Cusco holidays

Beyond the city’s Historic Centre, you’ll find plenty more things to do in Cusco. The old quarter of San Blas is certainly worth exploring. Traditionally the home of Cusco’s architects and artists, this pretty area is a maze of narrow, steep streets, filled with artisan shops, galleries and cafés. It’s also where you’ll find the quaint Plazoleta de San Blas and the Temple of San Blas, which dates back to 1563.

Further afield, the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman should also be on your itinerary. On the northern outskirts of Cusco, this hilltop fortress has stood firm since the Incas built it in the 15th century. You’ll be amazed by the size of the huge stones and the way they are cleverly inter-locked – and still standing, hundreds of years later.

Some Incan walls can also be found in Cusco itself. Many of them were once part of age-old palaces or temples. You can admire the ancient walls along The Sun Street, and see the remaining stones of Kusicancha Palace.

When planning your Cusco holiday, make sure you allow a day for exploring Cusco Historic Centre. As the city’s cultural heartland, this part of town is bursting with must-see sites – so it should be right at the top of your to-do list.

First stop, Plaza de Armas. The city’s main square has been Cusco’s bustling hub for centuries, and is lined with colonial arcades, laidback cafés, ancient churches, and the stunning Cusco Cathedral. Why not get comfy on a bench among the greenery, take in the sights, and spend some time people-watching? Afterwards, you can take a short stroll to the impressive Santo Domingo Church, which was built upon the sacred Incan Qoricancha Temple.

Cusco’s Historic Centre also has several grand houses, where the Spanish aristocracy lived during the Colonial period. A lot of these impressive buildings now house museums. You could visit Palacio del Almirante, where you’ll find the Inca Museum. Or admire Casa del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, then head inside to explore Cusco’s Museum of Natural History.

More often than not, travellers plan a holiday to Cusco as a way to access Machu Picchu – because this world-famous Incan citadel is just a train-ride away. The scenic journey takes just over three hours and, on the way, you’ll be able to gaze at the dramatic slopes of the Sacred Valley. You’ll arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes and, from there, you can hike up to Machu Picchu. The trek takes about two hours, but it’s worth it to see this eye-popping- site.

If you want to explore more of the Sacred Valley, that’s easy, too. This green, steep-sided slice of the Andes is just 10 miles north of Cusco, and there are lots of daytrips available. You can go hiking and visit archaeological Incan sites – like the Pisac Ruins – or try daredevil activities such as rafting and rock-climbing.

As Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, Cusco’s seasons are the opposite of the UK’s, with summer running from December to March, and winter from June to August. But Cusco’s climate is fairly steady all year round, with most days hovering around 20°C. Just be mindful that temperatures usually drop to single figures at night, though, due to the high altitude. So, whenever you go, we’d recommend packing plenty of layers.

Holidays to Cusco are most popular during the British school holidays. So, if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s best to plan your Cusco trip for April, May, September or October. You can look forward to warm, pleasant days, ideal for exploring the city’s streets and nearby Machu Picchu. And you’ll avoid the rains, which are usually heaviest between December and March.