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Cusco is located in the Southeastern portion of Peru and is the namesake and capital of the Cusco Region. Cusco’s population of approximately 430,000 — only seventh most in Peru — gives it a vibrant, living feel but allows it to maintain a cozier charm than an overcrowded metropolis. Though it lies near the Urubamba Valley, its position in the heights of the Andes at an elevation of 11,200 ft (3,400 m) ranks it among the highest cities in the world.nnCusco lies within a cornucopia of natural resources from fertile lands for farming and agriculture to grand repositories of granite, gold, silver and salt. Fresh mountain springs, aquifers and complex river systems ensure the crucial availability of water, though its subtropical highland climate is often arid. Yet, it is important to note that, due to great variation in the terrain of the Andes, Cusco and its surrounds undergo many microclimates and are prone to drastic shifts in temperature at certain times of year.
Cusco experiences two main seasons throughout the year: the dry season and the rainy season. The periods between tend to be a gradual transition.nnDry Season in Cusco is during the winter months of June-August. Visitors can expect beautiful, sunny days that tend to be warm, with an average daytime temperature of 65°F (18°C). However, nights can drop to chilling temperatures averaging only 25°F (4°C).nnCusco’s rainy season corresponds to South America’s summer months (December-March) and provides a stabler range of middling temperatures. Cooler, cloudy days hover around 60°F (16°C) and, due to the insulation provided by cloud cover and atmospheric moisture, nights average 46°F (8°C). During rainy season, one can expect daily rain showers and sporadic heavy thunderstorms, but the times between rainfall are often punctuated by sunshine through the patchy clouds.
Dry season is the most popular tourist period in Cusco, due to the consistent dry weather and the fact that it corresponds to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But while inclement weather is not a factor, large crowds and booked-out destinations may be.nnRainy season presents the advantage of being far less crowded, and the pleasant temperatures attract some travelers; but weather can be a real factor. Road closures can make travel difficult and some excursions may be postponed due to weather. While Machu Picchu and most of the other attractions remain open throughout the year, the Inca Trail is closed during the month of February for maintenance.nnThe transition periods in between the rainy and dry seasons — April to May and September to October — offer more temperate, predictable weather and moderate crowds.
Cusco, honored as the heart of the vast Empire of the Incas, and later functioning as the epicenter of Colonial Spain’s hold and influence on the Andes region of South America, had already been an important nexus for numerous Indigenous Andean peoples for centuries. Around 1200 CE, a city-state corresponding to Cusco was established by Manco Capac, remembered as the first Inca King, marking the beginning of over three centuries of Inca rule (though it would be more than 200 years until the Inca Empire began its era of expansion).nnIn 1438, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the Earth-Shaker, oversaw the initial stages of imperial growth. The Inca Empire would expand greatly over the next century. Significant portions of South America’s entire Pacific Coast came under the political, religious and cultural control of the Incas, whose influence emanated from the imperial capital Cusco.nnEvidence of how important Cusco was to the Inca rulers is seen in the city’s very bones: Old Cusco was built in the shape of a puma — an animal held sacred by the Inca and other Indigenous cultures — under order of Pachacuti. Numerous opulent palaces, mansions and plazas were built in the city as the empire’s territory and resources expanded. This legacy is still observed today in the neat, straight lines and precise angles of central Cusco’s cobblestone streets and its masterful stone foundations. It was to this grand imperial capital that the first Spaniards arrived in 1533.nnAlthough certainly awestruck by the magnificent city, Francisco Pizarro wasted no time in conquering and sacking Cusco upon his arrival a few months later. For nearly three centuries following its fall as imperial capital of the Inca, Cusco would remain the epicenter of Spanish colonization and Christianization of the Andean region, enjoying much success due to its rich agriculture and farming, mining and trade with Spain.
While Cusco is “base camp” for anyone visiting Machu Picchu and the nearby Sacred Valley, it is undoubtedly a worthy destination in its own right. Many of the amazing sites listed here are included with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) and are conveniently close to one another. Here are the most essential places to visit on your trip to Cusco:
The heart of the Puma, this central square has a long history as an important site in Cusco. Known to the Inca as Huacaypata, the square of the warrior, it features numerous iconic churches, alongside bars and restaurants. It is the perfect place to people-watch, relax and acclimate upon arrival to Cusco.
