Cusco
Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Colonial churches built on Inca foundations, the vibrant San Pedro market, and the Sacred Valley are all within reach. At 3,400m elevation, take it slow your first day. The city rewards those who explore beyond the main plaza — every street tells a story.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Cusco
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas
The city sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level — altitude sickness affects most visitors in the first 24-48 hours
Inca stone walls still form the foundations of many colonial buildings, with masonry so precise no mortar was used
Guinea pig (cuy) is a traditional Andean delicacy served roasted whole at special occasions and tourist restaurants
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
The city's name comes from the Quechua word "Qosqo" meaning navel or center of the world
🏛️Must-See Spots
Plaza de Armas
🗼The grand central square of Cusco, built on the Inca ceremonial plaza of Huacaypata. Flanked by the Cathedral and the Church of La Compania, it's the city's social and cultural heart.
Sacsayhuaman
📌A massive Inca fortress above Cusco with enormous zigzagging stone walls. Some boulders weigh over 100 tons and are fitted together without mortar. The views over the city are spectacular.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
📌The most important Inca temple, once covered entirely in gold sheets. The Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo directly on top of its foundations, creating a striking fusion of Inca and colonial architecture.
San Pedro Market
🏪Cusco's central market is a sensory overload of fresh produce, exotic fruits, medicinal herbs, fresh juices, and cheap set-menu lunches. The best place to experience daily Cusquenan life.
Cusco Cathedral
🗼A massive 16th-century Renaissance cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, built using stones from Sacsayhuaman. The interior houses hundreds of colonial paintings from the Cusco School of art.
San Blas Neighborhood
🏘️A bohemian hillside quarter above the Plaza de Armas with steep cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, galleries, and some of Cusco's best cafes with rooftop views.
Twelve-Angled Stone (Hatun Rumiyoc)
🗼A famous Inca wall on Hatun Rumiyoc street featuring a perfectly fitted twelve-angled stone that demonstrates the extraordinary precision of Inca masonry.
Museo Inka
🏛️The best museum in Cusco for understanding Inca civilization. Housed in a colonial mansion, it covers Inca history, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and mummies in an accessible format.
🗺️Where to Next
Machu Picchu
The iconic Inca citadel perched at 2,430m between cloud-forested peaks. The most visited site in South America. Book train tickets and entry permits well in advance.
Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo)
The fertile Urubamba Valley with Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray. Lower altitude than Cusco makes it a good acclimatization stop before Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
A striking mountain at 5,200m striped with red, yellow, and turquoise mineral deposits. The hike is strenuous at extreme altitude — only attempt after acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 2-3 days.
Lake Titicaca (Puno)
The world's highest navigable lake at 3,812m, straddling the Peru-Bolivia border. Visit the floating Uros Islands and traditional Taquile Island. Tourist buses stop at archaeological sites en route.
Moray & Maras Salt Mines
Moray's circular Inca agricultural terraces and the centuries-old Maras salt evaporation ponds create one of the most photogenic day trips from Cusco.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital and gastronomic powerhouse with world-renowned ceviche, colonial churches in the historic center, and the cliff-top Miraflores district overlooking the Pacific.
📍Hidden Gems
Mercado de Wanchaq
A sprawling local market far from the tourist circuit, where Cusquenans shop for fresh produce, herbs, and cheap set lunches (menu del dia). The juice section alone has dozens of exotic Andean fruits.
Unlike the tourist-friendly San Pedro Market, Wanchaq is 100% local. Prices are genuine, the food stalls serve massive portions for S/5-8, and there's not a souvenir in sight.
Sacsayhuaman at Sunrise
While most visitors arrive mid-morning with tour groups, the fortress is open from dawn and is virtually empty at sunrise. The golden light on the massive stones and the misty city below are unforgettable.
The early morning solitude transforms the experience from crowded tourist site to spiritual encounter. You may have the entire complex to yourself for the first hour.
Barrio de San Cristobal
A quiet residential neighborhood above the city center with the San Cristobal Church and its panoramic mirador overlooking the red rooftops of Cusco and the surrounding mountains.
