High in the Andes, Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a vibrant cultural crossroads where Incan heritage, colonial architecture, and contemporary creativity converge. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, today’s Cusco is a captivating stop for travellers looking to explore Peru’s vibrant past, dynamic cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
Cusco and the Ancient Andes
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes, Cusco is a living museum. This region embodies ancient beauty and its profound spiritual connection to Pachamama, the Earth Mother goddess of the indigenous Andes people. History lovers will be drawn to the remnants of Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Incan Empire, over which the Spaniards built the Church of Santo Domingo. Time your visit for the summer solstice when Inti Raymi—the Festival of the Sun—takes place. This grandiose ritual attracts tourists from across the world in a dramatic reenactment of ancient Incan rituals held during the winter solstice. Staged in Saqsaywaman and attracting thousands of visitors annually, the celebration is a moving tribute to the region’s enduring indigenous identity.
Of course, no visit to Cusco is complete without making the sacred journey to Machu Picchu—the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. Whether you travel by the luxurious Hiram Bingham train or hike the ancient Inca Trail, the experience is nothing short of transcendent. Set high above the clouds in the misty Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking fusion of spiritual heritage and natural wonder. Walk through the Sun Gate at dawn, watch the morning mist lift from the citadel’s stone terraces, and feel the echo of centuries in each carefully laid stone. It’s not just a bucket-list destination—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime portal into the genius and mystery of the Inca civilisation.
Cusco’s Culinary Delights
Cusco’s culinary scene is as layered as its architecture. At Mercado San Pedro, locals and tourists dine elbow-to-elbow over bowls of caldo de gallina, Peru’s most iconic and beloved Hen soup. While lambs nap under tables and locals haggle for herbs once used in sacred ceremonies. Chinese-Peruvian fusion, known as chifa, is one of the most beloved legacies of East Asian migration to Peru, with sizzling stir-fries, lomo saltado, and soy-kissed noodles served in cozy, family-run establishments all over the city. But it’s in the market stalls and candle lit bars where Cusco’s true spirit comes alive. At Mercado San Pedro, pick up a tamale wrapped in corn husk or sip fresh fruit juice beside locals and backpackers alike. And no evening is complete without a pisco sour—Peru’s national cocktail, made with pisco brandy, lime, egg white and bitters. Try one at sunset on a terrace in San Blás, where the Andes stretch out in rose-gold silhouettes beyond the clay-tiled rooftops.
Young chefs from Lima are also making their mark here, drawn to Cusco’s altitude, access to rare local ingredients, and increasingly cosmopolitan dining crowd. Whether it’s a humble anticucho—traditional andean barbeque consisting of marinated, skewered and then grilled cow heart—on a street corner, or a multi-course tasting menu in the San Blás district, the culinary scene in Cusco is as much about discovery as it is about flavour.
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Hotel Collection, Cusco
Just steps from Plaza de Armas and facing the Coricancha ruins, Palacio del Inka is a luxury retreat built into Cusco’s colonial past. Originally occupied by the conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro, this grand colonial mansion has been lovingly restored into one of the city’s finest luxury properties.
Stone arches, hand-painted ceilings, and antique furnishings give the estate the charm of a Spanish parador (a state-owned luxury hotel), while modern amenities—including a hydrotherapy spa, full-service gym, and concierge service—cater to 21st-century needs. Many rooms offer views of Qoricancha, the Inca temple that lies at the spiritual heart of Cusco. The hotel’s respect for local culture is palpable: guests are gently reminded to observe silence in the church, remove hats, and refrain from taking photographs out of respect for worshippers.
Whether indulging in chifa or exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco offers a journey unlike any other. With connecting flights from London to Cusco via Lima available with airlines like LATAM and Iberia, now’s the perfect time to uncover the heart of the Incan empire—where history, culture and high-altitude collide.
Book your journey to Cusco today and step into the soul of the Andes!
