Cusco is one of Peru's must-visit destinations, a stunning city with cobbled-streets, crisp air and striking architecture. As the gateway to reach Machu Picchu, Cusco is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Peru. Here we give our cherry-picked selection of some of the best hotels in Cusco. We've inspected every hotel on a room-by-room level, so share Aracari's insider info for when planning Machu Picchu luxury trips using our first-hand destination knowledge. The Best Hotels in Cusco Recommended by Aracari Belmond Palacio Nazarenas An all-suite hotel, entry-level rooms at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas include butler service as standard. Though located literally next door to its sister property Belmond Monasterio, this five star luxury hotel is newer and more modern in style. Yet, it still harks back to a more regal past: it was formerly a Palace and convent and houses a cloistered courtyard with a fountain and its heart. One of the best hotels in Cusco, it is one of few with an outdoor swimming pool. It is also home to a relaxing spa with a wide menu of treatments. Why stay here? Sumptuous five-star service - the ultimate classic luxury hotel in Cusco. Contact us now for best rates and a tailormade itinerary staying at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. Inkaterra La Casona If you like small properties teeming with history, then Inkaterra La Casona certainly doesn't fall short. This colonial manor house was perhaps the first Spanish construction in Cusco built over an Inca complex and later occupied by the conquistadores of Peru and their descendants. There are just eleven suites around the central courtyard. The fact it gets booked up easily is testament to the fact it is one of the best hotels in Cusco. The style is very much luxury-meets-authenticity. Inkaterra La Casona is located across from the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in the Plaza de las Nazarenas next door to the Museum
Cusco is one of Peru’s must-visit destinations, a stunning city with cobbled-streets, crisp air and striking architecture. As the gateway to reach Machu Picchu, Cusco is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Peru. Here we give our cherry-picked selection of some of the best hotels in Cusco. We’ve inspected…
Practiced originally on the shores of Hawaii, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Having heard a lot about it, I decided to try out the soft adventure sport on a stunning high altitude lake near Cusco. This adventure activity takes half a day and is best in the morning when the winds are calmer. Combine SUP with an afternoon visit to Incan ruins or other top adventure activities in the Sacred Valley. Stand Up Paddle Cusco at Laguna Huacarpay My experience stand up paddle boarding took place on scenic Laguna Huacarpay, just 40 minutes outside the city of Cusco. While not quite as tropical as Waikiki, the lakes around Cusco offer a beautiful and tranquil setting, ideal for first-timers like me to learn the ropes. After an initial safety briefing and time to put on a wetsuit, I was pushing off from shore and took to my feet, carefully gaining my balance and gently paddling forward. ‘This is easy,’ I thought, tempting fate to shove me into the glistening waters below me. Luckily I didn’t fall in, although, dangling my foot into the lake, I was pleasantly surprised to find the water at a manageable temperature. A Great Activity for Families The popularity of stand up paddle boarding is undoubtedly in part due to how super easy it is to learn. Anyone, of any age, can give it a go, making it an ideal activity for families looking for a little soft adventure. Joining me on the lake was a friend and his two daughters, ages 5 and 7, both of whom were very excited to be getting involved and, as it turned out, both expert paddlers themselves. Acclimatizing to the Altitude Unlike many activities in the Cusco area, Stand Up Paddle Boarding is not
Practiced originally on the shores of Hawaii, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Having heard a lot about it, I decided to try out the soft adventure sport on a stunning high altitude lake near Cusco. This adventure activity takes half a day and…
Thanks to the seismic activity of the region, the Colca Canyon and Valley are sprinkled with natural hot springs, or thermal baths, where locals and tourists alike can relax in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. The hot springs vary in temperature, and are rich in sulfur, lithium, or iron, and thought to have medicinal healing properties. Colca is home to public baths (for which a small entrance fee is required) and private thermal hot springs at some of the best properties in Colca. The Best Natural Hot Springs Colca Colca Lodge Hot Springs The best natural, private hot springs Colca are located on the property of one of our favorite hotels in the region, Colca Lodge. The grounds boast four natural, hot thermal baths and in this bucolic setting, visitors contrast the chilly mountain air with a dip into one of the private hot springs. Exclusively reserved for guests at the hotel, these hot springs Colca are well maintained, clean, and situated in an incredibly intimate natural setting. They are perched a few meters above the river built into the stone shore, and overlook the terraced valley and the property's camelid farm. The hot springs at Colca Lodge are also conveniently equipped with a nearby bar so you can sip on a cocktail while sat in the thermal baths, as well as changing rooms and nice bathrooms. Round off a long soak at Colca Lodge's indulgent spa. Visit Colca and stay at Colca Lodge on our Highlights of Southern Peru itinerary. More Natural Hot Springs Colca Though they may lack the privacy and luxurious amenities of the hot springs Colca Lodge offers, there are plenty of other natural thermal baths in the region. El Refugio has a covered, on-site private hot spring for guests, and there are public springs near the Aranwa hotel. Here visitors can pay
Thanks to the seismic activity of the region, the Colca Canyon and Valley are sprinkled with natural hot springs, or thermal baths, where locals and tourists alike can relax in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. The hot springs vary in temperature, and are rich in sulfur, lithium, or iron, and…
