People flock to Cusco to go to Machu Picchu and the other Incan ruins but the city itself is worth a couple of days of exploring.

It is the most unusual place and I really felt like I was in another world, even another century.

The altitude made me feel odd but it was the small cobbled roads and ancient cathedrals which really felt out of this world.

It's an amazing city to splurge in because there's beautiful silver jewellery everywhere and shops full of garments made from 100 percent baby alpaca wool.

If food's your poison there are restaurants to die for with menus which really push the boundaries, great wine lists and delicious cocktails - all at very cheap prices.

On the streets of Cusco there's throngs of tourists but there's also a lot of traditional Peruvians, especially mothers dressed in colourful clothes with babies slung on their backs.

I thought Cusco had the perfect blend of old and new. It's very ancient and beautiful but really cosmopolitan at the same time.

The city's main cathedral is a stunning building where artworks date back hundreds of years, yet up the road I went to a French photographer's exhibition.

And it was in Cusco where we booked a tour of the Sacred Valley, a day at Machu Picchu and four days in the Amazon jungle. There were exciting times ahead.

Next stop: Being left breathless in Machu Picchu.

Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.

Find out about Peru.

Read more of Kelly's blogs.