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The city of Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. Massive Inca's stone walls line most of Cuzco's central streets and form foundations of colonial and modern buildings. This is a great city to spend a few days with plenty to do. Plazas, archaeological sites, churches, museums, coffee shops, markets, artist communities such as San Blas are just a few of the attractions. |
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| ESSENCE OF THE AREA |
| Cuzco is one of the most fascinating cities anywhere in the world. The Spanish built their colonial churches and houses on top of the original Inca foundations, and this startling mix of architectural style is still much in evidence. Cuzco is the ideal base from which to explore the scenic highland villages that run the length of the beautiful Sacred Valley. The valley is dotted with singularly impressive Inca ruins, of which Machu Picchu is without doubt the star. Machu Picchu, the mystica , mist-shrouded Inca citadel, no matter how many times you have seen it remains the most spectacular site in the Americas.
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| RECOMMENDED STAY |
| To appreciate the magnitude and the magic of the area you need to stay for at least 4 nights: two nights in Cuzco, one night in Sacred Valley, and one night near the Machu Picchu citadel either at the Santuary Hotel or in Aguas Calientes. If you do not have time, then a stay of 3 nights in Cuzco will allow you to go to Machu Picchu for the day and see the most important sites of the area. In Cuzco, allow at least 2 nights to enjoy the surrounding ruins and the magical colonial city. As you walk, you will discover that this rare place has somehow preserved its unique character and appeal. In Sacred Valley, an overnight will allow you time to visit Pisac and Ollaytantambo. In Machu Picchu, you will need to overnight either by the citadel where the advantage is that you are a step away from the ruins , or overnight in Aguas Calientes, where you will have the flexibility of walking around town, soaking in the mineral baths, or just enjoying a nice meal at one of the small eateries. From both places you will be able to see the ruins at day break, when the sun rays slowly just light up the buildings one by one. Cuzco is the departure point for your visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. You can reach Machu Picchu from both of these places, either by train or hiking the Inca trail.
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| EATING AND DRINKING |
CICCIOLINA
Calle Triunfo 393, Second Floor
Tel: 5184 239 510
This lively spot offers excellent Mediterranean-inspired food as well as a judiciously chosen wine list. The charismatic young Aussie proprietress modeled the place after one in Melbourne. Inside, the deep yellow-and-red walls make the place feel warm and cozy, and bunches of garlic and dried chilies dangle from the ceiling. You may either perch at the bar for a drink and tapas, or sit in the dining room at one of the long tables. The menu includes an excellent and vast selection of pastas.
MAP CAFÉ
Casa Cabrera, Plazoleta Nazarenas 231
Cuzco
Tel: 5184 242 476
www.map-cafe.com
Though located in the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, the MAP café is ultramodern, enclosed in a giant glass-and-steel cube. Equally cutting-edge is the sophisticated Peruvian menu with its French and Italian influences. The fusion is highly successful in dishes such as fresh trout with a yellow-chili beurre blanc and a napoleon of Andean potatoes. Save room for dessert: the banana spring rolls are exceptional. This is one of Cuzco's swankiest eateries, so reservations are advised.
PACHAPAPA
Food Type : Peruvian and Creole cuisine
Address : Plazoleta San Blas 120 Cusco
Capacity : 70
Services :Musical Show
Located in a colonial house in the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, Pachapapa offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a traditional wood-burning stove where delicious meals cook slowly in a earthenware pots. Also, every Sunday you can enjoy the traditional pachamanca.
INKA GRILL
Food Type : Nouveau Andean and Internacional Cuisine
Address : Portal de Panes 115 , Cusco
Website : www.inkagrillcusco.com
Capacity : 120
N· Tables :29
Services :Musical Show
Facing the center Plaza de Armas square, this restaurant offers unmatchable quality. Nouveau adean, Creole and internacional specialities along with superb desserts and espresso.
LA PASCANA
Food Type : Peruvian and Internacional cuisine
Address : Av. Pachacutec 424 - A2 Wanchaq - Cusco
Capacity : 160
N· Tables :40
TUNUPA GRILL & BAR
Food Type : International, creole, Nouveau andean
Address : Portal confituria # 233 plaza de Armas
Capacity :150
N· Tables :26
Services :Menu, buffet, box lunch & catering.
Located in the main square of Cusco, at the 2nd floor of Portal Confituria, if offers the best panoramic view from the balcony, which has a length of 26 mts. 3 years awarded as the best restaurant of Cusco by the Tourism Ministry
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| RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES |
City Tour and surrounding Ruins:
A half day tour of Cuzco and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking the city, Kenko, and Tambomachay.
Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo:
Full day tour to visit the colorful Indian market in Pisac, the Sacred Valley, and Ollantaytambo Ruins.
Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas:
Visit Pikillacta which boasts some of the finest agriculture terracing ever built in the Cuzco area and the village of Andahuaylillas to visit a seventeenth century church with an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. |
| MUST SEE |
| The city has magnificent repositories of colonial art such as the cathedral (begun in 1559) and La Merced Church. There is also the Coricancha ruins, east of the city center, which were formerly covered with gold (the stonework is all that remains) and the Museo de Arqueológia, the interior of which is filled with metal and gold work, jewelry, pottery, textiles and mummies. Four other ruins - Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay - are nearby.
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