Cusco

Cusco rightfully has the title of South America's historical and archaeological capital. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, this stunning open-air museum is located in the Andes' Urubamba valley region at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. Cusco is translated from Quechua as «the center of the universe», as starting from the central square here, the Empire was divided into four parts and all the Imperial roads began from here as well. In fact, Cusco was like South American Rome, where all paths led. Now the city is strikingly different from the ancient and mysterious capital, but its traces still appear through the streets' pavements and elegant carvings on the facades of the city's churches and buildings. The city is notable not only for the world-famous Machu Picchu, there is also an unsurpassed in its beauty unspoilt nature, a large number of archaeological sites, museums and temples, including the majestic Temple of the Sun. In Cusco, you can stay in one of the comfortable hotels, enjoy the full local color and taste an exquisite cuisine of the peruvian indians, that is as exotic as the country itself. Due to Cusco high altitude, it is the best to start your trip in the region with a two-day rest at the hotel. During the acclimatization period, you should limit the use of meat and include Coca leaf tea into your diet. Coca leaf tea is an integral part of the local culture and helps to adapt the new conditions in a much faster way.