Machu Picchu and Cusco are two of the world's best known and fascinating sites, and both are a 'must' on anyone's visit to Peru. Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, is a beautiful, yet rare mix of indigenous culture and colonial splendour. It was ruled by the magnificent Incas from 1200AD, until the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1534. Today many interesting highlights from both these civilisations await any visitor, including the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay, and out to the Sacred Valley and traditional markets at Pisac and Chinchero.
Machu Picchu, the magical Lost City of the Incas, hides in the lush Andean mountains some 70 miles from Cusco. These ancient ruins are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec and were then mysteriously lost in history until stumbled upon in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham. Despite recent studies, knowledge of Machu Picchu remains sketchy, with evidence merely suggesting it must once have been an important ceremonial centre. What is clear is that anyone making the effort to visit the site will be duly rewarded and whilst we recommend travelling by the Hiram Bingham Orient Express rail service to Machu Picchu, those able to trek the legendary Inca Trail will enjoy a 'once in a life time' view and sense of achievement on arrival at the Inca Gate.
Enjoy Machu Picchu holidays and Cusco tours with Abercrombie and Kent. Our experts have first hand experience and will help you build your perfect Peru holidays.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu is located in an enchanted five-hectare cloud forest garden alongside the Vilcanota River and on the edge of the village of Aguas Calientes. Located just a short shuttle ride from the...
La Casona is Cusco's first luxury boutique hotel. A former colonial manor house it was amongst the earliest Spanish constructions in Cusco, built over an Inca complex and occupied by the conquistadores...
Exclusively nestled adjacent to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Inca citadel, the Orient Express Sanctuary Lodge welcomes you to a place rich in ancient heritage, renowned spirituality and incredible natural...
Perfectly positioned in the centre of Cusco, this 16th century monastery serves as a museum hotel, resplendent with unique features and 'Cusco Baroque' architecture. Originally built in 1592 on the site of the...
A ‘comfort seeker's alternative to the tents and sleeping bags of the standard Inca Trail’, The Mountain Lodge Trek incorporates the first Trans-Andean lodge to lodge trek...
The Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection Hotel is a new addition to the Libertador Group of hotels, located in the very heart of the timeless Sacred Valley of the Incas overlooking the Urubamba River.