The viewpoint here is arguably better than the more famous ones, with far fewer visitors. The walk up through residential streets gives a sense of everyday Cusco life.
Chocolate Museum & Workshop
Several artisan chocolate workshops in Cusco offer hands-on experiences making chocolate from raw cacao beans, highlighting Peru's status as one of the world's top cacao producers.
A fun, interactive experience that connects visitors to Peru's agricultural heritage. The finished product often rivals European chocolatiers.
Tambomachay & Puca Pucara
Two lesser-visited Inca sites 8 km outside Cusco — a ritual bath complex with still-flowing water channels and a small red fortress thought to be a guard post.
Included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket but overlooked by many visitors rushing to Sacsayhuaman. The water engineering at Tambomachay is genuinely impressive and the setting is peaceful.
☀️Weather
Cusco has two main seasons: a dry season (May-October) and a wet season (November-April). Thanks to its high altitude, temperatures are moderate year-round during the day but drop sharply at night regardless of season.
Dry Season
May - October32-68°F
0-20°C
Clear, sunny days with almost no rain. Nights are cold, especially in June and July when temperatures can drop below freezing. The best weather for trekking and sightseeing.
Shoulder (Early Wet)
November - December41-68°F
5-20°C
Rain begins but is usually limited to afternoon showers. Mornings are often clear. A good compromise between weather and fewer crowds.
Wet Season
January - March41-66°F
5-19°C
Heavy afternoon rains, muddy trails, and occasional landslides affecting road and rail travel. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. Lush green landscapes compensate for the inconvenience.
Shoulder (Late Wet)
April39-68°F
4-20°C
Rain tapers off by mid-April and the landscape is at its greenest. Tourist crowds haven't yet arrived, making it an excellent time to visit.
🛡️Safety
Moderate
out of 100
Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but altitude sickness is the most immediate health risk. Petty theft, particularly in crowded areas and on night buses, is the main crime concern. Use common sense and you'll be fine.
Things to Know
- •Take altitude seriously — rest on arrival, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours. Coca tea (mate de coca) helps
- •Keep valuables in a money belt or front pocket, especially in San Pedro Market and on crowded streets around the Plaza de Armas
- •Be wary of nighttime robberies on dimly lit streets above San Blas — stick to well-lit main roads after dark
- •Only use official taxis (look for a taxi number on the roof) or apps like inDriver. Agree on price before getting in or ensure the meter is on
- •Don't accept drinks from strangers in bars — drink spiking occurs occasionally in tourist nightlife areas
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
105
Ambulance (SAMU)
106
Fire
116
Tourist Police (Policia de Turismo)
084-235123
General Emergency
112
🚕Transit & Transport
Cusco's historic center is compact and walkable, though the altitude makes uphills exhausting. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. There's no metro or formal bus system for tourists, but colectivos (shared minivans) connect to nearby towns.
Taxis
S/5-10 (~$1.30-2.70) within city center; S/15-25 (~$4-6.70) to outskirtsAbundant and inexpensive. Official taxis have a number on the roof light. Meters are rare — agree on the fare before getting in. Most trips within the center cost S/5-8.
Best for: Short trips, getting to restaurants at night, and reaching sites like Sacsayhuaman
inDriver / Uber
S/4-12 (~$1.10-3.20) for most tripsinDriver is more popular than Uber in Cusco. You propose a fare and drivers accept. Uber operates but with fewer drivers. Both eliminate haggling.
Best for: Avoiding negotiation and having a price record for safety
Colectivos (Shared Minivans)
S/5-15 (~$1.30-4) depending on distanceSmall minivans running fixed routes between Cusco and towns in the Sacred Valley — Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Depart when full from set points.
Best for: Budget travel to Sacred Valley towns and local exploration
PeruRail / Inca Rail
$60-90 USD standard; $150-500 for premium servicesTwo private companies run scenic train services from Poroy (near Cusco) and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Book well in advance, especially for the Vistadome panoramic service.
