Cusco, said to be the navel of the world according to Inca legend, the city itself is at an altitude of over 11000 feet (3400 meters), which some say makes you closer to god, but in reality is the highest place most people will travel in their lives. Most days, you will discover clear blue skies and the cold at night, but what interests most people about Cusco is its wonderful history. Cusco, Peru, travel should be on your list of must-see destinations.
Cusco is surrounded by beautiful green mountains in the high Andes mountain range. Travel to Cusco and see the center of the city, a beautiful Spanish colonial town built mostly on Inca Temples and passageways. The city has a main square called the Plaza de Armas and beautiful cobblestone streets leading away from it.
The square features two churches, which is very unusual for South America, one of which is the Cathedral, which has an interior you must see for the artwork. There are many other squares in the center of Cusco, each with its special features.
Around a five-minute walk from the Cusco main square, up a steep hill, is an area of Cusco called San Blas, this pretty little barrio, as the town is called in Spanish, features a nice plaza filled with restaurants and a church, which is well worth a visit to see the amazing gold altar. In recent years, San Blas has become one of the markets in Cusco where young expatriates sell their handicrafts and jewelry.
Just a few blocks from the Plaza is the amazing Spanish church, Santa Domingo, built on top of the Inca Temple Coricancha. This is well worth a look for the art and architecture.
Just outside the city on your Cusco city tour, there are Inca temples of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. A tour to these sites will give you a good history of Cusco City, not to mention the great views you will get of the city.
Cusco has two main seasons. The high tourist season runs from April to September. During this time, prices are higher, hotels fill up quickly, and Machu Picchu is extremely crowded. Many visitors plan their trips months in advance to secure accommodations, train tickets, and entry to popular attractions.
The low season, from October to March, coincides with the rainy season. And yes, it does rain but usually for just an hour or so. While that may seem like a downside, many travelers find that the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.
One of the biggest advantages of the low season is hotel availability. You’re more likely to find rooms in top-rated hotels in prime locations, without worrying about everything being fully booked as it often is during the high tourist season. It’s an ideal time for both luxury and budget travelers looking for a more relaxed experience in Cusco.
Prices of the hotels are lower as the hotels are trying to fill the rooms, so you will get a great deal. Try the five-star properties as they offer amazing discounts in the low season.
Another great advantage of the low season is that in the Sacred Valley and any of the tours you will do in Cusco and the surrounding there will be way fewer people, giving you more time to explore and take photos.
However, without a doubt, the major advantage of the low season is Machu Picchu; you may get a little wet, but you will not have to wait for a bus, as the queues get long in high season. There is no line to get into Machu Picchu, and thank god, in the low season, you can stay at Machu Picchu all day. In the high season, there are two turns to enter the ruins; this does not apply in the low season.
Therefore, traveling to Cusco in the low season has its disadvantages, but the advantages are many, so consider this when planning your vacation to Peru. Cusco, Peru tourism is a wonderful place to visit, with plenty of things to do in Cusco, such as visiting the main square and admiring the famous twelve Angles Stone. It is a destination that all travelers should put on their list.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
