Discover the fascinating essence of Andean culture in Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Explore our comprehensive travel guide for essential information, valuable tips and top attractions that await you on your journey through Cusco.
Get ready for a unique experience!
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire located 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru, dazzles with its rich history and culture. In the heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas is home to the majestic Cusco Cathedral, surrounded by colonial churches and lively stores. Inca architectural vestiges, such as Sacsayhuaman and Qorikancha, intertwine with vibrant local traditions, evident in festivals such as Inti Raymi and the Cusco Carnival. Cusco serves as a jumping-off point to the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu, while its surroundings offer spectacular mountain scenery and archaeological sites such as Maras and Moray. The city welcomes visitors with warm hospitality, gastronomic variety, and a unique experience that fuses the ancestral with the contemporary.
The altitude in the city of Cusco reaches 3399 meters above sea level, which implies a decrease in the oxygen content in the air. This lower oxygen concentration can generate symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness, commonly known as altitude sickness, especially in the first days of your stay.
The Weather in Cusco, located in the Andes of southeastern Peru, presents marked variations due to the diverse topography of the region. The city is characterized by a temperate and dry climate, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
During these months, Cusco experiences its rainy season, with December and January being the rainiest months.
Rainfall can be intense, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C and 18°C.
It is recommended to wear waterproof clothing and be prepared for rapid weather changes.
This is the dry season in Cusco, characterized by sunny days and cool nights.
Daytime temperatures are usually between 18°C and 20°C, with cooler nights, especially in the higher elevations. Although rainfall is less frequent, it is important to be prepared for cold nights throughout the year due to the city's altitude.
It is advisable to bring layers of clothing and warm clothes for the evenings.
It is important to keep in mind that due to Cusco's altitude, the weather can change rapidly, and nights can be cold throughout the year. In addition, the variation in altitude between Cusco and surrounding areas can influence local weather conditions.
When planning your trip to Cusco, consider the two seasons mentioned above and choose the one that best suits your preferences and expectations.
Cusco, the Capital of the Inca Empire, is a living testament to the rich history and culture that has evolved in the Peruvian Andes over the millennia. Even before the arrival of the Incas, the region was inhabited by the Killke, who left their mark on the hills surrounding the city. However, Cusco's true heyday began in the 13th century when the Incas, led by Manco Capac, established the city as the capital of their vast empire. The Temple of the Sun and the advanced architecture of the Incas still amaze visitors.
History took a turn in 1533 when the Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, captured the city. The conquest marked the beginning of a new era, fusing indigenous cultures with European influence. Colonial architecture, represented by Cusco's majestic Cathedral, is a tangible testimony to this cultural amalgam.
The city experienced periods of political and social change during the republican era, struggling to find its identity in the context of an independent nation. In the 20th century, modern tourism brought with it challenges and opportunities, and Cusco became an epicenter for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history of the Inca past.
Today, Cusco remains a melting pot of cultures, a place where the stones of ancient temples and cobblestone streets tell stories of past civilizations. The city, with its unique blend of pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and republican architecture, is a tangible reminder of cultural diversity and resilience over the centuries. Cusco is not only a tourist destination; it is a living witness to history, a continuing chapter in the fascinating tale of the Peruvian Andes.
Cusco, the ancient Inca capital is today a cosmopolitan and prosperous city. Very visited by national and foreign tourists, also considered as the historical capital of America, having as main tourist attraction the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu; the main tourist destination in Peru and considered as one of the most wonderful places in the world.
Meet today the TOP of the activities you can do in this wonderful city:
The majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in July 2007, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru and the most famous ruins in South America and receives hundreds of thousands of people a year.
The San Blas neighborhood of Cusco is tucked away to the north and northeast of the Plaza de Armas. One of the most beautiful and interesting traditional neighborhoods of the city with its steep streets and traditional old white houses. It was here that the Incas built their sanctuaries dedicated to the emperors. This area is commonly known as the neighborhood of artists and sculptors and there are trendy bars.
