Travel Guides

Your Essential Guide to Exploring Cusco, Peru

04 Aug 2026

Hey there, fellow traveler! So, you're thinking about heading to Cusco? Excellent choice! This city in the Peruvian Andes isn't just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu; it's an incredible destination all on its own, full of history, amazing food, and genuinely warm people. Seriously, you're going to love it.

I've put together this guide to help you plan your trip, covering the must-sees, what to eat, and how to get around, all from a practical, "I've been there and this is what I wish I knew" perspective.

Getting There and Getting Around

First things first: getting to Cusco. You'll likely fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). It's super close to the city center, maybe a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. Taxis are plentiful right outside the airport; just make sure to agree on a price before you hop in. Expect to pay around 15-25 Peruvian Soles ($4-$7 USD) to get to Plaza de Armas or the San Blas neighborhood.

Once you're in Cusco, getting around is pretty easy. The historic center is very walkable, and honestly, that's the best way to see it. For longer distances, or when you're feeling the altitude (more on that in a bit), taxis are your friend. They're inexpensive, but again, confirm the fare beforehand. Many drivers don't use meters, so a quick "cuánto cuesta a..." (how much to...) will save you any surprises. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDriver, which can be convenient for setting prices.

Acclimatization is Key!

This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give you: Cusco is high up, sitting at about 11,150 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level. Altitude sickness is real, and it can definitely put a damper on your trip if you don't take it seriously.

Here's how to deal with it:

Take it easy on day one: Don't plan any strenuous activities. Arrive, check into your hotel, and just wander around slowly. Maybe enjoy a nice meal and get some rest.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Seriously, more than you think you need.
Drink coca tea: Most hotels offer it, and it really does help. You can also chew coca leaves (it's legal and traditional here), but the tea is usually enough for most people.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals initially: Give your body a chance to adjust.
Consider medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness medication like Diamox before you go, especially if you're prone to it or worried.

Listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded, have a headache, or are unusually tired, slow down.

What to See and Do

Cusco is packed with things to explore. You could easily spend a few days just soaking up the atmosphere.

The Historic Center

This is where you'll find the main sights.

Plaza de Armas: This is the city's main square, and it's simply gorgeous. Lined with arcades, colonial buildings, and two impressive churches, it's a great place to people-watch, grab a coffee, or just sit and take it all in.
Cusco Cathedral: Dominating the Plaza de Armas, this massive cathedral is a must-visit. It's built on the foundations of an Inca palace, and inside, you'll find an incredible collection of colonial art, including a Last Supper painting featuring a guinea pig (cuy) as the main course!
Church of the Society of Jesus (Compañía de Jesús): Another stunning church right on the Plaza de Armas, often considered even more ornate than the Cathedral. Its intricate facade is a work of art.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and Santo Domingo Convent: This is a fascinating spot where Inca and Spanish architecture merge. Qorikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, covered in sheets of gold. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent right on top of it, but you can still see the incredibly precise Inca stonework, which survived earthquakes better than the colonial structures.
San Blas Neighborhood: Just a short, uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas, San Blas is the artistic quarter of Cusco. It's full of narrow, cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and cute cafes. The views from up here are amazing, especially at sunset. The San Blas Church is also worth a peek.

Inca Sites Just Outside the City

You don't have to go all the way to Machu Picchu to see impressive Inca ruins. Cusco has several incredible sites right on its doorstep. You can visit these by taking a taxi, joining a tour, or even walking if you're feeling adventurous (and acclimatized!).

Sacsayhuaman: This massive fortress (or ceremonial site, historians debate!) is just uphill from Cusco. The sheer size of the stones used in its construction is mind-boggling. You can spend hours just marveling at the precision.
Q'enqo: A smaller, but very interesting site with carved rocks and underground passages that were likely used for religious ceremonies.
Puka Pukara: Known as the "Red Fortress," this was probably a military lookout point or a stop for travelers.
Tambomachay: Often called the "Bath of the Inca," this site features a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that still flow today, showing the Incas' mastery of water engineering.

