Destination

From your window at Palacio Nazarenas, the best hotel in Cusco, Peru, a breathtaking panorama reveals a sea of terracotta rooftops cradled by golden mountains. It’s a view worthy of the Americas’ oldest continuously inhabited city, where people have lived for over 3,000 years.

Nearby, spectacular ancient sites like Sacsayhuaman (c. 1400) stand as silent witnesses to the mighty Incan Empire. You can also discover Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple dedicated to the Sun God Inti, which still displays its meticulously crafted Inca stonework beneath the Spanish-Colonial Santo Domingo Convent built atop it.

In Cusco, a captivating mélange of preserved Inca temples and ornate Baroque architecture tells the story of the city’s transformation during the Spanish conquest of 1533. Just minutes away from Palacio Nazarenas on foot lies the magnificent Plaza de Armas, home to Cusco’s cathedral and most treasured museums – where the heartbeat of the city echoes through its cobblestone streets.

Nearby, the Church La compañía de Jesús (Society of Jesus) displays intricate stone carvings and lavish interiors. Many mansions, like the Casa del Almirante, feature beautiful courtyards, carved balconies and Moorish-style ceilings. This architectural heritage makes Cusco a living museum where Spanish baroque artistry and enduring Inca craftsmanship coexist, reflecting the cultural fusion that defines the city’s identity today.

While ancient ruins jewel the cityscape, Cusco has evolved into a chic and cosmopolitan hub without losing its soul. The bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, with its artistic spirit and creative energy, is only a ten-minute stroll away. Here, steep alleyways lead to artisan studios and contemporary galleries; colorful street murals bring new stories to ancient walls, showing how Cusco’s young artists honor tradition while shaping the city’s evolving identity.

Cusco’s culinary landscape has blossomed into one of Peru’s finest outside Lima. Restaurants serve everything from classic Andean dishes to innovative fusion cuisine using local, organic ingredients. Craft breweries and vegan cafés stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional picanterías, reflecting a city that embraces both heritage and innovation.

Beyond the city, the Sacred Valley beckons with its breathtaking landscapes and remarkable Incan sites, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Moray. As the gateway to the imperial citadel of Machu Picchu – one of South America’s most iconic wonders – Cusco invites you to step into a world where history breathes through every stone and whispers on every mountain breeze.