There are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Cusco – you’ll need to fly to Lima (with one or two stops) and then take an internal flight to Cusco.

• Currency: Nuevo Sol 
• Time difference: GMT-5 
• Flight from UK: 23 and a half hours 
• Visa: No 
• Language: Spanish 
• National drink: Pisco sour 
• National dish: Ceviche

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Activities

Traditionally dishes in Cusco and the Sacred Valley have centred on corn, potatoes, rice and indigenous meats including cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca like in pachamanca, a meal of slow-cooked meat, corn, cheese and potatoes. Another traditional dish is lomo saltado, steak sautéed with peppers and onions. Un-traditionally, the city now has a local brewery producing IPAs, stouts and sour ales. And if you’re feeling the effects of altitude, coco leaves are said to ease your pain!

Cusco & the Sacred Valley Attractions

As the former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco and the Sacred Valley – essentially gateways to Machu Picchu – are filled with ruins and archaeological sites. Behind the city sits Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress while Ollantaytambo in the Valley is one of the most well-preserved Incan settlements and is the site of this ancient people’s greatest victory over the Spanish. Away from the ruins are the Salinas De Maras and the Plaza de Armas in Cusco – a great place for people watching.