Discover Cusco – The Heart of Peru’s Inca Heritage

Cusco, often called the “Historical Capital of Peru,” is a charming city perched high in the Andes. This beautiful destination has a long history dating back to the Inca Empire, where ancient traditions harmonize with the bustling modern life of today. Travelers come to Cusco not only to delve into its rich past but also to explore its lively markets, visit remarkable archaeological sites like Machu Picchu, and indulge in the distinctive Andean cuisine. With its scenic streets overflowing with culture and history, Cusco serves as a gateway to numerous adventures in Peru.

In this guide, we’ll lead you through the journey to Cusco, the main things to do in and around the city, the best dining options, and our favorite accommodations.

How to get to Cusco

✈️  By plane: If you are traveling from abroad or coming from Lima, flying is the easiest way to get to Cusco. Domestic plane tickets are very affordable and provide a convenient way to reach Cusco’s international airport.

🚌  By bus: There are regular buses connecting Arequipa and Cusco. The journey takes 9-11 hours, with many night options available, including sleeper buses with reclined seats. Check out 12GO for the best bus options. If you have visited Colca Canyon, a faster option than returning to Arequipa is the 4M Express. Though slightly more expensive, this service will transport you directly to Cusco in about 10 hours.

What to do in Cusco

Explore Cusco’s City Center

Discovering Cusco’s city center is like stepping into a living history book. This historical area, often known as the “Imperial City,” played a vital role in Inca civilization and later became an important colonial city. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its well-preserved buildings and rich cultural legacy. Wander through cobbled streets to discover charming plazas, ancient churches, and colonial-style structures with Inca foundations. The heart of the city is the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the magnificent Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The combination of Inca and Spanish influences is evident in the city’s architecture and artwork.

San Pedro Market

This bustling marketplace is a hub for local produce, artisan crafts, and traditional Peruvian dishes. As you explore the market’s lively stalls, you’ll find an array of fruits, vegetables, spices, and textiles. The market is a fantastic place to try authentic Peruvian street food, from empanadas to ceviche. It’s a sensory experience with the colors, aromas, and flavors of the Andes. The market is also an excellent spot to purchase souvenirs, such as alpaca wool products and handmade jewelry. San Pedro Market offers a glimpse into daily life in Cusco and provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture.

Machu Picchu

Cusco is the perfect starting point for your journey to Machu Picchu. Whether you choose one of the famous treks or the train to this iconic site, your adventure begins in Cusco. The Inca Trail is the most renowned route, but alternatives like the Salkantay and Lares Treks also offer incredible experiences. For those seeking more adventure, the Inca Jungle Trek includes biking, rafting, and zip-lining on the way to Machu Picchu. Regardless of your choice, visiting Machu Picchu should be at the top of your list.

Since Machu Picchu is worth a trip on its own, we dedicated a full article to it.

Visit the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, stretches between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, covering about 100 kilometers. This valley is home to numerous Inca ruins, with the most significant sites being Chinchero, Moray, the Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Our favorite spot was the Salinas de Maras, the still-in-use salt flats of the valley. Explore these ruins for a deep dive into the Inca civilization’s agricultural prowess and architectural ingenuity.

Read our full article about the Sacred Valley for more details!

Rainbow Mountain and Palcoyo

Exploring the Rainbow Mountain region is an awe-inspiring adventure. Rainbow Mountain, known as Vinicunca, is famous for its surreal, rainbow-like bands, while Palcoyo offers a quieter, equally colorful alternative. These treks are relatively untouched by mass tourism, but start early to avoid the crowds. Be prepared for high altitudes, with the trek to Rainbow Mountain taking around 3-4 hours to reach the summit at 5,000 meters. The Palcoyo trek is less strenuous, taking about 2-3 hours to reach the viewpoint. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September.

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake, part of some treks to Machu Picchu, is a stunning glacial lake with turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The trek to the lake is moderately challenging, taking about 2-3 hours to reach from the starting point at 3,800 meters to the lake at 4,200 meters. This 6-kilometer round-trip hike offers breathtaking views and a rewarding experience in the Andes.

Where to eat in Cusco

Cusco boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re craving traditional Peruvian flavors or international cuisine, the city’s dining options are sure to delight. Here are some top dining spots in Cusco that we absolutely loved:

• Uchu Steakhouse – Uchu steakhouse has a focus on high-quality meat products, such as alpaca and beef. There meat platter is a pure delight and they have delicious deserts. A must-try restaurant in Cusco!

• Beers & Burgers (by Eusebio & Manolo) – The name says it all, they sell (local) craft beer with the best burgers in town (in our opinion). Choose your type of meat and toppings for a great burger and enjoy!
• Carpe Diem – If you fancy some Italian food, then Carpe Diem is your go-to place. With some great pizzas and pastas, you can’t go wrong here.

Where to stay in Cusco

A very affordable hostel close to the main sights is Gaia House Hostel, offering both dorms and private rooms. The hosts are super friendly and can tell you all about the best places to visit and arrange transportation for you. Dorms start at €10 per person, while double rooms start at €25.

Plaza Mayor de Cusco is the heart of the center and Maytaq Wasin Boutique Hotel is just a stonethrow away. With friendly stuff and good breakfast you can enjoy the city from there. Double rooms start at €80.

Of course you can also stay on the main square, then Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco is the best place for you. Right on the square itself, this lovely hotel offers single and double rooms. Take not the because of its location, there can be some noise in the rooms.