Get used to the altitude in the Belly Button of the World that serves as the gateway to the most iconic Incan landmark.
Cusco is becoming synonymous with Machu Picchu. The vast region contains a varied terrain featuring Amazon lowlands and the Andes mountain range. Contrast the region’s modern capital city, also called Cusco, with the ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Make your way to the famous Lost City of the Incas that stands on an Andean mountain top overlooking the Urubamba River. The 15th-century temples dotted around a dewy peak make Machu Picchu among the world’s most spectacular sights. These buildings remained hidden for centuries but are now a UNESCO Historic Sanctuary.
There are three overlapping routes on the Inca Trail that lead to Machu Picchu. The Classic trail is a 4-day trek covering 26 miles (43 kilometers) through picturesque terrain. Note that the entire region is particularly busy in July and August, in the middle of the dry season.
Continue on a trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for other nearby ruins. Písac has a lively market and fascinating vestiges. Admire the traditional Incan layout of Ollantaytambo and visit the modern commune of Urubamba. The perfect remedy after all that hiking are the hot springs of Sicuani, Calca and Santa Teresa.
For a change of scenery, spend some time in the region’s namesake capital, Cusco. Note how colonial gems are built over ancient Incan walls, adding layers of history. Relax in the historic Plaza de Armas in the city center and explore local galleries. San Pedro Market and the Artisan Market are among the cultural treasures.
Make your way to the city outskirts to see the vestiges of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Sacsayhuaman and Qenko. Learn about the local wildlife at the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. Thrill-seekers should consider whitewater rafting in Cusipata and Chuquicahuana.
The Cusco region lies in the southern part of Peru, near the borders with Bolivia and Brazil. Fly to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in the city of Cusco and get around the region by bus.
With Machu Picchu and many other Incan ruins, Cusco is among the world’s most impressive historic regions.
