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Cusco is an enchanting introduction to the Andean culture and the jumping-off point for both Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley . Browse our complete travel guide below for essential facts, travel tips, and top attractions to explore on your trip to Cusco.

Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco (also spelled Cuzco) holds a unique charm that's hard to put into words. Exquisite churches, fantastic museums, and narrow cobbled streets in the historic center merit at least a few days’ worth of exploration. Add to that stunning Inca ruins both within the city and in the surrounding hills and you’ve got a recipe for travel magic.

Cultural festivals throughout the year, including Señor de los Temblores and Inti Raymi, highlight the region’s mixed Spanish-indigenous heritage and illustrate the continual renewal of the community’s long-held Andean traditions. This fascinating and historically-rich city is sure to be one of the most memorable places you’ve ever set foot in.

Climate & Weather

The highland climate of Cusco has a rainy season and dry season with gradual weather and temperature changes in between. The mountainous geography of the Cusco region has a wide variety of microclimates, with drastic temperature differences between the warm and humid valleys and the frosty high altitude plains. Generally, as elevations climb higher, temperatures drop.

Rainy Season The rainy season in Cusco is from December to March and coincides with summer in South America. Rainstorms are unpredictable, though heavy rains are usually brief and episodic. January and February typically receive the most rainfall. Cloudy skies are typical throughout the rainy season, but patchy sunshine comes through on some days. Average temperatures are around 60°F (16°C) in the day and 46°F (8°C) at night.

Dry Season The dry season is from June to August when it's winter in South America. During these months in Cusco, it's typically beautiful and sunny. The average daytime temperature is around 65°F (18°C), but if you're in direct sunlight it can feel a lot hotter. At night, without cloud cover to create an insulation effect, the temperature dips down to a chilly 25°F (4°C).

Best Time to Visit

There are benefits to visiting Cusco during each season, as well as some drawbacks.

• The dry season is the most popular time to visit Cusco. Weather conditions in the Andes are usually sunny with a minimal chance of rain, but attractions tend to be crowded.
• The rainy season is a pleasant time to be in Cusco because there are far fewer tourists and crowds, except for Semana Santa (Easter Week), when a lot of Peruvians are also taking a vacation. Weather-related travel delays are more common, especially in January and February, when it rains the most.
• The months between the rainy and dry seasons (April, May, September, and October) usually have temperate weather and fewer crowds.

Geography & Map

• Cusco is located in the Huatanay valley in southeastern Peru and surrounded by Andean peaks. The city is the capital of the province and region of Cusco, and a principal hub for travelers heading to and from Machu Picchu.
• Elevation 11,155 ft (3,400 m) Population ~430,000

The city of Cusco represents the sum of hundreds of years of indigenous and cultural fusion throughout the southern Andes of Peru. Excavations in the Cusco basin have uncovered artifacts and temples from the ancient Killke Culture dating as far back as 900 AD.

The Inca civilization began to develop as a city-state in 1200 AD, first co-existing with and then gradually absorbing neighboring ethnic groups. Inca oral traditions recorded after the Spanish conquest remember Manco Capac as the first Inca king.

Expansion of the Inca Empire did not begin until 1438, under the reign of Pachacutec-Cusi Yupanqui, whose name means "earth-shaker." The Inca called their lands Tawantinsuyu, which spread over much of South America and used their imperial capital of Cusco to impose political, religious, and administrative control.

The rectilinear layout of Cusco's streets is an Incan legacy. Pachacutec ordered the city rebuilt in the shape of a puma. The rivers Saphi and Tullumayo were canalized to control flooding and formed the outlines of the puma's body (the rivers continue to run underground), its loins centered on Qorikancha, and its head represented by Sacsayhuaman. This area of Cusco was reserved for the elite: the king and his lineage, priests, noble families, and their retinues. Separate areas were designated for agriculture, artisanry, and industry.

Francisco Pizarro and Spanish soldiers landed on the shores of the Inca Empire in 1531, thus marking the beginning of the end for the Inca. For a captivating re-telling of the Conquest and collapse of the Inca Empire, we suggest reading The Last Days of the Incas written by our Peru Specialist Kim Macquarrie.

In the years after the fall of the Inca Empire in 1533, the Spanish took control of Cusco. Many Inca palaces and temples were toppled completely, and the stones were used as the building blocks of Spanish-style churches and casonas. But in some cases, the Inca walls were kept intact and incorporated into the new buildings. Santa Clara Monastery, the Archbishop's Palace, and Palacio Nazarenas (formerly a convent, now a 5-star hotel) are examples of buildings with long sections of Inca walls that are on display to admire today.

Travel Tips

Traveling to Peru in the peak season (June, July, August) requires a lot of planning several months in advance. This includes booking hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), flights to/from Cusco, train tickets to/from Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu tickets (limited to 400 and sell out weeks in advance) and Inca Trail permits if applicable.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a common health concern for travelers arriving in Cusco. Acclimation varies widely by individual, but many people adjust within 24 to 48 hours. Minor symptoms include headache, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Severe reactions to high elevations are rare and hard to predict.

Before you travel, ask your doctor about medications to prevent altitude sickness. During your stay to Cusco, keep hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and try the local remedy, coca leaf tea. If you're planning to trek to higher elevations, plan to spend a few days acclimating in Cusco before beginning the journey.

What to Pack

Cusco day excursion checklist:

• Bring a daypack with snug straps
• Carry a bottle of water and stay hydrated
• Camera or phone with charged batteries
• Sweatshirt or jacket in case the temperature cools off
• Extra soles to purchase any souvenirs that grab your attention or for tipping (at your discretion)

Dry season packing suggestions:

• Wear light, comfortable clothes while you are out touring. Long-sleeve shirts and pants are recommended for extra protection from the sun.
• Bring a wide brim hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. The sun is quite intense at Cusco’s high elevation.
• Pack a cozy fleece or jacket. Temperatures in Cusco change drastically from day to night, especially during the peak dry season from June until August. If you need extra warmth, buy a handknit hat, mittens, and scarf at Mercado de San Pedro.

Rainy season packing suggestions:

• Wearing the right clothes to stay dry can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a wet, miserable one. Stick to wearing jeans indoors, and opt instead for long pants made of synthetic, quick-drying fabric while outside in the rain.
• Pack an umbrella to using during day tours. Or, if you prefer, wear a rain poncho.

Best Place to Stay in Cusco

The best area to stay in Cusco is in the historic downtown, which has countless restaurants, museums, Inca ruins, and other top attractions within easy walking distance. Some of the city’s most charming hotels are an uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas in the San Blas neighborhood, which might not be the best option for anyone with physical limitations or concerned about overexerting themselves in the high elevation. Cusco accommodation ranges from backpacker party hostels, AirB&B, and comfortable hotels that include complimentary breakfast. Check out our preferred places to stay in the Hotels section above.

Getting Around Cusco

Walking is the best way to get around the historic center of Cusco. You can stroll from one side of the historic center to the other within 15 to 20 minutes. Around the Plaza de Armas you’ll find Cusco’s top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife options. The area around the main plaza is mostly flat, but the streets become steeply inclined when you walk toward the San Blas, San Cristobal, or Santa Ana neighborhoods.

How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu

• Cusco is a 4-hour train trip from the Machu Picchu Station in Aguas Calientes. To catch the train in Cusco, you need to drive to the Poroy Station about 20 minutes from the city’s Plaza de Armas.
• Travelers can also trek to Machu Picchu. Trekking packages are arranged so that you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco and then driven to the trailhead in the Sacred Valley. The iconic 4-day Inca Trail starts from KM 82 along the railway tracks in the Sacred Valley and is a 27 mi (44 km) journey on foot all the way to Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.

Things to Do

Plaza de Armas

San Blas Neighborhood

Cusco Cathedral

Santo Domingo Church encloses one of Cusco's most impressive Inca ruins, the Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. According to chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, it was the largest and most opulent temple in all of South America, filled with gold, silver, and precious jewels. Inca oral traditions indicate that the temple, dedicated to the worship of Inti, the sun god, was built during the reign of Manco Capac in the 12th century atop a pre-existing temple. Beginning in 1536, Santo Domingo Church was built upon the ruins of the Coricancha, but tantalizing vestiges of the former Inca temple were kept intact. The most intriguing feature is an exceptionally well-crafted semicircular wall that's visible from Avenida El Sol.

Sacsayhuaman

The Sacsayhuaman ruins are on a hill overlooking Cusco and rise in front of a vast esplanade the length and width of four football fields. The original Inca-built walls were 10 feet (3 meters) taller. On the topmost platform were three circular towers. The gargantuan scale of Sacsayhuaman's zigzagging, terraced walls will make your jaw drop, even more, when you realize they represent just a fraction of the original site.

Tambomachay

Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP)

Inka Museum

San Pedro Market

Cusco Planetarium

The Inca Empire placed profound importance on astronomy. The observations they made in their natural environment, like those up in the sky, were deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and day-to-day activities. A visit to the Planetarium Cusco is an opportunity to learn about Inca constellations and the southern night sky. If the weather permits, you can observe the star-studded sky over Cusco through a telescope. The planetarium is a family-run project located in an Andean-style house with adobe walls up in the surrounding hills next to Sacsayhuaman about a 10-minute drive from the Plaza de Armas.

Note: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (or boleto turístico del Cusco) gives you access to a variety of Inca ruins and museums. The popular Full Ticket is valid for ten days and includes entry to sixteen attractions, including Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and many more.

As one of Peru's most popular destinations, Cusco boasts a range of hotels for every budget. Within the historic center of the city, you'll find colonial buildings that have been restored into elegant 4- and 5-star hotels, old family houses converted into cozy guesthouses, and everything in between. The following are our Top Pick Hotels in Cusco, selected for their excellent amenities, outstanding service, and convenient location.

Palacio del Inka

Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Historic Center, Cusco

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Plazoleta de Limacpampa Chico 473, Historic Center, Cusco

Casa San Blas

Tocuyeros 566, San Blas, Cusco

Anahuarque Boutique Hotel

Calle San Agustin 236, Cusco

Restaurants

Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Cultural events.

Tour Packages

6 days from $ 1249

Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

4 days from $ 989

9 days from $ 2069

Cusco, Inca Trail, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

6 days from $ 1719

Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu & 2-day Inca Trail

12 days from $ 2549

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Amazon, Arequipa & Colca Canyon

9 days from $ 3649

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima & Amazon Cruise

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Cusco   Travel Guide

Why Go To Cusco

Cusco, known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, is home to a storied history that included the rise and fall of the Inca Empire followed by the invasion of Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s. Today, remnants of both eras share the narrow city streets – from centuries-old baroque cathedrals to exquisite stone masonry – creating a rare collision of Andean and Spanish styles that makes Cusco like no other place on earth.

The city has come out of the shadow of Peru’s capital, Lima , in recent decades. Millions of tourists make the pilgrimage from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to get a glimpse of South America's greatest spectacle:  Machu Picchu . Discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century, the fabled ruins are one of the most impressive architectural feats of the ancient world. If you're planning a visit to Machu Picchu while in Cusco, make the most of your time with these tips . But don't let this UNESCO World Heritage Site be the only thing you see while in Cusco. This enchanting city offers more: from the glimmering Qorikancha  (Temple of the Sun) to the scrumptious Andean cuisine. It only takes a day to be charmed by this significant Peruvian city and all its wonders. 

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• # 1 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
• # 6 in Best Places to Visit in May 2024

Best of Cusco

Best hotels in cusco.

• in Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
• in Belmond Hotel Monasterio
• in Casa Cartagena

Best Things to Do in Cusco

• # 1 in Plaza de Armas
• # 2 in Machu Picchu
• # 3 in La Catedral

Popular Tours

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

(1378 reviews)

from $ 349.00

Day Trip Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco

(519 reviews)

from $ 399.00

2-Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train

(966 reviews)

from $ 479.00

Cusco Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Cusco is from June to mid-September. Though temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 60s throughout the year, the city sees fewer rain showers during its winter months. Still, this is peak tourist season, so expect plenty of fellow trekkers beside you as marvel at iconic sites. To escape swells of tourists and high room rates, visit during May or between late September and early November. Avoid visiting between late November and April, when heavy downpours delay and dampen exploration. Whenever you decide to plan your trip, bring warm clothing to arm yourself from the chilly nighttime temperatures, which dip into the low 30s and 40s.

Weather in Cusco

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Acclimate with coca tea Surpassing 11,000 feet, Cusco's steep elevation takes some getting used to. Combat altitude sickness with mate de coca , a local herbal tea served at most hotels and restaurants.
• Watch your step While it's tempting to walk along the walls of ancient ruins, keep in mind that the stones have loosened over the last several hundred years. Your balancing act could damage their well-crafted masonry  –  not to mention your own body.
• Rely on bottled water Tap water here is not safe to drink. Instead, quench your thirst with bottled water.
• Plan ahead If you're hoping to see Machu Picchu while in Cusco, reserve your ticket several months to a year in advance. For more information on getting to Machu Picchu, tours and tips for visiting , check out our guide.