This iconic church, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Plaza de Armas, was constructed mostly from stones taken from the Inca palace it supplanted and from nearby Sacsayhuaman. It contains many works of religious art representative of the striking Cusco School, including a depiction of the Last Supper featuring the traditional Peruvian dish of cuy (guinea pig).
The impressive avenue Hatun Rumiyoq, meaning “the one with the big stone,” runs from the Plaza de Armas to San Blas and is closely walled in by the impressive stone foundations (once of the palace of Inca Roca), showcasing the astounding engineering and precision masonry of the Incas, including the iconic cultural heritage object, the twelve-angled stone.
The San Blas neighborhood is a charming, picturesque area full of whitewashed adobe houses, and features the oldest parish church in Peru (built 1563). Known as a haven for artists and artisans since Inca times, it is replete with all manner of artisan workshops and storefronts displaying incredible, skillful, handmade wares.
The San Pedro market is Cusco’s emblematic local market, full of everyday staples like fresh fruit and vegetables, wheels of cheese, food kiosks, and knit alpaca sweaters and hats, as well as plenty of more esoteric oddities such as love potions, aphrodisiacs, and spells.
Qorikancha (Coricancha) was the site of the Temple of the Sun, an opulent compound dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. which was said to have been almost completely covered in layers of gold and gemstones when the Spaniards arrived. Today, its surviving foundation, upon which was built the Convent of Santo Domingo, can still be seen.
Once an important ritual gathering place and citadel for Inca royalty, the extensive ruins of the “head of the puma” look down on Cusco from above. Its three famous terraced, zig-zagging walls — today only a fraction of their peak size — feature the ingenious interlocking dry-stone masonry of the Incas. Only a 5-minute walk away from the Cristo Blanco lookout.
A short stroll out from Sacsayhuaman is a captivating double feature: Cristo Blanco and one of the best miradors of Cusco. Cristo Blanco, the 26-foot White Christ statue, recalls Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, with its arms spread, overlooking the city. Appropriately, the adjoining lookout point provides one of the best possible views of Cusco.
A few kilometers outside Cusco proper and next to Puka Pukara are the wonderfully engineered Inca Baths at Tambomachay. The baths, built around 1500 CE, are composed of four hillside terraces in which carved stone channels bring crisp, cold underground springwater down to two diverging streams and finally into a stone basin.
These monumental military ruins, adjacent to the Inca Baths, are called the Red Fort because the dry-stone (without mortar) walls take on a pinkish-red hue in the setting sun. The excellent vantage point at this location also lends a splendid view of the surrounding rugged landscape.
Qenko is one of the clearest and most extensive examples of a huaca, a holy place usually based around a naturally-occurring rock formation. Qenko is a cave-like edifice whose walls have been smoothed, polished, and carved, which was purportedly used for many rituals, including sacrifices and mummifications.
Only 15 minutes outside of Cusco city, the Cusco Planetarium provides equally epic sights in the night sky. The qualified experts at this family-friendly establishment offer not just direct observation of stars and stellar objects by telescope, but share important knowledge about the Inca’s deep reverence for astronomy.
Cusco boasts many prestigious museums chock-full of breathtaking artifacts, works of art and artisan crafts, and information about the many cultural, archeological and historical threads woven through the city and region. Some of the most exemplary are:
• Museum of Pre-Columbian ArtnEl Museo de Arte Precolombino exhibits an astounding collection of nearly 400 pieces of art and craftsmanship from the Inca and numerous other pre-Hispanic Indigenous cultures from across three thousand years of Peruvian history.nn• Casa Concha (Machu Picchu Museum) nHoused in a colonial dwelling just off the Plaza de Armas, Casa Concha displays many archeological finds, as well as photos and videos of excavations, including over 360 pieces repatriated from the University of Yale in 2010.nn• Museo InkanIn the center of Cusco lies this enthralling collection of Inca cultural artifacts including jewelry, pottery, textiles and mummies. Other fascinating exhibitions teach about pre-Incan cultures and the importance of the local geography and climate.
