Cusco

Standing at the head of the Sacred Valley, the World Heritage Site of Cusco was founded around 1100AD and for over 400 years served as the capital and spiritual home of the Incas. Largely destroyed and rebuilt by the conquering Spanish, the city is now a vibrant mix of Inca architecture, Spanish colonial buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants, hotels and small boutiques.  At an altitude of 3300 metres, the city has a pleasant, sunny, cool climate.  At its heart is the central Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral of La Compañía de Jesus built on the visible foundations of an Inca palace. One of the best preserved Inca buildings is the Temple of the Sun, now forming part of the 17th Century church of Santo Domingo.  Overlooking the city to the north is the Inca ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman with some very impressive Inca stonework.

Hotel Monasterio

Originally built in 1592 on the site of an old Inca palace, this converted monastery is a world class hotel owned by the Orient-Express Group. Many of the original features still remain including the ornate chapel, central courtyard and communal areas with high ceilings and open fires to keep out the Andean chill. The service and food are first class and the hotel has a convenient central location.