Highlights
Gateway to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (meaning ‘Old Mountain’ in Quechua) is positioned above the Urubamba River, giving sensational views of the valley below. Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is the main attraction for many people visiting Cuzco, with stone carved with impeccable precision to create many structures, from phenomenal temples to stone staircases. The 43-kilometre-long Inca Trail leads to Machu Picchu, and is Peru’s busiest trekking route, with hikers walking along the stone paved trail to reach the mountain, which is positioned far into the cloud forest.
History
Having previously been the capital of the Inca Empire (1438-1533), Cuzco is full of astonishing history, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Situated in the countryside, north west of the city, it had been a secret for hundreds of years, prior to Hiram Bingham’s rediscovery of the site. Río Urubamba Valley, otherwise known as Sacred Valley, encompasses 100 kilometres of land and is full of breathtaking Inca ruins.
Luxury Train Travel
Belmond has two incredible trains that travel through Cuzco. Belmond Hiram Bingham takes passengers from Cuzco to Machu Picchu in around three-and-a-half hours, allowing passengers to indulge in an incredible three-course meal en route. The second of Belmond’s trains is the superb Belmond Andean Explorer, offering a service from Cuzco to Puno (taking one day and night) or Arequipa from Cuzco (taking two days and two nights). The stunning sleeper train boast stylish cabins that allow passengers to relax, and there’s even an on-board spa for further indulgence.
Museums
Cuzco is perfect for visitors who have a passion for artefacts and artwork and wish to understand more about the history of the city, as the city boasts many museums. Museo de Arte Precolombino is full of archaeological artefacts, along with pre-Columbian artworks, some of which that have been taken from its parent museum in Lima. Planetarium Cuzco, located just 15 minutes away from downtown Cuzco, offers an ideal vantage point from which to see the stars and planets of the southern skies.
Architecture
Since Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, its importance to modern Peru was signified by the city being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city shows off the Inca architecture in all its glory and was created to show the shape of a Puma lying down (the animal was worshipped by the Inca people). The buildings in the city have a unique appearance; created with large stones cemented with amalgam.
Cuisine
Cuzco offers many dining options, including a multitude of fine dining restaurants across the city, making it perfect for couples or groups looking for a delightful meal in the city. Otherwise, the city offers a large number of restaurants devoted to local and Peruvian cuisine, including Ceviche, Peru’s national dish. If you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat or to take a break from sightseeing for a drink, the endless amounts of cafés and restaurants peppering the inner city are perfect for visitors.