How to Save Money in Cusco

• Purchase a Boleto Turístico This pass grants access to 16 attractions in Cusco, some of which only accept this ticket in lieu of an entrance fee. A Boleto Turístico costs 130 Soles (roughly $40); however, there is also the option of buying boleto parcial (partial ticket), which allows access to fewer sites for half the cost.
• Rely on your own two feet The best way to take in this city is on foot, which so happens to be the most affordable way to get around .
• Arrive in spring You'll find much better hotel rates between late September and November, after the popular winter months.

Culture & Customs

In A.D. 1200, Cusco (known as the "navel of the world") served as the epicenter of the Inca Empire and anchored a vast political and military network that extended to Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile. After Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro seized the city in 1533, the Spanish established a new fortress, utilizing the Incan foundations. Today, the city showcases a rich infusion of Inca and Spanish heritage.

Now home to about 350,000 people, Cusco's culture is best seen during its lively outdoor festivals like the Festival of the Sun when thousands of revelers gather to celebrate fiestas and dance to pre-Columbian music. The majority of Cusco's population identifies as Roman Catholic, however, a variety of other religions are practiced and very few residents identify as atheist or agnostic.  Catholic saint days, Andean ceremonies and Incan festivities are observed throughout the year.

Dress is generally casual in Cusco, but those planning to visit the Inca ruins should remember to bring waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking shoes and warm layers as the high altitude ushers in cooler temperatures at night. Keep in mind that Cusco's streets are cobbled, so you'll want to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city by day and participating in the lively night scene after dark. Also, as you're wandering Cusco, remember to keep your wits about you. Petty thieves frequent Plaza de Armas , and pickpocketing happens to unsuspecting tourists.

The official language of Peru is Spanish, but you'll hear a mingling of Spanish, Aymara and Quechua (the official language of the Inca Empire). Cusco Quechua is its own distinct dialect, which varies greatly from Quechua spoken in other regions in Peru. English-speakers can be hard to find, so come prepared with a basic book of key Spanish phrases and plenty of patience.  

The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency of Peru, which has a very favorable exchange rate to the U.S. dollar (about $0.30 per 1 Peruvian Sol). Make sure to check the current exchange rate before traveling. 

What to Eat

In recent years, Peruvian cuisine has gained popularity in the world’s culinary landscape, but for the freshest (and most authentic) specialty dishes, Cusco will not disappoint. Most Peruvian dishes carry big flavor not seen in other Latin and South American fare. You may have already tried popular dishes like ceviche (a cold dish of fresh raw fish with spicy citrus flavors) or lomo saltado (stir fried beef with fries). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try cuy (roasted guinea pig – yes, the American household pet) or charbroiled alpaca (also known as llama). Other delicious traditional dishes include adobo (a pork stew with corn beer), tamales, choclo con queso (boiled corn with local cheese) and the vegetarian stew capchi de setas . As far as vegetables go, Peru produces more than 4,000 varieties of potato, so you’ll find many dishes centered on them like papas a la huancaina (boiled potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce) and causa (a potato casserole with a variety of meat). Other staple veggies include corn and avocados. If your mouth isn't watering yet, check your pulse. 

For a taste of traditional dishes, head to Pachapapa  or the award-winning Chicha (visitors and locals recommend getting reservations well in advance).  Peruvian cuisine often mingles with Asian influences, inspired by the culture brought by indentured servants and immigrants who came to Peru dating back to the original Spanish rule in the country. For a sampling of the Asian/Peruvian fusion cuisine, visit LIMO .  If you're really looking to splurge on a fine dining experience, try MAP Cafe . Located in the courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum in a glass shipping container, the fare is more contemporary Peruvian cuisine. You can also kick-start your day with coffee and breakfast at Jack's Cafe , which serves breakfast all day. Many of the most popular restaurants are centrally located near Plaza de Armas . 

Getting Around Cusco

The best way to get around Cusco is on foot. The Plaza da Armas serves as the historic center of the city and colorful cobbled pedestrian-only streets extend outward to many of the city's  top attractions .  That said, at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, exploring Cusco requires stamina. Should you need to catch your breath, it's easy to flag down a taxi. Buses, often called colectivos or combis , are a more affordable way to get around, but the time schedules and limited routes can be less convenient than hailing a cab. For longer journeys to the Sacred Valley, you'll want to rent a car, but heavy pedestrian traffic can clog the narrow street, so driving in Cusco proper is not recommended.

When you're ready to journey to Machu Picchu , you'll want to snag a seat on one of PeruRail's daily trains from Estación Poroy (15 minutes from downtown Cusco) to Aguas Calientes, a station located at the base of Machu Picchu. A tour company can also arrange transportation for you; learn how here .

Most visitors fly into Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) – located about 4 miles southeast of the downtown area – via the one-hour flight from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Peruvian Airlines and LAN Airlines offer daily flights between Lima and Cusco. 

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. U.S. travelers can stay for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa as long as they possess documentation of return or continued travel. Staying beyond 90 days is prohibited without applying for a special visa prior to arrival. Peru requires an international departure tax of $30.74 per person, which is either included in the cost of your plane ticket or must be paid in cash upon departure from the airport. If you're flying domestically within Peru, expect to pay $10.68 in taxes. Although Peru does not require immunizations before entry, vaccination against yellow fever is highly recommended. For more information, check out the U.S. Department of State's website .

The heart of the city – both during Incan times and present day – the Plaza de Armas is constantly buzzing with activity. 

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Living empire

Festival of Inti Raymi, Temple of Qorikancha Credit: Heinz Plenge Pardo / PromPerú

• Destinations

In Cusco, every corner is filled with history, as the ancient capital of Peru (during the Inca Empire) still preserves remnants of the most important power of this ancient civilization.

The ancient history can be felt in every step you take through the streets of its towns, which seem to have stopped in time. Its cities are riddled with so much mysticism that you will not want to leave. And if you have to depart, there will always be a burning desire inside you to return as soon as possible.

The first step is to arrive in Cusco. The easiest way? By flight. Due to the high demand from tourists, it was impossible not to have an international airport in Cusco, although most flights have to pass through Lima before reaching the imperial city. It takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes from the Peruvian capital to reach the chosen destination.

Once you are in Cusco, all you need to do is organize your time in the best way possible to explore as many attractions and experiences as you can imagine. Do you like mountaineering? A trip to Ausangate, also known as the sacred mountain, will satisfy your need to release that accumulated energy. Are you a nature lover? Do not miss a visit to the Sacred Valley, which features towns that seem to have come out of the most creative fables you can imagine. Do you melt for animals? Yes, there is also room for wildlife enthusiasts: Awanakancha, the only interpretation center of South American camelids, is located in Cusco.

The Cusco jewel

However, this journey will not be complete if you do not embrace the Inka spirit. Yes, we are talking about a visit to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the great jewel of Cusco and Peru: the imposing, revered, and ostentatious Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu , the final and starting point for every tourist visiting Cusco. This cultural and natural heritage of humanity was one of the most important religious, cultural, and political centers of the Inca Empire, and those who visit it agree that it exudes a unique energy.

Trekking enthusiasts must visit Huayna Picchu , Sacsayhuaman, Vinicunca, Urubamba, Choquequirao , Humantay Lagoon, Ollantaytambo, and the Inca Trail. The options for tourism in Cusco are endless. Even within the city itself, there are countless activities and attractions to discover, you can start getting to know a bit of Cusco's history with a walk through its Historic Center or the Andean Baroque route, where you can admire buildings with the ancient colonial touch.

Museums are a favorite space for visitors, and one that you must not miss is the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha). Besides, be amazed by the Twelve-Angled Stone or marvel at the art of the artisans in the San Blas neighborhood. A visit to the colorful San Pedro Market can give you an insight into the idiosyncrasy of the people of Cusco.

So, if you are an adventurer, do not hesitate: Cusco awaits you with open arms. In addition, even if you do not have that wild spirit, Cusco is still for you: the city offers hotels and restaurants with the highest quality standards, catering to the requirements of the most demanding travelers. Make your decision now, Cusco is ready to welcome you.

How to get to Cusco?

Lima - Cusco

By air: 1 h 15 min approximately

Overland: 26 h approximately

Main Attractions

Andahuaylillas

Home to “The Sistine Chapel of the Americas”

Awanacancha

The only South American camelid theme park

San Blas neighborhood

Craftspeople from a different time

Experiences in Cusco

Sporting activities in Cusco

Exercise in ancestral lands

Mountain biking in Maras and Moray

Following the path of adventure

Trekking routes tour

Exploring Peru’s trails

City tour in Cusco’s historic center

Visit the magical sights of the imperial city

Tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu

See Cusco and Machu Picchu at the same time

Explore the Sacred Valley

Paragliding in the Sacred Valley

Glamping on the Inca Trail

The glamorous way to trek

Kayaking on Cusco’s lakes

Take a ride in these single person craft

Experiencing the view from Huayna Picchu

A condor eye’s view

Luxury train journey Cusco, Puno and Arequipa

Where luxury arrives on rails

Picnic in the Sacred Valley

Nature a la carte

Andean Baroque route-Cusco

Where history and art knock on heaven’s door

Shopping for handcrafts, silver and alpaca in Cusco

Where ancestral knowledge seems endless

Trekking the Inca Trail

It will exceed your expectations

Visit the communities of the Sacred Valley

Experience the Sacred Valley

Top destinations to explore in Perú

A desert, all experiences

La libertad

Everything is about the sea

Land of ancient kingdoms, pyramids and forests

We help you plan your trip!

TRIPADVISOR

About Cusco Peru

All About Cusco for travelers, tourists & expats

Welcome to Cusco, the old capital of the Incas, nestled high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Cusco is a place of stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, full of culture and history, and with endless opportunities for adventure & exploration. Cusco is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca citadel Machu Picchu! Whether you want to visit Cusco while you are travelling in Peru, or you’re looking for place where you can spend more time, Cusco and surroundings are the perfect destination. This is your Cusco guide, full of tips and inspiration for what to do in Cusco, and what to see in Cusco, as you discover everything this stunning city has to offer.

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The Definitive Cusco Peru Visitor Guide

LAST UPDATED – 2/12/24 – Cusco Peru Visitor Guide

Nestled deep in the rolling hillside of the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cusco seems to capture the imagination of travelers more than most other South American cities.  Because of its remote location in the mountains, the city has remained insulated from the hustle and bustle of modern life in many ways.  Though you can find beautiful five-star hotels and most of the amenities that you find in bigger cities like the capital city of Lima, the city of Cusco still retains much of its small-town feel.

As one of the most important cities in the ancient Incan world, this also includes an abundant amount of historical and cultural sites.  Whether you are visiting Cusco on your way to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, headed further into the Andes to see the beautiful Rainbow Mountains, or will be staying for an extended period in Cusco itself, you will be amazed by the beauty and warm hospitality that you will find in this amazing city.

In this Cusco Peru visitor guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to plan a successful trip to Cusco, Peru.  I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip.  In addition, I outline the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are.  With this information in hand, you can be confident that your trip to Cusco will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

Cusco Visitor Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Peru.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Peru. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Peru. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Cusco , Peru visitor guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport Requirements

To enter Peru, you must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date on which you enter the country.  If you plan on staying in Peru for 90 days or less, you will not need a VISA to enter the country.  However, you must be able to show proof of return or onward travel to be admitted.  For additional information, please refer to the website of the US Embassy in Peru .

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Peru, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  If you have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them, below are some general guidelines I can pass on to you from experience.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with  Walgreens   or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website   can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Peru Travel Vaccinations

You may be wondering what vaccinations your physician will recommend. In case you are, I have compiled a list of what you might expect your doctor to recommend below.

• Typhoid  (either a shot, which is good for 2 years, or a live virus pill, which is good for 4 years).
• Yellow Fever  (The Yellow Fever vaccination is not required to enter Peru, and it is not recommended if you are staying within the areas around Cusco and Machu Picchu.  However, if you are also traveling within the regions of Amazonas, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martin, Ucayali, Puno, Cusco, Junín, Pasco, and Huánuco it is recommended that you get the Yellow Fever vaccination.  Please see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) map of the areas where a Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for more detail).
• Hepatitis A & B  (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus  (if you aren’t current).
• Dukoral  (gives you 3-month protection against travel diarrhea).
• Acetazolamide   – This prescription medication is used to treat the pressure buildup in your eyes from glaucoma, but can also be very effective in treating the pressure buildup in your sinuses and head caused by increased altitude.  It is a good way to prevent the notorious headaches caused by an adjustment to higher altitudes.

