- CountryPeru
- RegionSouth America
- Best time to goMay–Sep
Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a high-altitude Andean city where massive Inca stonework underpins Spanish colonial churches, and cobbled lanes lead to the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is the dry season from May to September, with sunny days and clear skies ideal for trekking and Machu Picchu, though nights are cold. The wet season from November to March brings frequent afternoon rain.
Top things to do in Cusco
Tap any experience for photos, a little history, and practical tips.
Soak up the Plaza de Armas
Cusco's grand central square, ringed by arcaded balconies and dominated by the imposing colonial Cathedral, built on Inca foundations.
- History
- The plaza sits on the site of the Incas' great ceremonial square, Huacaypata. After the Spanish conquest in the 1530s, colonial churches and mansions rose directly atop the Inca stonework, a vivid layering of two civilizations.
- Insider tip
- Start here to get your bearings, tour the Cathedral with its blend of Andean and European art, and sit at a balcony cafe to watch the square come alive in the evening. Take it slow while you acclimatize.
- Good to know
- The plaza is free; the Cathedral charges around 40 soles. In the heart of the old city, walkable from most hotels.
Walk the walls of Sacsayhuaman
A monumental Inca fortress-temple above the city, famed for colossal interlocking stone walls so precise that not even a blade can slip between the blocks.
- History
- Built in the 15th century, Sacsayhuaman's zigzag ramparts use limestone blocks weighing up to 100 tonnes, fitted without mortar. It was both a religious site and a stronghold, scene of a fierce 1536 battle against the Spanish.
- Insider tip
- Walk up from the city (it's steep at altitude) or take a short taxi, and go with a guide to understand the engineering. Sunset views over Cusco's red rooftops from here are superb.
- Good to know
- Entry is by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (boleto turistico). On a hill just above the city centre, a short, steep climb or taxi ride.
Journey to Machu Picchu
The Lost City of the Incas, a breathtaking 15th-century citadel of terraces and temples perched on a misty ridge high in the cloud forest.
- History
- Built around 1450 and abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu lay largely unknown to the outside world until 1911. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the iconic symbol of Inca civilization.
- Insider tip
- Book entry tickets and trains well ahead, and choose a circuit when you buy. Arrive early or late for softer light and thinner crowds, and consider the classic four-day Inca Trail trek for a more epic arrival.
- Good to know
- Entry is around 152 soles plus train and bus costs. Reached by train to Aguas Calientes, then a shuttle bus up to the site.
Explore the Sacred Valley
A lush Andean valley northwest of Cusco, strung with dramatic Inca ruins, terraced hillsides, traditional markets, and the great fortress of Ollantaytambo.
- History
- The fertile Urubamba Valley was the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire, prized for its mild climate and rich soil, and dotted with royal estates, temples, and the terraces still farmed by Quechua communities today.
- Insider tip
- Spend a day or two visiting the Pisac ruins and market, the terraces and temple at Ollantaytambo, and the salt pans of Maras. It also sits lower than Cusco, making it a gentler place to acclimatize.
- Good to know
- Sites are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The valley begins about an hour from Cusco, easily reached by tour or colectivo.
Wander the San Blas quarter and Inca walls
Cusco's bohemian artisan neighbourhood of steep cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and craft workshops, alongside the famous twelve-angled Inca stone.
- History
- San Blas grew as a parish of artisans and remains the city's creative heart. Nearby, the precisely cut twelve-angled stone in the wall of an Inca palace shows the astonishing masonry skill the Incas were known for.
- Insider tip
- Climb up for galleries, cafes, and viewpoints over the city's terracotta roofs, and find the twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street. The hill is steep, so pace yourself at altitude.
- Good to know
- Free to explore; some workshops welcome visitors. Uphill from the Plaza de Armas, a short but steep walk.
Step into the Qorikancha
The Incas' most sacred temple, once sheathed in gold, with the colonial church and convent of Santo Domingo built directly on top of its flawless stone walls.
