Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and remains the gateway to Machu Picchu, but the city itself deserves days, not just a transit stop. At 3,400 metres elevation, the air is thin and the light is extraordinary — golden on colonial churches built atop Inca foundations, warm on red-tile roofs climbing steep hillsides. The Plaza de Armas is one of South America's most beautiful squares. The surrounding Sacred Valley holds ruins, markets, and Andean communities that have farmed these terraces for millennia. The food scene has exploded — Peruvian cuisine is regularly ranked the world's best, and Cusco delivers everything from street-side anticuchos to fine-dining ceviche.
Plaza de Armas and colonial centre
The Plaza de Armas is Cusco's beating heart — a grand square flanked by the Cathedral (1654, built on Inca palace foundations) and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Inca stonework is visible everywhere: perfectly fitted blocks without mortar form the base of colonial buildings. The famous twelve-angled stone on Hatun Rumiyoc street demonstrates Inca engineering mastery. San Blas neighbourhood climbs steeply above the plaza — narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and panoramic viewpoints. Walk slowly (altitude), hydrate constantly, and chew coca leaves to ease acclimatisation. The city is compact and best explored on foot over 2–3 days.
Sacsayhuamán and nearby ruins
Sacsayhuamán (15 minutes uphill from the plaza) is a massive Inca fortress with zigzag stone walls — some blocks weigh over 100 tonnes and fit together without mortar. The site is stunning at sunset with views back over the city. The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket, PEN 130) covers Sacsayhuamán plus a dozen other sites including Qenqo (ceremonial cave), Tambomachay (Inca baths), and museums. Buy it at the entrance or COSITUC office. The ruins around Cusco are less famous than Machu Picchu but equally impressive in engineering. Allow a half day to walk the circuit above town.
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River. Ollantaytambo has a spectacular Inca fortress with massive terraces — it's also the train departure point for Machu Picchu. Pisac has a famous Sunday market (handicrafts, textiles, produce) and hilltop ruins. Moray's circular agricultural terraces are otherworldly — the Incas used them as a crop laboratory. Maras salt mines nearby have been harvested since Inca times — thousands of shallow pools on a mountainside. A Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco covers the highlights; staying overnight in Ollantaytambo is more relaxed.
Machu Picchu
The reason most people come to Cusco. The Inca citadel sits at 2,430m on a ridge between two peaks, surrounded by cloud forest. Train from Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours) or the 4-day Inca Trail hike (book months ahead, permits limited to 500/day). Bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance takes 25 minutes. Arrive at dawn for the classic misty reveal. Huayna Picchu climb (extra permit) adds a vertiginous viewpoint. Guides are not mandatory but transform the experience — the history and engineering are extraordinary. Book entrance tickets well in advance; daily visitor caps are strict. Budget PEN 400–600 for train, entry, and bus.
Food and markets
Peruvian food is world-class and Cusco delivers. Ceviche (fresh fish cured in lime, even at altitude), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers from street carts), and cuy (roasted guinea pig — traditional and worth trying once). San Pedro Market is the central food market: fresh juices for PEN 3, empanadas, soups, and produce stalls. Fine dining at Chicha (by Gastón Acurio), MAP Cafe (in the art museum courtyard), and Calle del Medio. Pisco sours are the national cocktail — order them everywhere. Coca tea is served at every hotel and restaurant to help with altitude.
When to visit
May–September (dry season, cold nights but sunny days). June has Inti Raymi festival. November–March is rainy season — fewer tourists but muddy trails and occasional landslides.
Where to stay & explore
Plaza de Armas & Centro
Colonial grandeur, restaurants, churches, tourist hub, lively day and night
Tip: Stay near the plaza for convenience. Most tour agencies, restaurants, and ATMs are here. Can be noisy at night from bars and clubs.
San Blas
Artisan quarter, steep cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, bohemian, quieter
Tip: The most charming neighbourhood. Higher elevation means more stairs and harder breathing. Best cafes, galleries, and sunset views over the city.
San Cristóbal
Hilltop viewpoint, local residential, quiet, panoramic views
Tip: The San Cristóbal church viewpoint is the best in Cusco. Walk up in the morning for photos. Fewer restaurants but authentic neighbourhood feel.
Lucre & Sacred Valley towns
Rural, Andean communities, ruins, markets, slower pace
Tip: Base yourself in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba for Sacred Valley exploration. Lower altitude than Cusco (2,800m vs 3,400m) — easier to breathe.
Where to eat
San Pedro Market
Fresh juices, empanadas, soups
The central market is Cusco's food heart. Juice ladies blend any fruit for PEN 3–5. Lunch stalls serve full meals for PEN 8–12. Go hungry.
Anticucho street carts
Grilled beef heart skewers
Smoky, tender, and served with potatoes and aji sauce. Street carts appear evenings near the plaza. PEN 5–8. Don't overthink the cut — just eat.
Chicha by Gastón Acurio
Modern Peruvian
Peru's most famous chef's Cusco outpost. Ceviche, alpaca, and creative Andean dishes. Reservations recommended. PEN 60–100 per person.
Jack's Cafe
Brunch and comfort food
Popular traveller spot for big breakfasts after early morning hikes. Pancakes, eggs, strong coffee. PEN 25–40. Always busy — arrive early.
Insider tips
Spend at least 2 days acclimatising in Cusco before attempting Machu Picchu or any high-altitude hikes. Drink coca tea, hydrate, and walk slowly.
Book Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits months in advance — they sell out, especially in peak season (June–August).
The Boleto Turístico (PEN 130) covers 16 sites and is valid for 10 days. Buy it before visiting any ruins.
Altitude sickness affects most visitors. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and breathlessness. Ibuprofen and rest help; severe cases need descent.
Colectivos (shared minibuses) to Sacred Valley towns leave from Calle Pavitos and cost a fraction of tourist shuttles — PEN 5–10 vs PEN 30–50.
Frequently asked
What's the best time to visit Cusco?
May–September (dry season, cold nights but sunny days). June has Inti Raymi festival. November–March is rainy season — fewer tourists but muddy trails and occasional landslides.
How much does a trip to Cusco cost per day?
Budget roughly PEN 150–PEN 400 ($40–$110) per person per day, depending on accommodation level and how much you eat out. Wandercrafted's budget estimator breaks this down by accommodation, food, activities, and transport when you generate an itinerary.
What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Cusco?
Plaza de Armas & Centro (colonial grandeur, restaurants, churches, tourist hub, lively day and night), San Blas (artisan quarter, steep cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, bohemian, quieter), San Cristóbal (hilltop viewpoint, local residential, quiet, panoramic views) are the best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors.
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