Travel Guide of Cusco in Peru by Influencers and Travelers
Cusco, often spelled Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru, on the eastern end of the Knot of Cuzco near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region and of the Cusco Province. The city is the seventh most populous in Peru, and in 2017 it had a population of 428,450. Its elevation is around 3,400 m.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Cusco
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - SALKANTAY TRAIL PERU
Huayna Picchu, Quechua: Wayna Pikchu, is a mountain in Peru which the Urubamba River bends. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District. It rises over Machu Picchu, the so-called lost city of the Incas.
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2 - Cusco Cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin is the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco. The cathedral is located on the Plaza de Armas. The entire building was built between 1560-1654,
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3 - Trekking | Cusco
Hike Rainbow Mountain and see the colorful landscapes surrounding Ausangate Mountain on this guided day tour. Experience the mountain's incredible hues and take photos to last a lifetime.
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4 - Cuzco
Cusco, often spelled Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region and of the Cusco Province.
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5 - Inca
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6 - Hiking | Cusco
Hike Rainbow Mountain and contemplate the colorful landscapes surrounding Nevado Ausangate on this guided day tour. Admire the incredible hues of the mountain and take photos to last a lifetime.
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7 - Cathedral of Cusco
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8 - Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús
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9 - Sightseeing | Cusco
Joins our fantastic free walking tour in Cusco led by local guides who are always keen to show the best of Cusco. (Please read the Full description below).
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10 - Chinchero District
18 km away
Chinchero District is one of seven districts of the Urubamba Province in Peru. It is the location for the proposed Chinchero International Airport, which would serve travelers to the Cusco Region.
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11 - Sacred Valley
24 km away
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, or the Urubamba Valley, is a valley in the Andes of Peru, 20 kilometres at its closest north of the Inca capital of Cusco. It is located in the present-day Peruvian region of Cusco. In colonial documents it was referred to as the "Valley of Yucay."
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12 - Morning | Cusco Cathedral
Cusco is more than just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. This ancient city was once the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore one of the city's most spectacular cultural attractions with a ticket to the Cusco Cathedral. See treasures, relics, and paintings depicting the colonial history upon which the cathedral was forged. No photos are allowed inside, so you have to experience it with presence – you'll be happy for it, trust us!
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13 - Almirante Miguel Grau
24 km away
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14 - Urubamba
28 km away
Urubamba is a small town in Peru, located near the Urubamba River under the snow-capped mountain Chicón. Located one hour from Cusco, Urubamba is the largest town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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15 - Mountainbiking | Cusco
The Excursion to the Humantay Lagoon with Extreme Swing is a new alternative to go on an excursion to the mesmerizing waters of Humantay and enjoy the extreme adventure in Cusco.
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16 - Maras
30 km away
Maras is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 40 kilometers north of Cusco, in the Cusco Region of Peru. The town is well known for its salt evaporation ponds, located towards Urubamba from the town center, which have been in use since Inca times.
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17 - Salt Pans
33 km away
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18 - Moray
34 km away
Moray is an archaeological site in Peru approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Cuzco on a high plateau at about 3,500 metres and just west of the village of Maras.
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19 - Ollantaytambo
44 km away
Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru some 72 km by road northwest of the city of Cusco. It is located at an altitude of 2,792 m above sea level in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba, Cusco region.
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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Cusco here
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Pictures and Stories of Cusco from Influencers
20 pictures of Cusco from Thibault Feyaerts, Gianella Castro, Persnickety Prints and other travelers
- Mist rising over the ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Daniel Burka | ©Unsplash
- Cusco Plaza de Armas, Center, Peru, Inka made by rouichi / switzerland ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Azzedine Rouichi | ©Unsplash
- Machu Picchu (Alrededores), Cusco - Perú ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Eddy Velazco | ©Unsplash
- Portrait to Machu Picchu ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Gianella Castro | ©Unsplash
- Faces of Peru #2 ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Willian Justen de Vasconcellos | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Cusco ?
Travel to Cusco if you like:
⛰️ Highland 🏰 Historic site 🏘️ Town 🏰 Temple ️🏜️ Badlands ⛰️ Hill stationHow to visit Cusco ?
To reach Cusco, you can fly from Lima, the capital of Peru, to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. The flight takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lima, but the journey lasts about 21 hours. Once in Cusco, you can explore the city and its surroundings using local buses, taxis, or by arranging private transportation.
It's highly recommended to book your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance, as the number of daily visitors is limited. You can purchase tickets online or through authorized travel agencies. If you're planning to hike the Inca Trail, you'll need to book a guided tour, as independent trekking is not allowed. Make sure to reserve your spot several months ahead, as permits sell out quickly.
The costs of visiting Cusco and the surrounding areas can vary greatly depending on your preferences. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and food prices are generally affordable. The entrance fee to Machu Picchu is around $50 for adults, while the Inca Trail tours can cost between $500 and $1000, depending on the company and the services provided.
The best things to do in Cusco include exploring the historic city center, visiting the nearby Sacred Valley to admire the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and of course, discovering the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Adventure seekers can also enjoy activities like white-water rafting, mountain biking, and zip-lining.
For delicious and authentic Peruvian cuisine, try La Cusquenita Tradicional Picnteria, a popular local restaurant offering traditional dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Another excellent option is Cicciolina, a high-end restaurant serving a fusion of Andean and Mediterranean flavors.
When it comes to accommodation, stay at the budget-friendly Pariwana Hostel, which offers a lively atmosphere and comfortable dorms. For a more luxurious experience, consider the Palacio del Inka, a 5-star hotel housed in a stunning colonial mansion.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, visit the remote village of Choquequirao, a lesser-known Inca archaeological site that is often referred to as "the other Machu Picchu." The only way to access Choquequirao is by hiking a challenging 4-day trek through the Andean mountains. The journey is tough, but the reward of exploring this hidden gem without the crowds of Machu Picchu makes it all worthwhile.
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A city you can't miss
The city of Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire. Often considered as the obligatory stopover for an ascent of Machu Picchu, most tourists forget to visit Cusco. However, Cusco is a city rich in Peruvian history with its archaeological ruins that tell of the past greatness of the Inca civilization, its hikes in postcard landscapes with the Andes as a background, its museums with rich collections, and it's gourmet culinary specialties, there is so much to do in Cusco.
A city full of history dating back to the colonial period
Perched at an altitude of 3,400m in the middle of the Andean mountains, the former Spanish conquest in the 16th century offers a fascinating assemblage of superb churches and baroque palaces built above the pre-Columbian city. From the Plaza de Armas, where the Incas celebrated the festival of the sun, to the pink volcanic stone cathedral, to the many churches, including the Society of Jesus, this is a magnificent example of Andean baroque. Cusco hasmany treasures. Don't miss the San Blas district, home to numerous artisan workshops, in narrow, steep streets lined with beautiful colonial houses.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Cusco
To visit Cusco, you must first go to Lima airport. Once in Lima, you will just have to take a flight to Cusco. Many flights are available between the two cities.
Where to Stay in Cusco
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More Travel spots to explore around Cusco
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Cusco
🏘️ Town spots ⛰️ Hill station spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏰 Temple spots Adventure spots ⛰️ Mountain spots Panorama spots 🏰 Historic site spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots ❄️ Glacial landform spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spotsTravel map of Cusco
Explore popular touristic places around Cusco