The Sun was the Incas’ principal god and worshipped in the solemn festival of Inti Raymi, suppressed by the Spanish but revived in Cusco some sixty years ago. There are several days of enthusiastic build up to the grand pageant on June 24th at the temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city. Inca legend and ritual are acted out zealously by local people dressed in ornate costumes; there are also processions, a street fair, dancing and music.
Cusco’s best hotel is the Monasterio, a stunningly restored seminary. Make a day trip to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on the luxury train service, the Hiram Bingham, where you will enjoy the mountain scenery in supreme comfort over a gourmet meal.
Escape For A Few Days More...
The Peruvian Amazon is only an hour’s flight away and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador can easily be combined with Peru.
We’ve Been There
"For me, staying in the Monasterio was evocative an experience as the festival itself, and the Hiram Bingham train recalls a bygone age of elegance and grace."
Sarah Bradley, Managing Director.
Escape To: Hotel Monasterio
In the heart of Cusco and four hours away from Machu Picchu by train. |