Cusco, in Peru, is a beautiful and historic city famed as the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, with stunning architecture, rich culture and Andean charm. Historic and enchanting, it captivates every visitor. The best time to visit is May to September, and three to four days let you explore its history, culture and the Sacred Valley.
Why Visit Cusco
Cusco is one of South America’s most captivating and historic destinations, the ancient capital of the mighty Inca Empire and the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu. Set high in the Peruvian Andes, this beautiful city blends magnificent Inca stonework with grand Spanish colonial architecture, all wrapped in rich Andean culture and stunning mountain scenery. This extraordinary combination of ancient heritage, colonial beauty, living culture and its role as the base for Machu Picchu makes Cusco an essential and unforgettable destination.
The city offers a wonderful mix of experiences, from exploring its historic streets, Inca ruins and colonial treasures to venturing into the breathtaking Sacred Valley and journeying to the wonder of Machu Picchu. Atmospheric, beautiful and deeply historic, Cusco enchants every visitor. Whether you come for the Inca heritage, the colonial architecture, the Andean culture, the Sacred Valley or as the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco offers a historic and profoundly rewarding experience.
Top Things to Do in Cusco
Cusco offers Inca heritage, colonial architecture, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Explore the Historic City
Cusco’s beautiful historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where magnificent Inca stone walls form the foundations of grand Spanish colonial buildings, churches and plazas. Wandering these atmospheric streets, admiring the remarkable Inca stonework, exploring the grand main square and the historic churches, and soaking up the unique blend of cultures is a delight. The stunning historic centre, where Inca and colonial heritage meet, captures the fascinating history of Cusco and is an essential highlight to explore.
Visit the Inca Ruins
Cusco and its surroundings are rich in magnificent Inca ruins, from the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city, with its massive stone walls, to the temple sites and archaeological wonders nearby. Exploring these remarkable Inca sites, marvelling at the extraordinary stonework and engineering, and learning about the great empire is a highlight. The incredible Inca ruins, testament to a sophisticated civilisation, are among the most fascinating attractions around Cusco and essential to explore.
Journey to Machu Picchu
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the legendary lost city of the Incas and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, set spectacularly amid the misty Andean peaks. Journeying to this breathtaking ancient citadel, whether by the scenic train or the famous Inca Trail trek, and marvelling at its stunning setting and remarkable ruins is an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. Machu Picchu is the crowning highlight of any visit to Cusco and a bucket list wonder.
Explore the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, stretching through the Andes near Cusco, is a breathtaking landscape of dramatic mountains, terraced hillsides, traditional villages, colourful markets and impressive Inca sites. Exploring this beautiful valley, visiting the ancient ruins and terraces, browsing the vibrant markets and experiencing the living Andean culture is a highlight. The stunning Sacred Valley, rich in scenery, history and culture, is a wonderful part of a visit to the Cusco region and often part of the journey to Machu Picchu.
Food You Must Try in Cusco
Cusco offers hearty Andean and Peruvian cuisine.
- Lomo saltado, a stir fried beef dish.
- Alpaca, a lean traditional Andean meat.
- Quinoa soup and Andean grains.
- Choclo, large kernel Andean corn.
- Coca tea, which helps with the altitude.
Cusco is a great place to try Andean cuisine, so be sure to savour lomo saltado and traditional dishes featuring alpaca, enjoy hearty quinoa soup and Andean corn, sample local specialities, and sip coca tea, which locals recommend to help with the high altitude.
History and Culture
Cusco was the capital and sacred heart of the Inca Empire, the largest empire in the Americas, a magnificent city considered the centre of the Inca world. After the Spanish conquest, the colonisers built their grand churches and buildings atop the Inca foundations, creating the remarkable blend of cultures visible today. This extraordinary history, as both the Inca capital and a colonial jewel, gives Cusco a profound historical significance and its unique, layered character, recognised as a World Heritage Site.
