Search results for

Your plans for June, July, and August? Check, check, check. Here are our picks around the world for your best summer yet.

From Machu Picchu to Angkor Wat, historic sites large and small endure natural elements, time, and the carelessness of people. But you can help.

Why not make your holiday shopping list an excuse for a trip? From a famous record shop to the hippest boutique in Iceland, our editors share the places they’d travel to for unique holiday gifts around the globe.

The Peruvian travel ministry has opened registration a month earlier than expected—and spots will go fast.

Meet the Peruvian women who are reinventing their forgotten community.

How to Travel Alone as a Woman in the Land of Machismo

14 Times Travel Went Really, Really Wrong for AFAR Staffers

Exploring Peru’s Diverse Food Scene with Chef José Andrés

Wandering Chef: Richard Sandoval in Peru

La Catedral is actually three churches in one, each of which are exquisite. It is decorated in the Baroque style, with more gilt and gold trimming than you can imagine. In order to convert the Incan people to Catholicism, the Spanish used symbols from Incan religion throughout the church. Look for the hundreds of mirrors, as well as the triangle shape associated with the Mountain God. La Catedral hosts a couple of particularly unique pieces, including a Peruvian rendition of the Last Supper featuring a guinea pig as the main dish. El Señor de Los Temblores is a crucifix that stopped the Cuzco earthquake of 1650, and is featured prominently in the cathedral. Pictures are not allowed inside, but the exterior of La Catedral is picturesque both during the day and at night when it’s lit up with the rest of La Plaza de Armas.

Overview

Whether you’re carbo-loading in Aguas Calientes for the hike to Machu Picchu or eating light for a day of sightseeing at the Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, you’ll find a wide range of food that includes local cuisine as well as pizza and vegetarian food.

Cusco is a magical city that straddles two worlds: majestic colonial architecture gives the city a distinctly Renaissance era feel while the abundance of ancient Incan and pre-Incan ruins as well as the colorful indigenous handicraft markets that dot Cusco exude pure native tradition. Visit the ornate churches, flower filled plazas and stone streets of Cusco before heading to the ancient sites of Machu Picchu and Moray. Later, dive deep into the incredible cuisine and booming nightlife here.

There’s much to see in Cusco and the surrounding area, but you can do a lot if you have three days to explore. Day 1: Visit the Incan ruins at Qorikancha in the morning. After lunch, wander the the Mercado San Pedro, then hike up to Sacsayhuaman for the sunset. Day 2: Take a colectivo to the Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Visit the ruins at Moray and the salt mines at Maras. Day 3: Watch Andean life go by at Plaza de Armas, then explore the galleries of Las Blas, the arts district.

We love these historic stays around the globe, from a former monastery in Cusco, Peru, to a South African hotel where Nelson Mandela penned his autobiography. For travelers looking to revisit former times in present travels, these landmark hotels are worth checking out—even if you’re not checking in.