Great Peru Travel - Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Cusco, the Inca's Imperial City

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The historic Capital of the Inca Empire is one of those magical places where the successive layers of its unique evolution mingle in all aspects of everyday life. It's long-lasting appeal stems both from the legacy of its ancient inhabitants and the dynamic input of modern day mestizos. Not in vain Cusco was considered best tourist destination by Wanderlust magazine (Travel Awards 2005), a distinction obtained four times since 1999.

Cusco Highlights

Splendid and luxurious Monasterio Hotel occupies the premises of the old San Antonio Abad monastery built in 1592. Interested? Check Availability and Book Now!

Check our 4 new reviews for budget (the great Niños Hotel and Amaru Hostal) and moderate-priced (Casa de Campo Hostel and Casa Andina Cusco Koricancha Hotel) accomodation.

Peruvian, French, and Italian cross-over cuisine for MAP Café, a splendid restaurant set within the colonial patio of Cusco's Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

With wooden balconies looking into Cusco's Main Square, Cross Keys Pub is probably the city's most celebrated bar. A piece of England in the heart of the Inca's capital.

Best Hotel Deals in Cusco

Cusco Hotels by HotelsCombined.com

Cusco in One Image

Plaza de Armas Fountain
(Photo Bito Rassan, displayed under a CC license)

Plaza de Armas, San Blas and beyond

Fallen Angel, the most transgressive spot in town, combines a restaurant and a night club. Famous parties, eclectic food and tables made from antique bathtubs... really wild!

Great atmosphere and a nice view fo Cusco's Main Square at Los Perros couch bar.

The Advantages of Group Travel to Peru. Peru's tough geography is sometimes a challenge for the more adventurous travellers, as many fabulous locations are difficult and expensive to reach. Group travel can be a great alternative.

Peru's most renowned photographer, Martín Chambi has documented like few other artists the people and landscapes of the southern Peruvian Andes, in particular Cusco and its surroundings.

Jewelry, Antiques, Handicrafts, Textiles, and even fashion... check some of the best shops in Cusco.

Be safe: learn why taking out travel insurance for your Peru trip is a good idea.

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu

For sure, if you've made all the way to Cusco, you won't miss the chance to visit Machu Picchu. There are basically three alternatives to reach the old Inca citadel (OK, four if we consider helicopter flights to Aguas Calientes):

Train transport to Machu Picchu is the most common way to reach the Inca citadel. Rail transportation is managed by Peru Rail, a company of the Orient Express, and features two basic route alternatives and three carriage qualities. Prices range from US$70 to US$120 for a tourist-class, round-trip.
Hiking the Inca Trail is the second most common alternative. A good physical condition is highly recommended, both for the four-day and two-day hikes. The fatigue though is completely recompensed: beautiful Andean and cloud-forest landscapes, plenty archaeological sites along the route, and a majestic entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
It is also possible to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and from here to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Frequent buses depart from Aguas Calientes and complete the journey right to the site entrance.

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