Hotels in Cusco

Cusco sits at 3,400 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, making it one of the highest major cities in the world. Once the capital of the Inca Empire - known as the "Navel of the World" in Quechua - the city was conquered by Spanish forces in 1533 and rebuilt with colonial churches and mansions perched directly on top of Inca stone foundations. That layered history is visible on almost every street: precisely cut granite blocks from the 15th century support whitewashed walls and carved wooden balconies from the 17th century.

Today Cusco serves as the primary gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but the city itself holds enough to fill several days of exploration. Plaza de Armas anchors the centre with its twin churches, while the San Pedro Market sells fresh juices, roasted guinea pig, and enormous avocados for a few soles. The surrounding hills are dotted with Inca ruins - Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Tambomachay - all reachable by local bus or taxi in under 20 minutes.

Altitude sickness is a real consideration at this elevation. Most visitors spend a day or two acclimatising before heading to higher-altitude treks. Coca tea, sold everywhere, helps ease the symptoms. Flights from Lima to Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) take about 1 hour 20 minutes, and the airport is just 6 km from Plaza de Armas.