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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


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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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SALKANTAY TRAIL PERU things to do in Cusco SALKANTAY TRAIL PERU things to do in Cusco



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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Cusco Cathedral things to do in Cusco Cusco Cathedral things to do in Cusco



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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Trekking | Cusco things to do in Cusco



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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Cuzco things to do in Cusco



5 - Inca

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Inca things to do in Cusco



6 - 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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Morning | Cusco Cathedral things to do in Cusco



7 - Cathedral of Cusco

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Cathedral of Cusco things to do in Cusco



8 - Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús

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Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús things to do in Cusco



9 - 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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Chinchero District things to do in Cusco



10 - 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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Sacred Valley things to do in Cusco Sacred Valley things to do in Cusco



11 - Almirante Miguel Grau

   24 km away
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Almirante Miguel Grau things to do in Cusco



12 - 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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Urubamba things to do in Cusco



13 - 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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Maras things to do in Cusco



14 - Salt Pans

   33 km away
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Salt Pans things to do in Cusco Salt Pans things to do in Cusco



15 - 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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Moray things to do in Cusco



16 - 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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Ollantaytambo things to do in Cusco Ollantaytambo things to do in Cusco




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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


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Why should you visit Cusco ?


Travel to Cusco if you like:

  ⛰️ Highland     🏰 Historic site     🏘️ Town     🏰 Temple     ️🏜️ Badlands     ⛰️ Hill station  


How 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.




Learn More about Cusco

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

How to get 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 spots  



  Travel map of Cusco

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