Cusco On The Cheap

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."

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:

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.

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.

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 of Christ on the cross known as the protector of Cusco. The figure was paraded around the city by frightened residents during the 1650 earthquake (which, miracle or not, ceased shortly thereafter). So strong is continued faith in El Negrito that locals deliver dozens of fresh flowers in his honor on a daily basis. The figure's crown was stolen a couple of years ago and not recovered; the one now adorning his head is gold, a gift of a parishioner.

The entrance to the cathedral and ticket office, where you can purchase the boleto turístico, is actually at the entrance to the Capilla de la Sagrada Familia, to the left of the main door and steps.

Description:

This imposing building is built on the foundations of the Inca Roca's Palace. Its outside walls demonstrate some of the finest classical Inca architecture. The fabric of the wall, comprised of blocks of green andesite, is enormous. The colonial construction, built on top of the existing Inca walls houses an impressive collection of colonial religious art. The colonial canvases are of a similar quality to the building, displaying a fusion of two refined arts: Inca architecture and Spanish painting. Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."

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:

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.

Description:

This is the first place you should head for to find information on hostels, transportation, principal festivals, and recreational and tourist activities. Here you can buy the Tourist Ticket, tickets for Sacsayhuaman and a program of Social Tourism. It also offers information on the Tourism Program for Children. With both tickets, you have access to more than 30 tourist attractions, pre-Inca archeological complexes, Inca complexes, colonial temples, and archeological and colonial art museums.

Description:

The sun festival is the ancient tradition of celebrating the journey from boyhood to manhood. Locally known as Ceremonia de Iniciación, it is an ancient Incan tradition where boys of age thirteen are tested on skills such as building skills, sports, arts and many more. This ceremony is now re-enacted at the Saqsaywaman fortress stage, the courtyard of Koricancha Temple and the main square of Cusco. The celebration takes place annually on June 24 and special stands are built for visitors to watch the ceremony. Almost 100,000 people come to watch every year.

Description:

As center of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire), this is one of the most important of Inca temples. Its walls served as the foundation for the construction of the Convento de Santo Domingo. Originally a temple of the Killki culture, for sun worship, its walls of adobe and diorite rock in the rough were maintained until the 12th century, when it fell into the hands of the Incas, who called it Korikancha, Place of Gold. Worship inside the temple was limited to members of the highest caste, who congregated here along the four ceques, imaginary spatial lines, of the Inca world, to pay tribute to the gods. Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.