Cusco

Cusco Travel Guide

Capital of the Inca Empire — a historic city where intricate Inca stonework is layered beneath Spanish colonial architecture. Narrow lanes around the Plaza de Armas reveal Inca stone walls topped by colonial buildings — a unique sight. Sample local food at San Pedro Market and acclimatize before catching the train to Machu Picchu. At 3,400m elevation, coca tea is essential.

Essential Cusco Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Cusco

★ 4.9

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the Inca Empire's sky city, perched at 2,430m in the Andes — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century by Emperor Pachacutec, the city escaped Spanish discovery and remained remarkably intact. The Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and Temple of the Condor sit among cloud-shrouded peaks for a mystical atmosphere. Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain rewards you with a spectacular view over the entire ruin.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (timed-entry booking required)

LocationAguas Calientes, Cusco Region

TipsEntry is capped, so book online at least 2-3 months in advance. From Cusco, take PeruRail or IncaRail to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the site. Rain is frequent during the wet season (November to March).

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★ 4.6

Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán is a colossal Inca stone fortress on a hill north of Cusco, famous for blocks weighing tens of tons fitted together without mortar. The largest stone stands 9m tall and weighs 200 tons, and the earthquake-resistant construction has endured for centuries. The site offers sweeping views over Cusco and hosts the Inti Raymi sun festival each June. It's about a 30-minute walk from central Cusco.

HoursDaily 07:00-17:30

LocationCusco, Peru

TipsYou can walk up from central Cusco, but pace yourself at the high altitude (3,700m). Entry is included in the Boleto Turístico tourist pass.

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★ 4.5

Plaza de Armas

Cusco's Plaza de Armas has been the city's heart since Inca times, framed by the imposing Cusco Cathedral and the Jesuit Church of La Compañía. Known as Huacaypata (the Square of the Warrior) under the Incas, it once hosted major ceremonies and festivals. The arcaded colonnades around the square house cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The plaza is especially beautiful at night when the cathedral is illuminated, and it serves as the natural starting point for any Cusco itinerary.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationCentro, Cusco

TipsSip coca tea from a second-floor balcony café for a great plaza view. To ward off altitude sickness, take it easy on day one and drink coca tea often.

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★ 4.4

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is Cusco's largest traditional market, a 5-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. Built in 1925, it's where locals do their daily food shopping and eat. You'll find over 100 varieties of Andean potatoes, diverse corn, quinoa, tropical fruits, and coca leaves — a window into Peru's rich culinary diversity. The food stalls inside serve cheap local meals (menú del día, PEN 5-10), and freshly squeezed fruit juices are popular. Handicrafts and souvenirs are also available. Free entry. 5-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.

HoursDaily 06:00-18:00

LocationCentro, Cusco

TipsVisit in the morning for the freshest juices and liveliest atmosphere. Watch for pickpockets and bring cash. Try the menú del día (set lunch) at the food stalls.

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★ 4.5

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), about 3 hours from Cusco at 5,200m elevation, has become one of Peru's most popular attractions thanks to its mineral-deposit stripes of red, yellow, green, and turquoise that look like a painted rainbow. A roughly 1.5-hour trek from the parking area (4,700m) reaches the summit, making it physically demanding due to the extreme altitude. On clear days, the colorful peak is backed by snowy Andean panoramas. Tour cost about PEN 80-150 (transport and guide included). Day tour from Cusco.

HoursSunrise to sunset (tours depart 04:00-05:00)

LocationCusipata, Cusco Region

TipsAcclimatize in Cusco for at least 2-3 days before attempting this. Early-morning tours have the best chance of clear views. Warm clothing and sunscreen are essential.

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★ 4.6

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) was the Inca Empire's most sacred site, its walls once covered in sheets of gold — 'Qorikancha' means 'golden enclosure.' After the Spanish conquest, the gold was stripped and the Church of Santo Domingo was built on top, creating a unique fusion of Inca stone walls and colonial architecture. The precision stonework (so tight that not even a sheet of paper fits between stones) is best observed here, and the astronomical alignment that sends sunlight directly onto the altar at the solstice is remarkable. Admission PEN 15. 5-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.

HoursMon-Sat 08:30-17:30, Sun 14:00-17:00

LocationCentro, Cusco

TipsPay close attention to the contrast between Inca walls and the Spanish church above. An audio guide helps you imagine the temple's golden-era splendor.

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★ 4.7

Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is a fertile valley along the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu, serving as the Inca Empire's agricultural heartland and a sacred domain. Key sites include the massive Ollantaytambo fortress, the Pisac terraces, the Maras salt ponds, and the circular terraces of Moray — all scattered along the valley. At 2,800m it's lower than Cusco, easing altitude concerns, and trains to Machu Picchu depart from Ollantaytambo. Day tours or 2-3 day itineraries from Cusco are standard. Partly included in the Boleto Turístico. About 1-2 hours by car from Cusco.

