Cusco Action

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:

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:

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:

A perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful plaza, this establishment is decorated with Andean objects and black-and-white photographs by the renowned Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi. This was the first restaurant in town to serve savory alpaca meat and other Novo Andino delicacies, which combine traditional Andean ingredients and Peruvian seasoning with modern-day nutrition and preparation. Its distinction and good food have the makings of a sensational evening. The coca liqueur is compliments of the house.

Our Local Expert Says:

A place to meet other fellow travelers

Description:

Meet friends at this warm and chatty English-style pub decorated with autographed posters, paintings, signs, saddles, and loads of photographs and postcards. Cut through the smoke and tourists to the good-time bar for an assortment of national and imported spirits. The quintessential Peruvian drink is the Pisco Sour, highlighted here and not to be missed. Food is available and there are televisions with cable broadcasts of futbol (soccer). There is a pool table on the second floor. The good news is there are two Happy Hours; the bad news is you better guzzle your brews from 6p-7:30p and 9p to 9:30p.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Amazonas Explorer specializes in small group fixed departure adventures in Peru and Bolivia. Whether it is Trekking, Rafting, Canoeing, Mountain biking, Cultural tours, Multi-activity, Family adventures, Exploratory expeditions or Customised adventures, here you will find the very best Alternative Adventures available in Peru and Bolivia.

Description:

The Inca adventure is a local organization dedicated to tourism and to helping those whom are less fortunate and who do not benefit from a flourishing tourism. They offer many differnt adventure based tours and treks through Cusco and the surrounding areas. They are based in Cusco and are in alliance with numerous organizations to help the people in need of Cusco and the neighboring villages.

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.

Description:

Rosie O' Gradys is a lively place where you can enjoy both Creole and international foods. It hosts festive celebrations, such as a St. Patrick's Day party, which unite both visitors and the local residents of the city. Listening to live music and watching sporting competitions on its cable television screens are regular events to help "raise the elbow." There are three Happy Hours daily: 1p-2p, 6p-7p and 11p-11:30p.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best live music in Cusco's downtown district

Description:

One of the staples of the Cusco night scene, Ukukus Bar is a live music venue and culture hall that transforms into a bustling club in the late hours. Live music varies widely from salsa to 80s cover bands, and the tables arranged in front of the stage fill up quickly and usually by an older crowd. The younger crowd shows up later and piles into the dance floor and bar towards the back of the venue. The walls at Ukukus are covered with vivid and endless murals and sculptures, giving the locale the feel of an outlandish gallery of modern art. An experience for the visual and auditory senses, a night out at Ukukus should be mandatory for all travelers. If you get hungry, there's a small restaurant neighboring the club where one can get a plate of fries, a hamburger, or anything else that well accompanies a night of dancing and drinking. Offering a decent two for one happy hour most nights, expect to pay a small cover charge on most evenings.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Part of the historic Inca highway system (Qhapaq Ñan), the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu is one of the most important South American trekking routes. Along the hike, you can see several gorges and streams that originate from glaciers. There are twelve archeological monuments along the trail, such as Qoriwachayrachina, Patallaqta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Intipata, and Wiñayhuayna. The starting point of the trip varies according to the trail you wish to take. The most popular route starts around kilometer marker 82 of the railroad Cusco - Machu Picchu (40 km / 25 miles from the citadel itself). Another possibility, shorter in time, is called the Sacred Trail, and begins at kilometer marker 104 of the railroad.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Part of the historic Inca highway system (Qhapaq Ñan), the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu is one of the most important South American trekking routes. Along the hike, you can see several gorges and streams that originate from glaciers. There are twelve archeological monuments along the trail, such as Qoriwachayrachina, Patallaqta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Intipata, and Wiñayhuayna. The starting point of the trip varies according to the trail you wish to take. The most popular route starts around kilometer marker 82 of the railroad Cusco - Machu Picchu (40 km / 25 miles from the citadel itself). Another possibility, shorter in time, is called the Sacred Trail, and begins at kilometer marker 104 of the railroad.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Part of the historic Inca highway system (Qhapaq Ñan), the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu is one of the most important South American trekking routes. Along the hike, you can see several gorges and streams that originate from glaciers. There are twelve archeological monuments along the trail, such as Qoriwachayrachina, Patallaqta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Intipata, and Wiñayhuayna. The starting point of the trip varies according to the trail you wish to take. The most popular route starts around kilometer marker 82 of the railroad Cusco - Machu Picchu (40 km / 25 miles from the citadel itself). Another possibility, shorter in time, is called the Sacred Trail, and begins at kilometer marker 104 of the railroad.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Part of the historic Inca highway system (Qhapaq Ñan), the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu is one of the most important South American trekking routes. Along the hike, you can see several gorges and streams that originate from glaciers. There are twelve archeological monuments along the trail, such as Qoriwachayrachina, Patallaqta, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Intipata, and Wiñayhuayna. The starting point of the trip varies according to the trail you wish to take. The most popular route starts around kilometer marker 82 of the railroad Cusco - Machu Picchu (40 km / 25 miles from the citadel itself). Another possibility, shorter in time, is called the Sacred Trail, and begins at kilometer marker 104 of the railroad.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

Machu Picchu is an impressive Inca citadel placed on the side of a mountain. Its Quechua name means "Old Mountain", but it is also known as "the Lost City of the Incas" since it remained hidden from the West until discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in not only a priceless archeological site, it is also associated with rich animal and plant life. In 1983, UNESCO placed it on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists. It is 110 km / 68 miles northwest of Cusco (4 hours by train) to the village of Machu Picchu and then another 8 km / 5 miles to the citadel (20 minutes by bus). It can also be reached by hiking the Inca Trail.

