Destination
We recommend you visit Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and take into account spending a stay of 2 to 3 days to not miss anything. Here you will find some of the suggestions that the hotel Palacio Manco Capac has selected especially for you. These are the places you cannot miss during your stay in Cusco. Check with our reception staff 24 hours a day.
The city of Cusco
Just a few steps from the hotel you will find one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the entire city: the historic center. The architectural beauty of its colonial buildings together with the preservation of its Inca streets makes the city of Cusco one of the essential visits during your trip to Peru.
Points of interest: Plaza de Armas, Barrio de San Blas, Qorikancha, Convent of Santo Domingo, Cusco Cathedral, Stone of the 12 angles and the central market of San Pedro.
The Temple of the Sun
Also known as Coricancha, this was the most important sanctuary during the Archaic Empire built in 1200 A.D. In this place worship was given to the sun, considered by the Incas as the maximum god. This architectural complex stands out above all for its walled area, perfectly preserved. It should be noted that the temple underwent several modifications in its appearance due to the subsequent colonization process.
Surrounding archaeological areas
If what you are looking for is to soak 100% of the Inca culture and visit the remains of its architecture without leaving the city we recommend moving to several points:
- Sacsayhuamán, an Inca ceremonial temple located in the north of the city in a valley with abundant fauna and flora, among which flames and hawks stand out.
- Qenqo, an archaeological site where religious ceremonies were held.
- Tambomachay, an archaeological complex dedicated to the worship of water with several aqueducts, canals and the waterfalls.
- Puca Pucara, a military fortress composed of large walls, terraces and staircases that were part of the defensive set of the city.
The Machu Picchu
One of the Seven Wonders of the World which tour, of course, cannot be missed. It is an ancient Inca city built in the middle of the 15th century and converted into one of the most precious jewels of all Peru.
The route to start this visit begins in Aguas Calientes, from where you can start a complete route to discover the entire environment and archaeological complex that these mountains contain.
Mountains of colors: La Vinicunca and Palcoyo
Near Cusco you will find an imposing mountain that stands out, more than for its height, for its colorful appearance: La Vinicunca. Located in the Cordillera de Vilcanota, the characteristic color of this mountain is due to a geological formation accumulated over time, mixing marine, lake and river elements. Your visit demands a certain physical form, as it takes five hours to get there through a walking route, but it is worthy only for the incredible views that the landscape offers there. It is currently closed to the public.
We propose you an alternative visit, another of the most emblematic colorful mountains: Palcoyo. This visit is more comfortable for the traveller as it can be easily reached by car, reducing the journey time on foot.