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Top things to do during Easter & Semana Santa in Cusco 2019

Best of Peru Travel — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:30:38 +0000

Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the biggest festivities of the year in Cusco and this year it will take place from Sunday 14th of April until Sunday 21st April 2019. We’ve put together a list of top things to see and do during Easter & Semana Santa in Cusco 2019 that will help you experience the local religious traditions during this important Cusco festivity.

Palm Sunday – Sunday 14th April

Traditionally celebrated by attending mass and having palms blessed. Masses will take place in the Cathedral on the Main Square also known as Plaza de Armas at 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am and 10am.

Holy Monday – Monday 15th of April

This is effectively the most important day of the Holy Week festivities and includes the famous Procession of ‘El Señor de los Temblores’ (The Lord of Earthquakes).

This saint is of particular importance to the people of Cusco after the figure of this saint was brought out from the cathedral to successfully end a powerful earthquake whose successive tremors were demolishing the city back in 1650.

The procession starts at 2pm leaving from the cathedral and parades around the historic centre returning to the main square at approx. 7pm, which is usually packed at this point. You can’t miss the procession as crowds will start to gather hours before in the Plaza de Armas or main square to get a good viewpoint.

The Lord of the Earthquakes procession in Cusco during Semana Santa or Holy Week.

The procession will also be broadcast live on giant screens which will be located on Plazoleta Espinar and Avenida Sol for those that want to view the procession in more comfort.

Masses will be held in the cathedral on the Main Square at 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am on Holy Monday.

Holy Thursday – Thursday 18th April

Holy Thursday is another important day in this religious festivity. All the churches in Cusco are open to the public with no entry charge. Tradition has it that if you visit seven churches your wish will be granted!

Official activities include a solemn mass in the cathedral at 4pm followed by a procession to the Templo de la Sagrada Familia.

Holy Thursday tradition also dictates the eating of 12 different dishes of food that includes dishes that contain potatoes, corn, shrimp and desserts like mazamorra or special Semana Santa empanadas.

Local families usually gather together to eat in remembrance of the last supper. Most restaurants usually offer some type of local dishes that you can try.

Good Friday – Friday 19th April

Good Friday tends to be quieter in Cusco than earlier in during Holy Week. The mass to celebrate the Passion of Christ takes place at 3pm followed by the Procession of Santo Sepulcro (Holy Sepulchre) at 5pm from the Templo de la Merced.

Easter Sunday – Sunday 21st April

Easter Sunday masses will be held in the cathedral at 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am and 10am.

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Semana Santa in Cusco is a religious festival not a tourist event, so do remember to be respectful at all times and refrain from taking photos in any of the churches.

Try to get a spot in one of the balconies overlooking the Plaza de Armas or main square for the best views of the El Señor de los Temblores(The Lord of Earthquakes) Procession.

Be aware that the cathedral and some of the churches do close to the public for certain masses and other events. No tourist visits of the Cusco cathedral are possible on Holy Monday so do plan around this if you are going to be in Cusco and want to visit the cathedral.

Did you know that the Señor de los Temblores litter weighs 661kg and is carried by 45 men?

Click here to see more of our favourite things to see and do in Cusco

Great mid-range places to stay in Cusco

The post Top things to do during Easter & Semana Santa in Cusco 2019 appeared first on Best of Peru Travel.

Our Ideal One Day Itinerary for Pisac in the Sacred Valley

Best of Peru Travel — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:37:05 +0000

Pisac is a small village nestled high in the Andes Mountains at a breath-stopping altitude of 2,800metres. It’s a great place to connect with nature as you are literally surrounded by steep mountains on all sides. There is always a new trail to hike, some kind of activity taking place from meditation workshops to yoga classes as well as a nice little selection of places to eat and hang out.

Our ideal one day itinerary for Pisac in the Sacred Valley looks something like this….

1. Strap on those hiking boots and head up to the Pisac Archaeological site.

The Pisac archaeological site is one of Pisac’s main attractions and is one of our favourite Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. Spread out over 7km it takes a good 3-4 hours to really discover these Inca temples, terraces and burial grounds. Don’t try and do it in an hour like many of the tour buses! Interestingly the Incas kept the most fertile land for agriculture so they weren’t ‘wasted’ for building towns or cities on them! (how things change…)

We suggest you take a taxi up the ruins and then hike back down to the village of Pisac for breathtaking views and photo ops of the Urubamba River and valley. For more info on how to get to the Pisac ruins see here.

