TRAVEL: Time Travel in Cusco

Our intrepid traveler gets caught in a time warp in the enchanted old world charm of Peru

Photo: Lisa Loverro

By Lisa Loverro

Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco, Peru, is filled with ancient ruins and old-world charm— all surrounded by the majestic Andean mountain range. Make your trip a real adventure and fly solo, or hook up with a tour company that arranges group trips.

Where to Stay

Hotel Monasterio
5-star luxury hotel owned by the Orient Express Hotel Group. Oxygen-enriched rooms help guests acclimate to the higher altitude.
Palacio 136
(84) 240-696/orientexpresshotels.com

Casa Andina
A mid-range hotel chain throughout Peru. There are a few in the city of Cusco: One in the heart of the plaza, and one in the quaint town of San Blas, just outside of Cusco’s main square.
(866) 447-3270/casa-andina.com

Hotel Libertador Cusco
Luxury hotel within the historic downtown area of the city.
Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259
(84) 23-1961/libertador.com.pe

Where to Eat

Incanto
Fine dining in the heart of Cusco.
Santa Catalina Angosta 135
(84) 254-753
cuscorestaurants.com

Greens Organic Vegetarian Restaurant
Santa Catalina Angosta 135, 2nd Floor
(84) 243-379
cuscorestaurants.com

Tour Operators

Mountain Travel Sobek
A well-established tour operator offering group trips for the solo traveler. mtsobek.com

Blue Parallel
A high-end, customized tour operator specializing in personal service. blueparallel.com

As if you need any other reason to visit, check out this amazing footage our traveler filmed of a local man playing the flute in the Andes Mountains: