Cusco Holidays

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire and is often described as the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas'. The city is a fascinating blend of ancient Andean heritage, the colonial buildings of the Spanish conquest, and a plethora of bustling bars. It is this vibrant medley of past and present that create Cusco's intriguing charm and we think you'll end up staying here longer than originally planned. Cusco stands at an altitude of 9,000ft and visitors may experience mild discomfort while adjusting to the thin air, so we recommend taking it easy for the first couple of days – perhaps now is not the time to hike to Machu Picchu. Instead, why not go on a city tour and explore the area's ancient Inca Ruins and Baroque churches. The large stone walls of Sacsayhuaman – meaning 'satisfied falcon' in Quechua – were built to overlook Cusco, guarding the capital of the empire below. Discover the 'Inca Baths' of Tambomachay, Qenqo Temple and the extreme Inca landscaping at Moray.

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Cusco holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

One Country Peru – Lima – the Amazon – the Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco

From the Amazon to the Andes - A Peruvian Adventure with your Teens

Treat your teens to the adventure of a lifetime on this 13-day trip to Peru, pairing ancient culture with outdoor adventure

13 days, from £3100 to £4250

One Country Peru – Lima – Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cuzco

Peru’s Big Hitters - Lima, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

Travel from Lima to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cuzco, pairing iconic Inca sites with markets, train journeys and culinary experiences.

12 days, from £3650 to £4750

One Country Peru – Lima – Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley

The Best of Peru - Ancient Wonders, Local Traditions & High-Altitude Adventures

Dial up the adventure in Peru on this 12-day getaway, discovering sacred ruins, colourful culture and jaw-dropping landscapes

12 days, from £3900 to £5100

One Country Peru – Lima – Cuzco – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca

Icons of Peru - An Adventure from Lima to Lake Titicaca

Prepare to fall in love with Peru on this 11-day adventure hopping between iconic sites and lovely local spots

11 days, from £5300 to £7800

One Country Peru – Lima – Amazonas – Titicaca – Cuzco – Machu Picchu

Journey Across Peru - From Cloud Forests to the Sacred Valley

Travel from northern Peru to Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley, crossing cloud forests, colonial cities and high Andean landscapes

21 days, from £5700 to £8500

The Ultimate Andean Adventure - Peru, Bolivia and Chile

Embark on the ultimate Andean adventure as you spend three weeks journeying across Peru, Bolivia and Chile

20 days, from £6500 to £9650

From Peru to Ecuador - The Andes, the Amazon & the Galapagos Archipelago

Spend three weeks journeying from Peru to Ecuador, pairing Inca citadels, Amazon wildlife and the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos

20 days, from £6500 to £7800

After getting your fill of historic sites, it's time to taste the food and drink on offer. Head to the Chocolate Museum – the Choco Museo – and taste delicious delicacies such as cacao tea, fondue and iced chocolate. There is even the opportunity to make your own chocolate and the museum runs a range of Peruvian cooking classes for the foodies amongst you. During your stay make sure to try the choclo con queso, a regional strain of corn on the cob topped with cheese and chili sauce.

At night, the historic streets are alive with a younger crowd, eager to see whether Cusco lives up to its title as Peru's party capital. There are a plethora of bars and clubs on offer and the best bit is that you can get a buzz on a budget.

Original Highlight

Located on a hill top high above Cusco, the striking Cristo Blanco statue provides spectacular city views and is well worth the hike.