2. Check out one of Pisac’s cafes for a bite to eat.

After all that hiking you are sure to be a little peckish so head to one of our favourite food haunts in Pisac. For a good traditional breakfast on the go, head to the Pumachayoc Colonial Oven and ask Ernestina for one of her delicious, fresh empanada pastries. For a more upscale brunch in a cozy setting we love Cuchara de Palo on Pisac’s Main Square.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier we love the Asian-Peruvian fusion menu at Mullu, they have some good salads and veggie options too. For dessert, you can’t beat Ulrike’s Café and her world-famous carrot cake! A little further out of town but also one of our favourites is Dona Clorinda for traditional Andean home-style cooking in a peaceful garden setting.

Click here for more info on Pisac’s best places to eat.

3. Retail Therapy at the Pisac Market

With renewed energy from all that good food head to the main square in Pisac, the best place in town to pick up some souvenirs. Pisac is famous for its silver jewellery, colourful Andean weavings and alpaca throws, scarves and other items that are sold at its daily market. Sunday is definitely the best day to hit the market if you want a shot of local culture. The colourfully dressed, local Quechua communities descend from the surrounding highlands to buy and sell their produce.

Some of our favourite places to shop are Toro Wasi for colourful ceramics created by local ceramicist Gustavo and Puskana Wasi for one of the best collections of traditional frazadas (blankets) and weavings in town.

See all our favourite places to shop in Pisac here.

4. Decompress at the Botanical gardens

After all the craziness at the market we love to visit one of Pisac’s lesser known attractions – the Felipe Marin Botanical Gardens.

This small botanical garden is located down one of Pisac’s cobbled streets inside a typical colonial patio and is an oasis of calm. Take a book and a cool drink and enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants, as well as hummingbirds, dragonflies and butterflies. You will usually have the place to yourself so it’s perfect for a spot of meditation or some deep relaxation in the heart of Pisac.

Click here to see more top things to see and do in Pisac

Are you planning a trip to Peru? Need some help creating your dream itinerary? We can help you save both money and time and would love to share our insider knowledge of Peru with you so that you can build your very own curated itinerary saving hundreds of dollars along the away… Find out how here.

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What to See in Lima Peru in Two Days

Best of Peru Travel — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:14:45 +0000

Most travellers have to spend at least one night in Lima as it’s the main arrival point into Peru and onwards to other key destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu. Get the most out of your visit with our what to see in Lima in two days itinerary which highlights all our favourite things to see and do if you have just two days in this vibrant, colourful capital.

Bear in mind that two days is definitely not enough to see everything but these are some of the top attractions so you can get a good feel for the city.

Day 1: Barranco & Miraflores

Arriving in Lima can be somewhat of a culture shock if it’s your first time in a South American country. We recommend you start your first day in the Miraflores and Barranco districts of the city to get a feel for modern Lima.

Have more time? Check out our what to see in Lima in two days: Barranco self-guided tour.

Avenida Saenz Peña

Start on Avenida Saenz Peña which is one of the nicest streets in this neighbourhood. Colonial mansions which were once the holiday homes of wealthy ‘Limeños’ sit on either side of the park running through the middle.

On the same street the beautifully restored Lucia de la Puente Museum houses one of Peru’s best selections of contemporary art and exhibits work by Peruvian artists like Alberto Borea, Aldo Chaparro and Sandra Gamarra.

Head diagonally across the street to Dedalo. An Aladdin’s cave of contemporary Peruvian art, handcrafts and jewellery sourced from all over Peru. They have a nice little café in the courtyard out the back. Their carefully curated selection gives you a lovely feel for the quality and variety of Peruvian art.

Bridge of Sighs & La Ermita Chapel

Head down Avenida San Martín to the famous Bridge of Sighs, one of Barranco’s main tourist attractions. The bridge is a favourite with couples and rumour has it that if you cross the bridge while holding your breath your wish will come true…

The rundown yellow adobe La Ermita chapel is just above the ‘Bajada de Baños’ pedestrian walkway down to the ocean. Head past la Ermita Chapel to the viewpoint for great views of the coastline.

Barranco Main Square

Barranco’s Main Square is a colourful hub of local life. Grab a bench and do some people watching or visit the Municipal Library which also houses the tourist office. A great spot to get a feel for local life in this vibrant Lima suburb.

Avenida Pedro de Osma

Did you know that the world famous photographer Mario Testino was Peruvian? The MATE Museum on Avenida Pedro de Osma is a homage to his work and is housed in a beautifully restored 19^th century townhouse on Avenida Pedro de Osma. You will find collections of his most iconic work including portraits of princess Diana and Kate Moss as well as the a stunning ‘Alta Moda’ collection – high fashion shots of traditional Peruvian dress.