Cusco Main Square is a busy and vibrant space that marks the colonial center of the city. The square, which features wide stone walkways and well-kept colorful gardens, is home to two emblematic buildings: the Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús, both considered architectural jewels of the colonial era. The plaza is where many of the city's most important gatherings, events and festivals take place, including the Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi festivities. Around the Plaza de Armas you can also enjoy the wide variety of bars and restaurants, which offer everything from traditional Peruvian food such as baked guinea pig, lomo saltado and aji de gallina to more familiar international cuisine such as pastas and pizza.
The archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman is considered one of the most important and amazing buildings in the world.
It is located 2 kilometers north of Cusco's Main Square. It is located 3,700 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.).
The temple of the sun is located in the small square of Santo Domingo in the current enclosure of the temple and convent of Santo Domingo, built on the remains of the Qorikancha and extends to El Sol Avenue, a clear example of the fusion of the Inca and Hispanic cultures.
Both sites are part of any paid tour in Cusco, but you can access them independently and for free.
The busiest street for tourists in the city of Cusco. It is located a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. Its name means 'Big Stone' because in its paths was built hundreds of years ago the Palace of Inca Roca, on whose foundations was built the current Archbishop's Palace. In this street there is a fine wall where the Incas carved the popular 'Stone of the 12 angles', one of the most popular attractions of the city. If you continue along its stone paths, you will reach the Cuesta de San Blas or Barrio de los Artesanos (Artisans' Quarter).
In Hatun Rumiyoc is the famous stone of the twelve angles, an element that is part of the identity of Cusco. The place where the stone is located was formerly the palace of the Inca Sinchi Roca, but with the arrival of the Spaniards, they built the Archbishop's Palace over it.
Not far away is the street of the seven snakes, considered one of the most beautiful in Cusco. It is located at the height of the Plazoleta Nazarenas and Choquechaka passage. As its name suggests, you will see snakes, but not alive, but carved into the stones that are part of the walls of the street and the Nazarene Palace.
The Central Market of San Pedro is the main and oldest supply market in the city of Cusco,1 Peru, and is located in its historical center in front of the Plazoleta San Pedro and Santa Clara street whose current route corresponds to the ancient Inca road that, starting from the Huacaypata, communicated the capital of the Tawantinsuyo with the Contisuyo.
If you want to learn more about the culture of a country, the markets are the perfect place. There you will not only know the gastronomy of the place, but also the original supplies, the drinks consumed, the clothes, the accessories used, what they sell and more.
The San Pedro Market is an essential stop for both local and foreign tourists.
Other markets that stand out are San Blas and Wanchaq, each one of them shows you the magic of the imperial city.
If you want to know and taste one of the most delicious coffees in the world, you should attend the exhibition that takes place in the Coffee Museum. You will learn about the cultivation, its importance and the process of transforming Quillabamba coffee into granules.
You've probably seen the Instagram photos and TikTok videos where several tourists pose in a forest full of tall trees. This is the Qenqo forest, where eucalyptus trees are the protagonists. The scenery you will see is magical and is only 15 minutes from the historic center of Cusco, on the hill of Socorro Hill. It is a perfect place to disconnect from the noise and fast pace of any city.
Heading west and going up the peculiar street called "La Resbalosa" (which as its name says, you have to climb it calmly because it is also very steep), you will arrive directly at the Church of San Cristobal.
This simple, but beautiful church is an adobe structure with a single nave, inside you will be able to find several paintings and altarpieces.
In fact, here you will also see the small square and the viewpoint of San Cristobal, which is where the bell tower is located and is well worth the climb (it offers some of the best views of Cusco).
In the street Hatun Rumiyoc (very close to the neighborhood of San Blas) is located the famous Stone of the 12 Angles which has a very fine finish and belonged to Inca Roca who is one of the 14 Incas and / or rulers who had the Tawantinsuyo (Empire of the Incas), his fame is due to the finish, the hard work that was required to place 12 stones around a single piece of stone and the number of angles it has, in total 12 that comes to be a cabalistic number.
If you want to take a beautiful picture with the stone, it will not be easy because there are many tourists trying to take a picture, therefore, we recommend you to visit this stone in the morning from 6 am to 9 am and at night from 9 pm to 12 noon.
