Places / South America / Peru
Cusco
Visited in November 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Peru
- Region
- Cusco Province
- Population
- 428,450
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International (CUZ)
- Coordinates
- 13.53°S, 71.97°W
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Overview
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its streets are still lined with immaculate Inca stonework topped by Spanish colonial churches and mansions. It sits high in the Andes at around 3,400 metres, so take the first day slowly.
Most travellers come on their way to Machu Picchu, but the city deserves several days of its own, with markets, museums and ruins in the hills above.
Things to see
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Photo: PoolPs, CC BY-SA 4.0 Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
The grand central square, framed by the cathedral and arcades, with the hills rising behind.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Qorikancha
The Inca Temple of the Sun, its finely fitted walls now the foundations of a Dominican convent.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sacsayhuamán
A fortress of colossal zigzag walls above the city, built from stones weighing many tonnes.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chuck Moravec, CC BY 2.0 San Pedro Market
Fresh juice stalls, piles of potatoes and cheap lunches in the city's busiest market.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 San Blas
A hillside artisan quarter of steep lanes, workshops and whitewashed houses.
Things to do
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Photo: Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0 Visit Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high above the Urubamba River, reached by train and bus or on the Inca Trail.
Find tours -
Photo: Charles Gadbois, CC BY 3.0 Explore the Sacred Valley
Inca terraces, markets and fortresses at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, lower and warmer than Cusco.
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Photo: Diego Aldrin Abanto Ricce, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hike to Rainbow Mountain
A tough, high-altitude day trip to striped red, yellow and green slopes.
Find tours -
Photo: Cyntia Motta, CC BY-SA 3.0 Inti Raymi
The Inca festival of the sun is re-enacted at Sacsayhuamán each year on 24 June.
Find tours
Where to stay
San Blas
Characterful guesthouses with views, though the streets are steep.
Hotels in San BlasHistoric centre
Central and convenient, close to the main square and restaurants.
Hotels in Historic centreSacred Valley
Quieter and lower, a good base for acclimatising and for Machu Picchu trains.
Hotels in Sacred Valley
Getting around
The centre is best explored on foot, at a gentle pace because of the altitude. Taxis are cheap for longer distances.
The airport is around 5 km from the centre, 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.
When to go
The dry season (May to September) brings clear, sunny days and cold nights. The rainy season (November to March) is greener and quieter, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
Plan your trip to Cusco
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.