Just next door to the MATE Gallery, the Pedro de Osma Museum is situated in a beautiful beaux-arts mansion surrounded by manicured gardens. The museum exhibits the private collection of Pedro de Osma who was a collector of art from the 15^th to the 18^th century. You can find paintings by masters including Bernardo Bitti and Luis de Riano as well as examples from the 18^th century Cusco School.

The walls of Barranco’s streets are alive with murals, so keep your eyes peeled when you are exploring to spot colourful scenes from Lima’s vibrant street art scene. Some of the best places to spot street art are on Avenida Pedro de Osma, Jiron 2 de mayo and Cajamarca Street.

Las Pallas Native Folk Art

Las Pallas is a treasure trove of native Peruvian folk art founded by Scottish born Mari Solari who has been based in Peru for more than fifty years. She hand-collects all items in her collection which features high quality weavings, carvings, paintings and antiques from all over Peru.

MAC Museum of Contemporary Art

MAC Lima exhibits the work of contemporary Latin American and European artists from the 1950s to the present. They have a permanent collection as well as two temporary collection spaces which feature different artists throughout the year.

The collection includes abstract expressionism, geometric art, constructivism, conceptual art, optical art, surrealism and pop art pieces and pieces by contemporary Peruvian artists. Ask for a guided tour when you buy your entrance ticket if you want to learn more about contemporary Peruvian art.

Click here to see our complete one day itinerary in Barranco

What to see in Lima in two days: Miraflores

Miraflores is the main tourist district of Lima and with parks, beaches, restaurants and shops is a great start for your Lima adventure.

Miraflores Boardwalk or Malecón

From Barranco head to the Miraflores ‘malecón’ or boardwalk which is one of Miraflores’ most emblematic attractions. This six mile cliff-top walk with stunning views of the Pacific Coast starts at Malecón de la Marina in the north, then becomes Malecón Cisneros, and ends as Malecón de la Reserva in the south.

Start at the Antonio Raimondi Park to find Lima’s premier paragliding spot. Watch the pros take running jumps off the cliffs and soar into the skies high above the Pacific. Tandem paraglides are available if you feel like an adrenaline filled activity…

Continue along the board walk and you will find a series of parks along the way including the famous Parque del Amor or Love Park which is a favourite spot for lovers to meet. It houses the famous ‘El Beso’ statue of lovers embracing by Peruvian artist Victor Delfín.

Bring a picnic if you want to take some time out in one of the many green areas along the boardwalk or rent a bike or jog if you feel like something a little more energetic.

Larcomar Shopping Centre

Larcomar is a stunning feat of architecture located on the boardwalk in front of the JW Marriott Hotel. You can’t see this multi-level food, entertainment and shopping complex from street level as it is tucked away in the cliff face boasting stunning views of the Pacific Coast.

Larcomar definitely has a western feel but it is a good place to enjoy sunset cocktails with an unparalleled view or a coffee. It also has a cinema and bowling alley.

Kennedy Park

Another key attraction in Miraflores is the busy ‘Parque Kennedy’ which is right in the heart of Miraflores. The park is now famous for its population of over 100 stray cats which are protected by the Municipality of Miraflores and even have their own not-for-profit organization that feeds and looks after their well-being!

There is a small market area most evenings selling souvenirs and snacks and it’s a nice place to people watch.

Indian Market

Located on Avenue Petit Thouars the Indian Market or ‘mercado indio’ is the place to come if you want to pick up typical Peruvian handcrafts and souvenirs. You will find similar items at the markets throughout Peru including alpaca scarves and sweaters, engraved pumpkins, woven bags and wallets and silver jewellery. It is handy however, if you want to stop off here before flying home and not carry souvenirs around Peru with you.

Huaca Pucllana

The Huaca Pucllana is an adobe and clay pyramid built on a series of seven platforms and was an important administrative and ceremonial structure for the Lima Culture which existed between 200A.D. and 700 A.D. This is one of the few archaeological remains open to the public in Lima.

Eco – Feria de Miraflores

The small Farmers Market in Miraflores takes place every Saturday from 08.00 to 16.00 next to the ‘Parque Reducto’. You can buy fresh organic fruit and vegetables as well as superfoods, snacks, olive oil, coffee and herbal tinctures and teas.

Click here to see our complete 1 day itinerary for Miraflores

Day 2: Lima’s old Town

Now that you’ve got a feel for modern Lima head to Lima’s historic centre that runs from the Plaza de Armas to Plaza San Martin and discover Peru’s complex and fascinating past.

Church & Convent of San Francisco

This is one of Lima’s main tourist attractions and is a great example of colonial architecture in Peru. Visits are by guided tour only and the main attraction is the eerie catacombs where over 30,000 people are buried.

