Cusco Peru
- This is the revered former home of the Incan Empire from the 13th to the 16th century in Southeastern Peru and was the largest kingdom in the world at the time,
- The sacred 15th century Incan citadel known as Machu Picchu overlooked the Sacred Valley.
- Baroque and Gothic Renaissance-style architecture blend throughout the region with stonework and structures built by the Incas centuries ago.
- Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
In the Heart of the Peruvian Andes
Immensely rich with the physical reminders of the Incan Empire, Cusco Valley’s sacred land is widely considered important to the archaeology of the Americas. The valley was first carved centuries ago by the Urubamba River. This historical capital in Peru was the heart of civilization from the 13th to the 16th centuries and because it houses so many ancient churches, plazas, and Renaissance structures, the city was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To visit this meaningful region is to step back in time. Now you can experience it all within the comfort and luxury of our award-winning accommodation options with Belmond Hotels.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) -
Elevation
11,152 feet -
Climate
Subtropical Highland -
Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi)
June
Fresh Things to Do
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Centro Historico de Cusco
Spend a leisurely afternoon taking your time to explore this walkable historical plaza. Designed by Incas, cobblestones lead to cathedrals, quaint shops, restaurants, and local markets.
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Sacsayhuamán Ruins
Cusco was the historical capital of the Incan empire and north of the city is a sacred collection of stonework and walls that reflect the ancient ruins of an Incan fortress. Take a bus or hike the five-mile hill to the top.
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Plaza de Armas
This central square is comprised of colonial arcades and located near the San Blas district. Striking churches within the plaza that are worth a visit include La Compania de Jesus, Jesus Maria, and El Triunfo.
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Sightseeing Tour
With such an abundance of historical sites and so little time in which to see it all, a sightseeing tour is a good way to spend a full day. Tell your hotel concierge what you’d most like to see and he or she can recommend a tour.
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Cusco Cathedral
Known by its full name as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, this Gothic-Renaissance structure was constructed in 1654. An intricate interior and prime location near the Plaza de Armas make this a must-see.
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Planetarium Cusco
Rarely do opportunities to see the night sky from such a southern vantage point come along. Travelers to Cusco rave about the local planetarium’s 360-degree virtual screening dome and telescopes.
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Featured Activity
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Ethereal Visit to Machu Picchu
Few travelers to Cusco come this far across the world without visiting Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel that spans more than five miles at an elevation about 7,900 feet. Dating back to the 15th century, this emerald green spot in the valley is positively ethereal. Dry-stone walls, mortar, brick, and moss make up the varying levels of the structure, lending it an otherworldly feel.
It remains unknown exactly what Machu Picchu served as when it was first built but many historians theorize that it belonged to an Incan emperor as part of a larger estate. Today, visitors can come face to face with the structures three main parts; the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Inti Watana.
Multiple tour outfitters provided customized trips for Machu Picchu’s visitors. You can arrive by private van, hike the long trails, or hire a luxury tour operator that combines biking, rafting, and ziplining during your route to Machu Picchu. Ask your hotel concierge to arrange an outfitter that best suits your group’s needs.
For more information about vacationing in this destination, contact your Care team.
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Travel Tips
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Boleto Turistico
If your plans for Cusco include visiting most of the historical sites, purchase a Boleto Turistico at the information booth, located at Avenida El Sol 103. The pass is good for 10 days and offers access to 16 different places.
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Chicha
For those whose appetite errs on the adventurous side, quench your thirst like a true local and order a chicha, a corn beer derived from purple maize. In Peru, strawberries are often added to concoct a drink called frutillada.
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Elevation Acclimation
When you’re visiting from the U.S. or anywhere near sea level, allow yourself a day or two to avoid getting altitude sickness. At 11,152 feet above sea level, it’s wise to begin your trip by drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol for the first few days.
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Bring Outdoor Gear
Because of the Cusco Valley’s wealth of outdoor opportunities, local retailers tend to price gouge for trekking gear such as hiking boots, backpacks, water bottles, and layers. For Machu Picchu and other trips, plan to pack everything you need from home.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Cusco Valley Vacation
For most of the year, it’s safe to say that the temperatures in Cusco stay in the mid- to upper 60s. Because of the city and surrounding valley’s high elevation above sea level, packing a variety of clothing layers for the evenings is important as temperatures can dip dramatically. Rainy season typically ranges from late November through April and May through August are known as the drier months.