Description:

With locations in Cusco , Lima , Mancora and La Paz , Loki attracts a diverse group of backpackers of all ages and nationalities. The Cusco hostal is located uphill from the Plaza de Armas in a 450 year old mansion and boasts two spacious courtyards where one can relax and enjoy the brilliant, high altitude sun. Known for providing safe and entertaining accommodation for backpackers, it's a great spot to meet fellow travel enthusiasts, swap travel tips and recount the occasional horror story. The roomy pub is an ideal place to catch up on emails, watch a football match or play a game of billiards. Offering daily and nightly events for all guests, Loki sets itself apart from other backpacker hostals by offering a weekly volunteer program where guests may visit and aid local non-profit projects. Private rooms as well as shared co-ed or all female dormitories with simplistic décor are both affordable and tidy and include a continental breakfast, access to a TV room and travel agency. If traveling on a shoestring, Loki employs travelers in exchange for accommodation and meals. read more

Description:

This restaurant is the best in the Sacred Valley. Chef Pio prepares great Novoandina food and also gives cooking classes via the Kuychi Rumi hotel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Comfortable couches

Description:

A relaxed ambience prevails in this South African owned restaurant and bar located behind the main Plaza. The food ranges from typical Peruvian fare, European style baguettes, through to African influenced spicy chicken, and hummus, olive and cheese platters. The ethnic decor is complemented by a furnished terrace boasting a breathtaking view of the Plaza - ideal for a sunset snap. Once you have sampled the eclectic menu, shared a cocktail with the mixed clientele of tourists and Cusquenans, settle into a sofa in the lounge area and soak up the beats of one of the local bands that plays here (W-F, from 10p). Music varies from live jam sessions, freestyle jazz and tribal drumming: all free entrance. Regular parties are thrown here by the friendly and informative staff. Cash only.

Description:

Tunupa combines spectacular balcony views of the Plaza de Armas, an extensive buffet selection and traditional Peruvian music and dance to create an unforgettable dining experience in Cusco . Named after the foremost deity of the Colla, a pre-Incan civilization, an Andean theme permeates throughout the restaurant and is reflected in the pre-Colombian artifacts on display as well as their traditional Andean cuisine. This cavernous second floor restaurant is often crowded with large tour groups and reservations are highly recommended. Open Monday through Sunday from 11am until 11pm , live music and dance performances are held from 7:30-9:30pm .

Description:

A smoky yet spacious pub, Norton Rat's Tavern is popular amongst the Cusco ex-pat community and travelers alike. They offer one of the widest selections of bottled beers in town and have a handful of beers on tap, an extensive menu offering all the pub food standards, and discounted bloody marys with breakfast. The walls are draped with international flags, maps and motorcycle paraphernalia, and patrons can pass the time playing a game of darts or pool or can simply sit back and watch a football match. Located across the street from the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, their balcony is the best place to watch Cusco 's many festivals and processions. Happy hour on house well drinks is served from 7-9pm. Be sure to bring enough cash with you as they do not accept credit cards.

Description:

After moving from its home in the bohemian heart of San Blas in 2007, Greens has gone upscale. Though it remains one of Cusco's most stylish and intimate restaurants, in its new location on the second floor in an old building just off the Plaza de Armas, it is more sedate and less funky than its previous incarnation. And for many customers, that's probably a good thing. The romantic space, which focuses on overhead beams and warm woods, has just a handful of tables with candlelight and a soundtrack of laid-back dance beats. The creative menu features a large number of vegetarian options, including delicious salads, as well as steaks, rack of lamb, and tropical chicken curry.

Description:

The oldest pizzeria in Cusco, Chezz Maggi is small, always full, and has just the right atmosphere you want on chilly Cusquena nights-pleasant and cozy. Join old and new friends here for a tasty night out. Its combination of classic and localized pizza ingredients is unparalleled in the city, as is its exquisite "hot wine." Free local delivery is available.

Description:

In a 17th-century casona that operated as a mint for the Spanish vice regency and later as a gambling house, El Truco combines good Peruvian cooking and platos típicos with a loud and lively peña ( criollo music) show every night (8:30-10:30pm). The restaurant, virtually an institution now that it has been around for over 40 years, has an attractive colonial interior and offers a daily lunch buffet of Peruvian specialties. At night, it's a la carte only. Dishes include pork tamales, roast pork, roast lamb, and stuffed rocoto peppers. The lively music-and-dance shows, along with consistently good food, make El Truco very popular with upscale tour groups.