Best Time to Visit
April to October
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Language
Spanish, Quechua
Timezone
PET (UTC-5)
Discover Cusco
Cusco isn't just a city; it's a living archaeological site where the Incan Empire's stone foundations literally support Spanish colonial balconies. Walk the narrow, cobbled streets of San Blas and you'll pass walls of perfectly fitted polygonal stones, remnants of the Inca Qhapaq Ñan (royal road system), now framing artisan workshops and cozy cafes. This high-altitude capital, once called Qosqo ('navel of the world'), thrills not just as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but as a destination where you can touch history, from the monolithic stones of Sacsayhuamán to the gold-leafed altars of the Cusco Cathedral.
Beyond the ruins, Cusco pulses with a vibrant, contemporary Andean culture. The San Pedro Market explodes with color—mountains of native potatoes, piles of coca leaves, and women in traditional *pollera* skirts selling *chicha* (fermented corn drink). At night, the Plaza de Armas transforms, with the illuminated cathedral and Church of La Compañía de Jesús providing a breathtaking backdrop for locals and travelers alike. The real magic lies in the synthesis: savoring a modern *novoandina* dish like alpaca tenderloin while listening to live *huayno* music, all within walls built by the Incas.
Why Visit Cusco?
Walk Through Layers of History: Stand in awe at Qorikancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun, whose precise stonework forms the foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent. Explore the colossal zigzagging walls of Sacsayhuamán fortress, where the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) is reenacted every June.
Experience Living Andean Culture: Witness the syncretism at the Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage or browse the handwoven textiles and spiritual artifacts at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco. Engage with local Quechua weavers in communities like Chinchero in the Sacred Valley.
Access World-Class Hiking & Adventure: Use Cusco as your base for the iconic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or tackle the one-day hike to the technicolor striations of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). The Sacred Valley offers everything from mountain biking in Maras to rafting on the Urubamba River.
Discover a Unique Culinary Capital: Go beyond ceviche and taste Cusco's high-altitude cuisine, like *cuy al horno* (roasted guinea pig) in a traditional *pachamanca* (earth oven) feast, or *rocoto relleno* (stuffed spicy pepper). Sample craft beers made with local quinoa or corn at a cervecería.
Explore Incredible Colonial Architecture & Art: Marvel at the Cusco School paintings inside the Cathedral, which blend European techniques with indigenous symbols. Visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP) housed in a conquistador's mansion to see exquisite gold, silver, and ceramic works.
Shop in Unforgettable Markets: Bargain for alpaca sweaters, silver jewelry, and hand-painted retablos at the sprawling Pisac Market. For a more local experience, visit the less-touristy Mercado de Wanchaq for fresh produce, exotic fruits like *tumbo*, and hearty street food.
Cusco is Known For
Ready to explore Cusco?
Cusco Neighborhoods
Historic Center (Around Plaza de Armas)
The bustling, tourist-friendly heart of Cusco, centered on the magnificent main square. This area is packed with grand colonial churches, museums, tour agencies, restaurants, and hotels, all built upon Incan foundations. It's vibrant, convenient, and always buzzing with activity.
Highlights:
Best for:
San Blas
A charming, bohemian district perched on a steep hillside northeast of the Plaza de Armas. Known as the 'artisans' quarter,' its narrow, winding cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed houses, art galleries, boutique hotels, and craft workshops. It offers stunning panoramic views.
Highlights:
Best for:
San Pedro
A vibrant, authentic, and less-polished neighborhood centered around the massive San Pedro Market. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize. The streets are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday Cusqueño life, offering a raw cultural immersion.
Highlights:
Best for:
Recoleta & Santiago
A quieter, more residential area stretching towards the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site. It's characterized by cobblestone streets, colonial houses with flower-filled courtyards, and a more relaxed pace. It's close to major ruins but feels removed from the tourist throngs.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Acclimatize properly: Spend your first 24-48 hours in Cusco (3,400m/11,150ft) resting, drinking coca tea (*mate de coca*), and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol. Soroche (altitude sickness) is real.
- •Buy the Boleto Turístico: This tourist ticket (S/.130 for full, S/.70 partial) grants access to 16 sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and museums. Buy it at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol.
- •Bargain respectfully at markets: Start at about 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate with a smile. Avoid bargaining for very small, inexpensive items.
- •Use official taxis: Only get into registered taxis (with a lit roof sign and license plate). Agree on a price before getting in, as meters are rarely used. A ride within the city center should cost S/.5-8.
- •Carry small change (soles): Many small shops, markets, and taxis won't accept large bills or may not have change. Keep coins and small bills handy.
- •Visit sites early or late: Major sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha get crowded with tour groups between 10am-2pm. Go right at opening (8am) or after 3pm for a better experience.
- •Learn a few Quechua phrases: Greeting someone with "Allillanchu" (hello, how are you?) or saying "Yusulpayki" (thank you) is greatly appreciated and shows respect for the local culture.
