Cusco, Peru is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and serves as the cultural heart of modern Peru. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits at an impressive 3,400 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest cities you’re likely to visit in South America.
The city is fascinating, and has a really interesting blend of Incan stonework and architecture mixed with a Spanish colonial influence. People usually come to Cusco for the ruins, Rainbow Mountain, and of course, Machu Picchu, and it’s an almost mandatory on any Peru itinerary as the cultural capital of Peru. I spent five days in Cusco last year, getting ready and acclimatising for the Salkantay Trek, which gave me plenty of time to explore this magical city.
An Intro Guide to Cusco, Peru
I really liked Cusco – it has such a magical feel to it and its cultural influences are really unique. The blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture creates an atmosphere you won’t find in many other places in Latin America. That being said, I did start to get annoyed by the number of people who would call out and quite persistently sell to tourists on the streets. It’s part of the experience, but it can become overwhelming, especially when you have somewhere to be, you’re navigating small streets, and adjusting to the altitude all at once.
The city centre is quite safe – I even walked a short way at night by myself (I don’t recommend ever doing that, mind you), but outside of the city it becomes quite chaotic quite quickly. The best things to do in Cusco are actually the day trips that take you out of the city, like Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley tours. These excursions showcase the region’s incredible history and natural beauty.
🇵🇪 Read more: 19 Things to do in Cusco
How to Get to Cusco, Peru
To get to Cusco from another country, you’ll usually fly, often with a connection through Lima. Direct international flights are limited, but you can fly directly from some other Latin American cities like La Paz, Bolivia or Santiago, Chile. The flight from Lima takes about 1.5 hours and costs S/200-600 (€48-144) depending on the season and airline (and how far in advance you book).
While it’s technically possible to reach Cusco by bus from surrounding countries like Ecuador, Chile, or Bolivia, these journeys are extremely long and can take multiple days. From La Paz, Bolivia, it’s about 12-15 hours by bus (S/150-200/€36-48), while from Chile or Ecuador you’re looking at 2-3 days of travel with multiple connections.
From other destinations in Peru, buses are more practical – from Arequipa about 10 hours (S/70-120/€17-29), or from Puno (Lake Titicaca) it’s around 8-9 hours and a similar price. Driving yourself to or from Cusco isn’t recommended due to road conditions and safety concerns, especially at night, and whilst it is a slightly more gentle introduction to the altitude, if you’re not used to the elevation you might not be safe to drive.
Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru
Staying in the centre close to Plaza de Armas is the best place to stay in Cusco. It has the best vibes and is the safest, plus it’s close to everything which is quite important when you’re acclimatising to altitude! Most attractions, restaurants, and tour operators are within walking distance, and you’ll find accommodations ranging from budget hostels (S/30-60/€7-14 per night) to luxury hotels (S/400+/€96+ per night).
Calle Saphi is a street running northwest from Plaza de Armas that’s quite busy and absolutely full to the brim of hotels and hostels, including one of two Selina hostels in Cusco. It’s known for offering some of the best accommodation options at more affordable prices, whilst still being quite close the main attractions.
To the south of the main square there’s a cluster of hostels, including the Viajero Hostel in Cusco which is one of two that I stayed in during my time in Cusco (the other hostel I stayed in, I didn’t really like).
🇵🇪 Read more about where to stay in Cusco
Weather & Best Time to Visit Cusco, Peru
Cusco has two distinct seasons: dry (May to September) and rainy (October to April). The best time to visit is during the dry season when you’ll have clear skies and perfect conditions for trekking and sightseeing. June to August is peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. The weather is generally cool year-round because of the altitude, with daytime temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) and nights dropping to 0-5°C (32-41°F). Yep, it gets chilly at night time when you’re this high up!
Sunrise is around 5:30-6:00 AM and sunset between 5:30-6:00 PM throughout the year, with minimal variation, as you’re quite close to the equator here.
