In total, we spent 4 days visiting Cuzco because, unlike Arequipa, the city was a real favorite. We loved its cobbled streets, small shops, markets and good restaurants. In the end we do not regret planning so much time in the Inca Valley, almost a week in total.
I will say 4 days. The first two allowed us to visit the city and organize ourselves to book our trip to Machu Picchu. We also visit the Pisac site easily in half a day taking a bus. To go to Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo we leave our big bags at the hotel in Cuzco, they are already used. Then we return to Cuzco after our stop in Ollantaytambo. I spent the last days visiting the cathedral and the site of Chinchero. To visit the other sites of the Sacred Valley Intinerary, Cuzco, it is a good base. Since the city is quite central, its location makes it possible to visit most of the Inca sites during the day with buses. Honestly, if we had time, we would have stayed a few more days. It does not mean that Cuzco deserves its inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage.
It is the most beautiful and typical neighborhood of Cuzco. Located on the heights of the city, it seems hung on the hill. Daedalus cobbled streets, small restaurants, small shops, is a neighborhood, certainly very touristy but it has a lot of charm. San Blas is also known for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere. We have not regretted having booked our hotel in this area, and we recommend that you do the same. If this is not the case, you will continuously climb the streets to return to San Blas. And yes, the only negative side is that it rises dry and, as we are at 3400 m altitude, you will feel breathless!
Getting lost in the alleys of the San Blas district, walking through the Plaza de Armas and visiting the cathedral is excellent. I did not take photos because we have no right, but frankly it is worth it. The interior of the cathedral is rococo to perfection. At that time, they spared no gold and paintings! The visit is done with an audio guide, but it takes a good time to visit.
On the other hand, we visited the Monastery of Santa Catalina in Sena and we were not delighted. You can also negotiate your memories in the market of San Pedro, huge and cheap; shopping, there are many stores to buy and it is cheaper than in other cities; Drink real coffee or good tea. There are many small tea rooms. The city has a very European side: small cafes, small restaurants. Cuzco has a lot of charm and we never get tired of it.
I chose 2 directions to eat in Cuzco. The first is a vegetarian restaurant in San Blas, the Green Point. The dishes are super good and fresh. In addition, the addition is not too salty, about 40 soles the dish. I tried their lasagna and lentil soups, a delight. The second most surprising it may seem is a restaurant run by a German couple, Heidi Farm. Alpaca meat is to die for. It is a bit more expensive, take 60 soles the dish, but what a kitchen! For the French in pain of the country, there is also the creperie of Bo'M. The pancakes are super good and are not expensive. Count between 15 and 20 soles. The 3 restaurants are located in the San Blas district
We were lucky because it was very nice, the sun was on the date almost every day. On the other hand, as soon as the sun sets around 5pm, it gets serious. A jacket, fleece, gloves, scarves, in short, everything that is hot in the bag should come out quickly.
Machu Picchu tickets 2021 - 2022