A Weekend In Cusco

Our Local Expert Says:

Important meeting place for young people

Description:

Plaza de Armas was known as Huacaypata (Warrior Square in quechua) in Inca times and is believed to have been designed by Manco Cápac. A magnificent Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía flank it on two sides. The Plaza was the scene of many key events in the history of the city. It was here that Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. The arrival of the Spanish brought many changes to the Plaza, including the addition of the beautiful stone arches that surround it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Do not miss the painting of the last supper showing a guinea pig as main dish

Description:

Built on the site of the palace of the Inca Viracocha, Cusco's cathedral, which dominates the Plaza de Armas, is a beautiful religious and artistic monument. Completed in 1669 in the Renaissance style and now handsomely restored, the cathedral possesses some 400 canvasses of the distinguished Escuela Cusqueña that were painted from the 16th to 18th centuries. There are also amazing woodcarvings, including the spectacular cedar choir stalls. The main altar -- which weighs more than 401 kilograms (884 lb.) and is fashioned from silver mined in Potosí, Bolivia -- features the patron saint of Cusco. To the right of the altar is a particularly Peruvian painting of the Last Supper, with the apostles drinking chicha (fermented maize beer) and eating cuy (guinea pig). The Capilla del Triunfo (the first Christian church in Cusco) is next door, to the right of the main church. It holds a painting by Alonso Cortés de Monroy of the devastating earthquake of 1650. To the right of the entrance to the Capilla (the right nave, next to the choir stalls) is an altar adorned by the locally famous "El Negrito" (also known as "El Señor de los Temblores," or Lord of the Earthquakes), a brown-skinned figure...

Description:

This edifice is located next to the Cathedral. The building was first the mansion of the conqueror Fernando Pizarro, and was constructed upon the Amaru Cancha ("Enclosure of the Serpent," palace of Inca Huayna Cápac). The Jesuits began its construction in 1576. Its spiked carved stone facade and interior are considered one of the best examples of colonial baroque in the Americas. The altars are cedar and covered with gold leaf, and the sculptures and paintings of the Cusquenian School like the "Wedding of the nephew of San Ignacio de Loyola with a Princess Inca" are also great to see. On each of its sides, are the chapel of Lourdes and the Oratory of San Ignacio de Loyola. Admission is free.

Description:

When you arrive at this roomy restaurant, relax down near the open fire with a drink. Then, you can write a postcard or simply talk with someone about how beautiful the adjacent plaza is. Even on cold evenings, this place is so extremely comfortable and warm because of its cozy fireplace that the hours pass with ease. House specialties include main dishes made with llama meat, soups and salads. Breakfast and lunches are also served. A selection of local postcards are available for sale.

Description:

This museum is located in the center of the Santa Catalina monastery and houses a grand collection of paintings from the prestigious Cusquenan Art School. It includes some of the most outstanding impressions of Native American art, done in an indigenous style with a Spanish influence. You will also encounter many religious images. Among some of the most important saints and virgins in the museum are "Senor de los Temblores" and "Santa Catalina." Another impressive image is the "Patron Saint of Santiago," a warrior on horseback who is considered to be as powerful as "Llapa" Lord of Thunder. There is a pleasant cafeteria were you can sample a variety of desserts made by the Dominican cloistered nuns. Ceremonial wine and rosaries are also for sale.Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."

Description:

The Dominicans were the first Catholic order to arrive in Cusco. They constructed this convent in 1538, upon Koricancha ("Field of Gold"), the most important Inca sanctuary that was dedicated to the cult of the sun, and where they stored their mummies. The polished stonewalls, unique in all of Cusco for their quality of stone work, were once covered with gold leaf. The facade of the church is a good example of the Renaissance style, and its tower, of the Baroque style. The Dominican order continues its evangelization work in the Peruvian south.

Description:

Same owners as the Cicciolina Rstaurant, this place offers you a vast taste of wines and serves meats,salads and gourmet pizzas.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent location, 1 1/2 blocks from Plaza de Armas

Description:

Located at the well-known "Plazoleta Regocijo," this beautiful 18th century colonial mansion has three floors, 29 rooms, and an international restaurant. The hotel reputedly serves the best "Pisco Sour" in Cusco, so don´t leave without trying one.

