Indagare's Elise Bronzo
“Cusco is an old city with a lot of history. One of my favorite experiences was an ‘art safari’ of the city! Our guide was a wealth of information.”
In addition to being a gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco is a wonderful introduction to two of the most fascinating periods in Peru’s history: the reigns of the Inca and of the conquistadores.
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Perfect forAdventurers | Art Lovers | Families | Romantics
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When to goYear-Round
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Ideal length of stay1-2 Nights
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Courtesy Peter Hershey3 Days: Essential Cusco
Exploring Cusco’s art and architecture (UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1983) and the adjacent Inca site of Sacsayhuamán requires at least two days and a plugged-in guide. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1
Enjoy a private, guided walking tour inside Cusco’s historic Incan walls, focusing on the Plaza de Armas and main Cathedral. Learn about the city’s history as you make your way to the charming San Blas neighborhood for and on to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where 450 Incan ceramic and metal works as well as jewelry are on display. Indagare can arrange an ‘art safari’ for those who wish to learn more about the local artisan culture.
Day 2
Explore the outskirts of Cusco with an expert guide, including the Incan walled complex of Sacsayhuamán, the pink rocks of Puca Pucara and Quenko and Tambomachay, commonly referred to as the “Incan baths.” Cap off the day with a meal at one of Cusco’s many Indagare-recommended hotspots.
Day 3
Before departing, take a last stroll through Cusco to soak up the authentic scene. Enjoy observing villagers in colorful local dress mingling with global travelers, as llamas and goats wend their way down its cobbled streets alongside cars and buses.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special perks, including upgrades, early check-in, spa credits, and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
Photo by Adrian Huston, courtesy BelmondRead MoreHotel Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel
Cusco’s history is a richly layered one. The site of the Inca capital for hundreds of years, it had multiple stone palaces and temples. After the Spanish conquest, conquistadores kept the existing main plaza, but stripped most of the striking...
Photo by Brenda van Leeuwen, courtesy BelmondRead MorePalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
Like its sister property across the street, this hotel also transformed a colonial-era cloister—this time a convent built on Inca foundations—into a charming boutique option for travelers to Cusco. A meticulous renovation restored the building’s stone facade and wood-beamed terraces,...
Read MoreCasa Andina Private Collection Cusco
A cheaper option than the top properties in town, this property still offers some historic charm and oxygen-enriched rooms.
Read MoreCasa Cartagena
Even though it is located in a national landmark palace, the Casa Cartagena is thoroughly modern and cool.
Read MoreLa Casona
This handsome mansion on one of Cusco’s prettiest squares draws the fashion and art crowds with its chic interiors and laid-back atmosphere.
