Discover Cusco: Complete Guide to the Ancient Inca Capital
Complete Cusco Peru Travel Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about visiting Peru’s ancient Inca capital
About Cusco
Cusco (elevation: 3,400 meters / 11,150 feet) is the former capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southeastern Peru, this historic city combines pre-Columbian architecture with Spanish colonial buildings, creating a unique cultural destination.
As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco attracts over 3 million visitors annually. The city serves as an essential acclimatization stop before high-altitude treks and offers rich history, vibrant markets, and authentic Peruvian culture.
Best Time to Visit Cusco
🌞 Dry Season (May – September)
- Weather: Clear skies, minimal rain, cold nights (5-10°C)
- Best for: Hiking, trekking, outdoor activities
- Peak months: June-July (book accommodations 2-3 months ahead)
- Advantage: Ideal conditions for Machu Picchu visits
- Disadvantage: Higher prices, larger crowds
🌧️ Rainy Season (November – March)
- Weather: Afternoon showers, warmer temperatures, lush landscapes
- Best for: Budget travelers, cultural experiences
- Advantage: Lower prices (30-40% discount), fewer tourists
- Disadvantage: Trail closures in February, limited visibility
- Note: Inca Trail closes entire February for maintenance
Top Attractions in Cusco
1. Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
📍 Historical landmark | 💰 Free | ⏱️ 1-2 hours
The city’s central square features two colonial churches (Cusco Cathedral and La Compañía de Jesús), arcaded walkways, and mountain views. Active throughout the day with street performers, vendors, and restaurants. Best photographed at sunset when buildings are illuminated.
2. Sacsayhuamán
🏛️ Inca ruins | 💰 Tourist ticket required ($45) | ⏱️ 2-3 hours
Massive stone fortress overlooking Cusco with walls built from limestone blocks weighing up to 200 tons. Features precise Inca stonework without mortar. Located 2km from city center – accessible by taxi ($3) or 30-minute uphill walk. Arrive early (8am) to avoid tour groups.
3. San Blas Neighborhood
🎨 Artisan district | 💰 Free | ⏱️ 2-4 hours
Bohemian quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, craft workshops, and cafés. Home to San Blas Church with its famous carved pulpit. Steep streets (good for acclimatization walks). Browse authentic textiles, ceramics, and jewelry directly from artisans.
4. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
⛩️ Inca temple | 💰 15 soles ($4) | ⏱️ 1 hour
Former richest temple in the Inca Empire. Original Inca walls remain beneath Santo Domingo Church built by Spanish colonizers. Showcases superior Inca masonry techniques. Visit morning (8-10am) for good lighting in the courtyard. Includes small museum with artifacts.
5. San Pedro Market
🛍️ Local market | 💰 Free | ⏱️ 1-2 hours
Authentic indoor market selling produce, meat, textiles, and prepared foods. Try fresh fruit juices ($1), local cheeses, and traditional dishes. Open 6am-6pm daily. Best visited morning (7-9am) for freshest products. Keep belongings secure – pickpockets target tourists.
Top Activities in Cusco
🥾 Inca Trail Trek (4 days)
Classic trek to Machu Picchu through mountain passes and Inca ruins. Requires permit (book 6 months ahead). Cost: $500-700 including guide, porter, meals. Difficulty: Moderate-challenging. Best: May-September.
🌈 Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Day trip to colorful mountain (5,200m altitude). Depart 3-4am, return 5-6pm. 3-4 hour hike round trip. Cost: $40-60. Best: May-October (dry season). Bring warm layers and altitude sickness medication.
🏞️ Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour visiting Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins, and Chinchero. Cost: $30-50. Includes transport and guide. Essential before Machu Picchu visit. Lower altitude (2,800m) helps acclimatization.
🍽️ Peruvian Cooking Class
Learn to prepare ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sour. 3-4 hours including market visit. Cost: $40-60. Includes meal and recipes. Available morning or afternoon sessions.
🏍️ ATV Mountain Tours
Half-day ATV tours to Moray terraces and Maras salt mines. Cost: $50-80. No experience needed. Includes equipment, guide, and transport. Best: April-November.
Where to Stay in Cusco
San Blas (Artisan Quarter)
💵 Price: $40-120/night | ✨ Best for: Atmosphere, authentic experience
Boutique hotels and guesthouses in historic buildings. Steep cobblestone streets (challenging with luggage). Quieter than city center. Many cafés and restaurants within walking distance. Reserve ahead during high season.
Plaza de Armas (City Center)
💵 Price: $30-200+/night | ✨ Best for: Convenience, first-time visitors
Central location near main attractions, restaurants, and tour offices. Can be noisy (request interior room). Wide range of options from hostels to luxury hotels. Book 2-3 months ahead for June-August.
Budget Options (Hostels)
💵 Price: $10-35/night | ✨ Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers
Dorm beds: $10-15/night. Private rooms: $25-35/night. Most include breakfast and have social areas. Popular hostels: Wild Rover, Pariwana, Kokopelli. Book directly for best rates.
Practical Travel Information
🏔️ Altitude Acclimatization
Elevation: 3,400m (11,150 feet)
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue
Prevention: Arrive 2 days before strenuous activities. Drink 3-4 liters water daily. Avoid alcohol first 24 hours. Drink coca tea (available everywhere). Consider Diamox medication (consult doctor).
Emergency: Descend to lower altitude if symptoms worsen.
💰 Money & Costs
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Exchange rate: ~$1 USD = 3.7 soles
ATMs: Available throughout city. Withdraw max amount (avoid multiple fees).
Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted. Carry cash for markets, taxis, small shops.
Daily budget: Budget: $30-40 | Mid-range: $60-100 | Luxury: $150+
🚕 Transportation
Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ), 6km from center. Taxi to city: $5-8 (20 minutes).
City transport: Walking (historic center is compact). Taxis: $2-5 within city. Use taxi apps: InDriver, Cabify, Beat.
To Lima: Flight: $60-150 (1.5 hours). Bus: $30-60 (20-22 hours).
🎟️ Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico)
Cost: 130 soles ($35) full circuit, 70 soles ($19) partial
Validity: 10 days from first use
Includes: 16 sites: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray
Purchase: COSITUC office (Av. Sol 103) or at first site visited
Not included: Machu Picchu, Qorikancha
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Cusco?
Plan 3-4 days minimum: 1-2 days for acclimatization and city exploration, 1 day for Sacred Valley, 1 day for Machu Picchu. Add 4 days for Inca Trail trek or 2-3 days for alternative treks.
Do I need travel insurance for Cusco?
Yes, highly recommended. Choose insurance covering altitude sickness and adventure activities (trekking, ATVs). Medical facilities limited in Cusco compared to Lima. Evacuation insurance important for serious conditions.
Can I book Machu Picchu tickets last minute?
Not recommended. Tickets often sell out 1-2 weeks ahead during high season (June-August). Book online 2-4 weeks minimum at machupicchu.gob.pe. Inca Trail permits require 6 months advance booking.
Is Cusco safe for solo travelers?
Generally safe with normal precautions. Stay in well-populated areas at night. Use official taxis or ride apps. Tourist police patrol main areas. Join group tours for outlying attractions. Many solo travelers visit without incidents.
🌟 Start Planning Your Cusco Adventure
Cusco offers an unmatched combination of Inca heritage, Spanish colonial architecture, and access to world-class trekking routes. Whether you’re here for the history, adventure, or as a gateway to Machu Picchu, allocate sufficient time to acclimatize and explore this remarkable city properly.
Book your tours and activities in advance, especially during May-September high season. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.