Description:

A winded uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas, the Plazoleta San Blas is a picturesque neighborhood adorned by white washed walls, bright blue balconies and plenty of fine and original handicraft stores. The center of the art district in Cusco , the Plazoleta San Blas and surrounding side streets showcase the works of local artisans as well as of bohemian backpackers trying to make a buck during their endless travels. A hangout for artsy vagabonds, the afternoon scene often includes drum circles, didgeridoos and groups of young travelers hanging about and swapping stories. On Saturdays, however, the entire plaza turns into a market boasting fine jewelry, textiles and religious figurines. The plazoleta also houses a variety of coffee shops and restaurants with stellar views of the city, and in the evenings the contemporary fountain comes alive with an array of colors. The Iglesia de San Blas, also located in the plaza, houses a beautiful cedar pulpit, intricately carved from one single piece of wood.

Description:

Located in the Plazoleta of San Blas, the district of the craftsmen, this is one of the eight parishes for "Indians" that the Spaniards built. This construction is modest but harmonious; its original facade that crumbled during the earthquake of 1950 was adorned with a beautifully painted mural. Its interior is decorated with paintings of the Cusquenian school, with gold leaves and sculptures. The "Púlpito" simply dazzles; it is a most extraordinary example of artistic carpentry of Spanish churrigueresco style, and is carved from a single tree trunk. Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."

Description:

This tiny cafe, a couple of blocks off the Plaza de Armas, is an unpretentious gringo hangout and a good spot for freshly prepared vegetarian fare. It offers appetizers like Nepalese tomato soup and main courses like eggplant curry and spinach and ricotta lasagna, accompanied by juices, beers, and smoothies. Everything is made to order.

Description:

Providing impressive birds-eye views of the city and surrounding valley, the Incan archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman is a to-do not to be missed while in Cusco . Popularly believed to have been a fortress, more recent interpretations suggest that it may have been used for religious rituals and activities. The site itself is comprised of an enormous plaza bordered on one side by three parallel Inca walls reaching lengths of 400 meters. The rocks themselves are fitted with impressive accuracy and can reach heights of six meters and outlandish weights of up to 200 tons. The site is thought to have included other stone structures and temples which were later demolished by the Spanish so as to construct new buildings within the city of Cusco .

Towards the back of the archaeological site, stone slides and serpent-like caves make for great recreation for younger travelers and adults as well. Visiting the massive Inca stonework of Sacsayhuaman is a must when traveling to Cusco and makes for a quiet half-day excursion outside of the lively city of Cusco . Accessible by taxi, public bus or by foot, entrance is included on the Boleto Turistico de Cusco and tour guides are available at the entrance....

Description:

This village is situated way above San Jerónimo. You can get there by footpath or by road, climbing from an altitude of 3,200 meters to 4,000 meters. It´s the first stop for those making the pilgrimage to Señor de Huanca, who is the deity of Apu Pachatusan. A church from the 17th century, corrals for llamas and alpacas, and ceremonial irrigation canals are the main cultural features of Huacoto. Coming to this village is a perfect place for those who like walking and climbing mountains.

Description:

This is a complex structure of protection walls and paths built on the uppermost side of a high hill; it is a stunning example of Inca architecture. Fifteen buildings, two plazas, six ceremonial baths, water channels, bridges, stairways, and observation platforms hang halfway up the cliffside like a giant balcony. This site dominates the vast landscape, and when the clouds of the high forest descend into the valley, it gives the amazing impression of "floating" in the middle of the clouds. A visit here is an unbelievable sight.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good hot chocolate

Description:

Just a short block from the Plaza de Armas, this place invites engaging conversation. The Café Literario Varayoc (literary café) affords the patron a variety of current English and Spanish language magazines. It is one of the most popular places for visitors, especially for those who enjoy gazing at passers-by, while delighting in fondues and creams, the specialties of the house.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oldest Disco in Town

Description:

Here you will enjoy excellent music, unbeatable atmosphere, the best music and live show.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent location, 1 1/2 blocks from Plaza de Armas

Description:

Located at the well-known "Plazoleta Regocijo," this beautiful 18th century colonial mansion has three floors, 29 rooms, and an international restaurant. The hotel reputedly serves the best "Pisco Sour" in Cusco, so don´t leave without trying one.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recommended to lodge here for better aclimatization

Description:

