Latest news with #MachuPicchu
Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Times
Mildly disappointing — but don't think of calling it stagflation
Everybody has their own way of registering higher prices. For me, without sounding too poncey about it, or minimising other people's struggles with inflation, it is the price of coffee. No, not those horrible paper cups and gruesome flavour combinations you see everybody carrying around, but ground coffee for home use. The one I like, available in all good supermarkets, is from Peru and goes under the name Machu Picchu. Whether any of it is grown near that Inca architectural treasure, I cannot say, but the coffee is good — and recently it has been expensive. The discounts regularly offered by the supermarkets, which can knock a third or more off the recommended retail price, have been absent. It is enough to make you switch to water. I mention this because higher food and drink prices, partly driven by increases in commodity prices, helped push inflation higher, to 3.6 per cent last month. I have high hopes for future cups of coffee, though, because wholesale prices, which peaked in February and again in April, have come down quite sharply since then. But that does not mean we will soon see a sharp drop in inflation. Second-quarter inflation was a touch higher at 3.5 per cent than the 3.4 per cent expected by the Bank of England in its most recent monetary policy report in May, though some of that was due to an error in the April data. It expected then that inflation will trundle along at close to 3.5 per cent for a few months more, peaking at 3.7 per cent in September. A big increase in air fares, and the fact that petrol prices fell less last month than a year earlier, were enough to tick the rate up to 3.6 per cent last month. Markets are probably right to conclude that this will make next month's decision on interest rates by the Bank closer than it might have been, but also right to think that it will not get in the way of a cut in official interest rates from 4.25 to 4 per cent. The basis for this, unless the Bank has had a significant change of view, is that inflation will be back below 2.5 per cent in a year's time, and below 2 per cent in two years. The case for a rate cut was reinforced by the latest labour market statistics, which showed that its gradual softening continues and pay pressures are easing. Total and regular pay growth has slowed to 5 per cent, from nearly 6 per cent earlier this year, despite the potential upward pressure from a big increase in the national living wage in April. Private sector pay growth, most responsive to market pressures, is running below 5 per cent. The labour market statistics are an object lesson in not rushing to judgment. The headlines were generated by a rise in the unemployment rate from 4.6 to 4.7 per cent. But, as I have written before, it is important to take the unemployment and inactivity rates together. That 4.7 per cent unemployment rate in the March-May period was up from 4.4 per cent a year earlier. Over the same period, however, there was a much bigger fall in the inactivity rate — the proportion of people in the 16-64 age group unavailable for work — which dropped from 22.1 to 21 per cent. This explains why rising employment on the Labour Force Survey measure, including an increase of nearly 100,000 in self-employment over the latest 12 months, went hand in hand with a small rise in the unemployment rate. People who were economically inactive have been making themselves available for work. The number of economically inactive, just over nine million, is still high and above pre-pandemic levels, but is down by 400,000 from its peak early last year, which is good news. Another lesson in not rushing to judgment was provided by the Office for National Statistics in its latest release. A month ago, it said that payroll numbers had slumped by 109,000 in May. This was reported as something close to Armageddon in the labour market, a consequence of the increase in employers' national insurance (NI) announced by Rachel Reeves in her budget last October, which took effect in April. There was always something odd about that figure, which did not square with survey evidence, and sure enough, it has been revised down to just a 25,000 fall. Over April and May together, payrolls dropped by 49,000, which is more of a gentle deflating of the tyres than a blowout. Finally, when it comes to not rushing to judgment, some people were quick to describe the UK's situation following the release of the inflation figures as 'stagflation'. I realise that many doing so were too young to remember genuine stagflation. The term was invented by Iain Macleod, who became Tory chancellor in 1970 but sadly died a few weeks into the role. Stagflation was a popular description in the 1970s when the UK's inflation rate, based on the retail prices index, peaked at 26.9 per cent in 1975, at the same time as the economy was in recession (the stagnation bit of stagflation), an unusual combination. Inflation averaged 12.6 per cent in the 1970s and the