A Vacation in Cusco, Peru

Posted by Jennifer W. Miner Mar 20, 2007

A vacation in Peru is like none other. Tourists can really delve into the Peruvian culture, and come away richer for the experience. Any trip to Peru really should include at least a few nights' stay in Cusco. Also spelled Cuzco or Qosqo, this city was the capital of the Inca Empire. Today, Cusco is a bustling, top travel destination.

The high altitude of Cusco takes some getting used to. I know that at least one luxury hotel in the city pumps additional oxygen into its rooms and suites, to aid their guests' acclimation. And another hotel, a sweet, classy boutique called The Garden House, is just a little outside the city limits; It's just enough less elevated to also aid acclimation to the high altitude of this region.

If you're planning a trip to Peru, Cusco is probably already on your list. If not, it should be. Try to arrange your vacation to coincide with one of Cusco's great festivals; you won't be disappointed. My favorite is the Inca Festival of the Sun.

And, of course, you'll be going to see Machu Picchu. How could you not? The route from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes travelers through The Sacred Valley, which in turn has many eye-opening sights to see. People with even a passing interest in the Inca Empire, and the Spanish colonization of Peru, will have an amazing vacation in this region.