Tip: To visit these sites, you'll likely need to buy a "Boleto Turístico" (Tourist Ticket). There are different versions, allowing you to choose between a partial ticket (for specific sites) or a full ticket (for many sites in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley). It's generally a good deal if you plan to see a few things.

Day Trips to the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-do day trip (or even a multi-day trip) from Cusco. It's dotted with charming towns and more incredible Inca ruins.

Pisac: Famous for its vibrant traditional market (especially on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) and its impressive Inca ruins perched high on a mountain overlooking the town.
Ollantaytambo: A fantastic example of Inca town planning and a massive fortress with terraces. It's also a common starting point for the Inca Trail and a train station for Machu Picchu.
Moray and Maras: Moray is an agricultural laboratory with fascinating circular terraces, while Maras is famous for its ancient salt mines, still in use today. The patterns of the salt ponds are really unique.
Chinchero: A pretty Andean village known for its traditional weaving cooperatives. You can see demonstrations of how they dye wool using natural materials.

The Big One: Machu Picchu

Of course, no trip to Cusco is complete without mentioning Machu Picchu. It's an absolute wonder, and it lives up to the hype.

Here's a quick rundown on how to get there:

Train: The most common way is to take a train from Ollantaytambo (or sometimes Poroy, closer to Cusco, but less frequent) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). PeruRail and Inca Rail are the two main companies. Book your train tickets well in advance, especially in peak season.
Bus from Aguas Calientes: From Aguas Calientes, you take a shuttle bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. These run constantly.
Hiking: For the adventurous, there's the classic Inca Trail (needs to be booked months in advance) or alternative treks like Salkantay or Lares.

Important Tip: Buy your Machu Picchu entrance tickets before you go, ideally weeks or even months in advance. They limit the number of visitors per day, and they do sell out.

What to Eat

Peruvian food is famous, and Cusco is a fantastic place to try it all.

Cuy (Guinea Pig): It's a traditional delicacy. If you're feeling brave, give it a try! It's usually roasted whole.
Lomo Saltado: A delicious stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, served with rice. It's a classic for a reason.
Aji de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spicy yellow pepper sauce, usually served with potatoes, rice, and a hard-boiled egg.
Ceviche: While you might think of it as a coastal dish, you can still find good ceviche in Cusco. It's fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions and chili.
Alpaca Steak: A leaner, slightly sweeter alternative to beef.
Soups: Given the altitude, a hearty soup like Caldo de Gallina (chicken soup) or Sopa a la Criolla (creamy noodle soup) is often just what you need.
Chicha Morada: A refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn.
Pisco Sour: Peru's national drink. It's a delicious cocktail made with Pisco (a grape brandy), lime juice, egg white, and bitters. Just remember the altitude when enjoying these!

Cusco has everything from high-end gourmet restaurants to casual local spots in San Pedro Market. Don't be afraid to try street food from reputable vendors; it's often some of the tastiest and most authentic.

Where to Stay

Cusco has accommodation for every budget.

Luxury: Many beautiful boutique hotels are housed in renovated colonial buildings near the Plaza de Armas or in San Blas.
Mid-Range: You'll find plenty of comfortable hotels and guesthouses throughout the historic center.
Budget: Hostels are abundant and often very social, especially popular with backpackers.

Booking in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak season (June-August).

Essential Tips for Your Trip

Money: The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (S/). ATMs are common. It's good to have some smaller bills for taxis and smaller purchases. Credit cards are accepted in most larger establishments.
Safety: Cusco is generally safe, especially in the tourist areas. However, like any travel destination, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.
Language: Spanish is the official language. Learning a few basic phrases will go a long way and is always appreciated by locals. Many people in the tourist industry will speak English, though.
Bring layers: The weather in Cusco can change quickly. Days can be sunny and warm, but evenings get chilly, and rain showers are common, even in the dry season.
Sun Protection: You're closer to the sun at this altitude, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
Flexibility: While planning is great, sometimes the best experiences happen when you allow for a little spontaneity.

Cusco is an amazing city that will steal your heart. Take your time, soak it all in, and enjoy every moment. Happy travels!