Cusco is one of the most interesting cities in the entire world. It is located in the Andes mountains, only a few hours from Machu Picchu. This makes it a city with both deep ties to ancient cultures and people, and a very modern city as it keeps up with the needs and ideas of expats and tourists arriving daily.

No matter how long you are in Cusco or when you visit, one of the first stops will be at the Plaza de Armas. It is one of the main squares in Cusco and there is always something happening here. In Cusco you’ll also want to visit the many markets, museums, and world class restaurants. Food from all over the world can be found here, but so can Quechua, a language still spoken today that was also around before the ancient Inca civilization.

Cusco isn’t always an easy city to navigate as there are many tiny streets that lead to places you might not expect. However, it is easily walk-able so feel free to get out there and stroll around. That is the best way to see what is going on and get a feel for the city and people. There are buses and taxis as well, so if you have a longer trip in front of you look for the cheap public transportation.

More info on Cusco can be found here on Lonely Planet.