Best for: The only way to reach Machu Picchu by rail — an experience in itself
On Foot
FreeThe historic center is compact and best explored on foot, but the steep hills and high altitude make climbing exhausting. Take it slow and rest often, especially in the first days.
Best for: Exploring the historic center, San Blas, and market areas at your own pace
🚶 Walkability
The historic center is very walkable but prepare for steep cobblestone streets and the effects of altitude on your stamina. The San Blas neighborhood is a beautiful but demanding uphill walk. Flat areas around the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, and the main avenues are easy.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport(CUZ)
3 km south of the Plaza de ArmasTaxi to the center costs S/10-20 (~$2.70-5.40, 10-15 min). No airport bus. Some hotels offer free pickup. Uber/inDriver available but fewer drivers at early morning arrivals. The runway is notoriously short and surrounded by mountains — flights are often delayed or cancelled due to weather.
🚆 Rail Stations
Wanchaq Train Station
1.5 km south of Plaza de ArmasPeruRail's Cusco station for the Titicaca luxury train to Puno (10.5 hours, seasonal). Also the departure point for some tourist trains.
Poroy Station
15 km northwest of city centerPeruRail and Inca Rail trains to Machu Picchu depart from Poroy, 20 min by taxi from central Cusco. Many travelers instead board at Ollantaytambo to shorten the journey.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Terminal Terrestre de Cusco
The main bus terminal serving long-distance routes. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa run comfortable buses to Lima (20-22h, S/80-200), Puno (6-7h, S/30-80), Arequipa (10h, S/50-120), and Nazca (14h). Choose "cama" class for overnight trips.
Colectivo Departure Points
Shared minivans to Sacred Valley destinations depart from Calle Pavitos (Pisac, Calca) and Calle Grau (Urubamba, Ollantaytambo). Ask locally for current departure points as they shift.
🛍️Shopping
Cusco is one of South America's best shopping destinations for traditional crafts. Alpaca textiles, Andean ceramics, and handwoven textiles are produced throughout the region. Quality varies widely — learn to distinguish genuine alpaca from synthetic blends.
San Blas Artisan Quarter
artisan workshopsThe bohemian hillside neighborhood is packed with artisan studios, galleries, and workshops where you can watch craftspeople at work. Higher quality and prices than the tourist markets.
Known for: Handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, carved retablos (story boxes), fine textiles
San Pedro Market
local marketCusco's central market is divided into sections for produce, meat, bread, textiles, and souvenirs. The upstairs textile section has both tourist goods and genuine local weavings.
Known for: Fresh tropical fruits, coca leaves, cheap meals, bulk spices, budget souvenirs
Center for Traditional Textiles (CTTC)
cultural centerA nonprofit that preserves traditional Andean weaving techniques. The on-site store sells textiles directly from indigenous weavers at fair-trade prices with full provenance.
Known for: Authenticated handwoven textiles, traditional Andean patterns, ethically sourced crafts
Pisac Market
market townA massive open-air market in the Sacred Valley town of Pisac, held every day but biggest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. More space and selection than Cusco's markets.
Known for: Textiles, jewelry, ceramics, carved gourds, bulk souvenirs at negotiable prices
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Baby alpaca wool scarves, sweaters, and blankets (feel for softness — real alpaca is buttery smooth)
- •Handwoven Andean textiles with traditional chakana and animal motifs
- •Chullo hats — the iconic Andean knitted caps with earflaps
- •Retablos — intricately carved wooden story boxes depicting Andean scenes
- •Pisco and chocolate from Peruvian artisan producers
- •Ceramic bulls (toritos de Pucara) — traditional Andean good-luck charms
- •Silver jewelry with Andean designs from San Blas workshops
- •Mate de coca tea bags and coca leaf products
💵Money & Tipping
Peruvian Sol
Code: PEN
1 USD is approximately 3.72 PEN (as of early 2026). ATMs are plentiful in central Cusco and dispense both Soles and US Dollars. BCP and Interbank ATMs generally offer the best rates with lower fees. US Dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tours, and some restaurants.