The region retains a rich, living Andean culture, with indigenous traditions, languages, textiles, markets, music and festivals that continue to thrive alongside the historical heritage. The warmth of the Andean people, their colourful traditions and their deep connection to the land and the mountains all enrich a visit. This blend of magnificent Inca heritage, colonial beauty and vibrant living Andean culture gives Cusco its enchanting, atmospheric and profoundly rewarding character.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Cusco is well placed for spectacular excursions.
- The wonder of Machu Picchu.
- The Sacred Valley and its ruins and markets.
- The colourful Rainbow Mountain.
- The ruins of Sacsayhuaman above the city.
The legendary Machu Picchu, the breathtaking Sacred Valley with its ruins and markets, and the striking Rainbow Mountain make unforgettable excursions, offering some of the most spectacular history and scenery in South America within reach of Cusco.
Best Time to Visit Cusco
May to September is generally the best time to visit, during the dry season, with clear, sunny days ideal for exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and for trekking, though nights are cold. This is the peak season. The rainy season, from around November to March, brings more rain, which can affect trekking and views, though the landscapes are lush. For the best weather and clearest conditions for Machu Picchu and the region, the dry months from May to September are ideal.
How to Reach Cusco
Cusco is served by an airport with frequent flights from Lima and other Peruvian cities, making it easy to reach as the gateway to Machu Picchu, along with bus and rail connections. Machu Picchu is reached from Cusco by train to the nearby town, or by trekking. Within the city, the historic centre is walkable, though the high altitude means taking it slowly at first, while taxis help you get around. It is wise to allow time to acclimatise to the altitude on arrival in Cusco.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury and boutique hotels to comfortable mid range options, guesthouses and budget stays. Staying in or near the historic centre keeps you close to the main sights, plazas, dining and atmosphere, all easily explored on foot. Some travellers also stay in the Sacred Valley, at lower altitude, to help with acclimatisation. Choosing a well located stay in or near the historic centre helps you make the most of a visit to enchanting Cusco.
Planning Your Trip
Cusco rewards three to four days or more for its Inca heritage, colonial architecture, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, allowing time to acclimatise and explore. Explore the historic city and Inca ruins, venture into the Sacred Valley, and make the journey to Machu Picchu. Allow a day or two to adjust to the high altitude, book Machu Picchu and train tickets well ahead, and dress in layers. With its history and wonders, Cusco offers a profoundly rewarding experience.
Practical Travel Tips
- Explore the historic centre where Inca and colonial heritage meet.
- Journey to the legendary Machu Picchu, booking well ahead.
- Explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley and its ruins.
- Allow a day or two to acclimatise to the high altitude.
- Visit in the dry season from May to September.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cusco famous for?
Cusco, in Peru, is famous as the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, along with its stunning blend of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture, its Inca ruins, the Sacred Valley and its rich Andean culture.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Three to four days or more let you enjoy the Inca heritage, colonial architecture, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with time to acclimatise to the altitude. More time allows a fuller, less rushed experience of the region.
How do you get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Machu Picchu is reached from Cusco by a scenic train to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus up to the site, or by trekking the famous Inca Trail. Booking tickets well in advance is strongly recommended.
Is altitude a concern in Cusco?
Yes, Cusco sits at high altitude, so it is wise to allow a day or two to acclimatise on arrival, take it slowly at first, stay hydrated, and consider coca tea, which locals recommend. Some travellers stay in the lower Sacred Valley first.
What is the best time to visit Cusco?
May to September, during the dry season, is the best time, with clear, sunny days ideal for exploring and trekking, though nights are cold. The rainy season from November to March brings more rain, which can affect views and trails.
Final Thoughts
Cusco is a beautiful and historic city where the heritage of the Inca Empire, magnificent colonial architecture, the breathtaking Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu come together high in the Andes. Wander streets where Inca walls meet colonial churches, explore ancient ruins, journey through the Sacred Valley and stand in awe before the legendary Machu Picchu. Historic, enchanting and set amid stunning mountain scenery, the gateway to the Inca world offers a profoundly rewarding experience and one of the great journeys in all of South America.