Travel Insurance

Before you head to Peru, I would recommend that you purchase travel insurance.  You will want to have this in case something happens and you have to either postpone or cancel your trip.  It would also be a great idea to purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance .  Should an emergency occur and you need to be medically evacuated from the country, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Altitude Tips

One of the things you need to be acutely aware of when you visit Cusco is the altitude of the area.  The city of Cusco sits at an altitude of 11,152 feet (3,399 meters), which is a much higher elevation than many travelers are used to.  For some people, this high elevation can be a bit much.  People may experience shortness of breath, headaches, and even dizziness at these elevations.  If you are suffering from pre-existing medical conditions such as a bad heart, the higher altitude can even be deadly.  In extreme cases, people have even suffered from acute altitude sickness and even death from the altitude.  You can protect yourself by preparing for the high altitude by following these tips:

• Always stay hydrated.
• Take time to acclimate to the higher altitude.  After arriving in Cusco, stay a few nights in the Sacred Valley (which sits at a much lower elevation).  The city of Pisac sits at 6,730 feet (2,050 meters).  This will allow your body time to adjust to that altitude before going back to Cusco and adjusting to that elevation.
• Talk to your doctor about an Acetazolamide prescription.  This medication is used to treat eye pressure for those suffering from glaucoma and can also decrease the painful effects of high-altitude headaches.
• Try coca leaf tea to relieve altitude symptoms.  It is a local remedy for altitude discomfort that locals swear by.  Most hotels in Cusco will offer the tea complimentary.
• Book a hotel in Cusco with pumped-in Oxygen.  Most of the nicer hotels in Cusco will pump Oxygen into their hotel rooms.  This is a great way to minimize the effects of the altitude when visiting.
• If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness and they don’t go away with any of the above remedies, get down to a lower altitude immediately.  Your health isn’t worth the risk.  Get to a lower altitude until you feel better and then consider returning back to Cusco.

Packing Tips

Before you start packing for your trip to Peru, you will want to make sure you have all of the gear that will keep you organized, comfortable, and safe on your trip.  This is especially true if you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail.  To help you out, I have included links to some comprehensive packing resources I created for you to review in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below.

Top Things to See and Do in Cusco

While most travelers who visit Cusco do so on their way to Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountain, or one of the other high-profile tourist destinations in the area, there are also several amazing things to see within the city itself.  To assist you in filling out the itinerary for your trip, I have included a list of the top things to see and do within and around Cusco in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below.

Catedral del Cuzco

Located in the Plaza de Armas in the historical center of downtown Cusco, the Catedral del Cuzco, which is also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is the main Roman Catholic cathedral in the city.  It was constructed between 1560-1654 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.  In addition to being an important religious institution in the area, the cathedral has also become a large repository of colonial art in Cusco.

Iglesia De La Compañia De Jesús

Constructed on top of an ancient Incan palace in the Plaza de Armas, which sits in the historical center of the city of Cusco, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús translates to mean the Church of the Society of Jesus.  This historic Jesuit church was constructed beginning in 1576, but badly damaged by an earthquake in 1650.  The rebuilt church that you see today was completed in 1668.  The beautiful Baroque architecture of the church is very distinct and is the main reason why the church is widely regarded as one of the prettiest in Peru.

Plaza de Armas

Widely considered to be the geographical and cultural hub of the city of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas has been considered the city center of Cusco dating all the way back to the days of the Incas.  Today, it is located in what is referred to as the historical center of Cusco.  Known as the “Square of the Warrior”, the plaza contains some of the city’s most prominent buildings. 

This includes the Cusco Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, and the public university.  From the plaza, you can see the Cristo Blanco statue high up on the hills overlooking the city.  I would definitely recommend you spend a good deal of time exploring the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding buildings.

The San Pedro Market

If you are looking to see what the people in Cusco like to shop for and eat, or you are just in the mood to do a little shopping for some souvenirs, then I would definitely recommend making a stop at the San Pedro Market.  Vendors within the market sell a wide variety of fresh goods, including fruits, fruit juices, meats, produce, fabrics, dolls, and other gifts. 

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, I would suggest stopping into the market to grab one of the fresh empanadas (meat or cheese-filled pastry) or salchipapas (friend sausage and potatoes).  They are amazing!  If you are interested in seeing more of the market, I have some more pictures taken inside the market in my photo gallery at the bottom of this guide.

Iglesia de San Pedro

If you love to visit old, beautiful churches when you travel, then you will also want to make sure you visit the Iglesia de San Pedro or St. Peter’s Church, while in Cusco.  While not as large or as intricate as the more well-known churches in the Plaza de Armas, St. Peter’s Church is a pretty and well-kept church that is worth seeing in person.  It is very close to the San Pedro Market, so I would stop in and check it out on your way to do a little shopping.

Cristo Blanco

While not as large as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Cristo Blanco statue on the outskirts of Cusco is one of the more popular landmarks for tourists.  Sitting at 26 feet high (roughly 8 meters), the statue can be seen from all the way down in Cusco’s historic city center.  In fact, one of the best places to see the Cristo Blanco from the city of Cusco is the historic Plaza de Armas.  If you would like a closer view of the statue, it is about a ten-minute walk from the Saqsaywaman ruins (see below).

Saqsaywaman

Constructed by the ancient Killke culture in roughly the year 1100, this stone complex was later added to by the Incans in the 13th Century.  The stones used in the high walls of the structure were carefully moved, cut, and mortared to fit precisely with the stones around it. 

Seeing the site first-hand gives you a great idea of just how much ingenuity the Incans had centuries ago.  The site is remarkably well preserved, much to the thanks of being named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.  Machu Picchu may get all of the glory, but other ruins like Saqsaywaman throughout the Sacred Valley are definitely worth visiting as well.

Visit Machu Picchu

For most of you reading this guide, I am guessing the main reason you are visiting Cusco is as a launching spot for your hike of the Inca Trail and visit to Machu Picchu.  As one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is without a doubt one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America, if not the entire world.  If you would like more information on how to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco, I have included a link to my Ultimate Machu Picchu Visitor Guide for you to review below.

Climb Huayna Picchu

If you are looking for some added adventure during your visit to Machu Picchu, I would suggest exploring the option of climbing Huayna Picchu, which is the mountain you see behind the ruins of Machu Picchu in all of the famous photographs. 

The views of the ruins and the surrounding Andes Mountains from the top of Huayna Picchu are out of this world.  For more information on how to capture these amazing views and the other out-of-this-world vistas that you will see at Machu Picchu, please refer to my Machu Picchu Photography Guide linked below.

Hike the Inca Trail

One of the ultimate adventures that you can take, not only in the Cusco area but in the entire world, is to hike the Inca Trail on your way to Machu Picchu.  It is one of this world’s greatest multi-day hikes and certainly one of the world’s most beautiful as well. 

If you would like to hike the Inca Trail, you will need to have a licensed guide with you by law.  For this reason, and to make sure that you have the equipment and clothing that you will need for the hike, I recommend that you reference my Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail referenced below before planning your trip.

Visit the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Referred to as Montaña de Siete Colores or Montaña de Colores in Spanish, Vinicuanca is a 17,000-foot (5,200 meters) peak in the Andes Mountains near Cusco that is world-famous for its multi-colored soil near the peak.  Accessing the mountain requires a two-hour drive, arranged by your guide, from Cusco and then a roughly 3-mile hike. 

There are few natural landscapes in this world as unique as the Rainbow Mountain, which is why it is such a popular tourist spot.  if you plan to visit the mountain, I would strongly recommend that you properly plan for the altitude.  I have included some tips at the beginning of this guide that should be helpful to you.

How to Get to Cusco

If you are visiting Cusco from outside of Peru, the quickest way to get there is to fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.  If you are flying into Lima, Peru before you stop in Cusco, the quickest way to get from Lima to Cusco is by plane.  It is a quick flight that will take about 1.5 hours and you can typically find some reasonable rates with local airlines like Avianca and Latin American Airlines.

Trains to Cusco

If you have some extra time to get there and are looking to save some money, there are more affordable travel options for getting from Lima to Cusco.  There aren’t any trains that will take you directly between the two cities, but you can take a bus from Lima to Arequipa and then to Puno.  From Puno, you can take a train to Cusco.  The train ride from Puno to Cusco is beautiful, but it will take you roughly 8-9 hours to get there.

Bus Rides to Cusco

The cheapest option for getting from Lima to Cusco is to take a bus the whole way.  It will take you between 18-27 hours to travel between the cities by bus, but you can also save a considerable amount of money if you have the time.  Bus tickets with Cruz del Sur  and  Ormeño (the two most reputable bus companies) run between $25-60 USD.  I have listed the two routes you have to choose from in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below, along with their advantages and disadvantages, for you to review.

Lima-Nazca-Abancay-Cusco

This is the quicker route (it takes between 18-21 hours to travel between Lima and Cusco), but it also has a reputation for being less safe.

Lima-Nazca-Arequipa-Cusco

This route is definitely longer and will take you between 24-27 hours to get from Cusco to Lima, but it has a reputation for being the much safer route.  As a bonus, you can also see the infamous Nazca Lines (pictured below) on your way to Cusco.

Hop on and off the bus

If you would like to do some additional exploration of Peru on your way from Lima to Cusco, you can also explore using   Peru Hop , which is a hop-on-hop-off tour company that specializes in tourist stops throughout Peru.  For instance, you can explore several interesting regions on your way to Cusco from Lima by taking the following route:

Lima – Paracas – Huacachina – Nazca – Arequipa – Puno – Cusco.

Best Times to Visit Cusco

Average Temperature (°F)

As you can see in the chart below, the average high and low temperatures in the Cusco area are fairly consistent throughout the year.  Because of the elevation, the average high temperature doesn’t get too hot at any point throughout the year. 

Likewise, because of the area’s proximity to the Equator, the average low temperature doesn’t get too cold either, despite such a high elevation.  This means that you can expect fairly comfortable temperatures no matter when you plan on visiting throughout the year.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

There are two distinct seasons in Cusco:  The dry season, which runs from April to October, and the wet season, which lasts from early November until late March.  The best time to visit Cusco and the surrounding area is definitely during the dry season because the skies are typically clear and the weather is dry. 

During the wet season, it typically only rains a few hours during the day, but the mountains will be covered in a hazy fog for most of the day.  As the day wears on the fog will dissipate, but I would avoid visiting during this time of year if you want to get really good photographs.  If you must visit during the wet season, I would avoid the months of February and March as those months tend to be the wettest.

Where to Stay in Cusco

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Cusco is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Cusco, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Cusco, Peru visitor guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as  Airbnb  or  VRBO  if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

View Larger Map

Where to Eat in Cusco

I knew the food would be good when I visited Peru, but I didn’t know just how much I would love the cuisine until I visited.  There is a wide variety of restaurants in Cusco for you to try, so if you love to eat when you travel you won’t be disappointed.  If you are looking for some restaurant recommendations for your trip, I have included some highly recommended options for you to review in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below.

Recommended Tours and Excursions in Cusco

There is a seemingly endless supply of amazing things to see and do in the Cusco area, so you won’t have much trouble planning activities to keep you busy during your trip.  If you are looking for some recommended excursions or tours to take while you are visiting, I have included links to some options for you to review in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below.

Cusco, Peru Photo Gallery

As an avid travel photographer, I was blown away by how beautiful the city of Cusco was.  It seemed like something was amazing to photograph around every corner of the city.  I have included some of the top photos I was able to take during my trip in my Cusco Peru visitor guide below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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5 comments ›.

Whoa! Cusco is such an amazing place. I did a research sometime ago concerning San Pedro De Atacama, is this location in anyway close to where you stayed or visited? I’d like to know. That aside, I love how everything looks brown, most of the city seems to have a common theme and it’s very attractive!

Thank you so much for reading and for the kind words! I agree, Cusco is a beautiful place! I looked up San Pedro de Atacama and it looks wonderful.

It looks like a beautiful city with the mountains all around it. My colleague absolutely adores Peru – says it’s her favorite country she’s visited.

It is beautiful!! Definitely one of my favorites too!

Thank you so much for reading!!

Thanks for provide me a beautiful information about this topic.

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

Beautifully written!!!

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The ultimate Cusco travel guide: 25 amazing things to do in Cusco, Peru

Once considered the spiritual and political heart of the vast Inca empire, Cusco (meaning “centre of the universe” in Quechua) is still one of the most vibrant and historically significant cities in Latin America. Its close proximity to Machu Picchu and some of the country’s best high-altitude trekking have made this enchanting city the centrepiece of nearly every Peru itinerary and cemented its spot on the classic  gringo trail , but Cusco is so much more than just a launch-pad to other adventures. It’s honestly impossible not to fall in love— with its intriguing mix of ancient Incan spiritualism, Spanish colonial architecture, and modern Andean culture, just walking down the lively, cobbled lanes of Cusco is like stepping through history. 