unemployment rate was on its way to almost 12 per cent in the 1980s. We would have given our eye teeth then for inflation at 3.6 per cent, or 4.4 per cent on the retail prices index. The economy is not growing as fast as we would like, and the April and May monthly gross domestic product (GDP) readings were mildly disappointing, but there is no reason to talk it down by more than justified. Language matters. Just as it is silly to talk of recession if you have two consecutive quarterly falls in GDP, each of just 0.1 per cent, so it is silly to talk of stagflation when inflation is at current levels and the economy is merely continuing the slow growth pattern that set in a decade and a half ago. Above all, turning the dial up to 11 in these circumstance leaves no room for when and if things get really bad. They were quite bad for inflation three years ago, when the rate hit 11 per cent, and they were very bad for growth in 2020, when Covid-hit GDP fell by 10.3 per cent — its biggest drop since 1709. We are in calmer waters now and things are mildly disappointing, no more than that. • The deepest recession, but also easily the weirdest Chancellors are always guaranteed a polite reception when they deliver their annual speech at the Mansion House in the City, which these days is called the financial and professional services dinner. The last rumpus I can remember was when Gordon Brown turned up in a business suit, arguing that it was a working engagement so he was wearing working clothes. Everybody who has attended since is glad that he did. The old dress code of white tie and tails, which most of us don't have in our wardrobes, was uncomfortable, particularly on a hot evening. Rachel Reeves pressed most of the right buttons in her speech to the bankers, accountants, brokers, lawyers, financial advisers and others. She wants to cut the red tape currently applied by the regulators, soften some of the restrictions put on the banks in the wake of the financial crisis more than a decade and a half ago, and boost investment by retail investors in riskier but more productive assets. • Reeves tells regulators to loosen up to boost share investment Whether that includes a cut in the current £20,000 cash Isaallowance, as was mooted before her speech but did not make it into the final version, we shall see. The economics of this are quite straightforward. The cash Isa was introduced in 1999, replacing other tax-exempt savings accounts. At launch, the allowance was £3,000, where it remained for nearly ten years. It then rose gradually to £5,760 in 2013-14, before jumping sharply to £15,000 during 2014 and £20,000 in 2017-18, where it has remained. The period in which the allowance was rising sharply, as you will have noticed, was one of near-zero official interest rates, and paltry savings rates. A more generous allowance did not cost the Treasury much. But the return to more normal interest rates means the exchequer cost of the cash Isa has risen, to more than £2 billion in 2023-24. A lower allowance, as part of a strategy to encourage more retail investment in UK risk assets, is the right thing to do. Whether it will work, though, remains to be seen, not least because more equity investment need not be more investment in UK equities. As chancellor, you can press a lot of buttons and find that nothing much happens.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-south-america-hotel-the-vines-resort-spa-one-bed-villa-00-SOUTHAMERICAHOTELWB25-6d3e1050a081416eaec6a2c6d9188dc3.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 5 Best Resorts in South America of 2025
Last year, Chilean resorts won big in our 2024 survey. For our 2025 World's Best Awards, there's a much more varied mix of winners hailing from across South America—with Argentina claiming two out of the five leading spots. But which of these five South American resorts earned top marks? Read on to find out. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. The interior of a one bed villa at The Vines Resort & Spa. This year's winners showcase the best of South America from every angle—from the Andes Mountains that stretch across Argentina and Chile to the powdery beaches of Colombia and the archaeological wonders of Peru. Take the property that came in at No. 5, Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, which is the only hotel located next to Machu Picchu. 'When the day trippers go home, you're still there and have Machu Picchu pretty much to yourself,' one reader wrote. And while Cartagena is known for its colorful streets and Caribbean flair, guests of the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort (No.4)—the country's first luxury beach resort—will experience a breezier, more barefoot-luxury side of the destination, which is just a speedboat ride away from the old colonial city. But it was southern hotels located in high-altitude, Andean vineyards that best captivated Travel + Leisure readers at places like Cavas Wine Lodge (No.3), in the Argentinian wine region of Mendoza, and the futuristic-looking Vik Chile (No.2), located in the country's vineyard-covered Colchagua Valley. Keep on reading to find out who the No.1 winner is. The Vines Resort & Spa Loungers and cabanas poolside at The Vines Resort & Spa. 