HoursVaries by site (generally 07:00-17:30)

LocationUrubamba Valley, Cusco Region

TipsStaying in the Sacred Valley on your first night helps with altitude acclimatization since it's lower than Cusco. The Pisac market is largest on Sundays.

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★ 4.4

San Blas Neighborhood

San Blas is an artisan quarter reached by climbing steep, narrow alleys from Plaza de Armas. Workshops and galleries for pottery, textiles, and wood carving fill the neighborhood, and the winding lanes built on Inca stone walls are charming in themselves. The San Blas Church houses a famous pulpit carved from a single tree trunk. A viewpoint at the top offers panoramas of Cusco and the surrounding mountains, and atmospheric cafes and boutique lodgings make it one of the most popular areas to stay. Free entry (church separate). 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.

HoursOpen 24 hours (workshop and gallery hours vary)

LocationSan Blas, Cusco

TipsThe lanes are very steep — walk slowly (remember the altitude). A handicraft market fills San Blas Plaza on Saturdays. The famous 12-angled Inca stone at Hatunrumiyoc is nearby and worth a quick visit.

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Things to Do in Cusco

Tour

Machu Picchu Day Trip

A day trip from Cusco by train via Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Explore the Inca 'Lost City' with a guide — the highlight of any Peru trip.

Price Return train USD 80-400 + admission PEN 152Duration Full day (about 14 hours)

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Adventure

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Trek

A day trek to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,200m elevation. The sight of the rainbow-striped mountain is breathtaking. Acclimatize to altitude before attempting.

Price PEN 60-150 (tour including transport, breakfast, and lunch)Duration Full day (early departure, about 14 hours)

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Culture

San Pedro Market Tour

Explore Cusco's biggest traditional market — sample tropical fruit, cheese, bread, and fresh juice while soaking up local daily life. Alpaca wool goods and souvenirs available too.

Price Free (tastings and shopping extra)Duration About 1-2 hours

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Culture

Sacsayhuaman Ruins Visit

Visit the massive Inca stone fortress on the hill north of Cusco. Marvel at stones weighing up to 200 tons fitted together without mortar. Walkable from the city centre.

Price Boleto Turístico PEN 130 (Cusco tourist ticket)Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Tour

Sacred Valley Tour

A day tour through the Urubamba Valley's Inca sites — Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the Salineras salt terraces. Experience Andean landscapes and Inca civilization in one day.

Price PEN 80-200 (tour including transport and guide)Duration Full day (about 10 hours)

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Shopping

San Blas Artists' Quarter Walk

Wander the artistic hilltop quarter of San Blas, visiting studios of potters, painters, and woodcarvers. Narrow stone lanes and blue balconies make it a photogenic stroll.

Price Free (workshop purchases extra)Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Must-Try Food in Cusco

Lomo Saltado

🍱 Traditional

A Peruvian-Chinese fusion stir-fry of beef, potatoes, and onions. PEN 25-50 per serving. Try Cicciolina or Chicha near the Plaza de Armas.

Cuy Asado (Roasted Guinea Pig)

🍱 Traditional

Traditional Andean roasted guinea pig — an adventurous must-try in Cusco. PEN 40-80 per serving. Try traditional restaurants in the San Blas district.

Coca Tea (Mate de Coca)

🍵 Drink

Traditional Andean tea brewed from coca leaves, effective against altitude sickness. PEN 3-8. Free or cheap at nearly every hotel and restaurant in Cusco.

Chicha de Jora (Corn Beer)

🍵 Drink

A traditional corn beer dating back to the Inca era — mildly sour with low alcohol. PEN 3-8. Try it at San Pedro Market and local picanterías.

Alpaca Steak

🍱 Traditional

Steak from Andean alpaca — leaner than beef with a tender texture. PEN 35-60. Available at restaurants near San Blas and the Plaza de Armas.

Tamales Cusqueños

🍢 Street Food

Cusco-style tamales — corn dough filled with chicken, olive, and egg, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed. PEN 5-10. A traditional breakfast at San Pedro Market and morning stalls.

Cusqueño Hot Chocolate

🍵 Drink

Rich, thick traditional hot chocolate made with Cusco cacao — perfect for warming up in the chilly highland city. PEN 8-15. Try it at the ChocoMuseo and San Blas cafes.

Cusco Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cusco?

The dry season from May to September is best. June's Inti Raymi sun festival is especially famous.

How much does it cost to travel in Cusco?

Daily budget around $50-105 (lodging $20-55; food $15-30; transport and entry fees $15-20).

How do I get around in Cusco?

From Cusco Airport, a taxi to the city centre takes about 15 minutes. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot, and trains to Machu Picchu depart from Poroy station. Movistar SIM available at the airport. Cards accepted in tourist areas, but cash (soles) needed at markets and for taxis. Tipping 10% at restaurants.

Do I need a visa to visit Cusco?

Korean passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Cusco safe for tourists?

At 3,400m elevation, take it easy on your first day and drink coca tea to help prevent altitude sickness.

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