One of the very first stops on my 3-month trip through South America in 2014, I fell hopelessly in love with Cusco and spent 2 weeks immersing myself in the sights and smells of the area, visiting local markets and just wandering through the narrow streets with no particular agenda. I had an incredible time and was dying to come back, but I spent my second visit a little differently— I wanted to uncover all of the history that I had skimmed over previously. Visiting more ruins and historically significant sites around the city to learn about the rise and fall of the Incas and the Spanish conquest ultimately gave me a much deeper appreciation for this multi-layered city.  Use this complete guide to discover both the cultural and historical significance of Cusco , including all the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and how to deal with the altitude.

What's in this travel guide

La Catedral de Cusco

1 | Plaza de Armas

The main square of any South American city is its lifeblood, and Cusco’s impressive Plaza de Armas is no exception. Flanked by the Catedral de Cusco and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús , the Plaza once functioned as the Incan main square Huacaypata (before the bloody arrival of the Spanish) and remains today a gathering place for tourists and cusqueños alike . At any time of the day, a flurry of activity fills the square with the sounds and smells of Cusco, and this is one of the very first places you should visit.

The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús was built by the Spanish in the late 1500s directly atop the Incan temple Amaru Cancha, as the invaders were wont to do, but is undeniably stunning and something of a Cusco icon today. It’s possible to tour the inside of the church and see the ornate gold-leaf detailing around the altar, but the view from the steps of the Catedral de Cusco is enough for most .

Rooftop cocktails at Limbus Restobar

2 | Drink pisco sours at a rooftop bar

Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru and one of the country’s greatest inventions, is a sweet and tangy concoction served at every restaurant and bar in Cusco. It would be criminal to visit without trying at least one, but the very best way to enjoy your new favourite drink is from a terrace or rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Tip: Limbus Restobar is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Cusco, but it can get really busy around sunset. If you want to enjoy the view without the crowds, go mid-morning when you’ll have the place entirely to yourself.

20 | San Pedro Markets

For an experience that will overwhelm every single one of your senses , visit the vibrant San Pedro Markets. There are dozens of stalls selling fresh-made juice, alpaca jumpers, nuts, and woolen socks, all alongside whole cow heads and goat tongues hanging on meat hooks.

The lively chatter and strange smells are just about as quintessentially Peruvian as you can get , and the market feels a world away from the orderly shops in the  Centro Histórico  and San Blas.

Where to stay in Cusco

Unlike other cities in South America where you can just arrive and find somewhere to stay on the fly,  it’s a good idea to book your room in Cusco online , as the best places tend to fill up quickly. Millions of people visit Cusco every year, with a particularly large influx during the austral winter, so you’re more likely to snatch a good room at a decent price if you plan ahead. 

The very best areas to stay in Cusco are either San Blas or the Centro Histórico .  San Blas is a trendy, artsy neighborhood on the hills of Cusco, still within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas but also located near some of the best artisan markets, coffee shops, and Sacsahuamán. Expect accommodation here to be slightly more expensive, but the views and atmosphere are surely worth the price. The Centro Histórico is also a wonderful place to stay, perfectly located for access to any of Cusco’s main attractions and with a wide variety of hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs on offer. I would suggest looking for a hostel near either the Plaza de Armas or Koricancha, as these areas are super central. 

• Kokopelli: My absolute favourite hostel in Cusco is  Kokopelli , which is slightly more expensive than other dorm rooms, but worth every sol .  They offer pod-style dorm beds (S/50)  that make it feel like you’re in a private room, a great free breakfast (or free packed lunch if you’re departing on an early morning tour), on-site tour booking, and a lively bar and restaurant with surprisingly reasonable prices.
• Loft in Cusco: If you’re travelling with friends or family, another highly recommended option is this awesome Airbnb near Koricancha . There are 2 levels with multiple beds, a full kitchen, and lots of space to hang out. Plus, it’s super reasonably priced!

Where to eat in Cusco

• Organika: Without a doubt one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at ever , this organic farm-to-table Peruvian fusion restaurant serves food grown in the Sacred Valley. I’d highly recommend the alpaca steak and the mint lemonade, but honestly, I tried my friend’s meals too and it was all incredible.
• Rucula: One of Organika’s sister restaurants, this is an Italian-inspired restaurant with homemade pasta, pizza, and meat dishes.
• The Meeting Place: Charming cafe in San Blas serving huge plates of breakfast food, like drool-worthy waffles.
• San Pedro Markets: Eat like the locals at the Markets, where you can get a delicious, authentic meal from one of the stalls at the back for just a few soles .
• Restaurante Qori Sara: For an incredibly inexpensive Peruvian meal, try the S/10 menu del día at this local restaurant on Plaza San Francisco. It’s nothing mind-blowing, but for the price, it’s still bloody good.
• Antojitos Cusco: Authentic but inexpensive Peruvian food off the menu del día.
• Churro stand near Plaza Limacpampa: There are street vendors all over the city selling incredible churros (slightly different to the Mexican variety you might be imagining), but this seems to be a pretty consistent spot to find them.

Dealing with the altitude

Considering that altitude begins to affect our bodies at 2,500m and Cusco sits at 3,400m, there is a very real possibility that you will experience some symptoms associated with the altitude while exploring the former Incan capital. In most cases, your physiological response to the altitude won’t amount to anything more than  some shortness of breath walking up stairs and minor lightheadedness — basically, you’ll just feel really unfit for a few days after you arrive in Cusco . 

However, some people might suffer from altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) and experience symptoms like  headache, feelings of dizziness or nauseous, difficulty eating, exhaustion, and diarrhoea/vomiting . According to recent research, only about 17% of travellers to Cusco will experience true altitude sickness, but you should still know how to  recognise AMS early and take appropriate preventative/treatment steps just in case .

I wrote an extremely comprehensive post about dealing with altitude sickness in South American cities , plus another far more in-depth post about treating and preventing altitude sickness on high altitude treks , so please check out one or both of these posts for more information and heaps of useful tips to prevent altitude sickness from ruining your trip.

• A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN SOUTH AMERICA
• HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Travel tips

• Get a SIM card when you arrive in Peru, as this well enable you to use Google Maps and Uber to get around in Cusco. Claro and Movistar are the main providers, but Bitel also offers good packages specifically for travellers: get 20GB of data, 500min calling, and international call credit for S/49. 
• Avoid pulling money out of any GlobalNet ATM (these are located in the airport and scattered throughout the city), as they charge a much higher fee than other ATMs.
• Even as a solo female traveller,  I felt totally safe carrying my camera and handbag around   in Cusco at all hours of the day and night . As long as you take basic safety precautions, you’ll be right (so leave the weird nude-coloured money belt at home).
• As with all places in Peru,  a basic knowledge of Spanish is pretty much essential for visiting Cusco . At minimum, make sure you know how to check-in to a hostel, order food, ask for directions, and buy bus tickets in Spanish, because it’s pretty rare for anyone to speak English outside of tour companies. That being said, Peruvian people are amazingly friendly and truly want to help, so  they will go out of their way to understand you even if your Spanish is somewhat clumsy  and you can’t remember the exact word for something. 
• Use the  RedBus website  to check public bus times and book tickets online or  have a look at my  comparison of public buses and the new hop-on/hop-off service Peru Hop  to find out which is better for your trip.

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THE ULTIMATE PERU TRAVEL GUIDE

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I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The Ultimate Cusco Itinerary for Three to Ten Days

By Author Graham Minser

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

As the one-time capital of an empire that stretched across much of the continent, Cusco has long been on travelers’ radar. But while Cusco itself offers tons to do, the region surrounding the city possesses a plethora of can’t-miss attractions as well.

With so many things to do and a limited time in which to do them, the planning process may seem quite a headache.

However, with our three- to ten-day Cusco itineraries, setting up your Andean getaway is as stress-free and fun as it’s ever been.

I spent seven months living in the former capital of the Inca civilization and never found myself short of things to do.

You might not have quite as much time to explore the city, which is why I’ve compiled my top tips for visiting the region into these far shorter itineraries – guaranteed to give you the chance to dive into everything this fascinating city has to offer.

Click to navigate this article:

Recommendations for traveling in Cusco and how to use this itinerary:

• Peru is a big country. There’s so much to see and many travellers try to pack in as much as is humanly possible. While a whirlwind few days between destinations is quite an adventure, it’s usually best to slow it down to really get to know each place you visit. It’s also a big country, with different ecosystems and weather. Read our guides to when to travel to Peru and the best months for visiting Machu Picchu to identify when it’s best to travel here.
• Transport in Peru is excellent value. To cover long distances, for example, Lima to Cusco, flying is a better alternative to a long bus journey (and won’t cost much more, either). To get between destinations within the Cusco region, your best options are local colectivo (shared van), taxi, or private transfer through a tour. Colectivos are great value and generally comfortable for covering the winding mountain roads (although you’ll want to bring travel sickness tablets if you’re not a good passenger!).
• Although we don’t focus on budget traveling, Peru is a good-value destination that allows travelers to save money by eating locally and using local transport. Set lunches ( menú del día ) are a great way to eat well and save your soles.
• If you plan on visiting more than one archaeological site, you should definitely purchase the boleto turístico , which costs S/130 ($40 USD) and lasts ten days from first use. It allows you to visit nearly all archaeological sites in the region (but not Machu Picchu). Alternatively, there are two-day passes for S/70 ($18 USD) which cover different sites.
• Renting a car is advisable only for people comfortable driving on winding, two-lane mountain roads. It can be an amazing experience to unlock the countryside, but generally speaking, you’re better off leaving the driving to the locals as the roads – and the experience – can prove harrowing for many.
• Uber is legal in Peru and works well within Cusco. However, it’s often cheaper to go with a local taxi which are usually unmetered but fair value. Always agree on the destination and price before getting in.

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Cusco itinerary for three days of travel

Day one: cusco.

Arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) , take a taxi to your accommodation. Because of the Cusco altitude, take the day to walk around, hydrate and acclimate. The best local way of avoiding altitude sickness is to put coca leaves ( hojas de coca ) in your cheek. You can find them at local markets across the city.

To get a feel for the historic city centre, start at the Plaza de Armas , the heart of the old city. Surrounding the plaza are the stunning Catedral de Cusco and Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús . both built shortly after the conquest in the 16 th century.

Next, pop into one of the many excellent museums to better understand the history, culture and archaeological past of this region. Among the best are the Museo de Arte Precolombino , Museo Inka and Qorikancha . Each offers insight into the way of life before the Spanish conquest.

Among the best things to do in Cusco is to stroll through Mercado San Pedro on the southwest end of the historical centre to stock up on souvenirs, quality woollen textiles, and fresh produce.

For hungry travellers, Cusco boasts a great selection of restaurants offering exceptional local Peruvian food :

• On the north side of town, Quinta Eulalia serves up family-style platters with local favourites including grilled lamb, lechón (slow-roasted pork), chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin), and fried cuy (guinea pig).
• Another great local option is La Chomba Ajha Wasi , which offers generous portions of good-value, traditional dishes in a large room with communal seating and live music.
• For an outstanding upscale meal, try Piedra & Sal , cooking up refined versions of local favourites, including slow-roasted lamb, local trout with quinoa, or grilled alpaca steak.
• For those seeking an alternative to the predominately meat-heavy local fare, head to GreenPoint , which serves beautifully-presented vegan takes on typically Andean dishes.

Where to stay in Cusco: The neighbourhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal , east and north of the centre, respectively, offer a great range of options for those willing to climb the hill from the centre. Among the best are the tastefully-appointed Palacio Manco Capac ($140 USD double), and the lovely Antigua Casona San Blas ($165 USD double). If you’d rather avoid the climb out of the centre, we recommend El Mercado just east of the Plaza de Armas.

Where to stay in Cusco on a budget: Few places offer the degree of comfort and affordability as MOAF Boutique Hotel ($80 USD double). The rooms are bright thanks to plenty of natural light and have modern furnishings and pleasant neutral decoration. This helps to enhance the rooftop views available in some bedrooms, as well as in various communal areas.

When looking for a place to stay, check out our guide to where to stay in Cusco , which offers a full range of options catering to all travelers.

Day Two: Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley

Get an early morning start by catching a colectivo (shared van) to Urubamba , and then onward to Ollantaytambo , two of the main towns in the Sacred Valley.

Colectivos leave from Cusco to Urubamba from the corner of Puputi Street and Juan Carlos Street, take an hour and a half to arrive and cost S/8-12 ($2-3 USD) depending on the van. From the Urubamba terminal, another colectivo to Ollantaytambo takes half an hour and costs S/2 ($0.5 USD).

Ollantaytambo , or Ollanta (o-YAN-tah), as the locals call it, is itself a living museum piece and is the closest to what a traditional Incan town was centuries ago.