How to Get Around Cusco, Peru
Uber is the best and safest way to get around Cusco, except for getting to and from the airport, where Ubers are banned. Don’t order one at the airport, otherwise you risk paying the fare but not getting picked up when your driver is turned away.
To and from the airport, the safest way is by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes. Taxis don’t use meters, so you should negotiate the fare in advance (expect around S/30/€7), or book at one of the counters in advance (for a slightly higher rate, but without the negotiation).
Public buses are cheap (S/1-2/€0.24-0.48) but not recommended for the airport run because they’re dangerous and don’t go from the airport terminal. I have used Welcome Pickup a couple of times (not for this specific journey, though) and always had a great experience with them, and from Cusco airport to city centre they start at just S/50 (€12).
Within the city centre, most attractions are walkable, so you don’t need to worry too much about transport (though the altitude and steep streets can be challenging). If you want to head outside of the city, I recommend asking for help from your accommodation or taking an Uber.
🇵🇪 Read more: How to Get from Arequipa to Cusco
Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
The beauty of Cusco lies in its proximity to incredible day trips and multi-day adventures. While the city itself does have some great museums and the famous 12-angled stone, most visitors use it as a base for exploring other places outside of the city.
Free walking tours depart daily from Plaza de Armas (and you know how much I love a free walking tour). In town, don’t miss the San Pedro Market for local crafts and foods, the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the bohemian San Blas neighbourhood.
Popular day trips include the Sacred Valley tour (visiting Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero), Rainbow Mountain, and of course, Machu Picchu. Multi-day treks like the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek also usually depart from Cusco.
Where & What to Eat in Cusco, Peru
Cusco’s culinary scene ranges from traditional Peruvian cuisine to international options catering to its diverse visitors. If you dare, try cuy (guinea pig) – it’s a local delicacy that is apparently delicious, but I was not brave enough to try it. For traditional dishes, head to the Central Market or restaurants like Pachapapa near San Blas. Local favourites include alpaca steak, quinoa soup, and various potato dishes. There are also some international restaurants around the Plaza de Armas, offering everything from Italian to Israeli cuisine.
Money and Prices in Cusco, Peru
The currency in Peru is the Sol (S/), with roughly S/4.2 equaling 1€ at the time of writing. Cusco is relatively affordable compared to European and US prices, though it’s more expensive than some other Peruvian cities due to tourism. There are plenty of ATMs are plentiful around Plaza de Armas, but most of them charge fees, as you would expect in such a touristy city. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and tourist restaurants, though often with a 3-5% surcharge.
FAQs About Cusco
How many days in Cusco is enough?
I recommend at least 3-4 days in Cusco itself, plus 2 days for altitude acclimatisation before attempting any strenuous activities. This gives you time to explore the city and take a couple of day trips. If you’re planning longer treks, add those days on top (ideally at the end, when you are more acclimatised to the altitude).
Is the Cusco City Tour worth it?
The standard city tour covering major sites like Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, and nearby ruins can be worthwhile for first-time visitors. It costs around S/40-70 (€10-17) and provides historical context you might miss exploring alone. However, free walking tours offer good alternatives for the city centre sites.
What is the best way to explore Cusco?
Start with a walking tour to get oriented, then explore at your own pace. The city centre is compact and walkable. Book day trips through reputable agencies for sites outside the city, or ask at your accommodation for advice (although if there’s anything you really want to do, I recommend booking it in advance).
Should I go to Cusco or Machu Picchu first?
Always go to Cusco first. You need time to acclimatise to the altitude (Cusco is actually higher than Machu Picchu), and Cusco is where you’ll arrange transportation and tickets. Most Machu Picchu tours depart from Cusco anyway.
Conclusion
Cusco, Peru truly lives up to its reputation as the archaeological capital of the Americas. While the persistent street vendors can be overwhelming and the altitude is challenging, the city’s magic compensates and it really is a must-see. Whether you’re using Cusco as a base for exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley or diving deep into its own museums and markets, you’ll find this ancient capital offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in South America. Just remember to take it easy for those first few days as your body gets used to the elevation gain.
