- Top Attractions
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Why Visit Cusco
Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, showcases a unique architectural fusion. Masterfully cut Incan stone walls, renowned for their seismic resistance, form the foundations for Spanish colonial structures like the Archbishop's Palace and its Twelve-Angled Stone.
Beyond the city, the Andes offer incredible treks. The trail to the 5,200m Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is popular, but the lesser-known Palccoyo offers three rainbow mountains with an easier hike. Both are essential for any Cusco tourist guide.
Cusco's cuisine is rooted in the Andes. One of the best reasons to visit Cusco is to try 'cuy al horno' or alpaca steak. For a truly local experience, visit the San Pedro Market for 'chiriuchu', a cold dish traditionally served only during Corpus Christi.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augdry season, peak tourist season
- Dec-Marrainy season, fewer tourists
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #RainJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with side trips
- Sol (S/.)
- Spanish
- Limited English in rural areas
- #Sacsayhuamán
- #Qorikancha
- #PlazadeArmas
- #SanPedroMarket
- #CatedraldelCusco
- #IncaTrail
- Explore ruins at Sacsayhuamán
- Taste ceviche
- Visit Sacred Valley
- Shop at San Pedro Market
- Attend Inti Raymi festival
Recommended Hotels in Cusco by Experience
Things to do in Cusco
Discover
Exploring Cusco reveals a city of Inca walls and colonial architecture. Discover key sites like the Plaza de Armas, the sun temple of Coricancha, and the fortress of Saqsaywaman. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum offers deeper cultural insights.
Experience
Hike ancient Inca trails, take a Peruvian cooking class, or shop for textiles at San Pedro Market. Attend the Inti Raymi festival in June, or explore the Sacred Valley on a day trip for a broader cultural and scenic experience.
Plaza de Armas
Main square with colonial arcades and two historic churches.
Coricancha, Temple of the Sun
Inca temple base with a Spanish colonial church built on top.
Saqsaywaman Fortress
Massive Inca stone complex with impressive zigzag walls.
San Blas Neighborhood
Artisans' quarter with cobblestone streets and workshops.
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
Museum displaying ancient Andean ceramics, gold, and jewelry.
San Pedro Market
Bustling local market selling produce, textiles, and foods.
Inti Raymi Festival
Annual Inca festival of the sun held every June 24th.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Most travelers fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). To get from the Cusco airport to city center, use official taxis (25 min, ~S/35) or a shared colectivo. For a scenic route, consider the train to Cusco that connects from Puno.
Getting Around
The historic center is highly walkable. For longer distances, public transport in Cusco includes 'combis' (small buses) and official taxis. A car rental in Cusco is available, but navigating the narrow, cobbled streets can be challenging for newcomers.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Cusco, allow at least one day to acclimatize to the altitude. Always carry cash (Soles) for small purchases and transport. Driving in Cusco is chaotic; use caution at intersections without signals and pre-book taxis at night.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Cusco by tasting alpaca steaks and lomo saltado. Lunch is the main meal, with many spots offering a 'menu del día'. Don't leave without trying a Pisco Sour, the iconic national cocktail.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Cusco, eat at Chicha por Gaston Acurio's upscale space, book ahead. Sip cocktails at Limbus Resto Bar for stunning sunset views. Join the bustle at Jack's Cafe for hearty breakfasts, expect queues.
Chicha por Gaston Acurio
Elevated Peruvian classics by a celebrity chef.
Cicciolina
An elegant tapas bar and restaurant. Reservations vital.
Pachapapa
Traditional Andean food from a wood-fired oven.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
Cook meat and fish yourself on volcanic stones.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Cusco's culture through its celebrations, a must-see fusion of Incan rites and Catholic traditions. Witness the reenacted sun worship of Inti Raymi or the procession of saints during Corpus Christi, events rooted in the city's history.
Enjoy
Discover modern Cusco attractions through its creative pulse. Enjoy live Andean folk fusion, Latin rock concerts in local peñas, and contemporary art exhibitions in the San Blas quarter, revealing the city's evolving artistic landscape.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
The most famous Inca festival, reenacting the winter solstice ceremony.
Corpus Christi
A major religious procession in May or June.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Religious processions and ceremonies in the week leading up to Easter.
Carnaval de Cusco
February/March celebrations with parades, water fights, and dances.
Santurantikuy
A traditional Christmas market on December 24th in the Plaza de Armas.
Fiestas Patrias
Peru's national independence days on July 28th and 29th.
Virgen del Carmen in nearby Paucartambo
A vibrant festival with traditional masked dancers and fireworks.
A truly historic place
Cusco is a city where history is everywhere. The architecture is stunning, with Incan walls right next to colonial buildings. Everything is walkable from the main square, the Plaza de Armas. It feels safe and the people are welcoming. A great base for exploring.
Lovely artisan city
Loved the artistic side of the city. The San Blas neighborhood is full of little workshops and unique shops, much nicer than the usual tourist stuff. We found some amazing alpaca sweaters. Also, the lomo saltado we had at a small spot was incredible.
Perfect for adventure prep
We used the city as our home base before heading out on treks. It was the perfect place to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days. There are lots of good tour operators and gear shops for last-minute needs. The city has everything you need to prepare.
So much history here
Cusco has so much more than just being a stopover for Machu Picchu. The history is incredible. Seeing the Incan stonework at Qorikancha under a Spanish convent is mind-blowing. The blend of cultures is visible on every single street. Just fascinating.
Amazing city views
The views from the hillsides are amazing. We walked up near San Cristobal Church for a panorama of the city and its red tile roofs. The San Pedro Market was a fun experience for trying local fruits and a cheap, tasty menu del día. Great food everywhere.
Nice place to just wander
It's a wonderful city for just walking around without a strict plan. Felt very safe wandering the cobblestone streets. There are so many lovely little cafes where you can just sit with a cup of coca tea and watch the world go by. A very relaxed place.