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How to Travel Alone as a Woman in the Land of Machismo

14 Times Travel Went Really, Really Wrong for AFAR Staffers

Exploring Peru’s Diverse Food Scene with Chef José Andrés

Wandering Chef: Richard Sandoval in Peru

The Inca were avid stargazers and astronomers; they identified and named not only “light” constellations but dark ones as well—that is, ones formed from the dark portions of the Milky Way. They also laid out some of Cusco’s central streets to align with certain stars at various times of the year. At the Cusco Planetarium, you’ll learn more about their methods, and their view of the world. Stop in before heading to Machu Picchu so you can put what you learn to test at that sacred site. Reservations required. Image courtesy of Cusco Planetarium.

La Catedral is actually three churches in one, each of which are exquisite. It is decorated in the Baroque style, with more gilt and gold trimming than you can imagine. In order to convert the Incan people to Catholicism, the Spanish used symbols from Incan religion throughout the church. Look for the hundreds of mirrors, as well as the triangle shape associated with the Mountain God. La Catedral hosts a couple of particularly unique pieces, including a Peruvian rendition of the Last Supper featuring a guinea pig as the main dish. El Señor de Los Temblores is a crucifix that stopped the Cuzco earthquake of 1650, and is featured prominently in the cathedral. Pictures are not allowed inside, but the exterior of La Catedral is picturesque both during the day and at night when it’s lit up with the rest of La Plaza de Armas.

Overview

Whether you’re carbo-loading in Aguas Calientes for the hike to Machu Picchu or eating light for a day of sightseeing at the Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, you’ll find a wide range of food that includes local cuisine as well as pizza and vegetarian food.

Cusco is a magical city that straddles two worlds: majestic colonial architecture gives the city a distinctly Renaissance era feel while the abundance of ancient Incan and pre-Incan ruins as well as the colorful indigenous handicraft markets that dot Cusco exude pure native tradition. Visit the ornate churches, flower filled plazas and stone streets of Cusco before heading to the ancient sites of Machu Picchu and Moray. Later, dive deep into the incredible cuisine and booming nightlife here.

There’s much to see in Cusco and the surrounding area, but you can do a lot if you have three days to explore. Day 1: Visit the Incan ruins at Qorikancha in the morning. After lunch, wander the the Mercado San Pedro, then hike up to Sacsayhuaman for the sunset. Day 2: Take a colectivo to the Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Visit the ruins at Moray and the salt mines at Maras. Day 3: Watch Andean life go by at Plaza de Armas, then explore the galleries of Las Blas, the arts district.

We love these historic stays around the globe, from a former monastery in Cusco, Peru, to a South African hotel where Nelson Mandela penned his autobiography. For travelers looking to revisit former times in present travels, these landmark hotels are worth checking out—even if you’re not checking in.

This Cuzco corner presents a notable juxtaposition between ancient Incan and Spanish colonial architecture. Since the Incas worshipped their sun god, Inti, above all others, this temple in their imperial capital was the most important of the entire realm. It was here that they brought the idols of all peoples they assimilated, to offer them representation as they demanded allegiance in Cuzco. When the Spanish arrived, they tore down much of the temple and built a monastery on top of it. However, the walls that do remain provide stunning examples of pre-Hispanic engineering, particularly the rounded outer wall that can be seen from Avenida del Sol.

You probably didn’t think of traveling to Peru for world-class French cuisine, yet here it is. The minute you walk in, you leave the Andes behind in favor of a European vibe, reflected in music, decor, and, of course, what’s on the table. Everything on the menu is French, including the expansive choice of wines. The five- or seven-course tasting menus are the perfect way to sample as many flavors as possible, but if ordering à la carte, save room for sumptuous desserts and a delicious coffee, picking your personal ideal from a wide range of blends.

There are a number of Cuzco restaurants that offer traditional Peruvian, served buffet-style, along with music and dance. One of the best is Ayahuasca, specifically because they limit the number of dishes on the table and focus on providing the highest quality and freshness. Foodies with a greater sense of adventure can order à la carte at lunchtime, where the traditional delicacies on offer include specialties like cow’s tongue or pig’s feet that are rarely found at tourist-oriented restaurants. The ambience is bright and cheerful; there’s a tasting menu with a solid chichas, or fermented corn beer, selection.

I planned on grabbing a quick lunch at Pacha Papa, located in San Blas Square, the heart of Cusco’s artist and gallery neighborhood. But I ended up spending a couple of hours in the lovely outdoor courtyard, talking to my wonderful server, Ever, and the owners about Cusco and Peru‘s bright future. They do serve Cusco’s local delicacy, guinea pig.