- History
- Qorikancha (the 'Golden Enclosure') was the empire's holiest site, dedicated to the sun god Inti and lined with gold that the Spanish stripped away. Its earthquake-proof Inca walls have survived where colonial additions have crumbled.
- Insider tip
- Visit to see the striking contrast of Inca and Spanish building, and the curved temple wall that has withstood centuries of earthquakes. Go with a guide to grasp its religious significance.
- Good to know
- Entry is around 15 soles. A short walk from the Plaza de Armas in the city centre.
Trek to Rainbow Mountain
A surreal striped peak high in the Andes, its slopes banded in mineral reds, golds, and greens, reached by a high-altitude day hike.
- History
- Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, only emerged as a destination in recent years as glaciers retreated to reveal the colourful mineral layers, quickly becoming one of the Cusco region's most popular excursions.
- Insider tip
- It's a tough day at over 5,000 metres, so only attempt it once well acclimatized, start very early, and dress in warm layers. Tours include transport, a guide, and breakfast, and horses are available for part of the climb.
- Good to know
- Day tours run from around 80–120 soles. About three hours from Cusco by road, then a high-altitude hike.
Browse the San Pedro Market
Cusco's bustling central market, a riot of colour and aroma where locals shop for Andean produce, cheeses, juices, textiles, and street food.
- History
- Designed in part by the workshop of Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1925, the covered market has long been the everyday heart of local life, selling everything from medicinal herbs to handwoven alpaca goods.
- Insider tip
- Come hungry for a cheap fresh-fruit juice and a local lunch, and browse the textile and souvenir stalls. Watch your belongings in the crowds and agree prices before buying.
- Good to know
- Free to enter; goods are cheap. A few blocks downhill from the Plaza de Armas.
Know before you go
Spanish is the official language, with the indigenous Quechua widely spoken in the Andes. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and on tours.
The Peruvian sol (S/). Cusco is inexpensive for most travelers, though Machu Picchu entry, trains, and guided treks are the bigger costs.
Carry cash in soles for markets, taxis, small restaurants, and tips, as cards aren't always accepted. ATMs are widely available in the city. Keep small notes handy, and US dollars can help for some tours.
The historic centre is walkable but hilly and high. Cheap taxis and colectivos serve the city and Sacred Valley, while reaching Machu Picchu means a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, often via Ollantaytambo.
Type A and C plugs, 220V / 60Hz. US visitors need a voltage-compatible device or converter, and most travelers need an adapter.
Cusco is generally safe, with the biggest issue being altitude sickness at 3,400 metres, so acclimatize for a day or two before trekking. Watch for petty theft in crowds, use registered taxis, and be cautious at night.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Plan at least four to five days: a day or two to acclimatize and explore the city, a Sacred Valley day, and a day for Machu Picchu. A week lets you add a trek, Rainbow Mountain, or the Inca Trail without rushing the altitude.
Is Cusco worth visiting?
Absolutely. Cusco is one of South America's most rewarding cities, blending living Inca heritage and colonial grandeur, and it's the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The altitude and crowds are a small price for the experience.
Is Cusco expensive?
Cusco is inexpensive day to day, with cheap food and rooms from around €20–50 a night. The bigger costs are Machu Picchu entry, the trains to get there, and guided treks, which can add up quickly, so budget for those separately.
How do you deal with altitude in Cusco?
Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres, so take it easy for the first day or two, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and try coca tea. Many travelers acclimatize in the lower Sacred Valley first, and some bring altitude medication.
What is the best time to visit Cusco?
The dry season from May to September offers the clearest skies for Machu Picchu and trekking, though nights are cold and it's peak season. The wet season from November to March is greener and quieter, with afternoon rain and some trail closures.
How do you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Most travelers take a scenic train from Cusco (Poroy) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a shuttle bus up to the site. The alternative is to hike the multi-day Inca Trail or another trek. Book trains and entry tickets well in advance.