Native to the mountains of South America that give the bird its name, the Andean condor can be spotted across the continent but arguably the best place to see these strikingly large animals is in the Colca Canyon of Peru. Located in the south of the country about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, the Colca region is known for its dramatic landscapes, history, vibrant rural culture, and native condors. Aracari arranges private, tailormade trips to Arequipa and Colca where you can spot the majestic Colca Canyon condors! The best place to see Colca Canyon Condors The Andean Colca Canyon Condor The Andean condor, which has been the focus of international conservation efforts, is one of the largest land flying birds in the world with an average wingspan of 3m (10ft). The animals are very heavy, weighing up to 15kg (33lbs) so to help keep them in the air they like to live in windy areas. The rising winds in the Colca Canyon and valley are strong, which makes it one of the best homes for the animal and in turn one of the best places to bird-watch for them! The spectacular condor takes advantage of the windy Colca region to glide up and down this imposing and magic corner of the Andean Cordillera - it is truly a sight to be seen. Where to See Colca Canyon Condors Cruz del Condor - 'Condor Cross' Between the small villages of Maca and Cabanaconde, where winds are strongest, is the Cruz del Condor or ‘Condor Cross,’ an observation point where visitors scan the skies for a glimpse of the majestic birds soaring in pairs in the early morning or late afternoon. Condor Cross is the place with the highest chance of condor spottings, with birds often seen at close range. As the birds soar past the canyon walls, the lookout point also offers breath-taking views
Native to the mountains of South America that give the bird its name, the Andean condor can be spotted across the continent but arguably the best place to see these strikingly large animals is in the Colca Canyon of Peru. Located in the south of the country about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, the…
Arequipa is easily one of the most charming cities in all of Peru, home to gleaming-white historic buildings made from volcanic ash, sillar, grand religious monasteries, and a rich cultural scene - hosting the annual literary Hay Festival. One of the city's key attractions is Santa Teresa Monastery, a living-museum where cloistered nuns still reside to this day. Far less visited than nearby Santa Catalina Monastery, another major attraction and landmark in Arequipa, I had the opportunity to visit with one of Aracari's specialist guides, Franz Grupp, the Monastery's Director. Santa Teresa Monastery Arequipa Constructed in 1710, Santa Teresa Monastery is a smaller, lesser-known monastery compared to Santa Catalina, also in Arequipa. Santa Teresa hasn't been open as long; almost 300 years after its foundation, it first opened its treasures to the public in 2005. The Nuns of Santa Teresa Monastery Santa Teresa has appeal in both the fact it functions as a comprehensive Museum of Viceregal Art, as well as a living museum: 15 cloistered Carmelite nuns still live here. These nuns remain inside the convent and do not interact with the outside world - they cannot be seen by tourists, nor see them. If you time your visit for midday, as I did, you can press your head against the wall and hear the nuns shuffle about as they head to prayer and listen to their melodic chants. Santa Teresa's Director Franz Grupp The director of Santa Teresa, Franz Grupp, guided me around the monastery, talking me through the Viceregal art exhibited there. Franz is one of Aracari's specialist guides, a veritable cultural expert, art historian and curator, who gives unparalleled insight into this historic site. Franz has been involved in important restoration projects throughout Peru, and was part of the team that presented the historical center of Arequipa to UNESCO to be regarded as a designated Cultural Heritage City,
Arequipa is easily one of the most charming cities in all of Peru, home to gleaming-white historic buildings made from volcanic ash, sillar, grand religious monasteries, and a rich cultural scene – hosting the annual literary Hay Festival. One of the city’s key attractions is Santa Teresa Monastery, a living-museum where cloistered…
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each region has its own specialties and while you can find them elsewhere in the country there’s nothing like trying a dish in the place that gave birth to it. At Aracari, we have explored the vast culinary offerings in Arequipa to compile this list of our favorite restaurants. The Best Restaurants Arequipa Zig Zag The upscale European - Peruvian fusion menu at Zig Zag is rightfully popular with the main courses, desserts, and wine lists combining to provide an unforgettable experience. When you visit, check out the restaurant's staircase designed by French architect, Gustave Alexandre Eiffel. Chicha It’s tough to go wrong with a menu inspired by Peru’s most noted chef, Gaston Acurio. Featuring traditional favorites as well as new takes on Peruvian cuisine using fresh local ingredients, Chicha is a sure bet for fine dining in Arequipa. La Trattoria del Monasterio Nestled within the architectural complex of Santa Catalina Monastery, La Trattoria del Monasterio serves delicious Italian with Arequipeño influences and Andean ingredients in a great location. La Nueva Palomino This is considered by many locals to be the best of Arequipa’s picanterías. Although a little touristy and a bit loud on the weekends, this is the place to go for local flavor in both food and ambiance. Crepisimo A good option for families, or travelers who are looking for something simple and international, Crepisimo is from the same restaurant family as Zig Zag and offers sandwiches, salads, and both sweet and savory crepes. Contact us for more information on a culinary tour Peru! "Must-Try" Dishes
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each…