View the Mural Painting at Avenida el Sol
This beautiful work of Mural Painting was designed and painted by Juan Bravo Vizcarra in 1992 to represent more or less 3 thousand years of pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and republican history of the city of Cusco. The mural has a perimeter of 50 meters by 6 meters.
This mural was made by the Cusco plastic artist Juan Bravo Vizcarra, where he summarizes in this canvas 3 thousand years of history, graphing in the same one the 5 stages of the Cusco history, the origins of the Incas, the Inca Empire, the Spanish conquest, the rebellion and the modernity.
It would have cost Bravo Vizcarra about 9 months to complete this great work until the day of its inauguration in 1992, at present this mural is one of the most important didactic attractions of the Imperial City; located just two meters above the sidewalk, this painting is part of the so-called "Walking tour" within the city of Cusco, and for its realization had to get acrylic paints from Mexico according to the late author Juan Bravo Vizcarra narrated. On January 23, 2016 at 98 years of age.
If you are a good walker and have no problem with the height, do not miss this work of architecture of the Spanish occupation-seventeenth century. This colonial wall has several Roman arches, has a total of four levels and for its execution was used stones that belonged to the Inca temple of Sanpantiyana, until the mid-twentieth century still worked.
It is located on the Tullumayo River between the neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristobal, it will take you about 30 minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
About 20 minutes walk from the main square is a beautiful viewpoint from where you can see the entire city of Cusco, we recommend you bring a good camera, you can visit the place in day and night hours until 8 pm maximum.
This statue is located in the northeastern part of the city of Cusco, above the neighborhood of San Blas, represents the protection for the inhabitants of the city of Cusco, considering that almost 80% of the people of Cusco are Catholic.
How to get to the White Christ on foot?
There are many ways to get to the White Christ on foot, but we recommend you to take Atojsayquchi Street, and go straight ahead (do not turn left or right), once you get to the main road turn left and there you will find it and we are very sure that you will enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Cusco.
Cusco offers a variety of lodging options ranging from charming boutique hotels to cozy hostels. Whether you are looking for the majesty of colonial architecture or contemporary comfort, hotels in Cusco are designed to provide visitors with a unique and comfortable experience in this historic destination.
Below, we will introduce you to the most outstanding hotels, selected for their excellence in services and amenities:
Location: Av. El Sol No. 954 - Cusco
BOOKING: 9.1/10 (puntuación)
EXPEDIA: 9.4/10 (puntuación)
🏙️ City views 🐾 Pets allowed 📶 Free WiFi 🛁 Bathtub 🕒 24-hour front desk 🔑 Access card 🧹 Daily maid service 🔐 Safe 🛄 Luggage storage 🌡️ Heating
Location: Calle Ruinas 472, Cusco - Peru
BOOKING: 8.7/10 (puntuación)
EXPEDIA: 9.0/10 (puntuación)
🚗 Airport transfer 🛏️ Room service 📶 Free WiFi 👨👩👧👦 Family rooms 🕒 24-hour front desk 🔥 Heating 🍹 Bar 🧺 Laundry service ☕ Breakfast 🍼 Cots (on request)
Location: Av Tullumayo 123, Cusco 08000
TRIPADVISOR: 3.5/5 (puntuación)
BOOKING: 7.9/10 (puntuación)
EXPEDIA: 6.6/10 (puntuación)
🚗 Airport transfer 🚭 Smoke-free rooms 🛌 Room service 📶 Free WiFi 🕒 24-hour front desk 🌅 Terrace 🍸 Bar 🧺 Laundry service 🍽️ Very good breakfast
Location: Av Tullumayo #279 parte alta
TRIPADVISOR: 3.5/5 (puntuación)
BOOKING: 8.2/10 (puntuación)
EXPEDIA: 6.6/10 (puntuación)
🚭 Smoke-free rooms 👨👩👧👦 Family romos 🌞 Terrace 🍳 Breakfast 📶 Free WiFi
Discover the exquisite gastronomy of Cusco with the help of Andino Peru Tours. Our agency will guide you to the essential restaurants, where you can delight your palate with unique flavors and live an unforgettable culinary experience.
Later on, we will show you an exclusive selection of restaurants that you can't miss!
