Day Tours

Cusco is known for being the former capital of the Inca Empire and the main gateway to Machu Picchu. It is famous for:

• Inca stonework that still stands in the city’s streets and buildings.
• Colonial churches and plazas built on top of Inca foundations.
• Nearby archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuamán and the Sacred Valley.
• A lively mix of Andean culture, food, markets and festivals.

It sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft) and is a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Cusco is in the southern Andes of Peru, about 1.5 hours by plane from Lima. The main ways to arrive are:

• By air: flights from Lima land at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, a short drive from the city center.
• By bus: long-distance buses run from Lima (more than 20 hours) and from other Andean cities, such as Puno.
• By train: trains connect Cusco with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and a scenic route runs to Puno.

Plan 3 to 4 days in Cusco itself, plus time for nearby excursions. A simple plan:

• Day 1: rest, walk around the center and adapt to the altitude.
• Day 2: Cusco city sights and the nearby ruins.
• Day 3 and after: day trips such as the Sacred Valley or a mountain hike.

If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, add 1 or 2 more days.

The best time is the dry season, from April to November, with sunny days and clear skies. Here is how the year looks:

• April to November: dry, cold nights and the most visitors, especially June to August.
• December to March: rainy season, greener landscapes and fewer crowds.
• June: Inti Raymi, the Inca sun festival, on June 24, with the city at its busiest.

Cusco’s main attractions are close together and can be seen on foot:

• Plaza de Armas: the central square with the Cathedral and the Jesuit church.
• Qorikancha: the Inca Temple of the Sun, with a colonial church built on top.
• San Pedro Market: local food, fruit and crafts.
• San Blas: a hillside neighborhood with artisan workshops and viewpoints.
  Sacsayhuamán: a large Inca fortress above the city, with huge stone walls.

Cusco has mild days and cold nights, and the weather changes with the season:

• Dry season (April to November): sunny, pleasant days and nights that can fall near freezing, especially from June to August.
• Wet season (December to March): frequent afternoon rain and milder nights.

The sun is strong at altitude, so pack sunscreen and layers all year round.

Cusco’s cuisine mixes Andean ingredients with colonial influences. Popular dishes include:

• Cuy: roasted guinea pig, a traditional dish.
• Alpaca: a lean meat served grilled or in stews.
• Chiriuchu: a cold Andean platter eaten at festivals.
• Adobo cusqueño: a spiced pork dish, often eaten for breakfast.
• Quinoa soup and choclo con queso: simple local staples.

To drink, try coca tea, which many people use to ease the effects of altitude, or chicha morada, a purple corn drink.

Cusco is a popular tourist destination, and most visitors have a trouble-free trip. As in any city, a few precautions help:

• Keep an eye on your belongings in markets and crowded plazas.
• Use official taxis or ride apps, especially at night.
• Avoid poorly lit streets late at night.
• Drink bottled or purified water.
• Check your government’s travel advisory before you go.

The currency in Peru is the sol (PEN). In Cusco:

• Cards: accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops.
• Cash: needed for markets, small shops, taxis and entrance fees at some sites.
• ATMs: widely available in the center.
• Tipping: common for guides, drivers and restaurant staff, though not mandatory.

Carry small bills and coins for everyday purchases.

Several highlights lie within a day’s trip of Cusco:

• Sacsayhuamán and nearby ruins: a few minutes from the city.
• Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Maras, about 1 to 2 hours away.
• Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake: about 3 hours by road each way.
• Machu Picchu: reached by train from the Sacred Valley.

Many travelers combine the Sacred Valley with a high-altitude hike once they have adapted to the altitude.