With its verdant backdrop, high-altitude location—a dizzying 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level—and rich indigenous culture, Cusco is one of Peru’s most enchanting cities. Perhaps best known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is both the sacred capital of the Incas and the grand finish to the legendary Inca Trail. Below Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas boasts a wealth of archaeological wonders, traditional market villages, and mesmerizing views, while the Salkantay and Lares treks are two of the country’s most worthwhile long-distance hikes. Cusco itself has plenty to offer too, with its beautiful colonial buildings, buzzing marketplace, and traditional and neo-Andean restaurants.
Cusco experiences the heaviest rainfall between November and April. For conditions ideal for exploring the Sacred Valley and trails to Machu Picchu, visit from June through September. Cusco's high altitude means it gets cold at night whatever the season, so bring warm clothes. Avoid visiting in February when the Inca Trail closes for yearly maintenance, if you want to reach one of South America's most important archaeological sites via an equally iconic hiking route.
Though Cusco is easy to explore on foot, its dizzying elevation means climbing steep stairs can be, quite literally, breathtaking. If you want to save your legs, collectivos (shared taxis) are cheap, but can be crowded. Taxis, which are generally regulated and metered, are a great option—and there's no need to negotiate a price before you hop in. There's also a train station that takes you to Machu Picchu, just across from San Pedro train station.
Sacred Valley big hitters such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Maras often overshadow the small village of Chinchero, which is famous throughout Latin America for its weaving communities. According to legend, it’s the birthplace of the rainbow, and it's widely considered one of Cusco's most picturesque towns. There’s a quaint colonial church, an Inca archaeological site, and textile centers that showcase weaving techniques dating back hundreds of years.
Local Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) | Time Zone PET (UTC -5) | Country Code +51 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 40 | Tours 3,048 | Reviews 45,958 |
Cusco is known as the longest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and as the former capital of the Inca Empire. The city is a blend of Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, and the entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also a jumping-off point for Machu Picchu.
...MoreAim to spend two or three days in Cusco before exploring more of the Sacred Valley. If you fly in, you’ll need time to adjust to the altitude. You’ll also want to explore attractions including the Cathedral and Coricancha in the historic center and ruins of Sacsayhuaman on the outskirts.
...MoreYes. Machu Picchu is near Cusco, but it will take you around five hours to get there. The easiest way is to take a bus or shuttle to the Poroy train station, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, it is a short bus journey to Machu Picchu.
...MoreYes. Although Cusco is a sprawling city, most of the attractions of interest to travelers are within walking distance. You’ll likely want to spend most of your time in the walkable historic center. For attractions such as Sacsayhuaman, you can take a quick ride on a bus.
...MoreVisitors to Cusco should stroll around the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and peek into the Cathedral to see its vast art collection. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo de Arte Precolombino) is another must-visit, as is the sacred Inca-built temple of Qorikancha (Coricancha).
...MoreOne day in Cusco gives you enough time to wander around the Plaza de Armas; visit Cusco Cathedral and Corichancha; and shop for souvenirs at San Pedro Market. You can also see the ruins of Sacsayhuaman just outside the city and enjoy an Andean-style dinner at a local restaurant.
...More
