Hotels in Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and the stonework proves it: Spanish colonial churches and mansions sit directly on massive, perfectly fitted Inca foundations throughout the historic centre, most visibly around the Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha. It's now the standard base for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, which means the old town runs on tourism almost entirely, with the attendant tour-agency touts, inflated restaurant menus, and souvenir alpaca-wool everywhere.

The altitude, around 3,400 metres, hits many visitors hard, and a day or two acclimatising before any trekking is not optional for most people. The city itself deserves more time than the one overnight stop it often gets, with colonial art, Andean cuisine, and San Pedro market all worth lingering over. It's served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, a short drive from the centre. Stay in San Blas for cobbled, artisan-neighbourhood atmosphere within walking distance of the plaza, rather than the busier streets right on it.