• Museo Histórico Regional de Cuzco nLocated in the colonial casona of writer, historian and Cusco native Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Chimpu Ocllo, this museum edifies and informs with many Incan excavated finds and pieces of art, as well as Jesuit religious paintings and sculptures.nn• Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cuzco nThe Center of the Traditional Textiles of Cusco is a craft workshop that offers textile-making demonstrations and workshops and offers many colorful fabrics and textile products for sale.nn• ChocoMuseo nThe Cacao and Chocolate Museum has three sites in the city of Cusco, including its own chocolate factory, museums with fascinating insights into the history and cultural significance of cacao and chocolate, as well as, of course, opportunities to try the delicious traditions. Also available through this kid-friendly institution are excursions to their chocolate plantations.
Cusco offers a plethora of fascinating cultural events and festivals for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of the most significant:
• New Years (Dec 31 – Jan 1)nAn exciting, energetic gathering the the Plaza de Armas featuring midnight fireworks and ensuing music, dancing and partying.nn• Cusco Carnaval (40 days before Easter, moveable dates)nThis period of lighthearted and mischievous celebration begins with a wide-ranging water fight on the first Sunday, kicking off a week of colorful, flavorful festivities.nn• Semana Santa (Easter Week, moveable dates)nCusco fills with crowds during important Holy Week celebrations, which feature an archetypical mixture of Andean and Catholic elements. It begins with the procession for Taytacha Temblores, “Lord of the Earthquakes,” an icon and patron of Cusco.nn• Qoyllur Rit’i (Ascension Day, moveable dates)nNumerous processions of patron saints and manifestations of the Virgin Mary from all corners of Cusco converge on the Plaza de Armas, where upwards of 50,000 people gather to observe at this important festival emblematic of Andean religious syncretism (the blending of Catholic and pre-Columbian Indigenous religious traditions and symbols).
• Corpus Christi (Nine week after Easter Thursday, moveable dates)nNumerous processions of patron saints and manifestations of the Virgin Mary from all corners of Cusco converge on the Plaza de Armas, where upwards of 50,000 people gather to observe at this important festival emblematic of Andean religious syncretism (the blending of Catholic and pre-Columbian Indigenous religious traditions and symbols).nnn• Inti Raymi (June 24)nThis celebration of Inti, the Inca sun god, originally a celebration of the winter solstice and Inca new year, fittingly begins at Qorikancha, continues to the Plaza de Armas and famously culminates at Sacsayhuaman. It is a great place to observe colorful traditional garb, including the famous aya huma mask.nn• Peruvian Independence Day (July 28)nPeru’s instantly-recognizable red-and-white flag flutters all around during this patriotic communal celebration. Visitors can prepare to observe many parades, dances and fireworks displays.nn• Santuranticuy Fair (December 24) nThis fair, taking place annually on Christmas Eve, brings hundreds of artisans and visitors alike to the Plaza de Armas, where handmade crafts of tin, silver, embroidered fabrics, and more, are bought and sold for the traditional Nativity displays seen at Cusqueño churches, businesses and homes.
Housed in a restored 16th-century convent, this 5-star Cusco hotel offers luxury, rich history, Peruvian cuisine, a soothing spa, a gym and oxygen-enriched rooms for ultimate comfort.
With beautiful Baroque and colonial style architecture Inkaterra offers all sorts of amenities including a buffet breakfast and is only a few blocks from the main square.
A wonderful slice of luxury right in the heart of Cusco, Aranwa Boutique is a wonderful place for you to relax and explore Cusco and the surrounding areas.
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury train that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru. It travels from Cusco to Puno and ends in Arequipa. The train features elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and a relaxed atmosphere with lounge areas for enjoying the scenery making it a great way to travel through the country's mountainous region.
The former palace of the founder of the Inca Civilization, Palacio Manco Capac is a unique hotel in that you get a luxury stay in a very historic Inca structure.
Set in Cusco's historic city center, just 1969 feet from the main square, Hilton Garden Inn Cusco offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour convenience store. The property provides free WiFi throughout and free private parking.
Novotel Cusco blends colonial charm with modern comforts. The spacious rooms come with Wi-Fi. At Restaurant 365, enjoy international cuisine and a bar with a pisco sour demonstration. During your stay, explore the rich history and culture of the City of the Incas.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay features 118 rooms, cobblestone streets, Inca terrace views, a chapel, and beautiful gardens.
Step into the history of Peru in this Republican Era mansion, just a few steps away from sites such as Qoricancha. This hotel is a breath of luxury in the hubub of the city.
A large hotel with spacious rooms and excellent meals offered in the resturant area, Costa Del Sol Ramada is a beuatiful colonial style hotel that is perfect for couples.
