Cusco Travel Guide: A Complete Look at a High-Altitude City
Cusco Travel Guide: A Complete Look at a High-Altitude City
While often known as the starting point for treks to the iconic Machu Picchu, Cusco is a destination in its own right, deserving of dedicated exploration and admiration. This historic city, set high in the Andes, showcases Peru’s ancient Incan traditions, modern-day Quechua culture and colonial Spanish architecture. In this travel guide, I am revealing all my secrets spots and considerations for planning an unforgettable trip to Cusco, Peru, including where to stay and eat, what to see, how to get around, and the best time to visit. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.
cusco travel guide
Timing
Time of Year
Cusco has two distinct seasons: Wet Season from November to April and Dry Season from May to October. Each has their own pros and cons. The Dry Season is Cusco’s peak travel period. This is the time of year when you’ll see the most tourists, due to the pleasant Andean weather. If crowds don’t bother you and/or you’re looking for more off the beaten path destinations, the Dry Season is the perfect time of year to visit.
On the contrary, the Wet Season may be perfect if you’re hoping to explore solo, are a photographer or are just looking for more authenticity. Just beware of the sporadic showers and muddy roads!
I visited Cusco in the wet season and had a great time! I barely experienced the rain – most of which fell in the early morning. That said, the nightly rainfall did derail one of my day trips out of town by making one of the countryside roads around the city too muddy to pass.
Secret Tip
Cusco is located high in the Andes mountains. It’s typically recommended to give yourself a few days to acclimatize to the high altitude before taking on any physically demanding activities and day trips to places like Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. Make sure to consult with your doctor prior to travel for recommendations.
Trip Length
Plan to stay in Cusco and explore for at least 2-3 days. If you’re planning any day trips, I’d recommend adding those on as additional days rather than fitting them into the 2-3 days you have in town.
cusco travel guide
Transportation
How To Get There
If you’re visiting from outside of Peru, you’ll likely be flying into Lima before Cusco. From there, you can either take a direct 1.5 hour flight or slowly travel by bus, exploring Peru’s other major cities along the way.
If you choose to fly, my recommended airline while in Peru is LATAM Airlines. They typically have offer plenty of flight times to seamlessly fit into your travel plans. While the direct flight is fastest, please know that this option can make you more prone to altitude sickness after arrival in Cusco.
If you choose to travel by bus, your journey to Cusco will be longer, but less expensive. Peru Hop in particular is a company that makes traveling easy by offering hop-on, hop-off style routes that loop throughout different cities across the country.
How To Get Around
Cusco is extremely hilly which makes the fastest and most convenient way to get around walking. Of course, Rideshare (Uber) and Taxis are also available as a more accessible option or for those who need a break climbing to the top of the city. Buses, or colectivos, are also available as a budget option, but time schedules and routes are limited.
And for any day trips to the Sacred Valley or elsewhere in the area, taking an organized tour is the best option. The Andes has quite difficult terrain and cell reception! The best way to explore this rugged and wild region is by going with a local, experienced guide and driver to manage any unexpected bumps along the road.
Secret Tip
Don’t do as I did, and wear slip-on shoes around Cuscos… unless you want to slip on all the steps too!
For more of what not to do in Cusco, read my guide: 6 Mistakes I made in Cusco, Peru
cusco travel guide
Accommodations
Neighborhoods
For your first time in Cusco, I recommend staying near Plaza Mayor or San Blas. These areas are in the heart of the historic center and home to many of Cusco’s most iconic attractions. With cobblestone streets, well-preserved Inca and colonial architecture and vibrant restaurants, they’re a delight stroll on foot.
I stayed in in two different San Blas-based hotels and loved it! It’s the perfect neighborhood for central sightseeing, great dining and beautiful alleyways.
Hotels
Palacio Nazarenas – $$$$$
Inkaterra La Casona – $$$$
Casa Biru – $
cusco travel guide
Sights
Plaza de Armas
If you’re visiting Cusco, you will undoubtedly walk through Plaza De Armas, Cusco’s main square. While it’s easy to get swept up in the restaurants, shops and crowds, try stopping by in the morning before most of the businesses have opened up for the day.
Some of the city’s most spectacular facades are in the square and can best be enjoyed at this hour, like that of the Cusco Cathedral and Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus).
12 Angled Stone
The 12 Angled Stone is a marvel of ancient engineering nestled in the heart of Cusco. It’s a carefully carved keystone, part of a larger wall, that boasts twelve perfectly fitting edges, showcasing the intricate skill of Inca masons. As you walk through the bustling streets, take a moment to stop and admire this remarkable example of precision stonework. It’s an unassuming masterpiece that whispers tales of a long-lost civilization amidst the modern cityscape.