Plaza Bolivar

Plaza Bolivar houses the Peruvian Parliament and was also home to the Tribunal of the Inquisition between 1570 and 1820. Plaza Bolivar is named after Simon Bolivar, the revered statesman who freed Peru from Spanish colonial rule.

Balconies of Lima

The intricately carved wooden balconies built in the 17^th and 18^th centuries are part of Lima’s cultural heritage. Spot the best examples on Betyia and Ucayali streets and at the Osambela Palace on Jiron Conde de Superunda street and the Torre Tagle palace on Jiron Ucayali street.

San Pedro Church

The San Pedro church built by the Jesuits in 1638 is a good example of the baroque style with typical Spanish glazed tiles and Moorish-style carvings. It is also not on the main tourist trail so tends to be quieter and the gold altars and decorations are worth a visit!

Plaza de Armas

Lima’s Main Square was the citys’ first public square and it was here that Peru was declared a Republic in 1821. Watch the locals relaxing and stroll around the Square to see the colonial buildings.

The Presidential Palace is located on the north side of the main square and is home to Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Get there at 11.45am to see the changing of the guard every day.

The imposing baroque cathedral on the east side of the square is well worth a visit to understand the grandeur and vision of the colonial period in Peru. There are 14 side chapels dedicated to the most important saints and apostles and you can also visit the tomb of Francisco Pizarro.

Church & Convent of Santo Domingo

Head down Jirón Junin to visit this beautifully preserved religious site. Built in the 16^th century, this pink church has the only church steeple in Lima. It is also famous for housing the remains of Santa Rosa, Lima’s patron saint and San Martín de Porres, South America’s first black saint. It’s an oasis of calm in the chaos of Lima and is a lovely place to spend an hour.

Modern Lima

Take Jiron de la Unión, a pedestrian street with shops, cafes and restaurants down to Plaza San Martín to see scenes from contemporary Lima life.

Stop at the original church of La Merced which was built before Lima was founded. The first mass in Lima was held here in 1534.

The Plaza San Martín was built in 1921 to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Peru’s independence and is named after Peru’s liberator José de San Martín. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Lima and is another great spot for people watching.

Head across to the iconic Hotel Bolívar, once Lima’s most famous hotel frequented by movie stars and presidents. It’s now a decrepit, old-fashioned place with often unfriendly wait staff but their pisco sour is undeniably one of Lima’s greats.

To finish off your day, head to the Parque de la Reserva to see the Magic Water Circuit. This fun light and water show takes place every evening after sunset. 13 interactive fountains use water, music and light to take you on a magical journey which is perfect for the kid in us all!

Click here to see our full one day itinerary for Lima’s historic centre.

Our favourite restaurants in Lima

Top places to stay in Lima for all budgets

The post What to See in Lima Peru in Two Days appeared first on Best of Peru Travel.

5 Best Boutique Hotels in Cusco

Best of Peru Travel — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:14:52 +0000

The hotel scene in Cusco is booming with new hotels opening their doors every month. Not all hotels are created equal however, and we definitely love the new breed of quirky, boutique hotels that offer something just that little bit different in this buzzing Inca city.

Here’s our list of the 5 best boutique hotels in Cusco for all budgets!

1. Palacio Nazarenas

The luxury boutique Palacio Nazarenas is possibly our favourite hotel in all of Peru. This all-suite boutique hotel is located in an impeccably restored 18th century colonial residence and boasts sumptuous travertine marble bathrooms complete with heated floors, exquisite bed linen, a comprehensive pillow menu, 24 hour butler service and a free in-room bar. Definitely worth the splurge!

Read our full review here.

The Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

Your butler is also your barman and will give you a Pisco Sour making class right in your suite! The perfect start to an evening in Cusco!

Lounging by Cusco’s only outdoor swimming pool.

Room rates from US$595

2. Inkaterra La Casona

The Inkaterra chain of hotels never ceases to impress us and La Casona on Plaza Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco is no different. This 11 room closed-door boutique hotel is an exquisite place to spend a night with sumptuous colonial-style rooms decorated with original weavings, tapestries and works of art curated by the hotel owners private collection from different periods of Peruvian history.

Read our full review here.

Inkaterra La Casona Boutique Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

Taking afternoon tea curled up in one of the cozy armchairs in front of the roaring fire in the lounge area.
The personalized service where no request is too big – try the bath butler service…

Rates from US$418

3. Fallen Angel Guesthouse

This four room boutique guesthouse is one of Cusco’s quirkier hotel offerings and is perfect if you are looking for something completely different! Each room has a different theme (passion, tranquility, strength and freedom) and is decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary, Incan and colonial design showcasing local Peruvian artists.

Read our full review here.

