Equally important is visiting Cusco’s most famous plaza located in the heart of the city. The Plaza de Armas boasts spectacular architecture and views of the surrounding mountains. Once the main center for both the Spanish conquistadors and Inca empire, the plaza is now the main hub for tourists where you can find shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants with balconies overlooking the plaza. After that, take a stroll through the iconic Cusco Cathedral where you can see a painting of the Last Supper with a guinea pig – the Andean interpretation for the main centerpiece of the meal. The plaza is a perfect place to people-watch and take in the surrounding history while enjoying your Cusco activities.
We’re kicking off this list with one of Peru’s most beloved animals: the alpaca. Known for its expensive wool, alpacas are treasured among Peruvians. These fluffy four-legged animals can be seen on the streets of Cusco dressed in colorful accessories and led by local ladies offering photos for a small price of 5-10 soles. Be sure to set your price before you get a photo to avoid any haggling.
Hidden in the narrow alleyways of the historical district is the Twelve-Angled stone. This architectural mystery has 12 perfectly-crafted angles that fit seamlessly into the Inca wall located in the alleyway of Hatunrumiyoc. The stone itself is relatively large and is part of the wall of the Palace of the Archbishop. You’ll be able to spot it by the large crowd usually surrounding the area. Be sure not to touch it as it is prohibited, but feel free to snap a selfie or take a family photo next to it.
Another addition to your list is Qoricancha, the famous Inca Sun Temple located on Cusco’s main Avenida el Sol. This architectural marvel was originally built by the Inca to worship their sun god, Inti. In fact, this famous temple used to be lined with gold before the Spanish invaded. Today you can take a tour through the ancient halls that have both Inca and Spanish-built architecture.
Another exciting addition to your Cusco itinerary is taking in one of the city’s breathtaking vistas. Just a 15 minute walk up from the main plaza are the Mirador de San Cristobal, Plaza Santa de Santa Ana and the Mirador de San Blas where you can find sweeping panoramic views of the towering Andes and the city below. These are the most accessible viewpoints, but if you’re wanting to go even higher, take a picnic up to Qenko or visit Sacsayhuaman for even more views.
Known for its extremely narrow and colorful streets, San Blas is the oldest neighborhood in Cusco and arguably the most beautiful. Each of the houses and businesses lining the streets feature painted blue doors and colorful adornments, which gives this bustling neighborhood its bohemian charm. Local artists live and sell their work here, and you can find hidden cafes of all types of cuisine including French, Italian, American and of course, Andean. Don’t forget to bring your camera – this is one of the most photogenic places in the city.
Peru is known as one of the top gastronomical destinations in the world, so it’s no surprise that Cusco is home to a plethora of enticing restaurants and bars. Order fresh trout ceviche made with local fish, try a succulent alpaca steak, or step out of your comfort zone and order one of the local favorites: cuy al horno or oven-baked guinea pig. More than 3,000 types of potatoes grow in Peru, so be sure to try them fried, baked and boiled. Lounge on the many balconies in the main plaza and enjoy the sights while sipping on Peru’s national drink, the Pisco Sour
The classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest hikes. Along the 45 km you will explore unique andean valleys, lush mountain forest.An exquisite architecture of the Inca sanctuaries, which will dazzle you for its fineness and location within the Andes.
Feel the magic and the energy of Cusco and Machu Picchu, then continue to where the legend began – Lake Titicaca, to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the peace and tranquility on the shores of the Lake.
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Just walking through the city center you can see the incredible mix of Inca and colonial architecture, watch the merging of indigenous and Spanish influences, and feel the history that flows through every cobblestone street.
Get to know the majestic city of Cusco, cradle of the greatest civilization in South America, the Incas and their great works of engineering, the citadel of Machu Picchu by train.
Enjoy an incredible vacation, in the heart of the Inca empire, Cusco, our travel program will take you to the most famous tourist attractions of Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, in very cozy hotels.
Sublime landscapes, wildlife, history, culture - Peru has more than its fair share. Its famed snow-capped Andean peaks shelter the temples and fortresses of the Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures, linked by a network of paved trails.
The Inti Raymi in Peru is a traditional religious festival of the most powerful god of the Inca civilization "Inti" (Sun). Each year on June 24th, The Inti Raymi festival is celebrated during the winter solstice. The festival is the most luxurious, large and colourful celebration performed in Cusco, like it was carried out on incas time.
Peru was inhabited by the greatest civilizations in South America, such as the Chachapoyas and Incas. Those who have built the best engineering works, on large areas of the beautiful landscape of the Andes, and the jungle. This tour will take you to the most remote regions of Peru, where you can learn about its extraordinary traditions and rich history.
See Peru in comfort and style with Andean Great Treks. We’ll create a personalized Peru tour just for you, with the perfect mix of locations and activities. Discover the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu with an expert private guide. Enjoy the epic scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the rich history of Cusco. Explore the wonders of the great green Amazon.
The wonders of Peru await you as you hike through the Manu Amazon rainforest, traverse the plains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and stroll the cobbled streets of Cusco on this 15-day trip from Lima. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, travel the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a stay in a traditional community on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca.
The top sights of Peru will leave all the family thrilled by the scenic grandeur, ruined temples, colonial cities, amazing inca trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca Lost City, once buried under the tropical forest which surrounds it.
Dive deep into the culture and landscapes of Peru with this adventure to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and more. Search for wildlife along jungle trails and rivers in the rainforest from a comfortable lodge then head up into the Andes to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire.
Peru is a multicultural country, and megadiverse, because it has different ecological floors, which have special microclimates, where ancient civilizations dominated the cold landscape of the Andes, and the hot coasts of the Pacific. It is also part of the great Amazon forest where a great variety of unique animals and plants coexist. This tour will take you to the most impressive landscapes in South America.
Enjoy the best vacations in Peru. Our Majestic Peru travel program will take you from the coast and its impressive Nazca lines, to the lodge in the Amazon forest surrounded by many wild fauna, you will travel the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, culminating your trip in Cusco.
Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cusco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. From the depths of the Colca canyon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.
Colours of Peru calls to you with all the allure of the ancient and the mysterious. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon Rainforest, from the pre-Colombian ruins in the mountains to the Spanish colonial mansions on the coast, 14 Days in Peru offers you exciting adventures and unique experiences.
Peru is a country with different cultures and beautiful landscapes. It has one of the best gastronomy in the world. This tour is designed for travelers looking for unique and special moments in their vacations, and families who want to avoid crowds. You will visit the ancient city of Lima, the Amazon forest, the beautiful sacred valley of the Incas, the wonder of Machu Picchu.
Discover the world wonder of Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will spend a comfortable night enjoying the best Peruvian food.
One of our most popular trips in Peru combines the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley and the challenge of doing one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. The four-day trek on the Inca Trail will reward you with a stunning combination of the area's ruins, mountainous landscapes, and cloud forests.