Plaza San Blas
Plaza San Blas is small, but central square in the neighborhood. It contains a central stone fountain, an old church and multiple green benches to rest your feet on after all the climbing you’ll do throughout town.
Convento La Merced
A hidden gem in the heart of Centro Histórico, Convento La Merced has striking murals, blue-roofed porticos and a vibrant green gate that can all be explored without the crowds. Definitely one of Cusco’s most unique and brilliant places to see.
Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal
Located at in the San Cristobal neighborhood, Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal offers sweeping views over Cusco’s Centro Histórico.
Sacsayhuamán
Located in the Sán Cristobal neighborhood on the outskirts of Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is one of the main tourist highlights in Cusco – and for good reason. The site is actually a former Incan citadel with stone walls so giant I left feeling absolutely mesmerized. The magic and beauty of this site is only amplified by the fact that the Incas had such precise building techniques that they didn’t even need mortar to hold these large stone walls together.
Qoricancha Temple
A great place to view for its beauty and tour for its history, I was absolutely blown away by Qoricancha Temple. This is definitely one of the best spots in Cusco’s Centro Histórico to view both Incan and Spanish architecture together. Additionally, for those trying to avoid hiking too far up one of Cusco’s steep hills, Qoricancha’s height allows for picturesque views over part of the city.
Qenqo
Qenqo is an archeological site that was used by the Incas as a place of worship. The site contains a former astronomical observatory, sacrifice room and amphitheater.
Tambomachay
Similar to most Inca sites, the exact function of the Tambomachay ruins is unknown. However, because the site is made up of connected aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that has earned it the Spanish name, “the Bathroom of the Inca”.
Puca Pucara
Not far from Tambomachay is Puca Pucara, a site that’s believed to be former Inca military fort as its strategic location would allow soldiers a 360 degree view of the valley and entrance to Cusco.
cusco travel guide
Restaurants & Cafes
Plaza de Armas
Morena Peruvian Fusion – Peruvian Cuisine with an International Twist
- This spot had the freshest ingredients and even edible flowers! A wonderful location for dinner, the restaurant lights up in the evening, with a wonderful view of Plaza Mayor.
Limo – Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
Cicciolina – Cafe, Wine and Tapas Restaurant and Picnics To-Go
- Located in between Plaza De Armas and the San Blas neighborhood in Cusco’s Centro Histórico.
San Blas
LOCAL Restaurante – Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
Green Point – Plant-Based Peruvian and International Dishes
Piedra & Sal – Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
Organika – Cafe offering Organic and Natural Fare
Green Falafel – Vegan
Limbus Restobar – Peruvian Cuisine and Classic Bar Food
- Located at the top one of Cusco’s highest hills, celebrate your climb up with a filling meal and stunning views over San Blas and Centro Histórico.
cusco travel guide
Day Trips
Distance from Cusco: 3.5 Hours
Machu Picchu
A destination so nice I visited twice! If you’re traveling to Cusco, Machu Picchu is a must-see. The easiest way to get there is by taking a 3.5 hour bimodal (bus and train) route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. These routes take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, just outside of Machu Picchu. They’re offered by IncaRail, PeruRail and Hiram Bingham.
Secret Tip
If all bimodal tickets from Cusco to Aguas Calientes are sold out, try booking the shorter Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes route.
Drivers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo are also easy to find allowing you time to check out the town’s archaeological site, restaurants and shops before Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley
Known as the Gateway to Machu Picchu, Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant local culture.
From the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo to the colorful market in Pisac and from the salt mines of Maras to the textile centers in Chinchero, the Sacred Valley is a wonderful area to explore on a day trip or two from Cusco.
Distance from Cusco: 45 Minutes – 1.5 Hours
Ausangate
For an active day trip that’s off-the-beaten path and full of epic views that make you feel like you’re in a fantasy film, visit Ausangate 7 Lakes.
Depending on where you book, you may also get an incredible local lunch experience. For this, I highly recommend Peru Summit Adventures.
Read even more about my magical travel experience in my blog post: A Stunning Day Tour of Ausangate 7 Lakes
Average Length of Day Tour from Cusco: 14-15 Hours*
South Valley
For a day trip that seems to have it all, look no further than Peru’s South Valley. South Valley Tours typically include a visit to Andahuaylillas Church, Rumi Qolca, Pikillaqta, Tipon.
Average Length of Day Tour from Cusco: 8 Hours*
*Driving Distance from Cusco: 45 Minutes – 1 Hour, location dependent
Secret Tip
For 10 more amazing day trips from Cusco, plus which tour operators I recommend traveling with around Cusco, check out my blog post: 13 Best Day Trips From Cusco That Aren’t Machu Picchu
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