CuscovsQuito
Can't decide between Cusco and Quito? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
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
Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters in an Andean valley, the world's highest official capital. Its UNESCO-listed colonial center is the best-preserved in Latin America, with ornate churches, cobblestone plazas, and sweeping views of snow-capped volcanoes on clear days.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Cusco offers Machu Picchu Day Trip, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán
Quito offers Plaza de la Independencia, Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía Church
Food & Dining
Cusco is famous for its local dining scene
Quito is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cusco offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Quito offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
April to October
June to September
Weather
Summer: 18°C, Winter: 17°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in Cusco
- 1Machu Picchu Day Trip
- 2Plaza de Armas
- 3Sacsayhuamán
- 4San Pedro Market
- 5Sacred Valley
- 6Rainbow Mountain
Top Attractions in Quito
- 1Plaza de la Independencia
- 2Basílica del Voto Nacional
- 3La Compañía Church
- 4TelefériQo Cable Car
- 5Mitad del Mundo
- 6Calle La Ronda
Cusco is Popular With
Quito is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
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.
Hidden Gems in Quito
- 1
Museo Casa del Alabado
A stunning pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial house in the Old Town.
- 2
Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center
A hilltop park east of the Historic Center, crowned by the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass and iron structure.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
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.
Top Areas in Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Cusco
Budget in Quito
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Cusco
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Book Activities in Quito
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Cusco
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Find cheap transport to Quito
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Our Verdict
Both Cusco and Quito are incredible destinations. Cusco excels in Machu Picchu and Incan ruins, while Quito stands out for colonial architecture and equator line.
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