Perfectly situated between two steep mountain ridges, the town sits between archaeological sites: the primary complex in the west with the Temple of the Sun at its top, and the mountainside storehouses facing the town from the east.

Ollanta can be quite crowded when Machu Picchu-bound tourist groups come through on the train, but the rest of the time it has a relaxed vibe.

For a snack or something more substantial, check out Apu Ausangate on the main plaza, which offers a full range of beverages and Peruvian comfort food like quinoa soup, trout ceviche, and house-made chicha morada, a sweet, slightly fermented purple corn beverage. You can also read this article about more things to do in the Sacred Valley .

From here, hop on the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes , the town directly under Machu Picchu. The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes two hours and must be booked in advance through Peru Rail . It’s advised to book a good few weeks in advance to ensure you get a seat as the train is the only means of getting there.

Arriving in Aguas Calientes, check in to your hotel and arrange for an early wake-up call if necessary, because in the morning you’re going to Machu Picchu! You may choose to arrange a guide for the next day (required for Machu Picchu), or you can wait until you arrive at the gate in the morning.

Where to stay in Aguas Calientes: You can stay at the well-appointed, boutique hotel, Casa del Sol Machu Picchu ($263 USD double) or the ultra-plush Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel ($510 USD double). 

Where to stay in Aguas Calientes on a budget: Travelers seeking a more social atmosphere can stay at the lively Supertramp Hostel ($43 USD double), which has a bar, restaurant and a youthful vibe – just don’t stay up too late as it’s an early start tomorrow!

Day Three: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Your three-day tour of the Incan heartland concludes with Peru’s coup de grâce : the Andean citadel of Machu Picchu. Entrance tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or at the Ministerio de Cultura on Garcilaso Street in Cusco; read our guide to the costs of visiting Machu Picchu to help you plan your spending.

It is possible to buy tickets in Aguas Calientes but because the number of daily visitors is limited it’s best to book online to avoid disappointment.

Wake up early to beat the crowds up the mountain. The first bus leaves at 5:30am, and tickets can be bought in advance online with Consettur , or with cash in person with your passport.

The gates open at 6am, and now would be the time to settle on a guide if you haven’t already. Tour guides are all state-certified, knowledgeable and totally worth the cost. Make sure you and your guide can communicate effectively, as language skills can vary between guides.

The going rate is S/75 ($20 USD) per person, with a discount for larger groups. The tours run two to three hours and tips are always appreciated.

Hopping back on the bus, get lunch at Chullos before making your way back to the train station. Trains run all the way to Cusco, and take around four hours to arrive at San Pedro Station.

For your final night, enjoy an evening out in Cusco. Treat yourself to a refined cocktail at the Museo del Pisco , which specialises in the grape liquor pisco , Peru’s premier distillation.

Cusco itinerary for five days of travel

Days one and two: cusco.

Arriving at the airport, take a taxi to your accommodation. Take a day or two to simply walk around, hydrate and acclimate. Starting at the Plaza de Armas , visit the Catedral de Cusco and Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús , the most impressive Spanish architectural feats.

Dotting the old centre are numerous examples of the Incan architecture which predates the Spanish arrival. Take in the unparalleled Incan masonry along the narrow alleys, contrasting with the newer Spanish baroque architecture.

For Day Two, visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco to see how the local handmade textile industry continues to thrive as it has for centuries. You’ll have the opportunity to join in a workshop and sample their exquisite wares.

Alternatively, join a local Peruvian cooking class . They’ll teach you Incan culinary history while walking you through local recipes, such as sarsa (Peruvian-style salad), trout soup and a pisco sour (mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount).

Finally, a visit to Cusco is incomplete without a trip to Mercado San Pedro . This is the perfect place to pick up handicrafts, fresh produce, locally-made chocolate or maté, and of course llama and alpaca textiles such as scarves, hats and jumpers.

For superb dining and accommodation options, scroll up to the three-day guide.

Where to stay in Cusco: The neighbourhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal , east and north of the centre, respectively, offer a great range of options for those willing to climb the hill from the centre. Among the best are the tastefully-appointed Palacio Manco Capac ($140 USD double), and the lovely Antigua Casona San Blas ($165 USD double). If you’d rather avoid the climb out of the centre, we recommend El Mercado , just east of the Plaza de Armas.

Where to stay in Cusco on a budget: Few places offer the degree of comfort and affordability as MOAF Boutique Hotel ($80 USD). The rooms are bright thanks to plenty of natural light and have modern furnishings and pleasant neutral decoration. This helps to enhance the rooftop views available in some bedrooms, as well as in various communal areas.

Day Three: Pisac

Just north of Cusco lies the exquisite Sacred Valley , which runs along the length of the Urubamba River. This stunning verdant valley runs east to west and offers a perfect change of pace from busier Cusco.

On Day three, head just north out of town to Pisac . The valley can be accessed by local colectivo shared vans, taxi or private tours. Colectivos leave from the corner of Puputi and Juan Santos Streets, and leave for Pisac (a 45-minute drive) and cost between S/4-10 ($1-2.5 USD).

The town of Pisac is set in a lovely point in the upper portion of the valley, and offers a more laid-back experience compared with Cusco. It’s also significantly lower in elevation than Cusco and offers some respite for those suffering from altitude sickness.

The highlights are the local artisan market and the outstanding ruin complex of the same name high above town. Half the fun of visiting the ruins is the hike up, which affords stunning views and begins from the north end of town.

The hike is three to four hours up, but taxis are available for those who would prefer to only walk downhill back to town.

For food, Mullu has an eclectic menu of both local and international crowd-pleasers, and Antica Osteria Pisac has some of the best pizza and pasta you’re likely to find in this corner of the world.

An alternative for day three would be to spend the night at the luxurious retreat Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness ($170 USD double)  just outside of Urubamba or to push on to Ollantaytambo, from where you can catch the train the following day to Aguas Calientes.

Where to stay in Pisac: For those choosing to spend the night in town, we recommend the homey Pisac Inn ($93 USD double), opposite the central plaza. It engages those looking for more luxurious surroundings. From its charming rooms to the on-site spa facilities, this hotel is a place to be spoiled. 

Where to stay in Pisac on a budget: A good budget alternative would be El Parche Hoste l ($19 USD double), just west of town along the river, with plenty of communal space and a rooftop terrace.

Day Four: Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes

From Pisac or Urubamba, take a colectivo or taxi downriver to Ollanta, where you can explore the well-preserved ruins rising above the cobble-stoned streets.

Catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, sort out your accommodation and final Machu Picchu preparations before turning in for an early start the following morning.

Day Five: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

As in the three-day itinerary, take the first bus up the hill to witness the Incan citadel in all its early morning splendour. Following your tour, take the bus back downhill and enjoy a leisurely lunch before hopping on the train back to Cusco.

Cusco itinerary for seven days of travel

Dotting the old centre are numerous examples of Inca architecture which predates the Spanish arrival. Take in the unparalleled Incan masonry along the narrow alleys, contrasting with the newer Spanish baroque architecture.

Alternatively, join in a local Peruvian cooking class . They’ll teach you Incan culinary history while walking you through local recipes, such as sarsa (Peruvian-style salad), trout soup and a pisco sour.

Where to stay in Cusco on a budget: Few places offer the degree of comfort and affordability as MOAF Boutique Hotel ($80 USD). The rooms are bright thanks to plenty of natural light and have modern furnishings and pleasantly neutral decoration. This helps to enhance the rooftop views available in some bedrooms, as well as in various communal areas.

As in the five-day itinerary, Pisac is a great jumping-off point from Cusco into the Sacred Valley.

You’ll have the opportunity for a good hike up to the ruins and to recover from any residual altitude sickness from Cusco.

Where to stay in Pisac on a budget: A good budget alternative would be El Parche Hostel ($19 USD double), just west of town along the river, with plenty of communal space and a rooftop terrace.

Day Four: Sacred Valley exploration and retreat

From Pisac, you can choose to visit either Moray , a collection of concentric terraces designed by the Inca to test how crops grow at different elevations, or Chinchero , a ruin complex of immense terraces, irrigation channels, and well-preserved Incan masonry.

To reach these sites, take a colectivo or taxi from the bridge in Pisac to Urubamba (45 minutes, S/2-3 ($0.5-0.75 USD), and about a half-hour by taxi from there to either Moray or Chinchero.

Alternatively, if you want something more adrenaline-fuelled, go whitewater rafting on the Vilcabamba-Urubamba River’s Class II to Class IV rapids. Expect to pay around $160 USD for a full day’s rafting experience, such as this private tour with Amazonas Explorer (mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount on this tour). 

A wonderful place to post up for the night is the lovely Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness ($158 USD double), which offers well-appointed rooms, great food, and a range of spa treatments to soothe your aching body.

Day Five: Ollantaytambo

A half-hour colectivo ride downriver from Urubamba will take you to the delightful town of Ollantaytambo. In Ollanta, make sure to keep your camera handy as you climb the ruins, which offer terrific views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

While away the afternoon sipping on a maté or beer and tuck into some excellent Andean cuisine at El Huacatay for dinner. 

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo: Right next to the train station, but home to a lush garden and suntrap terrace, El Albergue ($142 USD double) is a tranquil place to while away the evening. They also have a fantastic on-site restaurant that cooks up ingredients from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo on a budget: Rustic but clean bedrooms are the norm at the affordable Picaflor Tambo Guest House ($42 USD double) run by owners who will ensure you have the most comfortable stay possible

Day Six: Aguas Calientes

For Day Six, you can either take the morning train onward to Aguas Calientes, or take your time, enjoy the morning and lunch in Ollanta, and catch the afternoon berth (don’t forget to book your tickets in advance).

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, sort out your final preparations for Machu Picchu, enjoy dinner and a nightcap at Mapacho , and turn in early for your morning ascent.

Where to stay in Aguas Calientes on a budget: Travelers seeking a more social atmosphere can stay at the lively Supertramp Hoste l ($43 USD double), which has a bar, restaurant and a youthful vibe – just don’t stay up too late as it’s an early start tomorrow!

Day Seven: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

On day seven, do as you would for the three- or five-day itinerary and take the afternoon train back into Cusco. Enjoy your final night in the city of the Incas with a stellar meal, and enjoy the night out if you’ve still got the energy.

Cusco itinerary for ten days of travel

Days one to three: cusco.

For Day One, do the same as in the three-day Cusco itinerary.

On Day Two, head just north of the centre to Saqsaywamán , the largest Incan complex in Cusco. Built as a palace and fortress and still in construction at the time of the Spanish arrival, the complex is an architectural marvel overlooking the city below.

If you’re feeling athletic, you can visit as part of a mountain biking tour to some of Cusco’s key historic sites, including the thrilling descent from Saqsaywamán back into the city. Amazonas Explorer operates a private mountain biking tour ; mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount.

Equally impressive for many are the colonial-era cathedrals, churches and museums sharing the old centre. In addition to the cathedrals on the Plaza de Armas, don’t miss the Iglesia Santo Domingo and the Templo del San Blas , each with a stunning interior and collection of religious art.

For Day Three, take part in a workshop at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco to see how the local handmade textile industry continues to thrive as it has for centuries.

For those keen on learning to make some of the amazing food on offer here, you’ll want to take a local cooking class . They’ll teach you Incan culinary history while walking you through local recipes, such as sarsa (Peruvian-style salad), trout soup and a pisco sour.

Finally, a visit to Cusco is incomplete without a trip to Mercado San Pedro . This is the perfect place to pick up handicrafts, fresh produce, locally-made chocolate or maté , and of course llama and alpaca textiles such as scarves, hats and jumpers.

For lunch and dinner, Cusco possesses a great selection of restaurants offering exceptional local food. See above for a list of options.

When looking for a place to stay, check out our guide to where to stay in Cusco , which offers a full range of options catering to all travellers.

Where to stay in Cusco: The neighbourhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal , east and north of the centre, respectively, offer a great range of options for those willing to climb the hill from the centre. Among the best are the tastefully-appointed Palacio Manco Capac ($140 USD double), and the lovely Antigua Casona San Blas ($165 USD double).

Day Four: Pisac

On Day Four, head just north out of town to Pisac . The valley can be accessed by local colectivo shared vans, taxi or private tour. Colectivos leave from the corner of Puputi and Juan Santos Streets, and leave for Pisac (a 45-minute drive) and cost between S/4-10 ($1-2.5 USD).

The town of Pisac is set in a lovely point in the upper portion of the valley, and offers a more laid-back experience compared with Cusco. It’s also significantly lower than Cusco and offers some respite for those suffering from altitude sickness.

The highlights are the local artisan market and the outstanding ruin complex of the same name high above town. Half the fun of visiting the ruins is the hike up, which affords stunning views and begins from the north end of town. The hike takes 3-4 hours up, but taxis are available for those who would prefer to only walk downhill back to town.