Flanking the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. The approximately 26 mile long valley was once the domain of the Incas for the abundance of corn and natural wealth it yielded. There are plenty of archaeological ruins scattered along the length and breadth of the valley, each guarding their precious secrets. In the ruins of Pisac, farmers still cultivate the terraces, seemingly knowing that all was one, and one is all. It's well worth arranging an organized tour of the valley. You'll run into far fewer tourists than at Machu Picchu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great gourmet pizzas

Description:

This is a great place for steaks and pizzas , and it's only open at night time. It comes from the same owners as the Cicciolina

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent location, 1 1/2 blocks from Plaza de Armas

Description:

Located at the well-known "Plazoleta Regocijo," this beautiful 18th century colonial mansion has three floors, 29 rooms, and an international restaurant. The hotel reputedly serves the best "Pisco Sour" in Cusco, so don´t leave without trying one.

Description:

A large and attractive modern two-level place right on the Plaza de Armas, popular with both young and old, the distinguished but somewhat pricey Inka Grill serves novo andino (modern Andean) fare and is one of Cusco's better dining experiences -- even if it's rarely exciting. Start with a bowl of yummy camote (sweet potato) chips and green salsa. The best dishes are Peruvian standards such as sautéed alpaca tenderloin served over quinoa (a grain) and ají de gallina (shredded chicken with nuts, cheese, and chile peppers), and desserts such as a coca-leaf crème brûlée. The extensive menu also includes a wide range of international dishes such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. If you like Inka Grill, check out MAP Café, its more upscale and sophisticated cousin within the Museo de Arte Precolombino.

Description:

Situated in the middle of the Eastern Andean mountain chain, 35 kilometers South of Cusco towards the district of Lucre, you'll find this valley. This place is surrounded by the mountains of Pachatusan and Huanacari, and the lakes of Huacarpay, Lucre and Huatón. Come for the lovely and varied flora and fauna including its 108 species of birds. You'll also find qochapatos, giant quillichu, viscachas, foxes and tarukas (Andean venison). Because of the many archaeological sites nearby, a very ancient and mythical feel pervades this place, making it a popular natural healing area for Cusco.

Description:

This old Inca dwelling is situated on the right hand side of the Huatanay River, on the flanks of Silkincanchi. It was converted into a village at the end of the 17th century. The ruins here, once controlled the access to the city during Inca times. This village is popular today because of its more than 40 "chicharron" (fried pork) restaurants lining the streets. Transportation to the city is available from 6am-7pm daily.

Description:

This is the most important archaeological site in this valley, only 21 kilometers from Cusco, set in the hills at an altitude of 4,000 and 3,200 meters. A huge wall that reaches 10-15 meters in height surrounds the ruins. Tipón was an agricultural site in a U-shaped basin, which also held ceremonial buildings and living quarters. The underground water channels and above-ground irrigation systems supplied the whole area with abundant water. Pucará, at 3,950 meters, has an urban and agricultural sector and a remarkable view.

Description:

Cusco's most romantic restaurant, Cicciolina is an elegant and innovative bodega, restaurant and tapas bar offering a synthesis of Italian, Mediterranean and Peruvian cuisine. Their rustic yet chic bar features bunches of dried garlic and chilies hanging from the ceiling, balconies overlooking picturesque side streets and an open kitchen where the chefs toil away incessantly to perfect every single dish. Be sure to call in advance to guarantee a table in their candlelit dining room, stylized with massive mirrors and paintings hanging from the dramatic red walls. With one of the best wine lists in town, this is the place to bring a first date, celebrate an anniversary or sidle up to the bar and enjoy some tapas and wine while chatting with the charming bartenders. Open for lunch at 12pm and for dinner at 6pm .

Description:

Situated in the beautiful, calm and idyllic neighborhood of San Blas, within the historic center of Cusco, it's not only the ideal base to reach at short walking distance the cities unique touristic attractions, as well as the ones outside, like the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. Also the B&B is an ideal place for enjoyable rest and recovery from your activities at the high mountain altitude above 10.000 feet. Twenty sober and very comfortable guest rooms, each with its own bathroom within a spacious building in Cusco colonial style, assembled around a blooming patio-garden and with beautiful views over historic Cusco, as well as very friendly und concerned personnel and a delicious, fresh and rich natural breakfast make your stay more than pleasant. Individual, exacting and cultural sensitive travelers, who don't like mass and package tourism, elect Hostal "Pensión Alemana" for its quality and value.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Sit comfortably and have a nice drink

Description:

Exclusive bar where you will enjoy live shows, excellent music and exotic drinks.