'Exceptional,' 'awesome,' 'in a league of its own'—readers couldn't help but use superlatives while describing this exclusive hotel in Mendoza. Situated at the foot of the Andes Mountains, fronting 1,500 acres of private Uco Valley vineyards, the property features a collection of 21 sleek villas with private terraces and spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs. But it's the variety of experiences that wowed guests, from asados (traditional barbecues) led by celebrated chefs like Francis Mallmann, to horseback riding tours through the mountains, winemaking 'camps' and blending sessions, and visits to the region's best wine cellars. As one reader put it simply: 'This is the best hotel in the world.' 1. The Vines Resort & Spa: Mendoza, Argentina Reader Score: 99.50 2. Vik Chile: Millahue, Chile Reader Score: 96.59 3. Cavas Wine Lodge: Mendoza, Argentina Reader Score: 95.82 4. Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort: Isla Barú, Colombia Reader Score: 95.80 5. Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel: Machu Picchu, Peru Reader Score: 92.00
CNA
04-07-2025
- CNA
Enjoy stunning landscapes or architectural wonders at these hotels in or near UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The UNESCO World Heritage List helps preserve vital cultural and natural heritage for future generations. There are now more than a thousand sites across 170 nations on the list. Ranging from historic buildings and archaeological sites to vast natural landscapes and cultural places, they are powerful reminders of nature's ingenuity and storytellers of mankind's quest for both survival, as well as spiritual, intellectual and artistic excellence. These destinations are often on travel bucket lists. But more than just a photo op, many travellers now wish to immerse themselves into the setting or community. Horseback riding on mountain ranges, picnicking amid wandering wildebeest or private art tours – here are some of the experiences that can be arranged by these hotels in or near UNESCO World Heritage sites. FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: SANCTUARY LODGE, A BELMOND HOTEL, MACHU PICCHU, PERU As the only hotel at the entrance of the famous Incan citadel, guests at the Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu can be ahead of the queue that typically starts forming at 6am during the peak season. But why queue when the hotel can secure entrance tickets for you, as well as arrange for a before-hours tour of the ancient Guard House and Sun Gate, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site lit by the rising sun sans crowd? This is one of the perks offered by the hotel, which is located inside a former research building for studying the Peruvian ruins after explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911. Other hotel experiences, such as coca leaf reading and tasting Peruvian-inspired dishes like Patarashca (fish covered with bijao leaves and roasted) served with palm heart and mishkina at Tampu Restaurant ensure a holistic cultural journey. With its picturesque rolling hills, castles and medieval villages, Val d'Orcia (or Valdorcia) in southern Tuscany has beckoned many filmmakers to this part of the world; movies like The English Patient, Stealing Beauty and Ridley Scott's Gladiator were filmed here. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only for nature lovers but also oenophiles, and the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is the perfect accommodation, set within a 5,000-acre, 900-year-old Italian estate founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo from the family of famous fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo. The on-site winery is one of the producers of the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine. Guests can explore the winemaking process from grape to barrel with a special tour, or choose a wine-and-gourmet cuisine that includes a helicopter ride for a unique vantage of the landscapes developed in the Renaissance. Other activities to choose from include taking a scenery painting class or touring famous film locations in the vicinity. Luang Prabang was the ancient capital of Laos until 1975. Nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and is home to many historic Buddhist temples, traditional Laotian buildings and French colonial villas. One of them is luxury hotel La Residence Phou Vao, which is perched on a hill with amazing views. A former royal guesthouse, its white walls, chocolate-coloured tiled roofs and shuttered verandahs evoke a sense of the past. In May 2025, the hotel introduced a new Unlocking the Secrets of Luang Prabang experience that includes a morning market tour with a local chef, a night cap at an artisanal tea shop in the historic town and a private sunset cruise aboard the hotel's own luxury river boat, La Residence. A roughly three-hour flight takes one from