Days Five and Six: Urubamba 

On Day Five, take another colectivo (or taxi) from the bridge leading into town to Urubamba , the valley’s central town. While the city itself is more of a workaday agricultural and transit hub, the bucolic surroundings make it an excellent place to unwind for a day.

A popular day trip just south of the valley from Urubamba is Moray , which is a collection of concentric terraces designed by the Incans to test how crops grow at different elevations. A taxi from Urubamba costs between S/60-80 ($15-20 USD) and takes less than a half-hour.

For a tasty lunch to refuel before heading out of town, try El Huacatay , whose locally-sourced creations include alpaca, trout and pastas.

On Day Six, take a colectivo or taxi from Urubamba to Chinchero , for a half-day excursion to the largely uncrowded archaeological complex. The ruins consist of immense terraces, irrigation channels, and well-preserved Incan masonry. 

Where to stay in Urubamba: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba ($420 USD double) is a five-star hotel with a gorgeous setting tucked away in the valley. Most of the bedrooms are located in the main house, a Spanish-style hacienda with rustic-chic bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and private balconies, plus a cosy lounge and bar. Standalone cabins give you more privacy; all have glorious views along the Sacred Valley.

Where to stay in Urubamba on a budget: Hospedaje Venka Urubamba (S/140 or $35 USD double) offers options for all types of wanderers. Budget travellers will find the double room more than adequate to accommodate their needs: a comfy bed, a private bathroom, and a patio with either city or mountain view.

Day Seven: Ollantaytambo

Take another colectivo from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo , the Sacred Valley’s most atmospheric town. Ollanta (o-YAN-tah), as the locals call it, is itself a living museum piece and is the closest to what a traditional Incan town was centuries ago.

Perfectly situated between two steep mountain ridges, the town sits between archeological sites: the primary complex in the west with the Temple of the Sun at its top, and the mountainside storehouses facing the town from the east.

Ollanta can be quite crowded when Machu Picchu-bound tourist groups come through on the train, but the rest of the time it has a relaxed vibe. For a snack or something more substantial, check out Apu Ausangate on the main plaza, which offers a full range of beverages and Peruvian comfort food like quinoa soup, trout ceviche, and house-made chicha morada, a sweet, slightly fermented purple corn beverage.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo: There are a number of boutique hotel options in the narrow cobbled streets of Ollanta, and one of the best is Apu Lodge ($70 USD double). Right next to the train station, but home to a lush garden and suntrap terrace, El Albergue ($142 USD double) is a tranquil place to while away the evening. They also have a fantastic on-site restaurant that cooks up ingredients from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden.

Days Eight and Nine: Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

From Ollanta on Day Eight, take either the morning or afternoon train to Aguas Calientes as you would for the three- or five-day itinerary. You may choose to either remain in Aguas Calientes for Day Nine or return to Cusco by train for an extra day.

Days Nine and Ten: Cusco

Once you return to Cusco, take advantage of any activities you feel you may have missed out on. If you’re keen on visiting another archaeological site, Q’enqo is just past Saqsaywamán on the road north of town.

For those seeking something more active, Cusco Peru Adventure offers ATV tours, horseback riding and paragliding on day trips nearby the city.

East of Cusco in the village of Andahuaylillas is perhaps the most beautiful church in the region, San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas .

How to extend this itinerary

• Want to learn Spanish while getting to explore some of Peru’s most exciting destinations? Cusco is an excellent place to do an immersive Spanish language class, particularly as you can add in trips to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and even Lake Titicaca to the course. Brush up your Español with this 31-day Spanish and adventure course (and use the promo code WorldlyAdventurer to get a 5% discount!), which includes accommodation, the Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu, plus 80 hours of small-group Spanish language classes across four and a half weeks.

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Backpacking in Peru

The perfect cusco itinerary: how to spend 2 days in cusco peru.

Wondering what to do in Cusco Peru?  If you are travelling to Peru, you should definitely visit Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.  Evidence of Inca culture is everywhere in this fascinating city, and it is the base for most people going to Machu Picchu.  However, before attempting the trek to Machu Picchu, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in Cusco to explore and acclimatize to the altitude.  To help you plan the perfect Cusco itinerary, I’ve put together my recommendations for spending 2 days in Cusco to experience the culture, food and history.

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The Best Things to Do in Cusco in 2 Days

Cusco is also known as the bellybutton of the world, and while that doesn’t sound very appetising there is plenty to do in this amazing city.  2 days in Cusco is enough to see the highlights without rushing around, yet if you have more time you could easily spend more time in Cusco and not get bored.

If you do have a couple more days to spend in Cusco, you can also explore the rest of the Sacred Valley and take some day trips from Cusco or stay overnight in other towns such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo to properly explore.  

Know Before You Go to Cusco

Before travelling to Cusco, make sure you book accommodation and popular activities ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.

🛌 MY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION IN CUSCO:

$$ Katari at Plaza de Armas Cusco right in the centre of Cusco & great value

$$  Casa Matara – a beautifully furnished boutique hotel 

$ Casa Tunki – A gorgeous hotel & hostel with pretty courtyard

⭐ TOP 3 CUSCO ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Day Trip and Red Valley

2. From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu

3. From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour

Cusco Itinerary Day 1

Cusco city tour.

A great way to explore without over-exerting yourself as you get used to the altitude is with a Cusco city tour.  If you are feeling up to it, a walking tour of Cusco will take around three hours, and you can visit all the key sites in the city.

If you prefer not to walk around too much, then a bus tour may be better for you, which will include some walking around the narrow streets in the city but will also include trips to the nearby Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, and usually Qenqo as well.

Check out these tours of Cusco:

If you prefer not to take a Cusco city tour and simply explore by yourself, these are the main attractions to include in your Cusco itinerary.

San Pedro Market in Cusco

I usually make a beeline for the markets in any city, and Cusco is no different. San Pedro Market is a bustling local market where you can pick up super cheap local food, as well as llama jumpers, souvenirs and snacks for the treks you will probably be doing in the next few days. 

Alternatively, just wander around and absorb the sights and smells of the market, as the local people go about their business side by side with the tourists.

Cusco Cathedral & Plaza de Armas

The main square in Cusco is the huge Plaza de Armas.  It is always busy with people selling all kinds of stuff, shoe-shiners, tourists and locals milling about.  It also has a historical significance as the centre of the Inca Empire, and the place where the last Inca was executed. 

The Cathedral dominates the plaza, and you can take a look inside if it is open, or even attend mass there.  The other impressive-looking building is the Natural History Museum, which is better appreciated from the outside, to be honest!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Solo Travel in Peru: A Guide to Travelling in Peru Alone

The 12 Angled Stone

A stone might not sound that impressive at first, but what makes this stone so special is that it demonstrates the skill of Inca masonry, who managed to fit together huge stones to build houses, temples and entire cities without the use of mortar. 

They found this stone with 12 angles to fit exactly into place in the wall which is actually very impressive!  There are plenty of locals asking for a couple of soles to show you where it is, but you’ll find it easily enough due to the crowd of people taking photographs.

Quirkancha Temple

The Quirkancha or Qorikancha Temple was the most important temple in the Incan Empire.  It was covered in gold until the Spanish conquistadors destroyed it, taking the gold and using the stones to build the Santo Domingo Church on the foundations of the temple. 

The temple is worth going in, even though it isn’t included in the tourist ticket, and the gardens are beautiful.  There is a small museum close by, which houses some of the original artefacts, but it was disappointing.

Sacsayhuaman

Outside of the centre of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman (we pronounced it Sexy Woman, as I’m sure all English speakers do) is an impressive Inca site, a short taxi journey or 30-minute walk uphill from the Plaza de Armas.

The huge fortress was constructed at the head of the puma shape that Cusco is designed around. Its Quechua name means ‘satisfied falcon’, and it proudly overlooked the city below.

The huge walls surrounding the fortress are constructed from immense blocks of stone, fitted together with absolute precision. The Spanish used the smaller stones to build their colonial town, so only the larger rocks remain in place today and have been strong enough to withstand several earthquakes which rocked Cusco over the years.

In the centre of the site lies a huge plaza, still used today for performances and celebrations such as the Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, a theatrical reconstruction of the religious ceremony the Inca performed on the winter solstice, which takes place on 24 th June.

The Boleto Turistico Tourist Ticket The Boleto Turistico or Cusco tourist ticket allows access to 16 different Inca ruins and museums in & around Cusco and is valid for 10 days.  The city centre inclusions on the ticket, I have to say, weren’t the most impressive attractions I’ve ever visited. But they are free with the ticket, so some are worth visiting if you have the time.  You will need to buy the ticket to visit Sacsayhuaman and other sites in the Sacred Valley like Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo, among others.

I think you should be able to manage all of the above in just one day, but if you are suffering from altitude sickness then don’t push yourself too hard. 

Instead of going to Sacsayhuaman on your first day in Cusco, you could save it for your second day, and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or perhaps doing some of the activities I’ve suggested for your second day. 

Cusco is not the place to rush around, especially if you have just arrived in Peru!

Cusco Itinerary Day 2

Explore san blas.

San Blas is a quieter neighbourhood up the hill from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.  It has a more artsy feel and has art galleries and local artisans who produce beautiful crafts. 

San Blas Market is smaller and cleaner than San Pedro Market and is a much more local affair where you can grab a bite to eat.  Simply walking around San Blas is a joy, where the narrow, cobbled streets and pretty church square feel much more like the ‘real’ Peru than the rest of Cusco.

Shop for Souvenirs

Cusco is full of markets and stalls where you can buy last-minute items for your trek to Machu Picchu, or souvenirs so you can take fond memories of Peru back home with you. 

Peruvian wool sweaters, hats and scarves are some of the most popular souvenirs as they are practical too!  Alpaca wool is the softest and usually the most expensive wool you can buy (except for the luxury vicuña wool).  If you find a great price for alpaca wool, it is probably too good to be true!

Foodie Things to do in Cusco

For me, food is such an important part of culture that I always try to eat as much local food as possible.  Cusco is no different and has a variety of things to do to allow you to explore the city and the delicious Peruvian cuisine.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Peru Food Guide – What to Eat in Peru

The Choco Museo

The chocolate museum is a free museum area where you can learn about the chocolate-making process.  It also has a shop filled with tasty chocolate products, and the chance to take chocolate making classes .

Cooking Classes in Cusco

I LOVE cooking classes!  You can take a cooking class in Cusco to learn more about the local cuisine, markets and eat delicious Peruvian food.  Yum!

A Cusco Food Tour

Food tours are another great way to taste local cuisine, safe in the knowledge that you are trying the best, tastiest food on offer.  Marcelo Batata’s Culinary tour gets great reviews, and you can try traditional Peruvian food like anticuchos (beef heart skewers) and Peruvian doughnuts.

Cusco Itinerary: Things to do in Cusco at Night

If you are not exhausted from spending 2 days in Cusco sightseeing and exploring, you may want to get out and about in the evening and enjoy Cusco by night.  There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs in Cusco, but remember that alcohol makes the effects of altitude sickness much worse, so if you already have a headache from the altitude, lay off the booze.

However, a pisco sour is a traditional Peruvian cocktail, so I recommend trying one if you feel up to it!  You could even take an evening tour and pisco-sour-making class too!

Alternatively, star-gazers might prefer this planetarium visit with a night tour and dinner .

If you bought the Cusco Tourist Ticket to visit Sacsayhuman, you could consider a visit to the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo (The Qosqo Centre for Native Art).  In the evening at 7pm, t he Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo has a performance of traditional music & dance, although there are often queues so aim to arrive by 6.30pm. 

I have to admit that Peruvian singing is pretty bad but the music & dances were interesting, although sometimes repetitive.  Reading reviews of the performance, some people think it lacks professionalism, but I enjoyed it, and considering it is for free and for an hour I thought it was worth a visit.

Day Trips from Cusco

Machu picchu.

I couldn’t have an article about Cusco and not mention Machu Picchu, although I would not include it in your 2-day Cusco itinerary. 

Cusco is the usual stop-off point for people beginning the Inca Trail or one of the other treks to Machu Picchu.  However, trekking isn’t the only way to get to Machu Picchu, it is also possible to take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu mountain. 

It is possible to visit Machu Picchu on a day tour from Cusco; however, I recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes so you can be up early to visit Machu Picchu for sunrise.  Machu Picchu should not be rushed!

Explore the Sacred Valley

Cusco is a wonderful base to explore the rest of the Sacred Valley, either on day trips from Cusco or to travel around and spend a couple of nights in each place.  Read more about day trips from Cusco here .

