Upcoming Event
21 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012
Every year on June 24th Cusco's biggest festival, the Inti Raymi, takes places in the city and in the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. It's South America's second biggest festival after Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.
Welcome to Cusco! World Heritage Site!
Cusco is a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular tourist destinations of Peru. Also known as "Cuzco", or "Qosqo" in Quechua, it is situated in southern Peru and was once the capital of the famed Inca Empire. The Plaza de Armas combines historic architecture, as visible in the cathedral, with exotic dining options, a pulsating nightlife, and a good range of Cusco hotels. Cosy narrow streets, friendly native people, impressive Inca remains and wonderful historical buildings are some of the things for which the millions of visitors come to Cusco every year. >> Check out our customer feedback and book with us!
Cusco's extraordinary charm lies in its grand colonial-era houses and majestic monuments that reflect its rich hoary past - in fact, the city's unique charm appeals to even the most seasoned travellers.
The original Incan city of Cusco is said to have been established in the 11th century but when it was conquered by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro in 1533, the capital of Peru was shifted to Lima in 1535. The remnants of that period are still visible among the ruins of the Palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. In fact Cusco is an archaeological treasure with Incan ruins visible all around the city and numerous things to see and do. Of special note are Sacsayhuaman (below the huge statue of Christ that soars over Cusco) and the well-known Machu Picchu, which is accessible by train or can even be trekked to from the city.
Cusco is a melting pot of traditional customs, ethnic arts and handicrafts. Visitors to Cusco are treated with great warmth and hospitality at the numerous Cusco hotels and restaurants. You can even use our Cusco map to choose your hotel in Cusco based on its location. As one of the most important locations of the Incan empire, Cusco offers unique glimpses into the Incan culture through its wonderful temples and architecture. Cusco is a fascinating mixture of old Europe and the new continent. The city displays the cultures of the different periods in its history - pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican - through its ruins, museums, churches, and mansions. Taking a locally led Cusco tour is the ideal way of learning about the history and culture of this fascinating city.
The themes in Cusco's paintings predominantly revolve around Native American subjects. During the colonial era, the Cuzco School of Art was renowned throughout Spanish America for its religious themes. The influence of the Spaniards in the Andean era is evident in the structures erected upon Incan remains. Colonial buildings reveal the influence of Spanish and indigenous styles of architecture that blended to form the Creole style. The influence of the Moors is evident in the Mudejar style, which originated in Arab North Africa and passed on to the Americas through Spain.
Even though Cusco is a major tourist destination, it has still not fallen prey to excessive, expensive commercialism and retains its unique cultural identity. We are local to Cusco and can help you find the perfect hotel in Cusco and also offer some interesting and exciting tours in Cusco and its surrounds. We can help you plan your ideal Cusco holiday!
Casa de Campo
Location: Cusco
From: USD 45
Located in the authentic district of San Blas, the Casa De Campo reflects silence and peacefulness. Beautiful views over the city, together with its green courtyards and terraces will make you feel comfortable and give you the energy needed to experience Cusco at its best.
[more info]
El Andariego
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 42
El Andariego is located in the middle of the centre in Cusco, but one does need to open their eyes in order to find this secret antique place. Hidden behind some offices guests will find this small paradise, not even three blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
[more info]Yanantin Guesthouse
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 55
After two years of hard work, Guesthouse Yanantin finally opened its doors in April 2010. This is a small place with only 7 rooms and a contemporary look from the modern design and fresh colour scheme.
[more info]Andean South Inn
Location: Cusco
From: USD 33
The Andean South Inn was opened in February last year and has already gained a good reputation in Cusco. The rooms and public places are decorated in a modern and style with nice paintings and artefacts (for sale) all over the place.
[more info]
Casa Elena
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 37
Casa Elena bears the name of its owner, Elena Chemin; she is married to Ives and together they run this beautiful hotel located just 2 blocks from Cusco´s Plaza de Armas. The hotel also offers you high quality services and enthusiastic, friendly and well trained staff members to make you feel right at home.
[more info]Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
From: USD 420 / person(assuming 2 travellers)
On this two day/one night excursion, travellers ride on the Peru railway along the Urubamba River and trek into the magnificent Andes. As the clouds clear in this beautiful forest, the beauty of Machu Picchu will be revealed and guests will be in awe of the intriguing Incan civilisation. [more info]
Rock climbing in Sacsayhuaman
15 minutes away from Cusco's centre, you will have the opportunity to participate in the fastest growing adventure sport in Peru, rock climbing! Guests will have the assistance of an official guide and the course suitable for all ages.