The Fallen Angel Boutique Guesthouse in Cusco.

What we love:

The bath-tub tables filled with goldfish in the bar downstairs.

The mind-popping visuals – wherever you look there is something different and interesting to catch your attention.

Room rates from US$180

4. Atiq Boutique Hotel

The Atiq boutique hotel is probably our favourite new boutique hotel that opened its doors in Cusco in 2015. This a luxury nine room hotel where all the focus is on personalized service. Located right in the heart of the city on Avenida del Sol with rooms designed by renowned Peruvian designer Elena Testino this is a great option for your Cusco stay. Rooms 302 and 303 were our favourites with great views of the Q’oricancha Temple.

Read our full review here.

Atiq Boutique Hotel in Cusco.

What we love:

The complete focus on personalised service. Owner Marcel and his team are on hand 24/7 to make sure you have an exceptional stay not only in the hotel itself but during your entire stay in Cusco.

Room rates from US$190

5. Tambo del Arriero

This 18 room hotel is our favourite budget boutique hotel option in Cusco. Located in a lovingly restored colonial mansion that was once a place of rest for traders, this boutique hotel option offers spacious, cozy rooms in a colonial style. Bathrooms are modern with fabulous showers and staff are friendly and helpful.

Read our full review here.

Tambo del Arriero Boutique Hotel in Cusco

What we love:

The great bathrooms with unexpected extras at this price point like heated towel racks and slippers.

The excellent coffee served at breakfast.

Room rates from US$120.

See more great accommodation options in Cusco here.

How to get to Cusco.

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Top 5 things to Do in Machu Picchu (besides visiting Machu Picchu!)

Best of Peru Travel — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 19:49:00 +0000

Machu Picchu is on most peoples’ bucket list and over a whopping two million people a year travel to this iconic World Heritage Site. However, most people head straight up to the citadel itself and miss out on some of the other great things to do in the town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), the departure point for any visit to Machu Picchu. Take a few extra hours to discover the top 5 things to do in Machu Picchu besides visiting Machu Picchu!

1. Marvel at the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum

This little-visited gem is a thirty minute walk from the town of Aguas calientes and is one of the must-see attractions in Machu Picchu. Learn about the discovery and history of Machu Picchu and see interesting artefacts like the original edition of the 1913 National Geographic magazine that published and announced Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu to the world. There is also a nice botanical garden next to the museum with samples of local plants and trees. Our tip: Stop here before you visit the ruins themselves as you will have a much better understanding of the citadel after a visit to the museum. Read more about the museum here

How to get there: The museum is a 30 minute walk from the pedestrian town of Aguas Calientes. Follow the same road as the buses heading up to Machu Picchu. When you cross the bridge, the museum is on the right hand side.

Details: S/.22/€6; drc-cusco.gob.pe

2. Bring the kids to the Butterfly House

There is something about this run-down butterfly farm that charms us every time we visit. Run by Machu Picchu local Leonardo and most definitely off the tourist track, the butterfly farm is a great place to bring the kids and show them the life-cycle of the butterfly and the importance of conserving the 8 species of butterfly found in Machu Picchu. Find out more about the Butterfly House here.

How to get there: The farm is a 25 minute walk from Aguas Calientes. Follow the same road as the buses heading up to Machu Picchu. The farm is located on the right hand side before you arrive at the bridge.

Details: S/.10/€2.75; mariposasdemachupicchu.com

3. Visit the Mandor Gardens & Waterfall

A gentle, 40-minute stroll from Aguas Calientes leads you to this little oasis. explore the tropical rainforest, picnic or take a dip in the cooling waterfall.

How to get there: Follow the train tracks out of Aguas Calientes. Mandor is a 40 minute walk from town and is sign-posted along the train tracks (bring a hat, water and sunscreen as it gets hot… and insect repellent as there can be mosquitoes.)

Details: S/.30/€8.25; jardinesdemandor.com

4. Cocalmayo Hot Springs

Forget the overcrowded baths in Aguas Calientes and instead take a day trip to the nearby town of Santa Teresa to bathe in pools of crystal-clear thermal water.

Each of these natural pools is a different temperature, so a visit is ideal for soothing sore muscles after all that hiking – plus the location is stunning next to the roaring Vilcanota River. The hot springs are open 24/7 – if you like stargazing, head for a stunning night-time experience; otherwise mornings are best.

How to get there: Catch the Peru Rail train from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (€28 approx.) and get a shared taxi from three to the hot pools.

Details: S/.10/€2.25; mincetur.gob.pe

5. Visit the Orchid Garden

It’s rainy season in Machu Picchu and now is the perfect time to do some orchid spotting. Machu Picchu is famous for its orchids which bloom mainly between November and March and there’s no better place to see 400 orchid species than the slightly ramshackle orchid garden run by the Mendoza Mora family. Click here to find out how to get to

the orchid garden.

