Overview
Cusco is a region in the southeastern Andes of Peru, centered on the city of the same name at roughly 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level. It was the political, military, and ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, and that layered history remains visible everywhere: Inca stone foundations still support Spanish colonial churches and mansions, and Quechua culture remains a living force rather than a museum exhibit.
The region encompasses dramatically varied terrain, from cloud-forest valleys to high-altitude puna grasslands. Its headline attraction, Machu Picchu, sits within Cusco's boundaries in the province of Urubamba. Beyond Machu Picchu the region holds dozens of lesser-visited Inca sites, remote highland communities, and deep Amazon tributaries to the north and east.
Cusco city itself — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — functions as the main gateway and is a rewarding destination in its own right. The Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha sun temple, the neighborhoods of San Blas and San Pedro, and numerous museums can comfortably fill two or three days before travelers venture further into the surrounding valleys.
Before You Go
Altitude and Acclimatization
Cusco city sits above 3,400 m. Altitude sickness (soroche) is a genuine concern, particularly in the first 24–48 hours. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Standard advice includes arriving and resting on the first day, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals initially, staying hydrated, and drinking coca-leaf tea, which is widely available and legal locally. If symptoms are severe or worsen, seek medical attention promptly. Travelers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their physician before traveling to high altitude.
Vaccinations and Health
Peruans generally recommend visitors ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Depending on your itinerary — particularly if venturing into the lower Amazon-facing valleys of the region — additional vaccines or preventive medication may be advisable. Consult a travel health clinic or your physician at least four to six weeks before departure.
Visas
Entry requirements vary by nationality. For current, accurate visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Peruvian immigration authority (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) website before you travel.
What to Pack
- Layers are essential: days can be warm and sunny; nights at altitude drop sharply even in dry season
- Sturdy waterproof footwear for trekking and cobblestone streets
- High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses — UV radiation is intense at altitude
- A reusable water bottle; tap water is not potable — stick to boiled or sealed water
- Basic first-aid supplies and any prescription medications in carry-on luggage
Getting There
By Air
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco city is the main entry point. It receives direct domestic flights from Lima, Arequipa, and other Peruvian cities. Some international visitors fly into Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport and connect to Cusco; this Lima–Cusco leg is among the busiest domestic routes in South America. Verify current airlines and schedules directly with carriers or a booking platform, as routes and frequencies change.
By Road
Bus services connect Cusco to Puno (near Lake Titicaca), Arequipa, Lima, and other regional cities. Journey times are long — the Lima–Cusco road trip takes roughly 20–22 hours — so most international travelers choose to fly in and use buses for shorter regional legs. Several operators run overnight and day buses; comfort and safety standards vary widely, so research specific companies before booking.
By Rail
There is no passenger rail connection between Cusco and Lima. However, train services do run between Cusco (Poroy station) and Aguas Calientes (the gateway town to Machu Picchu) operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail. A separate, more scenic route departs from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Book train tickets in advance, especially during high season — verify schedules and pricing on operator websites.
Getting Around
Within Cusco City
The historic center is compact and largely walkable, though steep cobblestone streets can be tiring at altitude. Licensed taxis are widely available; agree on the fare before departure as meters are not standard. Rideshare apps have some presence — verify availability locally. Colectivo minibuses cover most neighborhoods cheaply but can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Sacred Valley and Surroundings
Shared minibuses (colectivos) run between Cusco and major valley towns such as Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Private taxis and organized day tours are more comfortable and allow flexibility. Renting a car is possible but road conditions and driving norms are challenging; it is not the most recommended option for first-time visitors to the region.
To Machu Picchu
The standard route is train from Cusco (Poroy) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus up the switchback road to the citadel entrance. Alternatively, multi-day treks — the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and others — bring hikers to Machu Picchu on foot. Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out months in advance; book through a licensed operator well ahead of your trip.
Things to See & Do
Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel is one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. Entry requires an advance timed-entry ticket purchased through the official Peruvian government platform (verify the current official booking channel, as the system has changed over recent years). Tickets sell out, particularly during June–August; book as early as possible. A guide, while not mandatory, adds considerable context.
Cusco City Sites
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): The most important Inca temple, later converted into the Santo Domingo convent. The contrast between Inca stonework and colonial construction is striking.
- Plaza de Armas: The central square flanked by the Cathedral (Catedral del Cusco) and La Compañía de Jesús church; the cathedral houses an important collection of colonial religious art.
- San Blas neighborhood: Steep streets, artisan workshops, and one of the city's oldest churches.
- San Pedro Market: A working local market selling produce, textiles, and prepared food; worth a morning visit.
- Museo Larco Herrera and other museums: Cusco has numerous museums covering Inca, pre-Inca, and colonial history — verify current opening hours locally.
Sacred Valley
The valley of the Urubamba River between Cusco and Ollantaytambo contains major Inca sites including Pisac (ruins and a well-known market town), Moray (unusual circular terraces likely used for agricultural experimentation), and the Maras salt pans. Ollantaytambo is itself a living Inca town and a worthwhile base.