Located on the main avenue of the city and only one block from the famous Qoricancha temple, Hotel San Agustin Dorado is a great hotel with an exceptional attention to detail.
A Well maintained and clean hotel with a delicious breakfast located in the center of the city, Hotel San Agustin Plaza has great views of Qoricancha temple just across the street.
Located on the outskirts of the center of Cusco Jose Antonio has comfortable rooms and even a private garage to store your vehicle.
Just a few blocks away from San Pedro Market and Plaza San Francisco Union Hotel Cusco is a comfortable hotel with an onsite restaurant and live music.
Located in the beautiful San Blas neighborhood Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel has large comfortable rooms and a highly accommodating staff and is a perfect hotel for those looking to stay in San Blas.
Sonesta Hotel in Cusco offers a luxurious and culturally immersive experience, blending modern amenities with traditional Peruvian charm in the heart of the historic city.
Within walking distance of the main square and only a few blocks from the train station Xima Exclusive Cusco offers a luxury experience and an on site restaurant with a quiet atmosphere.
In the heart of the historic center of Cusco, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro market, is the Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Histórico. This hotel, situated in a colonial setting revitalized with modern elements, offers its guests an unforgettable stay. With 60 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, spacious patios, and a panoramic lounge with views of the city, the hotel is the ideal place to explore the cultural richness of Cusco.
With an intimate restaurant and cozy rooms Cooper Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of all the major attractions and is a great option for solo travelers and families.
X.O Art House, a charming boutique hotel, is conveniently located just a three-minute walk from the renowned Hatun Rumiyoc - Piedra de los 12 ángulos in Cusco. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and personalized concierge services throughout their stay. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the Museum of Religious Art, the Chapel of the Sacred Family, and the historic Church of San Blas. Each guest room at X.O Art House is designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
This tranquil hotel, part of the prestigious Tierra Viva hotel chain, is ideally situated in the heart of Cusco, just three blocks from the renowned Plaza de Armas and a short walk from the historic Church of Santa Teresa. The rooms at Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi Hotel are designed with comfort in mind, featuring warm wooden accents, heating, LCD televisions, and work desks.
Just a few steps away from the iconic Cusco cathedral, this Casa Andina is the perfectly located central spot for travelers.
You cannot get more centrally located than this Casa Andina, found right on the main plaza. If you want the heart of the action, this is where to go.
Right in the heart of one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Cusco city, this Casa Andina waits for you. The romantic cobbled streets make for a perfect place for a hotel.
This opulent hotel is ideally located just one block from Cusco's picturesque main square and two blocks from its historic cathedral. The hotel provides elegant accommodations and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza features a captivating central courtyard, showcasing Spanish-style galleries, a soaring glass-paneled ceiling, and a stunning wrought-iron chandelier. Rooms are beautifully appointed in warm terracotta tones and offer a range of luxurious amenities, including hardwood floors, alpaca and silk bedspreads, heating, and cable television.
Perfectly positioned for access to the main square and the idyllic San blas neighborhood, Rumi Punku is a beautiful boutique hotel perfect for those looking to unwind in the city.
Located in the heart of Cusco's historic center, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas and San Pedro market. This hotel, situated in a revitalized colonial setting with modern elements, offers its guests an unforgettable stay. With 60 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, spacious patios, and a panoramic lounge overlooking the city, the hotel is the ideal place to explore the cultural richness of Cusco.
Located in the Historic Center of Cusco, Casa San Blas has exceptional service, spacious rooms and luxury suites.
With stunning architecture and an amazing breakfast Quinta San Blas is located in the heart of the city making it a great option for those who want to explore Cusco by foot.
In between the Santa Ana and Historic Center of Cusco, El Balcon Cusco has rooms with balconies and great views of the city.
A small hotel with amazing views of the city and the Cusco Valley, Encantada Casa Boutique has a relaxing atmosphere great for couples.
Casa Esmeralda by Katari is located in Cusco, a 16-minute walk from Wanchaq Train Station, and offers accommodation with a garden and private parking. This 3-star hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and concierge service. The non-smoking property is a 9-minute walk from Santo Domingo Church.
Tucked away in the beautiful neighborhood of San Blas which offers amazing views of the city and the Cusco valley, Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas is a great starting point to explore San Blas the bohemian center of the city.