As first choice is Limo, specialized in Nikkei cuisine (fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine), Limo Restobar offers unique dishes and interesting flavors that are the result of the combination of ingredients from both cultures. It will leave you fascinated with its flavors.
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Monday to Sunday
Location: Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd floor, Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
With a focus on authentic Peruvian cuisine, Morena Peruvian Kitchen seeks to offer diners a unique culinary experience through traditional Peruvian dishes (Coast, Highlands and Jungle) prepared with care for your satisfaction.
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Monday to Sunday.
Location: Corner with, plaza de armas, Procuradores 320, Cusco 08002.
Known for its cozy atmosphere and its Peruvian and international fusion menu, Cicciolina is a popular choice in Cusco for dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm Monday to Sunday
Location: Ruins Street 465, Palace Street 110 Cusco - Peru
If you are vegetarian or vegan, Green Point is a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian and vegan options. It offers a variety of delicious, creative and healthy dishes. Its ambiance will delight you, it has an outdoor terrace and is pet friendly.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Sunday.
Location: Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003
Perfect for you, it is located in the main square and gives you a wonderful view of it, has delicious dishes to taste, during your lunch or dinner you can enjoy a dance show, as well as appreciate an art exhibition in its Museum / Restaurant.
Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm Monday to Sunday.
Location: Portal Confituria 233 - 2do floor, Cusco Main Square Cusco, Perú
Cusco, with its rich history and culture, is known for its vibrant festivities that celebrate ancestral traditions and religious events. Here are some of the most important festivities of this Cusco region.
Date:Variable date (usually in February or March)
The carnivals in Cusco are an explosion of joy and color. The streets are filled with music, dances and water games. The festivity is known for the "yunza", a decorated tree that people cut amidst songs and dances.
Date: Variable date (60 days after Easter Sunday).
This religious festivity is celebrated with great pomp in Cusco. It includes processions of saints and virgins, as well as carpets made with flowers and natural objects that adorn the streets. One of the most impressive moments is the procession of the Señor de los Temblores, the patron saint of Cusco.
Date: Starts at the end of May
This festivity is celebrated in honor of the Lord of Torrechayoc, a religious image venerated in the region. The celebration includes processions, masses and traditional dances that show the faith and devotion of the locals.
These festivities are just a glimpse of the cultural and religious richness of Cusco. If you plan to visit this region of Peru, be sure to check the local holiday calendar to enjoy these unique celebrations and immerse yourself in Cusco's vibrant culture.
Date: Variable date (usually in May or June)
This festival is one of the largest and most remote pilgrimages in the region. Pilgrims travel to the Sinakara mountain to pay homage to the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i in a fusion of Christian and indigenous traditions.
These additional festivities in Cusco showcase the cultural and religious diversity of the region, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the richness of local traditions and further immerse themselves in Cusco culture.
Date:All month of June
The Cusco anniversary commemorates the Spanish founding of the city in 1534. Throughout the month of June, Cusco is filled with celebrations, parades, traditional dances and cultural events. It is a time when the city shows its pride and love for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Traditional Dances: During Cusco's anniversary festivities, it is common to witness various traditional dances that represent the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region. Some of the most outstanding dances include the "Dance of the Qhapaq Qolla", and many others.
Parades: The streets of Cusco are the scene of colorful parades involving schools, folkloric groups and local organizations. The parades usually include traditional costumes, live music and typical dances.
Gastronomic Festivals: During this month, gastronomic festivals are also held where you can taste traditional Cusco and Peruvian dishes. Food is an integral part of Cusco's culture, and these events are a perfect opportunity to sample local delicacies.
Music and Art: Music and art are essential components of the festivities. You can enjoy open-air concerts, performances of traditional Andean music and exhibitions of local art.
Fireworks: Cusco's anniversary celebration culminates with impressive fireworks displays that light up the city's night sky.
The Cusco anniversary is an exceptional time to visit the city and immerse yourself in its rich culture and traditions. The dances, parades and joy that permeate the streets make this celebration unforgettable and a unique experience for visitors.
Date:June 24th
Inti Raymi is perhaps Cusco's most emblematic festival and one of the most important cultural events in Peru. It commemorates the winter solstice and pays homage to the Inca sun god, Inti. The celebration includes ceremonies at the Sacsayhuaman fortress and a procession to Cusco's Plaza de Armas, where dances and rituals are performed.
