now reimagined to combine colonial charm with modern comfort and local character. With 32 rooms and suites, interiors feature rustic-luxe design: cozy blankets, artisanal details, and contemporary art. Thoughtful amenities include complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and heated rooms, while the in-house restaurant and lively bar celebrate traditional Peruvian flavors. Evenings bring live music and fireside gatherings in the courtyard, creating a friendly, welcoming ambiance.