More Machu Picchu Travel Information:

(Article first published in the Irish Independent on 13/11/2015)

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Top 7 Romantic Date Ideas in Cusco

Best of Peru Travel — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 16:30:36 +0000

In the mood for love but tired of romantic candle-lit dinners for two and generic bunches of flowers? There are lots of fun, unique and romantic date ideas in Cusco. Here’s our list of the top 7 romantic date ideas in Cusco region in no particular order.

1. Travel to Machu Picchu luxury-style…

For a beautiful memory of your Machu Picchu trip, travel in style on the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to the famous Inca citadel. Champagne and live music in the train station kick off this unforgettable experience, as you enjoy gourmet food, entertainment and stunning views along the journey. Guaranteed to put a big smile on his or her face!

2. Adrenaline-rush…

For a shot of adrenaline unlike anything you have ever tried, book one of the Skylodge Adventure Suites in the Sacred Valley. Spend the night in your own private plastic capsule dangling 400m above the ground attached to the cliff face by nothing more than steel cables… Yes, you heard that right just steel cables! A gourmet dinner and wine is included and this is an experience guaranteed to spice up any date night!

3. Star gazing…

For a night time activity try a trip to the Cusco Planetarium where you will learn all about Incan astronomy and can star gaze upon Cusco’s beautiful starry sky with your loved one.

4. Take a romantic night-time walk

Valentine’s doesn’t always have to be about grand gestures and expensive meals and gifts. Cusco is a great place to take a romantic walk around the heart of this colonial city that is beautifully lit up at night.

Wander through the San Blas district, around the Main Square, Plaza Regocijo and Plaza San Francisco to discover some of the romance of this city.

5. Indulge in a sensory experience

For a sensory overload, head to Fallen Angel for a cocktail or dinner. Goldfish-filled bathtub tables, disco balls and a massive ‘fallen’ angel along with lots of contemporary art by local artists on display make this one of Cusco’s coolest hang-outs.

Gluten-free breakfast options at Palacio del Inka Hotel.

6. Start the day with a decadent breakfast

For a decadent start to the day head to the Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel for their buffet breakfast. This is one of the best breakfast spreads in Cusco and includes healthy and gluten-free options as well great pastries, hot breakfast dishes and an a la carte breakfast menu with delicious eggs benedict and quinoa pancakes.

7. Splurge on a luxury picnic.

For a Valentine’s day date unlike any other, splurge on a luxury picnic served up by the team behind the Cicciolina restaurant. Forget soggy sandwiches and luke-warm tea and try sipping on a cocktail as you admire the stunning Sacred Valley view from your own private picnic area before dining on rustic Andean fare.

Click here to see more fun things to do and see in Cusco, Peru.

Information on the best places to eat in Cusco.

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Top Spots For The Best Breakfast In Cusco

Best of Peru Travel — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 00:49:41 +0000

Looking for the best breakfast in Cusco? They do say all happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast and we tend to agree. We love nothing more than a lazy brunch and reading the weekend papers while sipping some of Peru’s finest coffee.

Some days we feel like something quick and light for breakfast and on others a 2 hour leisurely brunch is needed! Here is our pick of the top cafes and restaurants serving the best breakfast in Cusco. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a quick coffee, a fix of Western-style breakfast or something a little more high-end…

Cicciolina

We love Cicciolina any time of day but their brunch options served until 11.30am are delicious! Try the poached egg served with caramelised tomato, grilled asparagus and crusty bread. Another favourite is the breakfast ‘mezza’ plate which is great to share and comes with a selection of cream cheese, smoked trout, scrambled egg, grilled veggies and artichoke fritatta served with their fresh bread baked daily in their on-site bakery.

Their coffee is some of the best in Cusco and the vibe is laid-back elegance. Breakfast dishes start from S/.24 and coffee from S/.7.

Address: Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd Floor, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 23 95 10.

Read our full review here.

Poached egg, grilled asparagus and caramelized tomato at Cicciolina.

Jack’s Cafe

This is one of Cusco’s hottest spots for hearty all-day breakfasts. Don’t be surprised to find queues of people out the door waiting for a table. Favourite brunch dishes include the ‘El Gordo’, a dish heaped with bacon, eggs, sausage, bacon, fried potatoes, beans and toast for S/.20 and the big fluffy pancakes served with caramelized bananas for S/.18. They also do a great coffee and their gooey brownies are to die for…

The vibe is busy, casual and the crowd is mainly Western.