Payment Methods
Cash is essential for markets, colectivos, street food, and smaller shops. Cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tour agencies — Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard. Many businesses quote prices in both Soles and US Dollars. Always carry small bills as change can be scarce.
Tipping Guide
A 10% service charge (servicio) is often included in the bill. If not, leaving 10% is customary. Check your bill before adding more.
Rounding up or leaving S/1-2 is appreciated but not expected.
Not expected. The agreed-upon fare is the final price.
S/20-40 (~$5-11) per person per day for group tours. Porters and cooks on multi-day treks appreciate S/30-50 per day.
S/3-5 per bag for porters. S/5-10 per day for housekeeping at upscale hotels.
💰Budget
budget
$25-40
Hostel dorm, menu del dia lunches, colectivos, free walking tours, Boleto Turistico for ruins
mid-range
$60-120
Boutique hotel, sit-down restaurants, guided Sacred Valley tour, train to Machu Picchu
luxury
$250+
Luxury hotel, fine dining, private guides, Vistadome train, premium Machu Picchu experience
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | S/25-50 | $6.70-13.40 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | S/150-350 | $40-94 |
| AccommodationBoutique luxury hotel | S/600-2,000 | $161-538 |
| FoodMenu del dia (set lunch) | S/8-15 | $2.15-4.00 |
| FoodDinner at mid-range restaurant | S/35-70 | $9.40-18.80 |
| FoodCoffee or mate de coca | S/5-10 | $1.35-2.70 |
| FoodCraft beer | S/12-20 | $3.20-5.40 |
| FoodMarket juice | S/3-5 | $0.80-1.35 |
| TransportTaxi within center | S/5-10 | $1.35-2.70 |
| TransportColectivo to Sacred Valley | S/10-15 | $2.70-4.00 |
| TransportTrain to Machu Picchu (standard) | $60-90 USD | $60-90 |
| AttractionsBoleto Turistico (10-day pass) | S/130 | $35 |
| AttractionsMachu Picchu entry | S/152 | $41 |
| AttractionsQorikancha entry | S/15 | $4 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Buy the Boleto Turistico (S/130) for access to 16 archaeological sites and museums — it pays for itself in 3-4 visits
- •Eat "menu del dia" set lunches at local restaurants for S/8-15 — soup, main course, drink, and sometimes dessert included
- •Take colectivos instead of private taxis to Sacred Valley towns for a fraction of the cost
- •Free walking tours depart from the Plaza de Armas daily — just tip at the end based on quality
- •The hydroelectric route to Machu Picchu (bus + walk) costs ~$25 vs $60-90 for the train, though it takes longer
- •Buy coca tea at San Pedro Market in bulk (S/3-5 per bag) instead of paying cafe prices
- •Visit Sacsayhuaman during Boleto Turistico hours rather than paying separately
- •Book tours and transport through your hostel or directly with agencies on Calle Plateros — avoid middlemen
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
May through September is the dry season with clear skies and the best trekking weather. June is ideal for Inti Raymi festivities. The shoulder months of April and October offer good weather with fewer crowds.
Dry Season (May - September)
Crowds: High — peak tourist season, especially June-AugustClear blue skies, virtually no rain, and the best conditions for trekking the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu. Cold nights, sometimes below freezing in June-July.
Pros
- + Best weather for outdoor activities and trekking
- + Clear skies for photography
- + Inti Raymi festival in June
- + Reliable train and road conditions
Cons
- − Highest accommodation and tour prices
- − Inca Trail fully booked months in advance
- − Cold nights require warm layers
- − Popular sites are crowded
Shoulder Season (April & October)
Crowds: Moderate — excellent balanceTransition months with mostly dry weather and fewer tourists. April sees the end of rains with lush green landscapes. October has some late afternoon showers but is mostly pleasant.