Sacred Valley day tours from Cusco typically include Chinchero, Maras and Moray which can be visited easily in a day, Pisac which can be done as a day tour or overnight stop, and Ollantaytambo which is often visited on the way to Machu Picchu as it is between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

The most popular day trip from Cusco is to visit the salt mines at Maras, the circular Inca terraces at Moray and the weaving communities at Chinchero.  If you only have 2 days to spend in the whole of the Sacred Valley, I would then spend one day in Cusco, and the second day doing this tour.

However, I definitely recommend spending more time in the region so you can enjoy it properly without rushing.

Useful Information for your Cusco Itinerary

Altitude sickness in cusco.

The altitude in Cusco can hit you hard.  Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,399 m (11,152 ft) above sea-level, and visitors who arrive straight to Cusco from lower altitudes often suffer from altitude sickness. 

If you only have 2 days in Cusco, take it easy and don’t over-exert yourself.  Even climbing a flight of stairs can be a challenge when you first arrive!

If you have a headache, take paracetamol to ease it, keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking.  Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea will also relieve symptoms. 

If you suffer from any more serious symptoms like vomiting and disorientation, seek medical attention immediately as severe altitude sickness can be fatal.

Is Cusco Safe?

Yes, as long as you listen to your body, act quickly if you have altitude sickness, and follow any normal safety tips. 

As one of the most popular destinations in South America for tourists, Cusco was one of the safest places I visited in my 10-month South America backpacking trip.  However, be wary at night as you would anywhere else, and avoid walking around alone on your own. 

Pickpocketing is common in busy areas like the Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market, but wherever you are in the city make sure you keep a close eye on your belongings.  Only take official taxis, which are safer than flagging down one in the street. 

Be especially careful in and around the bus station, where thieves target tired & disorientated tourists who have just arrived.

If you are travelling in Peru alone, check out this Peru Solo Travel Guide.

Travel Safely

• Leave valuables at home and don't keep all your money and credit cards in one place.  I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket.   Read more about how to hide money while travelling .
• Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter so you can safely drink water from any fresh water source while saving money and reducing plastic use.  I take my Water-to-Go bottle with me everywhere!
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  I always buy travel insurance and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!  Consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost luggage and stolen items, as well as adventure sports and activities and more.  
• I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand.  They offer travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and you can get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road

GET A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE

As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from  World Nomads  using this link. I do not represent  World Nomads . This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Where to Stay in Cusco

Most of the tourist activity in Cusco is centred around la Plaza de Armas, which is also where our group stayed on my first visit to Cusco.

It is a good practical base as there are plenty of bars & restaurants to choose from, and tons of trekking equipment shops, tour companies and pharmacies to stock up on insect repellent and plasters for the trek.  However, it tends to be busier and noisy at times.

If you prefer to have a little more authentic experience, the quieter San Blas neighbourhood is much less in your face and has a more artsy feel to it.  The area is pretty with narrow cobbled streets and much quieter than the centre, but anywhere away from the Plaza de Armas involves walking up a steep hill which can be challenging with heavy bags!

The Best Hostels in Cusco

There are a dizzying number of hostels in Cusco to choose from, but these are some of the best Cusco hostels for backpackers and budget travellers.

La Wak’a Perdida Hostel

La Wak’a Perdida is a small new hostel which only has one 8 bed dorm and a double room, so is cosy and quiet.  The owner is friendly, and breakfast is included in the rate or there is a kitchen to cook your own food.  It’s about 15 minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, close to San Blas.  BOOK NOW>>>

Pariwana Hostel Cusco

Pariwana Hostel is a very popular Cusco Hostel, and is a sociable place with a bar and large terrace area for ping pong and socialising.  It is a borderline party place, but at the same time not crazy so you can still sleep. 

Breakfast is included, there is no kitchen but you can order food at the bar if you don’t fancy going out to eat.  Private rooms and dorms are available.  Very central, a couple of blocks from Plaza de Armas.  BOOK NOW>>>

Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta

Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta is small and homely hostel with great reviews for being a lovely place to relax and chill before or after the trek to Machu Picchu!  >>>BOOK NOW

Kokopelli Hostel Cusco

Kokopelli Hostel Cusco is THE place to stay in Cusco if you want to party but still with a comfy bed in a decent dorm room.  >>>BOOK NOW

BROWSE ALL HOSTELS IN CUSCO

Cusco Hotels

There is no shortage of hotels in Cusco either, from luxury properties to family-run guesthouses. Check out the ratings for all Cusco Hotels on Booking.com or check out my top picks for Cusco hotels:

Antigua Casona San Blas

Antigua Casona San Blas is a 4* boutique hotel in the San Blas neighbourhood, which gets rave reviews for the friendly staff, excellent service and well-appointed rooms.  San Blas is up a steep hill from Plaza de Armas so it isn’t ideal if you have mobility issues. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Katari at Plaza de Armas Cusco

The location of Katari at Plaza de Armas Cusco can’t be beaten – it is on the corner of the Plaza de Armas right in the centre of Cusco.  Guests love the location, staff and comfort but the free wifi isn’t the best. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Casa Matara Boutique

Another lovely boutique hotel, the family-owned Casa Matara is beautifully furnished with a blend of modern and traditional Peruvian decor.  The comfortable beds and spacious bedrooms, and it’s just a 9 minute walk from Plaza de Armas.  >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY

BROWSE ALL HOTELS IN CUSCO

Airbnb in Cusco

There are also plenty of  options on Airbnb , like this charming apartment in the city centre , or check out the range of apartments on Booking.com , which often have better cancellation terms than Airbnbs in Cusco.  

Where to Eat in Cusco

San pedro market.

I love poking around local markets for tasty treats, and the street food stalls outside the market are great places to get some cheap food. 

However, if you have just arrived in Peru, your stomach might not be ready for street food, so it may be best to opt for a ‘safer’ choice, especially if you are planning to do the Inca Trail or other hikes in the next few days.

Restaurants in Cusco

If you are feeling the effects of altitude, eating light meals will help your stomach to digest the food more easily. 

Good restaurants to try in Cusco include  Mr Soup , which has a range of delicious soups (including a couple of veggie options), and vegetarian-friendly restaurants like Green Point Vegan Restaurant and Organika .

Restaurants around the Plaza de Armas tend to be more expensive as they are tourist hotspots.  I treated myself to a meal at the Inka Grill , which was pricey, but delicious, and a luxurious treat after the trek. Trout ceviche and alpaca steak with a pisco sour all went down really well!

I loved the lomo saltado at Morena Peruvian Kitchen , which serves Peruvian food with a modern twist at mid-range prices.

If you’re craving some food from home, Jack’s Café serves up an awesome breakfast/brunch menu and old favourites like burgers and nachos.

How to Get to Cusco

Flights to cusco peru.

You can fly into Cusco airport from Lima and a couple of international destinations such as La Paz Bolivia or Bogota Colombia.  Most international flights will involve a change in Lima.  Check Skyscanner for the best flight deals to Cusco.

Once you’ve collected your baggage, I’d suggest taking an official taxi from the airport to wherever you’re staying or arranging an airport transfer .  There have been reports of muggings and problems with fake taxi scams taking advantage of weary travellers, so be on your guard.

Bear in mind that flying into Cusco from a lower elevation is more likely to cause problems with altitude sickness than slowly increasing the altitude and arriving by land.  Take it easy as you acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco!

Buses to Cusco

If you are already in Peru, travelling to Cusco by bus is a good option.  There are regular buses from Lima, Arequipa, Puno and La Paz, although the journeys are very long. 

However, if you choose a decent bus service, they are good value and safe. For the bus from Lima to Cusco, I recommend stopping off along the way to explore more of Peru. 

I did this travelling with Peru Hop , as you can hop on and hop off the bus service at several different destinations along the way – including Huacachina , Paracas, Nazca and Arequipa , as well as Lake Titicaca if you choose that particular route.

If you are short on time or prefer to travel independently, then Cruz del Sur is the most reliable long-distance bus company in Peru, although there are plenty of others. 

They have their own Cruz del Sur terminal in Cusco which is about 10 minutes’ walk to the bus station which most other companies use.  You can take a taxi from the terminal to your accommodation, check with the accommodation for an estimate of prices so you don’t get ripped off, or ask them to arrange a transfer for you.

If you are travelling on a different bus line such as Oltursa, Civa or Tepsa, you will arrive at the main Cusco Bus Terminal.  Cusco bus station (called the Terminal Terrestre) is about 30 minutes’ walk from the main square in Cusco, so you will probably need to take a taxi to where you are staying. 

Make sure you take an official taxi and agree on the price before you get in.

Bus from La Paz to Cusco

If you are travelling from La Paz in Bolivia, Bolivia Hop run a similar service to Peru Hop, or you can just go to the bus station in La Paz and buy a ticket on any bus service to Cusco. 

Some of the bus routes go via Copacabana and Puno so you can visit Lake Titicaca along the way, however, some routes go a different way so double check before you buy.  If you’d like to spend some time at Lake Titicaca, you could also consider a more comfortable bus ride to Puno .

Trains to Cusco

I would have loved to take the train from Lima to Cusco, but unfortunately trains in Peru are not very common!  The train line to Machu Picchu starts at Cusco, and there are no trains from Cusco to Lima so you will need to take the bus or fly to Cusco.

What do you think of this Cusco itinerary?  How would you spend your 2 days in Cusco?  I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave your comments below.

Want More Peru Travel Ideas?

• Backpacking Peru Travel Guide
• Peru Solo Travel Guide
• Things to do in Lima  
• How to Get from Lima to Cusco
• Cusco Travel Guide
• Day Trips from Cusco 
• What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket
• How to Manage the Altitude in Cusco
• The Best 2 Day Cusco Itinerary
• Exploring Pisac in the Sacred Valley
• How to Get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
• Flying over the Nazca Lines
• Backpacking Arequipa Peru
• A Guide to Hiking in Peru

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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CUSCO TRAVEL GUIDE & TRAVEL INFO

A fascinating and vibrant city, the Cusco you see today is a mix of of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture sitting side by side with modern life.

CUSCO TRAVEL GUIDE

Cusco (also known as Cuzco), is an impressive former Incan capital perched high in the Andes in south-eastern Peru. The Incas aptly called the city the “navel of the world” and, sitting at a dizzying elevation of 3,400 m (11,200 ft), you can see why. A fascinating and vibrant city,  the Cusco you see today is built of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings.

Take a few days to explore this vibrant city and it’s cultural and historical attractions. Enjoy some delicious Andean cuisine , drink in local life sitting in the sun on one of Cusco’s many squares and browse the colourful boutiques for souvenirs to take home.

Discover our Cusco Travel Guide with all the information you need to plan a great visit to Cusco including our favourite  things to see and do ,  hotels ,  restaurants , bars and  shops . You will also find tips on  how to get to Cusco  and how to buy the boleto turistico or Cusco tourist ticket.

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CUSCO

Cusco cathedral.

This imposing Cathedral proudly sits on Cusco’s Main Square and is one of our favourite places to visit in Cusco. Built on the site of the Inca palace of Viracocha it was completed in 1654 and is well worth a visit to learn more about how the Inca culture co-existed with the Catholic Church. It also has a fabulous collection of colonial art.

QORICANCHA TEMPLE

The Qoricancha Temple was the most important Inca Temple in Cusco and was dedicated to Inti the Sun God. Spanish colonists then built the Santo Domingo Church on the site to show their dominance of the local people.Guided tours highlight the interesting mix of two archaeological styles with Inca stonework and colonial architecture.

SAN PEDRO MARKET

A must-see on any visit to Cusco to see fresh Peruvian produce, meat and grains as well as souvenirs, spiritual supplies and locals enjoying the ‘menu del dia’ or daily menu at the food stalls.

SAN BLAS DISTRICT

The bohemian sector of Cusco is home to many artists, cafes , and  shops . Picturesque cobblestone streets are a delight to wander through. Take your time and explore this unique corner of Cusco.

Cusco Travel Information

Cusco Hotels

Cusco Things to Do

Cusco Restaurants

Cusco Shops

Cusco Cafes

Plan your trip to cusco.

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

BOOK A CUSCO TRIP PLANNING SESSION

HOW TO BUY THE CUSCO TOURIST TICKET

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES IN CUSCO

General information.

BOOK A TOUR

Lima Home Cooked Half Day Tour

Get a taste for local life and local cuisine with this Lima cooking class that takes you out of the touristy restaurants and into a local...

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek

Explore the archaeological ruins of Choquequirao also known as Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister for a challenging but stunning 4 day...

Cusco Pisco Making Half Day Tour

Get to know Peru through its flavors on this Cusco tour that teaches you all you need to know about one of Peru’s most unique creations...

5 Day Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek is widely considered by as the best alternative hike leading into Machu Picchu. Perfect for those looking to explore the...