Address: Calle Choquechaka 509, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 254 606.

Read our full review here.

Palacio del Inka Hotel

We were deliciously surprised by a recent visit to try the breakfast at the Palacio del Inka Hotel. Open to the public, breakfast is served from 5am until 10am and is perfect for anyone looking for a gourmet-style brunch with five star service in the stunning setting of their colonial courtyard.

Breakfast costs US$23 and includes an a-la-carte menu with options such as brioche French toast served with maple syrup and excellent eggs benedict. You can also help yourself to the mind-boggling selection of options on the buffet which include a great gluten-free range of dishes, healthy options including smoothies, fruit and granola and the usual suspects including a delicious range of French pastries, meats and cheeses.

Address: Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 231 961

Read our full review of Palacio del Inka hotel here.

Eggs Benedict at Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Cocoliso

For those looking for a lighter breakfast option head to the quirky Cocoliso Cafe on Calle Palacio 122. Run by Tomas and Elise, this is a great spot to grab a good coffee and a French pastry while soaking up the morning sun in their cute courtyard.

When you’re done, head across to the Cocoliso boutique full of designs by contemporary designers including their own Cocoliso brand, Lorena Pestaña jewellery and the SaKé range of handbags.

Pastries from S/.3.50 and Coffee from S/. 6.

Address: Calle Palacio 122, (inisde the courtyard), Cusco.

Phone: (+51) 84 242 159.

Read our full review of Cocoliso Cafe here.

Click here for more great places to eat in Cusco.

Download your free copy of ‘The Ultimate Machu Picchu Guide’ here.

The post Top Spots For The Best Breakfast In Cusco appeared first on Best of Peru Travel.

Coca Leaf Tea For Preventing Altitude Sickness in Cusco

Best of Peru Travel — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 12:00:12 +0000

Something that may surprise you, but that you will most certainly encounter on your visit to Cusco, is the open sale of coca leaves and coca tea (mate) in markets, cafes and even supermarkets.

More importantly, though Coca leaves are indeed the basic ingredient for cocaine, they are NOT in any way addictive (unless you were to consume them by the ton!) or bad for your health. A good analogy is that coca leaves are to cocaine what poppies are to heroin.

Coca leaves were sacred to the Incas, and since then have been used as a natural remedy for many ailments, including headache, sore throat and stomach upsets. Today, the coca leaf is a vital part of the Peruvian national identity.

Read our top tips to avoid altitude sickness in Cusco & Machu Picchu

It isn’t uncommon to see people walking the streets of Cusco with a slight bulge in their cheeks. Fear not, they aren’t making some rude facial gesture (we hope!), they are simply chewing coca leaves (this is done in similar fashion to chewing tobacco).

Many Peruvians, especially the indigenous, chew coca leaves or drink coca tea in the same way that you might drink your morning coffee to get the day going. Mate de coca is similar in looks and taste to green tea, slightly bitter with some sweetness. Much like caffeine, the effects of coca include increased energy levels (very useful if you’re schedule is jam-packed full of sightseeing, shopping or trekking!) and increased alertness.

Where coca leaves really come in handy, however, is for the treatment of altitude sickness, something that many visitors to Cusco will experience. The benign properties of the plant are somewhat of a ‘miracle medicine’, and are highly effective at treating the symptoms of altitude sickness, or ‘soroche’.

If you’re still slightly wary of trying out coca leaves or drinking mate, just remember that it is NOT cocaine. It is not addictive, nor will it get get you ‘high’, and it can be a godsend when dealing with the high altitude of the Andes and the resulting queasiness and low energy levels. Most hotels offer complimentary coca tea 24 hours a day to help guests acclimatise to the high altitude and trust us it works!

All you need to know about how to beat altitude sickness in Cusco & Machu Picchu!

Food in Peru – Essential Peruvian Cusine

Best of Peru Travel — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:17:44 +0000

Until recently, many tourists would have viewed Lima as a necessary diversion on their way to Cusco, the former Inca capital, and Machu Picchu. But in recent years the Peruvian capital has become somewhat of a gastronomic mecca for Peruvian cuisine: It’s estimated that as many as 100,000 tourists now come to Lima each year for the food in Peru.

Blessed with an abundant variety of natural resources, from the seafood of the Pacific to the vegetables of the Andes and the wild tropical abundance of herbs and fish from the Amazon, Peru’s disparate climates – from coastal desert to Andean valleys and Amazon jungle – produce a cornucopia of fruit, fish, vegetables, spices and grains.

An example of the sheer magnitude of available ingredients in Peru is that it famously yields 3,000 varieties of the simple potato.

But the country doesn’t just have great ingredients; it has one of the world’s great culinary fusions.