Singapore to the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises three large islands – Komodo, Padar and Rinca, accessible from Labuan Bajo port. The area's diverse marine life means divers and snorkelling enthusiasts will have plenty of chances to spot sea turtles, reef sharks, kingfishers as well as colourful coral reefs. Fanning out into the glistening Flores Sea, TA'AKTANA, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is a perfect base. Part of Marriott International's portfolio, it has 70 guestrooms, overwater sea villas, family villas as well as expansive three-bedroom mansions. A full-day excursion lets guests learn about the cultural heritage of the West Manggarai Regency through the hotel's design and handicrafts, explore the nearby famous pink beach and spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. With 18 peaks rising up to 3,000 metres, the Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps offer spectacular mountain scenery, unique landscapes and geological wonders. No wonder it has been protected as a Natural World Heritage Site. One of the most beautiful hotels in these ranges is COMO Alpina Dolomites, located on South Tyrol's Alpe di Siusi. A One Michelin Key hotel (2024), each room offers spectacular views of the Dolomites. Outdoor experiences are aplenty, such as horseback rides or mountain biking in the wider Val Gardena, ice climbing and paragliding, and of course, snowboarding in winter with ski-in, ski-out access directly from the hotel. Staying at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain in Chengdu lets guests be close to not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Mount Qingcheng, considered as one of the birthplaces of Taoism, and the nearby 3rd century BC Dujiangyan irrigation system. One of the oldest irrigation works in the world, the latter was constructed to control water distribution of the Minjiang River to the Chengdu plains. The hotel references traditional Sichuan village architecture, with clay roof tiles, plaster walls, and bamboo and timber furnishings. On experiences, guests can trace Marco Polo's footsteps to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System via a night tour, play panda keeper for the day at the Wolong National Nature Reserve or visit the ancient village of the Da Qin minority in the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau where one can enjoy lunch with breathtakingly views of snow-capped mountains. FOR THE WELLNESS ENTHUSIAST: HOTEL INDIGO JABAL AKHDAR RESORT AND SPA, OMAN Opened on Sep 1, 2024, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort and Spa is a two-hour drive from Oman's capital, Muscat. The first property of IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East sits 2,000 metres above sea level, and boasts an extensive wellness centre – the largest in the Middle East – that includes Himalayan salt rooms, thermal zone, and indoor and outdoor pools. Oman has five spots on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the hotel is located in one of them – the 80km-long Jabal Akhdar Mountains (meaning Green Mountain). The mostly limestone mountains are famous for its winding river valleys and Mediterranean produce that include pomegranates and some of the world's purest rose water. Hike through the mountains along terraced fields or stone houses, or tour a 400-year-old 'lost village'. The Sado Island Gold Mines was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 for its 400-year-old mining heritage. Located on Sado Island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, surface deposits of native gold were found there since the Heian period. During the Edo period, gold from the island became a key revenue source for the Tokugawa shogunate. Accommodation on the island consists mainly small guesthouses and local brands. A new addition in 2024 is Nipponia Sado Aikawa Mining Town with only four guestrooms. It belongs to independently owned Nipponia Hotels that restores older buildings in less touristy areas. The hotel's owners can help arrange local activities like tub boat rides to explore bioluminescent coves, sake brewery tastings at Hokusetsu, founded by celebrity chef Matsuhisa 'Nobu' Nobuyuki and Robert De Niro (the island is also famed for sake brewing) and of course, a tour to the mines. Amsterdam is a haven for art and design lovers, having produced famous creatives such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Iris van Herpen, Rem Koolhaas and Gerrit Rietveld. The 17th century canal ring inside the Dutch city was a model of large-scale town planning at that time and the Rosewood Amsterdam is located in the former Palace of Justice along the Dutch city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals. Designed by renowned Amsterdam-based Studio Piet Boon, its premium accommodations include special canal view suites and exclusive, butler-serviced houses that are perfect for larger groups. Enjoy curated experiences such as a canal tour in the Piet Boon-designed Salon Boat, an art walk around the city, a visit to a fishing village to take in countryside views sketched by Rembrandt or a private tour of the hotel's excellent art collection that is concluded with a glass of champagne. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meliá Serengeti Lodge (@meliaserengetilodge) The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania was established in 1940 and stretches over 1.5 million hectares of virgin savannah in northern Tanzania in East Africa. It is famous for the largest annual grazing migration in the world, with over 1.5 million blue wildebeest alone crossing the lands to chase the rains. Not surprisingly, it is on the bucket list of travellers around the globe who come here to spot and photograph the wild animals in their natural habitat. The Melia Serengeti Lodge is located within the park. Rooms with Maasai tradition-inspired decor frame the Serengeti plains. Guests can arrange for activities such as a picnic in the plains surrounded by grazing zebras and wildebeest, explore traditional house building, crafts and dances at a Maasai village, spot animals from a balloon safari as well as seek out the 'Big Five' – the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Yahoo
An Empty Pool in Peru Is a Monument to the Drawbacks of Historic Preservation
When the Spanish colonized Peru in the 16th century, they tore down the Incan temples and palaces, leaving the base level of original stone masonry in place. On top of those they built European-style white stucco walls, ornate baroque stonework, and intricately carved wooden balconies. This fusion of Incan and colonial architecture, particularly in Cusco, helped earn the city the designations of Historical Capital and Tourism Capital of Peru. On May 21, 1950, an earthquake rocked Cusco, damaging approximately half of the city's buildings. The worst destruction affected old adobe houses and colonial-era churches, including the Church of Santo Domingo, which was built atop the Coricancha ("Temple of the Sun," dedicated to the Incan sun god). Spanish chronicler Pedro Cieza de León once marveled at the temple's "excellent masonry," noting that "the stones themselves are so well worked that no joining or cement can be seen." He was referring to the Incan technique of ashlar masonry, in which large, hand-cut stones are shaped to fit perfectly together—so well, in fact, that their structures survived the quake while newer additions crumbled. Cusco's history stretches back even further, and more treasures are still being found. In 2008, archaeologists uncovered ruins of an ancient temple, roads, and irrigation systems credited to the pre-Inca Killke culture, likely dating back to the 12th century. Killke ceramics have also been found throughout the city. Due to its proximity to Machu Picchu, Cusco is sometimes thought of as merely a gateway to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but its own rich history has been attraction enough. In 1983, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Cusco a World Heritage Site, recognizing its extraordinary cultural significance. That global recognition hasn't always benefited Cusco's residents. When a community development program began constructing a pool near the historic Sapantiana Colonial Aqueduct, it carefully followed guidelines to preserve the surrounding area. Late in the project, however, a final review uncovered Killke artifacts in the nearby San Blas neighborhood. This marked the whole area as a protected site, and the project was abruptly halted. Today, visitors can see children running through the empty concrete rectangle that was meant to hold water, or down the slope intended for a waterslide. But they won't be swimming—because the pool was never completed. Believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, Cusco has always balanced reverence for the past with adaptation to the present. It's what the Incas did when they absorbed the Killke culture, what Peruvians did after Spanish colonization, and what they do today to welcome millions of visitors each year. Cusco shouldn't fear losing its World Heritage designation. The Peruvian people are clearly proud of their history, and they deserve credit for preserving the past. They also deserve a working pool. The post An Empty Pool in Peru Is a Monument to the Drawbacks of Historic Preservation appeared first on
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Forbes
How To Spend Two Days In Cuzco