Right in the heart of the city, Tierra Viva Cusco Centro is within walking distance to all the major attractions and is a great option for those looking to explore all the city has to offer.
Located just one block from the famous Inca temple Qoricancha, Taypikala Cusco offers excellent service and large spacious rooms where the staff are ready to cater to your every need.
Located near the center of Cusco, Muru Homely Hotel offers a relaxing stay great for all types of travalers.
Located in the heart of the city just three blocks from the main square Maytaq Wasin Hotel offers coworking spaces and large comfortable rooms.
With excellent service and a very complete breakfast Hotel San Agustin Internacional is in a great location making it a perfect option for your stay in Cusco.
Located in the heart of the historical center of Cusco, Anahuarque Boutique Hotel a small quaint hotel that puts you in center of all the action.
Located in the San Blas area close to all major atractions in the city of Cusco, this hotel is a great option for families and solo travelers alike.
Comfortable and cozy, the Hotel Amaru Colonial is the perfect place to base yourself in the popular San blas neighborhood. Centrally located with traditional fittings, the Amaru Colonial is a perfect pit stop for travelers.
Just three blocks from the historical Plaza de Armas of Cusco, Ankara Hotel Butique offers a comfortable atmosphere where the staff are attentive and provide you with an amazing experience.
An adobe structure made in colonial times, Hotel Nazarenas is just three short blocks from the main square and is the perfect place for a cozy getaway.
Casona La Recoleta offers apartment style lodging, rooms are fully equipped with kitchen and lounge areas.
An adobe structure made in colonial times, Hotel Nazarenas is just three short blocks from the main square and is the perfect place for a cozy getaway.
A colonial style hotel in the historical center of Cusco Midori Hotel Cusco offers an on site restaurant with a buffet style breakfast and is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the main square additionally, the hotel is only half a block from the Museum of the Inca and is highly rated for traveling couples
Right next door to Qoricancha the most important temple in the Inca Empire, Waman Hotel Qoricancha offers excellent service and large spacious rooms.
A very clean and well-kept hotel just three blocks from the center of Cusco, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and have dinner at the onsite restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's major attractions and offers incredible views of the Cusco valley.
Kori Gems Inn in Cusco is a cozy and welcoming boutique hotel offering comfortable accommodations with a blend of modern amenities and traditional Peruvian charm. Located in the picturesque neighborhood of San Cristobal, Kori Gems is a great option for all types of travelers.
Casa Boutique Huascarán in San Blas is a charming hotel that offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional Andean aesthetics. Located in the vibrant San Blas neighborhood, the hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and great views of the city from the hotel's balcony.
Hostería de Anita has spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast, nestled just outside the center of Cusco this hotel is walking distance from all the attractions.
Cusco is the best place in Peru to try traditional Andean cuisine. Here you will have the opportunity to try a series of unique local dishes that use fruits and vegetables native to the region. For a true local experience, you can head to the food stalls in the San Pedro market and try some traditional foods at bargain prices. For a more complete restaurant experience, we recommend the following excellent options:
The signature restaurant of Gaston Acurio, Peru’s famous celebrity chef, this upscale dining experience features many traditional Andean dishes with a special menu section dedicated to Cusqueño dishes.
Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso, Cusco
The signature restaurant of Gaston Acurio, Peru’s famous celebrity chef, this upscale dining experience features many traditional Andean dishes with a special menu section dedicated to Cusqueño dishes.
Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do piso, Cusco
Offering hearty traditional Peruvian dishes such as aji de gallina, this cozy and rustic spot in San Blas includes a courtyard with wood-fired ovens for pizzas and calzones.
Plazoleta San Blas 120, Cusco
This bright, modern restaurant in the center of town offers traditional meals fused with modern twists in a casual, contemporary environment.
Procuradores 320, Cusco
Make sure to follow these important tips on your trip to Cusco. If you have any questions about planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions!
Altitude sickness is a common concern for visitors to Cusco. While most people experience mild symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite that tend to clear up in 24-48 hours, altitude sickness does affect each individual uniquely and acclimation varies. Here are some tips for adapting to the altitude during the first couple days of your trip:nn• Eat light meals. The digestive system works slower at higher altitudes.n• Try not to exert yourself too much. Just relax and try to take it easy as much as possible.n• Make sure to stay hydrated.n• Avoid alcohol.n• Take advantage of some of the natural altitude sickness cures available in Peru such as coca or muña tea. Note: avoid drinking coca tea too late in the day, which can cause trouble sleeping.n• Take medication if necessary. Acetazolamide and other medication for soroche (the word for altitude sickness) are available over the counter in Peru.
