Glinting majestically from its sheltered site in a highland valley of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco, the once capital of the Inca Empire and now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, is a true jewel in the country’s glimmering crown. Inca town planners chose a puma’s body as the blueprint of this extraordinarily well preserved city and it’s an absolute joy to walk around with well preserved Inca architecture carved from the finest stone.

Shaded boulder walled alleys open into welcoming plazas flanked by columned walkways where the brightly dressed indigenous population sell their wares and parade their pet llamas for photos – the combination of awesome architecture and colourful daily life add up to make Cusco one of the prettiest cities in the Americas. Although fabulously located to explore the region - Peru’s verdant Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, the iconic Machu Pichu or the indigenous towns of Moras and Moray are all close by but Cusco deserves your attention for at least a few days.

It is one of Peru’s most visited cities and a UNESCO world heritage site meaning it is wonderfully preserved and geared up for tourism yet retains its unique charm. Although chock-a-bloc full of beautiful boutiques and elegant hotels it is captivatingly authentic and pottering amongst ornate cathedrals, Inca temples and crumbling stone walls whilst bowler hatted women in colourful traditional skirts attempt to sell you their wares makes for a heady holiday, whether a weekend break or a place to relax after a grander adventure.

Take a walking tour roaming Cusco’s cobbled streets and pretty plazas. These streets were made for walking with everything being a civilised distance from the main Plaza de Armas. When you have finished posing for photos amongst the picture postcard archways or relaxing in one of the cities many top-notch eateries head out to the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city with it’s impressive collection of giant stones mind-bogglingly placed there by the ancient Incas