Pros
- + Good weather with fewer tourists
- + Lower prices than peak season
- + Lush landscapes in April
- + Easier availability for Inca Trail permits
Cons
- − Occasional rain showers
- − Some trails may be muddy in April
- − Slightly less predictable weather
- − Not all seasonal services running
Wet Season (November - March)
Crowds: Low — budget-friendly off-seasonAfternoon rains are common, trails are muddy, and landslides can disrupt transport. The Inca Trail closes entirely in February. However, the landscape is beautifully green and tourist crowds are minimal.
Pros
- + Lowest accommodation prices
- + Minimal crowds at all attractions
- + Dramatically green scenery
- + Carnival celebrations in February
Cons
- − Heavy afternoon rains
- − Inca Trail closed in February
- − Landslides can delay trains and buses
- − Some trails unsafe due to mud and flooding
Festival Season (June)
Crowds: Very high — book months in advanceJune is Cusco's most festive month, culminating in Inti Raymi on June 24. The city is alive with parades, music, and traditional ceremonies throughout the month.
Pros
- + Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi celebrations
- + Perfect weather
- + Incredible cultural performances
- + City at its most vibrant
Cons
- − Highest prices of the year
- − Everything must be booked well in advance
- − Streets can be extremely crowded
- − Some areas closed for celebrations
🎉 Festivals & Events
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
June 24The Inca Festival of the Sun, revived in 1944 and now Cusco's largest annual celebration. A dramatic reenactment at Sacsayhuaman draws thousands. Surrounding festivities last all month.
Corpus Christi
June (60 days after Easter)Saints from Cusco's churches are paraded through the streets to the Cathedral. One of the most important religious celebrations, blending Catholic and Andean traditions.
Qoyllur Rit'i
May-June (before Corpus Christi)A spectacular Andean pilgrimage to the glacier of Mount Ausangate at 4,700m. Tens of thousands make the trek in a syncretic mix of Catholic and pre-Columbian tradition.
Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)
July 28-29Peru's national independence celebrations with military parades, traditional food festivals, and cultural events. A public holiday week when many Peruvians travel domestically.
🛂Visa & Entry
Peru has generous visa-free entry for most Western nationalities, allowing stays of up to 183 days. Immigration stamps your passport with the allowed days — check the number given and politely request more if needed.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 183 days | Visa-free entry. Immigration officers may stamp 30-90 days — politely ask for 183 if you need longer. No extension possible without leaving the country. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 183 days | Visa-free entry. Same 183-day maximum. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 183 days | Visa-free entry. Keep your immigration card (Tarjeta Andina de Migracion) safe — you need it to exit the country. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 183 days | All EU nationalities enter visa-free. The 183-day limit applies per calendar year, not per entry. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 183 days | Visa-free entry. Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested if arriving from an endemic country. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | Up to 183 days | Tourist visa required. Apply at the Peruvian embassy or consulate. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Proof of accommodation and financial means required. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Check the number of days stamped in your passport at immigration — officers sometimes give only 30 days unless you ask for more
- •Keep your TAM (Tarjeta Andina de Migracion) immigration card safe throughout your trip — it's required for departure
- •If flying directly to Cusco from abroad, you'll clear immigration in Lima first during your connection
- •Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (and may be required) if visiting jungle regions like Puerto Maldonado
- •Cusco's high altitude means you should plan at least 1-2 acclimatization days before any strenuous activity
💬Speak the Language
Spanish is the main language, but Quechua (the Inca language) is widely spoken in the region, especially in rural areas. Cusqueno Spanish has a distinctive melodic accent. A few Quechua phrases will delight locals.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good morning | Hola / Buenos dias | OH-lah / BWEH-nos DEE-ahs |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-ahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Yes / No | Si / No | see / no |
| How much does it cost? | Cuanto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah? |
| Where is...? | Donde esta...? | DON-deh es-TAH...? |
| The check, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah KWEN-tah, por fah-VOR |
| I don't understand | No entiendo | no en-tee-EN-doh |
| Do you speak English? | Habla ingles? | AH-blah een-GLES? |
| Hello (Quechua) | Allillanchu | ah-yee-YAHN-choo |
| Thank you (Quechua) | Sulpayki | sol-PIE-kee |
| Cheers / Let's drink | Salud | sah-LOOD |