- •Dress in layers: Cusco's weather can change instantly—sunny and warm one minute, cold and rainy the next. Always carry a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a warm layer.
- •Eat where the locals eat: For an authentic, cheap, and delicious lunch, look for *menú* signs outside local *comedores* (often S/.10-15 for soup, main course, and drink).
- •Be cautious with street food: While delicious, ensure it's cooked fresh and hot in front of you. Avoid uncooked vegetables and tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water.
Cusco Food Scene
Cusco's cuisine is a hearty reflection of its high-altitude environment, blending ancient Incan ingredients like potatoes, corn, and quinoa with Spanish influences. It's known for robust, comforting dishes designed to fuel a day in the mountains, from slow-cooked stews to roasted meats. The *novoandina* movement has also elevated these traditional ingredients into sophisticated fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional & Pachamanca
- • Pachamanca (earth oven feast) at Tunupa Restaurant in the Sacred Valley
- • Cuy and traditional stews at Pachapapa in San Blas
- • Alpaca steak at Morena Peruvian Kitchen
For a true pachamanca experience, you often need to book in advance with a tour or at a restaurant outside the city, as it's a ceremonial feast.
Street Food & Market Eats
- • Anticuchos (beef heart skewers) from street vendors at night
- • Fresh fruit juices and empanadas at San Pedro Market
- • Tamales from vendors near the Cathedral in the morning
The food stalls upstairs in San Pedro Market offer incredibly cheap and tasty set lunches (menú del día) in a bustling, authentic setting.
Novoandina (New Andean)
- • Tasting menu at Cicciolina in San Blas
- • Innovative Andean fusion at LIMO on the Plaza de Armas
- • Creative dishes at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
These upscale restaurants often require reservations, especially during high season. They're perfect for a special night out.
Bakeries & Cafes
- • Fresh empanadas and pastries at La Valeriana
- • Coca tea and sandwiches at Jack's Cafe
- • Artisan bread and coffee at Museo del Café
Cusco has excellent bakeries—perfect for grabbing a cheap, tasty breakfast or snack. Many cafes also offer strong, locally grown coffee.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Cusco
Spring
Spring (September to November) is the shoulder season, with warming temperatures and the landscape turning green after the dry winter. Crowds are thinner than in peak season, and rain is still infrequent.
Pros:
- + Pleasant, mild weather
- + Fewer tourists than June-August
- + Good visibility for hiking and photography
- + Lower prices on accommodation
Cons:
- - Beginning of the rainy season by November
- - Some trails (like Inca Trail) close in February, so late spring is the very end of the season
Summer
Summer (December to March) is the rainy season. Days can be warm with sudden, heavy afternoon downpours. The countryside is lush and green, but cloud cover can obscure mountain views.
Pros:
- + Lush, vibrant green landscapes
- + Fewest tourists (except around Christmas/NY)
- + Lower prices
- + Beautiful for photography with dramatic skies
Cons:
- - Frequent rain, which can disrupt travel and hiking plans
- - The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February
- - Potential for muddy, slippery trails
- - Machu Picchu can be shrouded in clouds
Autumn
Autumn (April to May) is another excellent shoulder season. The rains taper off, leaving clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's the calm before the peak season rush.
Pros:
- + Clear skies and great visibility
- + Comfortable hiking temperatures
- + Landscape is still green from the rains
- + Fewer crowds than peak season
Cons:
- - Nights start to get colder
- - Can be a popular time, so book Inca Trail permits in advance
Winter
Winter (June to August) is the peak dry season. Days are sunny and clear, but nights are very cold, often dropping below freezing. This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Pros:
- + Guaranteed dry, sunny days—ideal for hiking and photography
- + Clear views of mountains and ruins
- + Major festivals like Inti Raymi (June 24)
- + All trails and sites are fully open
Cons:
- - Extremely crowded at all major sites
- - Highest prices for flights, hotels, and tours
- - Very cold nights and early mornings
- - Must book Inca Trail permits months in advance
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Day Trips from Cusco
Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero)
Full day by tour van or combi (collective taxi); Pisac is 45 min by car
This fertile valley along the Urubamba River was the breadbasket of the Inca Empire and is dotted with spectacular ruins, traditional villages, and vibrant markets. It's also at a lower altitude than Cusco, making it a perfect place to acclimate.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
3-4 hours by car each way, plus a 1.5-2 hour hike (round trip)
A challenging but rewarding day trip to one of Peru's most Instagram-famous natural wonders. The striated colors of the mountain—caused by mineral deposits—are breathtaking, but the high altitude (5,200m/17,060ft) makes it strenuous.
Humantay Lake
3 hours by car each way, plus a 1.5-2 hour steep hike (one way)
A stunning turquoise glacial lake nestled at the foot of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped peaks. The hike is steep but the otherworldly beauty of the lake, considered sacred in Andean cosmology, is an unforgettable reward.
