Cusco
Experience the Imperial City on
Your Luxury Vacation To Peru


The Imperial City Colorful Cusco, with its thriving Andean culture, Inca architecture, and colonial treasures galore,
was built by the Spanish on the remains of Inca temples and palaces. It is as rich in human activity today as it was at the
height of the empire, making it an incredible destination for Cusco tours. Additionally, Cusco offers exclusive access to
the mighty Machu Picchu, making it an unmissable highlight of any trip to Peru.
For an authentic look into Incan and Andean cooking styles, Cusco has plenty to offer to adventurous eaters looking for a taste of the highlands. Visit San Pedro Market to enjoy fresh produce grown locally or experience a cooking class and learn how to make Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish made with hot stones. Visit one of the city’s bustling restaurants and send your taste palette on an adventure.
The unique history, languages, and traditions of Cusco are on display in this vibrant city. A quick stroll around this UNESCO-listed city will reveal the astounding construction skill of this once-powerful civilization. Marvel at the precision of the Inca-built walls, where huge blocks fit together like perfectly cut jigsaw pieces, without cement or mortar to bond them. The fact that these structures remain intact today is a testament to the incredibly sophisticated engineering skills and impeccable workmanship of the Inca people.
Explore your way through the Imperial City on a quad bike to places like Maras and Moray or try rafting through the magnificent Urubamba River. Cusco is a one-of-a-kind setting for outdoor aficionados looking to enjoy adventure, mysticism, and nature in an unforgettable backdrop. Trekking, climbing, horseback riding, and just about any adventure sport you can think of can be enjoyed here, in the navel of the Earth, while you also visit the region’s extraordinary archaeological sites.
From massages to yoga centers, and shamanic rituals to the most awe-inspiring backdrops for daily meditation and tea time, Cusco, Peru is none like any other for getting in-tune with your mind and body and enjoying a wellness getaway. Kuoda can ensure that rest, relaxation and healing is a central part of your experience in Cusco with a tailor-made itinerary which prioritizes what a wellness getaway looks like to you.
When booking a luxury vacation to Peru, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience the
biodiversity of the Amazon, eat your way through Lima, or explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru has something
for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury vacation to Peru.
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Uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu with a hidden gem excursion retracing the original Inca path stemming from Cusco. Discover…
Venture into the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you challenge yourself to complete the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu…
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The season’s only caveat is its popularity, drawing crowds from all over the world, meaning travelers should book
accommodations and tours at least three months in advance, particularly if those planning to travel between June and August.
To have the city to yourself, visit Cusco in the beginning of the winter, in May and June, as the city gets
increasingly busy each month after May.
Stroll Through The City’s Historic Center Cusco’s historical center represents the fusion of Incan settlements and a modern-day South American metropolis that draws visitors from all over the world. Nowadays, Cusco has a visually striking hybrid of scenery where time is portrayed in overlapping layers of history and culture with a mix of Spanish, Andean, and international influences. For that reason, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, with over 100 historical monuments. The authentic old town has maintained a great part of its pre-Columbian distribution due to the Incas' impressive knowledge of how to build their structures to be Earthquake proof. The main square; Plaza de Armas, is a lively place with plenty of restaurants and iconic buildings like the Cusco Cathedral.
Shop In The Colorful San Blas District Cusco’s San Blas neighborhood is known as Cusco’s trendiest, most creative district of Cusco. It is steep with cobbled streets, the incredible works of art of its famous artisans, and an observatory to see the entire city of Cusco; these are just some of the great attractions that draw hundreds of tourists every day. Here you will find streets filled with cafes, and hundreds of Peruvian artisans selling their work - from handicrafts to artwork, alpaca clothing, and more, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and support the local community.
Visit the Corincacha Temple and Santo Domingo Monastery Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun was one of the most important buildings of the Incan civilization. During the time of the conquest, the temple was destroyed and looted. On its base, the church and convent of Santo Domingo were built. Currently, there is a museum with all the Inca pieces that were found there during the excavations. The thin walls of the temple express the highest level of engineering that the Incas achieved. Much of the walls as well as doors and temples are known to have been covered by a broad band of gold. Interested in fascinating history? Now, visitors can visit both sites with the same ticket.
Visit The Ruins of Sacsayhuaman A 30-minute walk uphill from Cusco, or just 10 minutes from the Plaza De Armas by car, is a citadel on the northern outskirts of the Imperial City - Sacsayhuaman. The complex was built by the Inca in the 15th century, particularly under Pachacutec and his successors, and is considered one of the most amazing buildings in the world. It is believed that more than 20 thousand men extracted the stones from the nearby quarries and moved them 20 kilometers to the hill of the city of Cusco. Today, it is estimated that Sacsayhuaman retains only 40 percent of its old structure. Even so, the site has structures of up to 125 tons of weight. Visitors can experience this Incan marvel while visiting Cusco for a glimpse into the region’s hundreds of Incan ruins.
