In Love In Cusco
Description:
The beauty and vintage elegance of Cusco could have been designed specifically as an intimate retreat for lovers seeking a perfect romantic atmosphere. The winding cobbled streets, tiled buildings, and stunning views across the Sacred Valley make this a perfect place for honeymoons and is a very popular destination for weddings, for both Peruvian and international visitors alike. And of course, beyond Cusco lies the astonishing beauty of the Sacred Valley, rich in history and packed with hidden archaeological gems and tiny Andean settlements. Spend a few days loosing yourself in this stunning world for Peru vacation memories that will stay for a lifetime.
Author: Matthew Barker
Day 1 - Cusco
Your first day in Peru's ancient capital city is one exploring Cusco's astonishing history and astounding architecture, a fusion of ancient Inca traditions and newer Hispanic influences that produced the historical gem that is central Cusco . Most of the day can be done on foot, although if you've just arrived from lower altitudes you'll probably notice yourself catching your breath in the thin air. Take it easy on your first day and try eithergingko or the local remedy, coca tea, to help overcome mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Begin at the Plaza de Armas which was once the center of the Inka capital and heart of their vast empire but which is now home to impressive colonial facades and architecture. From here head to the Cathedral which is 450 years old and was built from stones taken from original Inca buildings. Drop into the church of La Compania de Jesus which is home to an impressive collection of artwork. From here it's a short walk to Plus Cafe, an intimate and cozy place for a drink, a bite to eat and a chance to rest your legs. After lunch, carry on to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, known for its collection of art from the 'Cusco School,' a merging of native and Spanish styles which occurred after the arrival of the Conquistadors. Head south to the busy Avenida El Sol area where you'll find the church of Santa Domingo. A church has stood on this site for centuries and the building betrays the areas rich cultural heritage, with Inca masonry, Spanish art and even Arabic influences, from the Moorish presence in Spain at the time of the conquistadors. For dinner, pay a visit to Cicciolina , one of the most romantic joints in town, where a candlelit tables and a fine menu will round off your first day in this inherently romantic city. Spend the night in Pension Alemana, a friendly and homely bed and breakfast.
1
Plaza de Armas
Location:
view in google mapsPlaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
2
Catedral (La)
Location:
view in google mapsTriunfo
Plaza de Armas (north side)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 842227812
Tipon y Pucará Pucutupampa
Location:
view in google maps21 km SE of Cusco
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 23 53292
Valle del Bajo Huatanay
Location:
view in google maps35 from Cusco
Cusco, Peru
2
Saylla
Location:
view in google maps17 km SE of Cusco
Cusco, Peru
3
Compañía de Jesús
Location:
view in google mapsPlaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
4
Plus Café
Location:
view in google mapsPortal de Panes 151
(2 do. piso)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 23 26325
Santa Catalina
Location:
view in google mapsSanta Catalina Angosta 190
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 8422 60326
Santo Domingo
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida El Sol
(Plazoleta de Santo Domingo)
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 842220717
Cicciolina
Location:
view in google mapsCalle Triunfo 393 2nd floor
2nd floor
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
84 239 5108
Baco
Location:
view in google mapsRuinas 465
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2428089
Hostal "Pensión Alemana"
Location:
view in google mapsCalle Tandapata 260
San Blas
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 226861Day 2 - Cusco
Spend the morning of your second day in the charming barrio of San Blas, a steep walk up from central Cusco which gives your amazing panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding Sacred Valley. Spend some time meandering the winding streets and soaking in the atmospheric buildings and artisan shops before paying a visit to SanBlas church. Stop for a bite to eat at Moni, a Peruvian/vegetarian restaurant before taking a cab to one of Cusco's many archaeological sites. Sacsayhuaman is perhaps the most important Inca ruin in the city itself (and with its intriguing name, is also the most popular.) It was here that the Incas fiercely resisted the Spanish invasion, laying seige to the small band of conquistadors holed up in Cusco. Catch a glimpse of this fascinating history before heading back into town for a meal at the quaint old cafe Varayoc followed by a drink or two at the lively El Muki.
1
San Blas District
Location:
view in google maps5 blocks north of Plaza de Armas
Begins roughly at Calle Choquechaca, as the neighborhood climbs into the hills
Cusco, Peru
2
San Blas Church
Location:
view in google mapsPlazoleta San Blas
Cusco, Peru
3
Moni Cafe Restaurant
Location:
view in google mapsSan Agustin 311
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 23 10294
Sacsayhuaman
Location:
view in google maps2 kms North of Cusco
Cusco, Peru
5
Huacoto
Location:
view in google maps35 from Cusco
Cusco, Peru
6
Phuyupatamarca
Location:
view in google mapsCamino Inca
Cusco, Peru
7
Cafe Varayoc
Location:
view in google mapsEspaderos 142
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2324048
El Muki
Location:
view in google mapsSanta Catalina Angosta 114
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 253498Day 3 - Cusco
Head out of the city itself and head for the lush, verdant and world famous Sacred Valley which is home to a vast quantity of Inca ruins and archaeological sites. You can choose to take an organized tour from Cusco, or else catch a bus to anyone of the numerous attractions. Urubamba is a not particularly attractive but useful bus hub to the rest of the valley, for example to Salinas, where beautiful views and interesting salt extractions give you a glimpse of Inca life, to Moray, which offers yet more impressive Inca stonework.Ollantaytambo has an enormous Inca fortress, while Chinchero is a typical Andean village known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. You're unlikely to fit more than one or two of these sites into one day if traveling independently, so consider booking onto a day excursion (take your pick from central Cusco) if you're keen to see as much of the Sacred Valley as possible in one day.
1
Sacred Valley of the Incas (The)
Location:
view in google mapsSacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 8426 3176 (Tourist Information)2
Baco
Location:
view in google mapsRuinas 465
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 242808Day 4 - Cusco
Save the best of the Sacred Valley for last, with a visit to Pisac, a small town known for its quaint colonial buildings and dominated by an Inca fortress built into the mountainside. You can walk up to the citadel from the village along a 2 mile (steep) path, or else take a cab. This is one of the best places to see the famous agricultural terracing that kept the Inca empire well fed. If visiting on a Sunday, be sure to save time for Pisac's weekly market which draws vendors from across the region. Smaller craft markets are held throughout the rest of the week. You can catch a bus to Pisac from downtown Cusco, or else take an organized tour from one of the many companies in town. Treat yourself on your last day in this glorious city with a meal at Inka Grill, followed by a relaxed drink in Los Perros.
3
Inka Grill
Location:
view in google mapsPortal de Panes 115
Plaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
Phone:
51 84 2629924
Los Perros
Location:
view in google mapsTecsecocha # 436
Cusco, Peru
