First Time 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.

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 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:

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 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:

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:

A pleasant two floor local favorite, Los Portales is where careful attention to fast service is an integral part of their quality, as is, of course, the great food that they prepare. It offers typical Cusquenan dishes, such as baked guinea pig, and the house specialty, blackened trout.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oldest Disco in Town

Description:

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

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.

As seen on

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:

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:

The prime focus being Novo Andino cuisine, Chef Nacho Selis Martinez at Killa Wasi uses local camote, tarwi and choclo, and creates dishes that are a blend of Andean and international flavors. The kitchen specialties include Curry de Alpaca (Alpaca in a coconut curry with an accompaniment of rice and green beans) and the Trucha Sol y Luna (trout, shrimp, artichokes and sautéed spinach). Keeping the varied clientele in mind the menus are customized for tourists, children, buffets and the not-to-be-missed Pachamanca. That's a good thing too, given the workout promised by the Sol & Luna Lodge.

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:

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.

As seen on

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.