Cusco: Where Empires Meet in the Andes

High in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco blends Inca ingenuity with Spanish grandeur. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the city still whispers its ancient past through the remarkable 12 angled stone; a masterwork of precision masonry fitted so perfectly it needs no mortar. Above the city lies Sacsayhuamán, a vast Inca fortress whose massive walls overlook the valley like a timeless guardian. In the bustling markets, stalls overflow with colourful alpaca wool garments, while the scent of sizzling street food drifts through the air — from skewers of guinea pig (cuy) to steaming bowls of Andean soups. By night, Cusco’s lively hostels hum with music and chatter from travellers swapping tales over pisco sours. Wander into the old town and you’ll find stately Spanish colonial mansions, their ornate facades rising from foundations first laid by Inca hands. There are some brilliant bars overlooking the central Square where you can buy a Pisco Sour, one of Peru's signature drinks! Cusco is also the start point for the Inca trail - I went with Intrepid who provided an absolutely first class experience, including a tour of Cusco and accommodation in the city as part of our package. #latinamerica #peru #adventuremoments #travel #localfood #andes #inca #cathedral