The gateway to Machu Picchu has its own magnificence. The Peruvian city of Cuzco is the typical starting and ending point for trips to Machu Picchu, as it has the closest airport to the world-renowned attraction. Yet there's plenty to do in this historic city itself that makes it a worthwhile stopover. You'll want to explore Cuzco slowly. It's set high in the Andes Mountains at a breath-sucking altitude of more than 11,000 feet. Fortunately, if you base yourself at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a beautifully restored heritage property built around the 16th-century colonial Convent of San Agustín in the heart of the city, you can acclimate with a welcoming cup of mate de coca, an herbal tea used throughout the region to combat the effects of high altitude. Even better, the property pumps extra oxygen into each of its 153 guest rooms, making it a little easier to breathe. The hotel is a short walk from the Plaza de Armas — this main square is anchored by the grand Cusco Cathedral — and numerous museums, cafés and places to eat. Here's how to make the most of your time in that area and other parts of the city. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a beautifully restored heritage property. After a generous buffet breakfast at the luxury hotel, walk a few blocks through Cuzco's narrow streets to Qorikancha, where the ruins of a once-grand, sacred Incan temple are visible beneath the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, which the Spanish constructed in the 1500s atop the Incan site. Several Inca-era rooms are visible on the edges of the colonial courtyard, while paintings throughout the building document both Incan and Spanish heritage. Take time to wander the gardens, too. Your next stop is Mercado San Pedro, Cuzco's central market. Browse the crowded aisles for everything from fresh fruit juices to spices to religious objects. Enjoy a leisurely lunch nearby at Chicha, the Cuzco outpost of celebrity chef Gastón Acurio, where Andean ingredients appear in innovative preparations. You might sample cuy (guinea pig), served in the style of Peking duck, atop a purple corn pancake with a 'hoisin' sauce made from rocoto peppers. Or try alpaca carpaccio, the rich meat brightened with a pesto-style sauce. Mercado San Pedro, Cuzco's central market, is filled with fresh flavors. In the afternoon, you can visit two museums that will help you prepare for your Machu Picchu visit. The Museo Inka has informative exhibits about Incan culture while Museo de Machu Picchu, which claims the world's largest collection of Machu Picchu artifacts, takes you through the history of the site's 'discovery' during American explorer Hiram Bingham's famous 1911 expedition that brought Machu Picchu into the world spotlight. Both museums have captions in English and Spanish. Make sure you're back at the hotel in time for a late-afternoon lesson on crafting a pisco sour, Peru's best-known cocktail, or a tour of the property, which takes you through its restoration, its history as a convent and its even earlier heritage, visiting pre-Inca ruins visible on the Marriott's lower level. For a light supper, take a short walk to Organika, where many of the ingredients in the salads, soups and plates, such as quinoa with grilled vegetables, are sourced from their own Sacred Valley gardens. The tiradito de trucha, made with local trout and paired with sweet potato chips, is an excellent choice. The hotel courtyard hosts demonstrations and photo opportunities. The next morning, after breakfast, stop into the hotel courtyard, where women from the Sacred Valley community of Chinchero offer demonstrations of traditional textile weaving techniques. You can also snap your photo with Panchita, the resident baby alpaca. Afterward, take an Uber or taxi — or book a guided tour — to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archeological site built in the 1400s at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet. Allow at least a couple of hours to properly explore the multiple areas. Its walls and gates were constructed of massive stone blocks, fit together precisely without the use of mortar. From several vantage points around the site, you'll have expansive views across the entire Cuszo region. When you finish, walk down the stone staircases and through the narrow lanes lined with colorful street art to the San Blas neighborhood. At Green Point, you can lunch in the garden on plant-based dishes that might range from vegetarian quinoa soup to the 'Vegan Cusco Grill,' consisting of stuffed rocoto pepper, grilled oyster mushrooms, fresh greens and local potatoes in a creamy golden huancaína sauce, made from aji amarillo peppers. Be sure to try one of the fruity kombuchas or opt for the tangy, slightly fermented purple corn variety. Sacsayhuamán is an amazing archeological site built in the 1400s. Nearby, refresh with a coffee or a rich dark hot chocolate at Xapiri Ground, an art gallery/café close to the Plaza San Blas that shows work by contemporary artists from the Peruvian Amazon. Head back to the hotel for a rest or to lounge in the relaxation pool in the lower-level spa. As dusk approaches, visit Planetarium Cusco, a family-run star-gazing site, for an informative presentation that explores the Incas' view of the cosmos. You'll hear the Incan names for various constellations, learn some of the differences between the skies in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and, weather permitting, look through a telescope to spot celestial bodies. The planetarium offers presentations in English and provides transportation to and from the city center. When you return to town, a pisco sour in the JW Marriott's bar makes for a fitting finale to your two days of Cuszo adventures.