Over the past two centuries, with the arrival of African slaves, along with an amalgamation of immigrants, including Italians, Japanese and Chinese, a strange and eclectic blend of cuisines and cooking styles have been stewing together (excuse the pun), and the past two decades have seen increasing innovation based on that rich variety.

Virgilio Martinez’ Central Restaurant in Miraflores, Lima.

Considered a secret gem of worldwide gastronomy for some time, over the past few years Peruvian cuisine – and that of Lima in particular – has become less and less of a secret, to the point where it has overtaken even the traditional stalwarts of worldwide cooking: countries like Italy and France. According to Restaurant magazine, an astonishing seven of the top fifteen worldwide restaurants are found in Peru.

So any tourist thinking of arriving to Lima only to quickly depart should think twice. And most of those who do take the time to discover Lima, other than maybe the most seasoned of gastronomites, will realize soon enough just how little they really know about food, and how it can be served; on menus here they will find all sorts of almost-unimaginable fare: from Alpaca to freshwater snails, from ceviche to guinea pig. Not to mention the molecular gastronomy craze in Lima, which is increasingly rivaling even the Nordic experts of that particular genre of cooking.

“Cooking now vies with Machu Picchu as a source of national pride”

Nikkei cuisine done to perfection at Maido Restaurant in Lima.

There are a whole generation of chefs spreading a new Peruvian vision of what food can become when approached with typical Peruvian inventiveness, and this nationalist vision is typified by a man named Gaston Acurio, chef and owner of a host of restaurants in both Lima and abroad and known as the godfather of Peruvian gastronomy – and even tipped by some as a future president; proof, if it was needed, of just how important Peruvians take their cusine.

Cooking now vies with Machu Picchu as a source of national pride, and it’s no surprise given the sheer number of quality restaurants to be found in both Lima and Peru, and the astonishing smorgasbord of different foods and their different preparations.

By Chris Connolly.

Click here to see our favourite restaurants in Lima, Peru.

Best restaurants in Cusco, Peru.

The post Food in Peru – Essential Peruvian Cusine appeared first on Best of Peru Travel.

Great Quinoa Recipe from Cuchara de Palo Restaurant in Pisac

Best of Peru Travel — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:10:41 +0000

One of our big pleasures in the Cusco region is visiting local markets and restaurants and discovering fabulous new foods, ingredients and flavours. Peru is currently undergoing a gastronomic boom with a renewed interest in the incredibly diverse and flavorsome ingredients found throughout the country. The Andes region of Peru is particularly rich and diverse producing some of Peru’s ‘flagship’ products including quinoa, maca and over 300 varieties of native potatoes.

This week we stopped by the Cuchara de Palo restaurant in Pisac to chat with head Chef Leonel Witman Almanza Ccori who agreed to show us how to make a traditional Andean recipe of ‘quinotto’, a type of risotto made with the Andean super-grain quinoa.

Chef Leonel explains that all his dishes are created using local Andean products and ingredients including aji amarillo (a tasty yellow chilli pepper) and grains like quinoa and kiwicha as he wants visitors to the Sacred Valley to be able to taste real Andean food. It’s also the restaurants vision to give back to the local community by buying their produce locally – their greens and veggies come from the Kusi Ñan organic farm project, trout is brought down from the high altitude lakes surrounding Pisac and other produce is delivered fresh from the surrounding highland communities.

Quinoa is currently one of the ‘hottest’ super foods in the world and is also one of the key ingredients in Leonel’s dishes. The word “quinoa” is pronounced “KEEN-wah” and comes from the local Quechua language. It is in fact a seed, is gluten and cholesterol-free, high in protein, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and was known as the ‘Gold of the Incas’.

So let’s get cooking and try some for ourselves…

Quinotto Ingredients:

100g quinoa
200g water
20g diced red pepper
20g shredded spinach
15g sliced mushromos
10g diced onion
10g crushed garlic
20g brazil nuts cut into thin slices
2 tbsp olive oil
20g Andean cheese (cheddar or mozzarella will also work well)
20g cream
3oz whole milk
Dash of white wine
Parmesan cheese to garnish
Salt & pepper

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yield: Serves 1 adult portion.

Quinotto Ingredients.

Method:

Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat oil, garlic and onion in a frying pan until they turn transparent.
Add the red pepper, mushrooms, spinach, brazil nuts and splash of white wine and cook for two minutes.
Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and slowly add the milk and cream.
Add the cheese and mix until it melts into the mixture.
Season with salt and pepper and top with parmesan cheese.
Serve with a fresh green salad and enjoy!

The finished dish. Mmm…

For more information on the Cuchara de Palo restaurant click here

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