Taste Your Way Through The Chocolate Museum Peru is one of the world’s biggest cacao producers. Cacao gave farmers the chance to transform from coca (raw material for cocaine) to cacao farms. Cusco’s Chocolate Museum, called ChocoMuseo, gives visitors the chance to learn about the cacao, taste pure cacao, or do a chocolate workshop. The museum shows you various interesting things about Peruvian chocolate, from the harvesting of the cocoa beans to the drying of the cocoa pods. Visitors can learn about the history of cocoa and chocolate, as well as make your chocolate. Visitors are offered free samples, flavored liquors, cocoa tea, and jams among many other things when entering. The museum is also a great place to buy some gifts for family members and friends at home.
Cicciolina One of the city’s top restaurants, Cicciolina offers Italian-style dishes with a Peruvian touches, such as quinoa-encrusted prawns and osso buco with pumpkin ravioli topped by local cheese and a touch of Andean mint. There’s plenty to choose from, including seafood, duck, beef, alpaca, chicken, and even a few vegetarian dishes, as well as perfectly done handmade pasta. You can pick from either the tapas or the full-restaurant menu in the bar area, but not the other way around, so you may want to go twice, as the tapas are popular options, too. A great wine list and yummy desserts finish out options in a quaint, charming venue.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio Gaston Acurio is one of Peru’s most notable chefs and has become an ambassador of Peruvian cuisine all over the world. His restaurant in Cusco, Chicha is about regional food - from the produce, traditions and culture of each location in the Sacred Valley, elevated with good culinary techniques, the chef works responsibly with local producers to bring dishes to the table which highlight the ingredients and flavors of the local produce in ancient Cusco. The dinner style is casual, and the menu features a massive selection of dishes to choose from, like traditional Arequipa dish escribano with coarsely mashed potatoes, tomato, hot pepper and with oil & vinegar.
Limo Limo offers Peruvian fusion par excellence that uses typical ingredients in daring new ways. It’s particularly known for fish, including many types of sushi, as well as a variety of entrées that feature tuna, shrimp, octopus, crab, salmon, or trout, some inspired by Andean recipes, others taken from the Japanese tradition. Not a seafood lover? No problem! Limo also has delicious options featuring chicken, pork, beef, and alpaca. This second-floor restaurant overlooking the Plaza de Armas is also a great place for sampling pisco cocktails. Reservations are a good idea, especially if you’d like to score a balcony table with a town-square view.
Morena Located in the heart of ancient Cusco, the bright and modern Morena Kitchen offers a wonderful journey through Peruvian flavors with a real contemporary twist. This sophisticated restaurant is located directly in the Plaza des Armas and offers incredible views of the city and innovative takes on traditional Peruvian dishes. From traditional dishes like lomo saltado to more innovative fusions like Alpaca Risotto, this restaurant offers something for everyone. The experience even includes tableside drinks, like Pisco Sour.
Inkaterra La Casona Exploring the Peruvian Andes in high luxury style and in the most sustainable way is more attainable than ever before with a stay at Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco’s first boutique hotel built in the 16th Century - which is leading the way for sustainable travel in Peru. La Casona has just 11 carefully designed suites, which keeps the space intimate and ensures each guest is thoughtfully attended to - to the point where Inkaterra reservations staff even go as far as to find the preferences and dislikes of their guests before they check-in. Each suite is complete with heavy carved wooden doors, a stone fireplace, heated floors, and an extra large bathtub for travelers to soak and relax in. With its gorgeous colonial design and 16th-century furniture in each of the rooms - travelers will feel as if they’ve checked into a royal palace for their stay in the Sacred Valley.
Palacio Del Inka Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka is a five-centuries-old mansion located in the heart of downtown Cusco. The luxury hotel's unique & captivating design embraces historical aspects of our Peruvian culture while maintaining world-class luxury and modern conveniences. At Palacio Del Inka you'll find stone archways, authentic Hispanic art, and ornate gilded antiques. Indulge in a delectable meal at Inti Raymi, the hotel's on-site restaurant serving an array of epicurean cuisine or enjoy a selection of wines curated by their Master Sommelier. Harmonize your body and soul with a signature treatment or massage at the hotel’s luxurious Andes Spirit Spa. Each of the unique guest rooms and suites is fashioned with traditional colonial decor and a rich color palette evocative of the local Peruvian heritage.
Casa Cartagena Casa Cartagena is a luxury hotel in Cusco, located in the heart of the city. The building has been recognized by UNESCO as a protected site. An intimate refuge consisting of only sixteen ample and homely suites which combine to perfection modern and ancient, luxurious and historical. The carefully crafted 12 exclusive suites provide privacy and luxury to guests. They are distributed symmetrically surrounding a dreamlike patio in which time stops for the guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Guests can also enjoy an on-site restaurant and a gourmet breakfast buffet before exploring Cusco and the surrounding areas each morning.
Hotel Aranwa The elegant five star Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel is housed in a converted 16th century mansion, located just 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas, adjacent to Plaza San Francisco. Featuring colonial gold leaf-plated carvings and sculptures and colonial furnishings on the inside, the exterior is just as outstanding, with one of the best preserved facades in Cusco.There is also a wellness spa with a variety of treatments, from massages and saunas to steam rooms and hair salons. All this in very easy reach of all the main attractions of Cusco.
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