Trekking
Beyond the Inca Trail and Salkantay, the region offers routes such as the Lares Trek and the Choquequirao Trek (a demanding multi-day route to a rarely visited Inca site). Altitude preparation and a licensed guide are strongly recommended. Porters on regulated trails must be hired through licensed operators.
Other Experiences
- Textile and weaving communities in the Sacred Valley, such as Chinchero
- Whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River (verify operators' safety credentials)
- Horseback riding in the valley
- Day trips to lesser-known ruins: Tipon, Pikillacta, Raqchi
Food & Drink
Regional Cuisine
Cusco's food reflects Andean ingredients and traditions with growing influence from Lima's contemporary culinary scene. Key dishes to try include cuy (guinea pig, a traditional Andean protein, often roasted), lomo saltado (a stir-fry with beef, tomatoes, onions, and chips), chupe de camarones (a hearty prawn chowder), and soups such as caldo de gallina. Chicha morada — a non-alcoholic drink made from purple maize — is refreshing and widely available. Chicha de jora, a fermented maize beer, is a traditional Andean drink served in local chicherías.
Where to Eat
The area around the Plaza de Armas and San Blas has a concentration of restaurants catering to all budgets, from street-food stalls to high-end restaurants. The San Pedro Market is a good option for inexpensive, authentic local food. Menus del día (set lunches) at local restaurants offer good value and a rotating selection of regional dishes.
Food Safety
Drink only bottled or purified water. Be cautious with raw salads, cut fruit, and food from unestablished street stalls, particularly in the first few days while adjusting to altitude and new food environments. Washing hands frequently is practical advice at any altitude.
Shopping
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are major centers for Andean textiles, ceramics, and crafts. The San Pedro Market in Cusco city and the markets in Pisac are popular places to browse alpaca wool products, weavings, pottery, and silver jewelry. San Blas neighborhood has a cluster of artisan workshops and independent craft shops.
When buying textiles, note the significant difference in quality and price between machine-made acrylic items marketed as alpaca and hand-woven pieces made with genuine alpaca or vicuña wool. Reputable cooperatives and weaving centers — including those run by local communities in Chinchero and the Sacred Valley — often allow visitors to observe the process and sell directly, ensuring artisans receive fair compensation.
Bargaining is common in markets but should be respectful; prices in established shops are generally fixed. Be aware of export restrictions on genuine pre-Columbian artifacts — it is illegal to remove archaeological objects from Peru.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available in Cusco city and in larger Sacred Valley towns. Carry local currency (soles) for markets, smaller restaurants, and rural areas where cards are not accepted. Verify your bank's international transaction fees before departure.
Connectivity
SIM cards from Peruvian carriers are available at the airport and in Cusco city. Mobile coverage in the city and Sacred Valley is generally reasonable but drops in more remote areas and on some trails. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafes in Cusco city.
Emergency Contacts
Verify current emergency numbers locally upon arrival. Peru's general emergency number is 105 (police); hospitals and tourist-police contacts can be obtained from your accommodation. Keep travel insurance documents accessible — comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation is strongly recommended.
Electricity
Peru uses 220V / 60Hz. Sockets are typically Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins). Travelers from North America using 110V devices should check compatibility; a voltage converter may be needed for some equipment.
Tourist Police
Cusco has a dedicated tourist police office (Policía de Turismo) that handles complaints and assists visitors who have experienced theft or other incidents. Your accommodation can direct you to the nearest office.
Safety
Cusco is a well-traveled destination with a well-established tourism infrastructure, but standard urban precautions apply. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded markets, at bus terminals, and around major tourist sites. Keep valuables secured, use a discreet money belt or internal pocket, and avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, or jewelry unnecessarily.
Use only formally licensed taxis or arrange transport through your accommodation; unmarked or unlicensed taxis carry higher safety risks. Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or overly insistent invitations, particularly around the Plaza de Armas.
On trekking routes, hiring trips through licensed, reputable operators reduces risk significantly. Inform someone of your planned route and expected return. Altitude-related illness can become serious — do not ignore worsening symptoms, and descend to a lower altitude if advised to do so by a medical professional.
For current travel advisories, consult your government's official foreign travel advice service before and during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Cusco remains a deeply significant cultural and spiritual center for Quechua-speaking Andean communities, not simply a heritage showcase. Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun celebrated each June 24, is one of the largest traditional festivals in South America and draws significant crowds — book accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend. Corpus Christi, Semana Santa (Holy Week), and numerous local patron-saint festivities throughout the year blend Catholic and pre-Columbian traditions.
Respect at archaeological sites matters. Do not climb on walls or structures, remove stones, or disturb offerings left by Andean practitioners who continue to use some sites for traditional ceremonies. Photography of individuals — especially in markets and communities — should be approached with courtesy; ask permission and accept refusals graciously.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants (typically rounding up or leaving a small percentage), for guides, and for porters on treks. Porter welfare on trekking routes has historically been a concern; choosing operators who pay fair wages and adhere to weight-load regulations makes a practical difference to local workers.