Cusco is known for its fluctuating temperatures, strong sunshine and intermittent rainfall. Essential year-round items for your trip to Cusco include:nn• Light sweaters or jacketsn• Sturdy, comfortable shoes or bootsn• Sunglasses and/or protective hatn• Sunblock (SPF 35 or higher recommended)n• Umbrella, raincoat or rain ponchon• Good quality hiking shoes or bootsn• Waterproof hiking pants
The peak season of June through August requires planning ahead as many destinations sell out or book up weeks or even months in advance. Visitors should consider checking availability for hotels, flights, trains (to and from Machu Picchu and other sites), Inca Trail permits, etc., when planning their trip. Planning ahead for rainy season means confirming that destinations affected by the weather are open for business and potentially accommodating extra time in your itinerary for postponed or rescheduled excursions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance — we can help with your Cusco travel plans!
Much of Cusco is easily walkable for the average visitor, with areas near the historic center being relatively flat and providing easy, convenient access to many of Cusco’s most attractive sites. However, heading north to San Blas, the streets begin a rather steep uphill climb which may be prohibitive to some travelers, especially if recently arrived.
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Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Cusco:
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a valid consideration and precautions should always be taken. Most visitors acclimate within 24-48 hours without incident, but this can vary widely. Age, sex and physical fitness are generally not considered determining factors, but consult with your physician before traveling if desired, especially if you are pregnant, have a history of heart conditions or are flying in from a very low altitude.
You should plan on spending at least two full days in Cusco if you want to get a good feel for all it has to offer. Besides this, for most visitors the first 24 hours are spent doing lowkey activities like walking around the historic center while acclimating to the elevation. A couple days can easily be spent exploring Old Cusco and sites of interest within walking distance.
Most people arrive by national flight from Lima to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), a short distance outside Cusco proper. Direct international flights are rare but can be booked from Santiago de Chile. While the flight from Lima takes only about 55 minutes, the same journey by bus takes over 20 hours due to the rugged terrain of the Andes.
Machu Picchu is about 4 hours by train from Cusco. The train departs from Poroy Station, a 20-minute drive from Plaza de Armas, and arrives at Aguas Calientes Station near the ruins. Machu Picchu can also be reached by completing a 4-day hike along the Inca Trail. The Sacred Valley is about an hour away from Cusco by car.
Cusco is considered a very safe city, one of the safest in Peru. Nevertheless, opportunistic crimes such as muggings and thefts can occur, as anywhere, and appropriate, common-sense precautions should be taken to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Exchanging your foreign currency for Peruvian soles can be accomplished with ease once in Cusco. Numerous exchange spots are conveniently located around the old center of town and some hotels also offer their guests exchange services. Money can also be exchanged at Cusco’s airport. Check with your bank for possible options on international banking and local withdrawal from US accounts.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco or BTC) is issued by local and regional government authorities to control and protect the invaluable heritage sites in and around Cusco. You will need one to enter most all ruins and archeological sites. But no worries! The BTC can easily be acquired in Cusco once here. We also offer the BTC as part of various tour and excursion packages we have: see _____ or contact us directly!
In the vast majority of cases you can get along in Cusco just fine speaking English. Most hotels, restaurants, museums, tours and excursions (including us at Cusco Native!) and many shops have fully bilingual staff. Even so, brushing up on some basic Spanish and perhaps carrying a traveler’s phrase book are never bad ideas, especially if you plan to do more shopping and exploring local markets and shops.
Cusco Native Tours is a sustainable and ethical tour operator founded in 2008 by Renato Auca Fuentes, a native cusqueño of Quechua origin. Our company offers unique and authentic tours and treks throughout Peru, showcasing the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
I am extremely satisfied with the experience. The communication was smooth and efficient. Rumi, our MP guide, is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend him. 5 stars!
I would like to thank you and Cusco Native for the wonderful trip you planned out for me. Thank you Claire for your flexibility and for suggesting the waterfall excursion, it was incredible and totally off the beaten path!
Thanks to you and the team - we had an incredible, memory filled, adventure.
We loved it! Thank you so much for an amazing amazing experience!
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