Cusco

The ancient Incan capital and gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco blends Incan stonework with Spanish colonial architecture in a stunning high-altitude city. It's indispensable for experiencing Peruvian heritage and accessing the Sacred Valley.

Things to do

• Plaza de Armas — Cusco's main square surrounded by colonial arcades, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus, offering a perfect introduction to the city's blend of Incan and Spanish heritage.
• Sacsayhuamán — A massive Incan fortress overlooking Cusco featuring precisely cut stone walls and panoramic views of the city, located just above the urban center.
• Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) — The most important Incan temple dedicated to the sun god, now partially incorporated into the Spanish Colonial Church of Santo Domingo, showcasing the layering of two civilizations.
• Sacred Valley exploration — Day trip to nearby towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac to visit Incan ruins, terraces, and traditional markets within striking distance of Cusco.
• Machu Picchu train departure — Cusco serves as the gateway to Peru's most iconic archaeological site, with trains departing from the nearby Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo or Poroy station.
• San Blas neighborhood walk — Explore the charming hillside district with narrow colonial streets, artisan workshops, galleries, and local cafés offering authentic Cusco atmosphere.
• Museo de Arte Precolombino — World-class museum housed in a colonial palace displaying exceptional Incan and pre-Incan artifacts in their original architectural context.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice with red onions, cilantro, and ají peppers, served with sweet potatoes and corn as a classic Peruvian coastal dish adapted in highland Cusco.
• Cuy al horno — Roasted guinea pig seasoned with cumin and served with potatoes and corn, a traditional Andean delicacy that has been eaten in the region since Incan times.
• Quinoa soup — Hearty soup made with quinoa, potatoes, cheese, and local herbs, providing warmth and nutrition suited to Cusco's high altitude.
• Causa limeña — Layered potato terrine with lime, ají amarillo, and filled with chicken or seafood, a vibrant yellow dish reflecting Peru's coastal-highland fusion.
• Picante de carne — Spiced beef stew with potatoes, peanuts, and dried chilis creating a rich, warming dish popular in Cusco's cooler mountain climate.
• Chicha de jora — Traditional fermented corn beverage with pre-Incan roots, still consumed locally during festivals and celebrations as a cultural and ceremonial drink.

Local customs & good to know

• Altitude acclimatization essential — Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), so spend your first day resting, drinking coca tea, and moving slowly to adjust to the thin air and prevent soroche (altitude sickness).
• Respect Incan heritage sites — Many ruins remain spiritually significant to local indigenous communities; ask permission before photographing people, remove hats at sacred sites, and follow guide instructions carefully.
• Learn basic Quechua phrases — While Spanish is widely spoken, Quechua—the indigenous language of the Andes—is respected and appreciated; simple greetings like 'Napaykullayki' (thank you) show cultural respect.
• Shop at local markets authentically — Visit San Pedro Market or smaller neighborhood markets early in the morning to experience daily Cusqueño life, practice respectful haggling, and purchase fresh local produce and crafts directly from vendors.

Nearby

• Qorikancha (Cusco Region) — 0 km
• Sacsayhuamán (Cusco Region) — 1 km
• Pisac — 20 km
• Salinas de Maras (Sacred Valley) — 21 km