BOOK THROUGH OUR TRUSTED TRAVEL PARTNERS

TOP DESTINATIONS IN PERU

Peru has many wonderful places to visit. The only challenge is deciding where to start! Here are our favourite destinations in Peru.

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo

Lake Titicaca

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The Ultimate Guide to Machu Picchu

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Cusco Touristic Ticket

• 1. What is the tourist ticket? A practical way to explore Cusco
• 2. Where to buy your tourist ticket in Cusco?
• 3. Recommendations before buying your tourist ticket
• 4.1. Comprehensive Tourist Ticket:
• 4.2.1. Circuit I
• 4.2.2. Circuit II
• 4.2.3. Circuit III
• 5.1. Discounts
• 6. Terms of use

What is the tourist ticket? A practical way to explore Cusco

If you want to get to know Cusco better, purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket is the best option. This personal document will provide you with an incredible experience, allowing you to explore various tourist attractions that the city of Cusco has to offer.

This pass facilitates visits to historical sites, museums, and monuments, promoting the conservation and sustainable development of Cusco's heritage. Ideal for travelers eager to discover the majesty of the Inca civilization, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must-have for a complete experience in this fascinating city.

Where to buy your tourist ticket in Cusco?

You can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket through our amazing tours offered by CuscoPeru or at the different archaeological and tourist centers that COSITUC offers. Additionally, the Cusco Tourist Ticket cannot be purchased or reserved online and has no availability limit, so you can buy it on the same day of your visit. You can acquire it at any of the following locations in Cusco:

• COSITUC CENTRAL OFFICE: Av. el Sol, 103, office 101
• Office hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• OFEC branch offices: Calle Garcilaso s/n, Cusco-Peru
• Office hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm

Recommendations before buying your tourist ticket

• Once you have purchased your tourist ticket, check its validity period. (Varies according to the type of ticket you buy)
• Remember that you can only use your tourist ticket once at each of the different attractions offered by the Imperial City of Cusco.
• Remember that the tourist ticket does not include guide or transportation services.
• This tourist ticket only includes tourist attractions in the city of Cusco, the southern valley, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, but not Machu Picchu.

Types of Tourist Tickets

Comprehensive tourist ticket:.

It is valid for 10 calendar days and allows you to visit 16 tourist sites in Cusco. Here is a list of the included sites:

Partial Tourist Tickets

It is possible to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket in its partial form, that is, according to the sites you wish to visit. For this, you must choose from the following 3 circuits:

This ticket is valid for 1 day and allows access to archaeological sites located in the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park, which are:

• Sacsayhuaman
• Tambomachay

This ticket is valid for 2 days and allows access to attractions of interest located in the historic center of Cusco and the southern valley, which are:

• Regional Historical Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Museum of Popular Art
• Qorikancha Site Museum
• Qosqo Center for Native Art
• Monument to Inca Pachacutec
• Tipon Archaeological Park
• Piquillacta Archaeological Park

Circuit III

This ticket is valid for 2 days and allows access to the main archaeological centers located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. They are:

• Ollantaytambo

Cusco Tourist Ticket Price

• University students over 18 years old: They must purchase their ticket with their physical ISIC card and present a copy of their identity document (or passport).
• Persons between 10 and 17 years old: They must purchase their ticket by presenting their valid identity document (or passport).
• Children under 9 years old: The ticket is completely free.

Terms of use

IMPORTANT: The tourist ticket is personal and non-transferable, and you can only enter each site once within the period established by the ticket you purchased. Additionally, you must carry your identity document at each entrance.

Comprehensive or Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket for FOREIGNERS: This ticket is for the general public, and you must present your passport or ID card, both for purchase and for entry to tourist sites.

Comprehensive or Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket for NATIONAL TOURISTS: This is a promotional ticket, exclusive for national tourists or residents. Holders of this ticket must prove their status with their national identity document DNI or valid foreigner's card in the case of residents.

Comprehensive or Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket for FOREIGN STUDENTS: This ticket is for foreign students who prove their status with an international card, and they must be no older than 25 years.

Comprehensive or Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket for NATIONAL STUDENTS: This is a promotional ticket for national students, and holders of this ticket must prove their status with a student card issued by SUNEDU.

CHILDREN: In the case of both nationals and foreigners, children do not pay until the age of 9. From 10 to 17 years old, they pay as students and must present an identity document proving their age.

From 18 to 25 years old, they pay as students, presenting a valid student card.

Happy passengers

Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM

Cuzco & the Sacred Valley

For Incas, Cuzco was the belly button of the world. A visit to this city and its nearby ruins tumbles you back into the cosmic realm of ancient Andean culture – knocked down and fused with the colonial imprint of Spanish conquest, only to be repackaged as a thriving tourist center. The capital of Cuzco is only the gateway. Beyond lies the Sacred Valley, Andean countryside dotted with villages, high-altitude hamlets and ruins linked by trail and railway tracks to the continent's biggest draw – Machu Picchu.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Inkariy

The Sacred Valley

This wonderful new museum takes visitors into the world of the fascinating pre-Colombian civilizations that came before the Inca. It acknowledges the…

Museo Machu Picchu

This newish museum exhibits 360 pieces from Machu Picchu taken by Hiram Bingham's expeditions and recently returned by Yale University, including stone…

Parque Arqueológico Choquequirao

Translating as 'Cradle of Gold,' this remote Incan site (3050m) in the Vilcabamba mountain range over the Apurimac canyon bears a strong resemblance to…

Cusco Planetarium

An excellent way to explore the fascinating Inca cosmovision. They defined constellations of darkness as well as light, used astronomy to predict weather…

Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

For many travelers to Peru, a visit to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu is the whole purpose of their trip. With its awe-inspiring location, it is the…

Wiñay Wayna

The Inca Trail

An exquisite little Inca site along the Inca Trail; it's name is variously translated as ‘Forever Young,’ ‘To Plant the Earth Young’ and ‘Growing Young’ …

La Catedral

A squatter on the site of Viracocha Inca’s palace, the cathedral was built using blocks pilfered from the nearby Inca site of Sacsaywamán. Its…

If you visit only one Cuzco site, make it these Inca ruins forming the base of the colonial church and convent of Santo Domingo. Once the richest temple…

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Art and Culture

Sep 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Take a cultural and gastronomic tour of Southern Peru, from Cusco to Puno and, finally, to the White City of Arequipa.

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Cuzco & the Sacred Valley and beyond

Cusco Wanderer

We offer you the best experiences in Cusco, tour packages, guided visits, experiential tours and adventure activities, created for travelers who want to explore the best of Peru. We provide personalized advice on travel planning, with a friendly and secure website. We are specialists and we are passionate about making the best of Cusco known, always with a conscious and responsible tourism.

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Table of Contents

• Disease Patterns in Travelers
• Perspectives : Why Guidelines Differ
• Maps & Travel Medicine
• Improving the Quality of Travel Medicine Through Education & Training

• The Pretravel Consultation
• Perspectives : Travelers' Perception of Risk
• Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis— General Principles
• Interactions Between Travel Vaccines & Drugs
• Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country View: [All] Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa (US) Andorra Angola Anguilla (U.K.) Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Azores (Portugal) Bahamas, The Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda (U.K.) Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory; includes Diego Garcia (U.K.) Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma (Myanmar) Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canary Islands ( Spain ) Cape Verde Cayman Islands (U.K.) Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island (Australia) Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia) Colombia Comoros Congo, Republic of the (Congo-Brazzaville) Cook Islands (New Zealand) Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Croatia Cuba Curaçao, Netherlands Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Easter Island (Chile) Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini (Swaziland) Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina) Faroe Islands (Denmark) Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia, including the Society Islands [Bora-Bora, Moorea & Tahiti]; Marquesas Islands [Hiva Oa & Ua Huka]; and Austral Islands (Tubuai & Rurutu), France Gabon Gambia, The Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar (U.K.) Greece Greenland (Denmark) Grenada Guadeloupe (including Marie-Galante, La Désirade & Îles des Saintes) Guam (U.S.) Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy (including Holy See [Vatican City]) Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), includes Tarawa, Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), and Banaba (Ocean Island) Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Special Administrative Region, China Madagascar Madeira Islands (Portugal) Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte (France) Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of (including Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap) Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat, United Kingdom Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia (France) New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue (New Zealand) Norfolk Island (Australia) North Korea North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.), includes Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Island Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands (U.K.) Poland Portugal Puerto Rico (U.S.) Qatar Réunion (France) Romania Russia Rwanda Saba, Netherlands Saint Barthelemy, France Saint Helena, United Kingdom Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher) & Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin, France Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa (formerly Western Somoa) San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Sint Maarten, Netherlands Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, UK Overseas Territory (also claimed by Argentina) South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau (New Zealand) Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.) Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom (including Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ascension Island & Tristan Da Cunha Archipelago) United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wake Island, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Go
• Travelers’ Diarrhea
• Perspectives : Antibiotics in Travelers' Diarrhea - Balancing Benefit & Risk
• Food & Water Precautions
• Water Disinfection
• Travel Health Kits
• Last-Minute Travelers
• Mental Health
• LGBTQ+ Travelers
• Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches to Travel Wellness
• Prioritizing Care for Resource-Limited Travelers
• Telemedicine
• Perspectives : Risk Management Issues in Travel Medicine

• Immunocompromised Travelers
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Travelers with Chronic Illnesses
• Highly Allergic Travelers
• Substance Use & Substance Use Disorders

• Sun Exposure
• Extremes of Temperature
• Air Quality & Ionizing Radiation
• Scuba Diving: Decompression Illness & Other Dive-Related Injuries
• High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness
• Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods
• Zoonotic Exposures: Bites, Stings, Scratches & Other Hazards
• Zoonoses—The One Health Approach
• Bringing Animals & Animal Products into the United States
• Food Poisoning from Marine Toxins
• Safety & Security Overseas
• Injury & Trauma
• Death During Travel
• Poisonings, Envenomations, and Toxic Exposures

• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Bacterial
• Bartonella Infections
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacteriosis
• Escherichia coli , Diarrheagenic
• Helicobacter pylori
• Legionnaires’ Disease & Pontiac Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme Disease
• Melioidosis
• Meningococcal Disease
• Pertussis / Whooping Cough
• Pneumococcal Disease
• Rickettsial Diseases
• Salmonellosis, Nontyphoidal
• Shigellosis
• Tuberculosis
• Perspectives : Testing Travelers for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection
• Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever
• Yersiniosis

• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Viral
• Chikungunya
• Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease
• Henipavirus Infections
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis E
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus / HIV
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome / MERS
• Poliomyelitis
• Perspectives : Rabies Immunization
• Rubeola / Measles
• Smallpox & Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections
• Tick-Borne Encephalitis
• Varicella / Chickenpox
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
• Yellow Fever

• Angiostrongyliasis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Cutaneous Larva Migrans
• Cyclosporiasis
• Cysticercosis
• Echinococcosis
• Enterobiasis / Pinworm
• Filariasis, Lymphatic
• Flukes, Liver
• Flukes, Lung
• Helminths, Soil-Transmitted
• Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous
• Leishmaniasis, Visceral
• Onchocerciasis / River Blindness
• Sarcocystosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Strongyloidiasis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Trypanosomiasis, African
• Trypanosomiasis, American / Chagas Disease

• Coccidioidomycosis / Valley Fever
• Histoplasmosis

• Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance
• Obtaining Health Care Abroad
• Perspectives : Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel
• Medical Tourism

• Pregnant Travelers
• Travel & Breastfeeding
• Traveling Safely with Infants & Children
• Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children
• International Adoption
• Traveling with Pets & Service Animals

• Perspectives : Responding to Medical Emergencies When Flying
• Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism
• Road & Traffic Safety
• Cruise Ship Travel
• Motion Sickness
• Airplanes & Cruise Ships: Illness & Death Reporting & Public Health Interventions

• The International Business Traveler
• Advice for Aircrew
• Perspectives : People Who Fly for a Living - Health Myths & Realities
• Health Care Workers, Including Public Health Researchers & Medical Laboratorians
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• United States Military Deployments
• Long-Term Travelers & Expatriates
• Study Abroad & Other International Student Travel
• Visiting Friends & Relatives: VFR Travel
• Mass Gatherings
• Adventure Travel
• Sex & Travel

• African Safaris
• Saudi Arabia: Hajj & Umrah Pilgrimages
• South Africa
• Tanzania & Zanzibar

• Cusco & Machu Picchu
• Dominican Republic
• Guatemala & Belize
• Iguacu Falls

• Burma (Myanmar)

• General Approach to the Returned Traveler
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Infectious Diseases
• Perspectives : Screening Asymptomatic Returned Travelers
• Fever in the Returned Traveler
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Respiratory Infections
• Persistent Diarrhea in Returned Travelers
• Dermatologic Conditions
• Perspectives : Delusional Parasitosis
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Newly Arrived Immigrants, Refugees & Other Migrants

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