Cusco Budget Guide
Cusco can cater to all budgets, but costs are higher than in other Peruvian cities due to its tourist focus. Budget travelers can get by on very little, while luxury options are plentiful. Major expenses are tours (especially Machu Picchu), accommodation, and dining.
Budget
$30-50 USD for dorm beds, street food, public transport, and free walking tours.
per day
Mid-Range
$80-150 USD for private hostel/hotel rooms, restaurant meals, guided day tours, and occasional taxis.
per day
Luxury
$250+ USD for boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides and drivers, and premium multi-day trekking experiences.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Book multi-day treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay) months in advance to secure permits and better prices.
- •Eat the 'menú del día' at local comedores for lunch—it's the best value meal you'll find.
- •Many museums and churches have free or discounted entry on Sundays for locals, but check if it applies to tourists.
- •Withdraw cash (soles) from ATMs in banks during the day for better security; notify your bank first.
- •Bargain for souvenirs at markets, but prices in official museum shops and high-end galleries are fixed.
Cusco Hidden Gems
Museo Inka
A lesser-visited museum housed in the Admiral's Palace, focusing exclusively on Inca culture and history.
It has an exceptional collection of Inca textiles, pottery, metalwork, and mummies, presented in a beautiful colonial courtyard setting, without the crowds of the larger MAP museum.
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.
It's often missed by tour groups. You can crawl through tunnels and see intricate carvings, and it offers a quiet, mystical atmosphere compared to the major ruins.
ChocoMuseo
A working chocolate museum and workshop where you can learn about the history of cacao and make your own chocolate bar.
It's a fun, interactive, and delicious break from ruins and churches. The hot chocolate is superb, and it's a great activity for a rainy afternoon.
Barrio de San Cristóbal
The neighborhood leading up to the Cristo Blanco statue, just above the historic center.
It offers some of the best panoramic views of Cusco's red-tiled roofs, especially at sunset, without the crowds at Sacsayhuamán. It's a peaceful, residential area with a lovely church.
Cervecería del Valle Sagrado
A craft brewery located in Poroy, just outside Cusco, producing beers with local ingredients like purple corn and quinoa.
It's a taste of Peru's growing craft beer scene. The brewery tour and tasting offer a completely modern, non-historical experience and fantastic views of the valley.
Cusco Culture & Customs
Cusqueño culture is a proud, profound fusion of indigenous Quechua roots and Spanish colonial influence, visible in everything from architecture to religion. Respect for the earth (Pachamama) is central, with rituals and festivals blending Catholic and Andean beliefs. Family and community are paramount, and traditional dress is commonly worn, especially by women in markets and rural areas.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always ask permission before photographing people, especially locals in traditional dress—a small tip may be expected.
- •Greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving a small store with a simple "Buenos días/tardes."
- •Be respectful in churches and during religious processions; dress modestly and avoid flash photography.
- •When invited to a home, it's polite to bring a small gift. Avoid giving money directly to children; support community projects instead.
- •Use your right hand, or both hands, to give and receive items, especially money. The left hand is considered less polite.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Absolutely. Entry tickets to Machu Picchu itself, as well as permits for the Inca Trail, must be booked months in advance, especially for the peak season (May-September). Tickets for the specific circuits within the site can sell out. Book directly via the official government website or through a reputable tour operator.
Is altitude sickness serious, and how can I prevent it?
Soroche can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Prevent it by spending your first day resting, drinking plenty of water and coca tea, avoiding heavy food and alcohol, and considering altitude medication (acetazolamide) after consulting a doctor. The Sacred Valley (lower altitude) is a great place to start your trip.
Is Cusco safe for tourists?
Cusco is generally very safe for tourists. The main risks are petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and the Plaza de Armas. Use common sense: don't flash valuables, be aware of your surroundings, use official taxis, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, do not drink tap water in Cusco. Always drink bottled or purified water. Most hotels and hostels provide drinking water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.
What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The classic route is a train from Poroy (near Cusco) or, more commonly, Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the ruins. For adventurers, multi-day treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek are the ultimate way to arrive. Day trips by train are possible but very long and rushed.
Should I get travel insurance for Peru?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 5,000m if hiking Rainbow Mountain), emergency medical evacuation (which can be very expensive from remote areas), trip cancellation, and theft. Check that your policy explicitly includes the activities you plan to do.
What should I pack for Cusco?
Pack for all seasons: layers are key. Essentials include a warm fleece or down jacket, a waterproof shell, sturdy hiking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a daypack, and a good camera. Don't forget adapters for Type A and C power outlets (110V/60Hz).
Do I need to speak Spanish to get by?
No, but it helps immensely. In tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and tour guides speak English. However, in markets, with taxi drivers, and in local comedores, very little English is spoken. Learning basic Spanish phrases (or Quechua greetings) will greatly enhance your experience and is a sign of respect.
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