CartagenavsCusco
Can't decide between Cartagena and Cusco? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a Caribbean jewel of colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and tropical energy. This walled city enchants with its romantic plazas, vibrant nightlife, nearby islands, and some of the best ceviche in South America.
Known for
Cusco
Cusco was the heart of the Inca Empire and remains the gateway to Machu Picchu. This high-altitude city blends Incan ruins with Spanish colonial architecture, offering rich indigenous culture, vibrant markets, and access to Peru's most iconic sites.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Cartagena offers Walled City, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Getsemaní
Cusco offers Machu Picchu Day Trip, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán
Food & Dining
Cartagena is famous for its local dining scene
Cusco is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cartagena has legendary nightlife
Cusco offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
December to April
April to October
Weather
Summer: 32°C, Winter: 30°C
Summer: 18°C, Winter: 17°C
Top Attractions in Cartagena
- 1Walled City
- 2Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- 3Getsemaní
- 4Rosario Islands
- 5Plaza Santo Domingo
- 6Café del Mar
Top Attractions in Cusco
- 1Machu Picchu Day Trip
- 2Plaza de Armas
- 3Sacsayhuamán
- 4San Pedro Market
- 5Sacred Valley
- 6Rainbow Mountain
Cartagena is Popular With
Cusco is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Cartagena
- 1
Convento de la Popa
A 17th-century monastery perched on the highest hill in Cartagena, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, bay, and coastline.
- 2
Mercado de Bazurto
The city's sprawling, chaotic central market where locals buy everything from fresh fish and exotic fruits to household goods and traditional remedies.
Hidden Gems in Cusco
- 1
Museo Inka
A lesser-visited museum housed in the Admiral's Palace, focusing exclusively on Inca culture and history.
- 2
Templo de la Luna (Moon Temple)
A small but spiritually significant Incan ceremonial site carved into a natural rock formation, located on the way to Sacsayhuamán.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Cartagena
Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City)
The historic heart and soul of Cartagena, enclosed by massive stone walls.
Getsemaní
Once a rough neighborhood, now the city's hip, artistic, and most energetic quarter.
Top Areas in Cusco
Historic Center (Around Plaza de Armas)
The bustling, tourist-friendly heart of Cusco, centered on the magnificent main square.
San Blas
A charming, bohemian district perched on a steep hillside northeast of the Plaza de Armas.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Cartagena
Budget in Cusco
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Cartagena
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Cusco
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Cartagena
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Find cheap transport to Cusco
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Our Verdict
Both Cartagena and Cusco are incredible destinations. Cartagena excels in colonial architecture and Caribbean beaches, while Cusco stands out for Machu Picchu and Incan ruins.
Best destination for:
nightlife
Cartagena
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