[more info]Kayak Tour 1 Day
With so many things to do in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, it can be difficult to choose. A full day of kayaking is certainly a great option! This adventure tour heads out on a beautiful lake, surrounded by spectacular nature and only two hours from Cusco.
[more info]Cultural Cusco Walking Tour
Imagine yourself walking around with a knowledgeable friend, and you can gain an idea of what it is like to go on one of our private excursions. We avoid the typical tourist places and introduce you to the heart of Cusco.
[more info]Archaeological Tour in the Sacred Valley
For those interested in learning more about the fascinating history and culture of the Incas through their fabulous creations, this is the tour for you! This one day trip will wind you through some of the most famous ruins of the Incas with detailed explanations all along the way.
[more info]La Casona
Location: Cusco
From: USD 380
La Casona forms part of the famous Inkaterra hotel chain and was built between 1585 and 1700. Inkaterra has hotels in Cusco, Aguas Calientes and a jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado and this brand reflects extraordinary quality.
[more info]Eco Inn
Location: Cusco
From: USD 130
The Hotel Eco Inn forms part of a hotel chain with hotels in Peru and Venezuela. Besides their hotel in Cusco, they have a hotel in Puno and one in the Colca Valley near Arequipa.
All their hotels are eco friendly and in order to know more about this you can read the Caring for Destination information.
Hotel Jose Antonio
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 140
Hotel Jose Antonio is a pretty new hotel on Cusco's main street, Avenida El Sol. It combines excellent new architecture with an old colonial style.
With its sauna, solarium and parking garage it has some unique features which will make your stay here certainly worthwhile.
Casa Andina Private Collection
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 240.90
Casa Andina is a famous hotel chain in Peru and has 5 hotels in Cusco. Their hotels are divided in two categories, the Casa Andina "Classic" Hotels and the Casa Andina "Private Collection" Hotels. Their slogan is "Casa Andina, inspired by a sense of place" and all the hotels are known for their superior value and top-notch locations.
The hotel Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is truly king of all the Casa Andina hotels in Cusco. The hotel is build in a renovated 18th century colonial house and with its fountains, a cosy fireplace, three interior patios, gourmet restaurant and paintings from artists of the Cusco's School of Art all over the place it could almost be compared with a museum.
The Small Luxury Guesthouse
Location: CuscoFrom: USD 275
“The” Small Luxury Guest House is a one of a kind in Cusco. Its most unique design with paintings, sculptures, and modern furniture make it impossible to compare this accommodation to another in Cusco.
The guesthouse is small with only four rooms available, and its petite size allows for optimal attention and luxury. The exceptional decor filled with rich colours and countless mirrors combine to create a lovely atmosphere.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
From: USD 520 / person(assuming 2 travellers)
Join us for this 4 day/3 night adventure on one of the most famous hikes in the world, the Inca Trail. An experienced guide will lead you through grass highlands, diverse tropical mountain forest, and ancient ruins on granite pathways to the stunning lost city of Machu Picchu.
[more info]Huchoy Qosqo Trek and Machupicchu
Come experience the most beautiful short trek in the Cusco region on this 3 day/2 night journey through the Sacred Valley! The trek will commence at Patabamba and lead to Huchuy Qosqo before taking the famous Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
[more info]Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Gain a first-hand glimpse into the Andean way of life during this 4 day/3 night trek on the Lares Track through the Sacred Valley and finally entering into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The beauty of the Andes highlands is astounding and make for an unforgettable experience.
[more info]Quishuarani - The 2 day encounter with the Andean shepherd
We offer you the chance to live an intense experience: walking with shepherds, sharing their community life and listening to them talking about their history.
[more info]Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
From: USD 420 / person(assuming 2 travellers)
On this two day/one night excursion, travellers ride on the Peru railway along the Urubamba River and trek into the magnificent Andes. As the clouds clear in this beautiful forest, the beauty of Machu Picchu will be revealed and guests will be in awe of the intriguing Incan civilisation. [more info]
Welcome to Cusco!
Hello and a warm welcome from Chaska Tours .... your local connection in Cusco, Peru! We are right here in what was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and we know exactly why the Incas thought so highly of it, Cusco is an outstanding place to live or visit. We can assist you with all your travel needs or inquiries to make your trip in Peru smooth and stress-free. Send your questions our way, and if you are in Cusco, be sure to stop in the office and say hello! Cheers!
[more]Customer Feedback
Good service - a small glitch in the computer program that registered us as unpaid - but rectified by the staff promptly on line.Ms Susan B. - Australia
