Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

A five-minute walk from the main square and smack-dab in the middle of Cusco’s historic centre.

As well as pretty views over the delightful courtyard and quaint streets, the rooms at the Palacio del Inka are framed by dark ochre woods, handmade curtains with rainbow tassels that resemble the accessories worn by llamas and alpacas in the high Andes, exquisitely hand-painted ceilings and walls, antique tables and beds adorned with lavish gold-leaf. Once you’ve open the heavy, carved wooden door to your room, have a look at the gilded artwork and stunning tapestries that dominate the colourful walls – many of which are works by local artists.

Sink into the vintage furniture at the hotel’s Inti Raymi Restaurant for the buffet breakfast of both Peruvian and international dishes that is fit for a king, your meals will even be accompanied by a live harp player. To get the best views, ask for a table on the patio that faces towards the courtyard - during the day it’s soothingly sun-drenched and at night it’s romantically transformed by candlelight. Dining in the hotel’s restaurant, it’s the ideal time to be as adventurous as you can, sampling Andean-inspired dishes of alpaca medallions and classic ceviche, paired perfectly with a South American wine.

If you’ve just started your Peruvian holiday and the high altitude has you feeling a little shaky, help yourself to a cup of mate de coca, used in the Andes to prevent altitude sickness. Once you’ve acclimatised, it’s time to stroll a few minutes north of the hotel to the Museo de Art Precolombino and the Museo Inka to trace Peru’s fascinating history from pre-Inka civilisations to Inka culture after the impact of the conquest. After this visit, turn into the main square Plaza de Armas, home to the Cusco Cathedral, to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Centre.