peru cusco

An ancient city with a rich cultural past, Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Today it is a fascinating town to explore with a unique blend of culture evident in its architecture, its food and even its inhabitants. Visit the Inca temple of Koricancha or stroll around the bohemian arts district of San Blas. Relax in a five-star hotel with a local cocktail in elegant, immaculately preserved colonial surroundings.

As well as the European influence on the city, Cusco's indigenous past is clear with traditional markets and villages nearby, along with its many interesting museums displaying a vast array of pre-Columbian artefacts. Colonial buildings constructed on top of the Inca city by the Spanish lend it a unique and intriguing feel, whilst the highlight of Cusco's surviving Incan architecture is the great Sacsayhuaman fortress situated just outside the city. Another real highlight is the spectacular Inti Raymi festival, a traditional celebration devoted to the worship of the Inca Sun God, still celebrated on June 24th each year.

Having absorbed equal amounts of the cultures that have inhabited it, Cusco makes for a brilliantly varied city and a fascinating cultural experience.