Date: July 16th
This religious festival honors the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of Paucartambo, a town near Cusco. It is celebrated with colorful parades, folkloric dances and theatrical performances that attract visitors from all over the country.
Date: July 28th and 29th
In Cusco, as in the whole country, the Peruvian Independence Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. The streets are filled with parades, fireworks and cultural activities. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco and the Avenida de la Cultura are the epicenter of the celebration.
Date: August 1st
The Pachamama Day or Mama Raymi is a celebration in honor of Mother Earth. The inhabitants of Cusco make offerings to Pachamama, which include food, coca leaves and other objects. This festivity symbolizes the connection between nature and daily life.
Date: September 8th
This festivity celebrates the Virgin of the Nativity in the province of Canchis, near Cusco. The celebration includes folkloric dances, music, masses and processions in honor of the Virgin.
Date: September 14th
The Feast of the Lord of Huanca is a pilgrimage that attracts thousands of faithful from all over Cusco and other regions of the country. Pilgrims walk to the sanctuary of Huanca to honor the Lord of Huanca, a crucified Christ.
Date:December 24th
The Santurantikuy is a Christmas crafts fair that takes place in Cusco's Main Square on Christmas Eve. At this event, local artisans exhibit and sell their creations, which range from nativity scenes to religious articles and Christmas decorations.
The city of Cusco is located at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, which can cause the so-called "altitude sickness" or soroche. This condition occurs due to the reduction of oxygen pressure at high altitudes, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms in some people who are not used to the altitude.
To prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness, it is recommended to follow these precautions:
The optimal time to visit this fascinating city is during the dry season, which runs from May through September. These months offer sunny and pleasant weather, although there may be occasional light rains. In contrast, the months of September through April are considered the rainy season, characterized by more consistent rainfall.
If you are in other cities in Peru, you have several options to get to Cusco. An economical alternative is to travel by bus, although you should consider that the duration of the trip can vary significantly, ranging from 8 to 20 hours.
On the other hand, the air option offers a faster trip, being an efficient alternative.
And in case you prefer the train, keep in mind that it only connects Cusco with Arequipa and Puno, limiting the options, but providing a unique experience by crossing breathtaking landscapes during the trip.
Each option offers its own advantages, allowing you to choose according to your time and comfort preferences.
Given Cusco's altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience altitude-related symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness in the first few days. It's recommended to avoid strenuous physical activities and long trips during this adjustment period, and to opt for a light, low-fat diet. These precautions will help ensure a smoother and more comfortable transition to the altitude, allowing you to fully enjoy your experiences in the city.
The best known attractions of Cusco are:
These are the attractions that you can not miss on your visit to Cusco.
Exploring Machu Picchu independently is possible, but an organized tour can significantly enhance your experience. Although not strictly necessary, a tour offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of this iconic site. Specialized guides can answer your questions, share knowledge, and ensure you make the most of your visit. While you are free to explore on your own, choosing a tour provides a more comprehensive and enriching approach to discovering the secrets of Machu Picchu.
Tickets for Machu Picchu can be purchased online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe or at authorized offices in Cusco. Online purchase is recommended, especially for Huayna Picchu tickets due to limited availability; it is suggested to buy them 3 to 4 months in advance.
In-person purchase offices in Cusco:
Online payment can be made with a credit or debit card, while in-person purchases accept both card and cash.
You can also obtain your tickets through our agency, Andino Perú Tours. Contact us to ensure your Machu Picchu experience is unforgettable and hassle-free.
Cusco's airport is located on Av. Velasco Astete, just 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the main Plaza de Armas in the city.
¿WHY TRAVEL WITH ANDINO PERU TOURS?
We are a Peruvian Agency with Cusco roots, committed to providing you with unique tourism experiences. With our own transportation and a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to show you the best of Peru.
Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
We focus on creating unforgettable experiences through an expert team and carefully selected providers. We keep small groups to ensure exceptional service and that you make the most of each tour.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 20:00
Saturdays: 8:00 - 13:00
Sundays: Cerrado
