Places to see

• Plaza de Armas

  The Plaza de Armas was once the Centre of the Inca Empire. Ruins of the Inca City can be seen nearby. Today the Plaza de Armas is one of the finest Colonial Squares in Peru.

  The north-eastern side of the square is dominated by the magnificent Cathedral; on the south-eastern edge of the Plaza is the smaller but more ornate church of the Society of Jesus.

  Flanking the rest of the square are arcades with shops, restaurants and coffee shops many of which have beautifully carved wooden balconies overlooking the Plaza. The Plaza de Armas is the perfect place from which to saunter through the old streets of Cusco, or just to sit and watch the world go by.

  

• Catedral de Cusco

  The 17th century Catedral de Cusco is considered one of the most impressive and significant monuments of South America. Built in the shape of a Latin cross on the site of a former Inca palace, its three-aisled nave is supported by only fourteen massive pillars.

  It contains almost 400 colonial paintings, the most famous of which is the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata showing Christ and the Apostles preparing to feast on guinea-pig.

  Legend has it that when the Cathedral was built, an Inca Prince was walled up in one of the towers, and that if ever the tower falls he will emerge to free his people.

  The Cathedral is a particularly fine sight during Religious festivals; it stands just 300 meters from our hostel.

  

• Plaza de San Francisco

  A few blocks from the Plaza de Armas lies the Plaza San Francisco, a thriving little square and a great place to visit one of Cusco’s fine coffee shops. The main market of Cusco, next to the plaza, specialises in traditional food and other items such as clothes and souvenirs. It offers a charming typical atmosphere just a couple of minutes from our hostel.

  

• Qoricancha

  A ten-minute walk along the Avenida del Sol from the Plaza de Armas will bring you to the Qoricancha. This was the Sun Temple, the central site of worship for the Incas.

  The Conquistadors devastated the site and built their Christian Church, Santo Domingo, on top of the ruins, but the lower part of the temple is well preserved and is well worth the visit. The site affords stunning views over the area surrounding Cusco.

  

• Avenida del sol

  The Avenida del Sol, which starts at the Plaza de Armas and heads out towards the airport, is one of the main arteries of the city. It is a bustling, busy street and houses many banks and travel agencies. Visit the Paccha de Pumaqchupan, a modern ornamental fountain which stands half way along the Avenue.