Cusco

Travel Guide
Cusco showing mountains

Cusco Travel Guide Video

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this historic city is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and one of the most important sites in indigenous Peruvian culture.

Discover the colorful history of southern Peru in this mountain city. Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire, and remnants of the civilization can be seen scattered throughout the town. The city has a vibrant culture that mixes traditional Quechua customs and contemporary Peruvian traditions. On the edge of the Andes Mountains, Cusco is an ideal location to base yourself in as you explore the terrain, including the Machu Picchu citadel and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Cusco’s city center is a charming blend of colonial architecture and Quechua culture. The city’s population is largely indigenous, and walking its cobbled laneways will reveal the colorful outfits and crafts of the locals. Seeing the city on foot is the best way to explore its small neighborhoods, where you’re sure to stumble across groups of men playing Sapo – a traditional coin tossing game – in the windows of Cusco’s many bars and cafes.

Stay on foot to reach the major attractions of the city, including the San Pedro Market, a fascinating and authentic Peruvian experience. Visit the Plaza de Armas for some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city. The city is home to some of the most important cultural institutions in Peru, including the Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha, a museum dedicated to pre-Columbian cultures, and a number of contemporary art galleries. The Saqsayhuaman complex is one of the most important Incan sites in the region, and offer excellent views across the city.

Cusco is located 11 150 feet (3400 meters) above sea level, and so temperatures are frequently very cold in the evenings. Some visitors are likely to experience altitude sickness, and it can take a few days to acclimatize to the thin air. Buses and trains depart frequently to Cusco from within Peru, while some airlines service the small airport on the edge of town. Visitors arriving from international destinations should travel via Lima to the west or Arequipa to the south. While Cusco may not be the most convenient city to reach in Peru, the journey is well worth the effort as traveling through rural Peru is a beautiful experience.

Where to stay in Cusco

La Merced Church which includes a city

Cusco Historic Center

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

Explore museums like Museo de Arte Precolombino and savor fusion and neo-Andean cuisine at local restaurants. Stroll through the artisan-filled San Blas neighborhood for a picturesque shopping experience.

Cusco Historic Center
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San Antonio

When in San Antonio, you can plan a visit to Agua Buena Recreational Park and Real Plaza Cusco, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

San Antonio
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Las Joyas

While Las Joyas isn't home to many top sights, Agua Buena Recreational Park and Real Plaza Cusco are some notable places to visit nearby.

Las Joyas
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Ramiro Priale

While Ramiro Priale might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Santiago Plaza and San Pedro Market.

Ramiro Priale
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
4 out of 5
Santa Teresa N 344, Cusco, Cusco
The price is CA $175 per night from Jun. 4 to Jun. 5
CA $175
CA $193 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
5 out of 5
Plazoleta Santo Domingo No 259, Cusco, Cusco
The price is CA $430 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $430
CA $526 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a full-service spa, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (768 reviews)
"This hotel is beautiful. It has a great location and the staff is very friendly."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
4 out of 5
Ave. El Sol 954, Cusco, Cusco
The price is CA $176 per night from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4
CA $176
CA $193 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"The buffet breakfast was incredible. It was the most extensive one I've ever seen for breakfast."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cities of the World - Apartments Cusco
Cities of the World - Apartments Cusco
3.5 out of 5
Calle Tandapata 372, Cusco, Cusco
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Recommended place, the room is clean and warm. The style and view 10 to 10."

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2024

Cities of the World - Apartments Cusco
Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
3 out of 5
Urbanizacion Lucrepata E-1, Cusco
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Apr. 15, 2023

Allinkay Cusco Apart Hotel
Spacious & modern apartment in San Blas area, 10 mins. walking from Pl. de Armas
Spacious & modern apartment in San Blas area, 10 mins. walking from Pl. de Armas
Cusco
Stay at this apartment in Cusco. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
A lovely stay in Cusco
"My partner and I stayed here for two nights and the hosts were accommodating and hospitable. Overall it was just what we needed. The bed was a bit hard but this was a minor detail overall. Thank you to the hosts for all the information and help they provided, hints and tips were awesome 👌. They ..."

Reviewed on Jan. 22, 2024

Spacious & modern apartment in San Blas area, 10 mins. walking from Pl. de Armas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cusco

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
160
" "5 - Excellent 70.79646017699115%
4 - Good
53
" "4 - Good 23.451327433628318%
3 - Okay
13
" "3 - Okay 5.752212389380531%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 24, 2020

Everyone should try to visit this city sometime. There are lots of famous world sights within a few hours drive

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 19, 2020

Cusco is a beautiful area. Very walkable, safe, and friendly people. I wish I could have stayed longer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 12, 2020

There are some amazing restaurants and when buying souvenir buy outside city center.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 6, 2020

Cusco is beautiful city! The mountain scenery is breathtaking! Just be sure to climatize as the altitude will leave the best athletes gasping for air after a flight of stairs.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 20, 2020

The Feria in the square serves the most amazing soup and Lomo Saltado

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 17, 2020

3days is enough

Cities near Cusco