✦ Quick answer
Cusco, the ancient Inca capital in the Peruvian Andes, is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and a rewarding stop on its own for its blend of Inca stonework, colonial plazas, and excellent food. Base yourself in the historic center near the Plaza de Armas or in artsy San Blas for walkability. Come hungry for Andean specialties like cuy, alpaca, lomo saltado, and ceviche, and budget two days to acclimatize to the 3,400-meter altitude before high hikes.
Cusco sits at around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) in the Peruvian Andes, and it wears its history openly. This was the capital of the Inca Empire, and the Spanish built their cathedrals and mansions directly on top of Inca foundations, so you walk streets where mortarless Inca walls hold up colonial balconies. The result is one of the most atmospheric cities in South America.
Most travelers pass through on the way to Machu Picchu, but Cusco rewards those who linger. The old center is compact and walkable, packed with terracotta rooftops, hole-in-the-wall picanterias, ambitious tasting menus, and a thriving cafe culture fueled by Peruvian coffee and cacao. San Blas, the artisan quarter uphill from the main square, is all steep lanes and workshops.
Give yourself a couple of days here to acclimatize before any high-altitude hikes, and use that time well: this is a city of markets, ruins on the hillsides, and long lunches. Cusco is both a launchpad and a destination in its own right.
Best time to visit
The dry season from May to September is peak time, with sunny days, cold nights, and the most reliable conditions for the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain (June through August is busiest and priciest). The shoulder months of April and October bring greener landscapes and thinner crowds. The wet season (November to March) means afternoon rain and some cloud over Machu Picchu, though the city stays lively; note the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Time a visit for Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, on June 24, when the city stages a huge Inca-era pageant at Sacsayhuaman.
Getting around
Most visitors fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), a 15-minute taxi ride from the center; arriving flights are mostly domestic via Lima. The historic core is best explored on foot, though the altitude and steep lanes make it slow going at first. Use the official airport taxi desk or a ride-hail app like inDrive or Uber rather than flagging unmarked cars, and expect short rides in town to cost roughly 10 to 20 soles. For the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, book trains (PeruRail or Inca Rail) and organized tours in advance.
✦ Where to stay
Neighborhoods & hotels
Historic Center (Plaza de Armas)The heart of the action, walkable to the cathedral, restaurants, and tour agencies. Best for first-timers who want everything at their doorstep, though some streets get nightlife noise.
San BlasThe artisan quarter climbing the hillside above the plaza, full of workshops, cafes, and viewpoints. Suits travelers who want charm and quieter lanes and don't mind steep walks and stairs.
San Pedro / Santa AnaAround the central market, more local and better value, with easy access to the market and train connections. Good for budget travelers who still want to be central.
Sacred Valley (Urubamba / Ollantaytambo)Not in Cusco itself but worth considering: lower altitude (better for acclimatizing) and closer to Machu Picchu trains. Ideal for families and anyone wanting calm countryside over city bustle.
Novotel Cuscomidrange Google
A reliable mid-range choice a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, with a heated colonial courtyard section and a modern wing. Rooms are comfortable and warm (a real perk in chilly Cusco), and the location makes everything walkable.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotelluxury Google
Set in a 16th-century mansion across from the Qorikancha sun temple, this is Cusco's grand splurge with a spa, oxygen on request, and elegant high-ceilinged rooms. The most iconic upscale stay in the city.
Belmond Hotel Monasterioboutique Google
A former 1592 seminary turned landmark hotel, built around a cloistered courtyard with a gilded chapel and a centuries-old cedar tree. Rooms can be piped with extra oxygen to ease the altitude; atmospheric and quietly luxurious.
Kokopelli Hostel Cuscobudget Google
A social, well-run hostel in a colonial building near the plaza, with dorms, private rooms, a bar, and a good breakfast. A solid pick for backpackers and solo travelers wanting to meet people.
Pariwana Hostel Cuscobudget Google
A lively backpacker hostel right on the historic center's edge with a big courtyard, events, and dorms plus privates. Great for budget travelers who want an easy social scene and central location.
Skip the research, get a day-by-day Cusco plan
Tell us your dates and pace; we'll build the itinerary around these picks.
✦ Eat & drink
Best Coffee Shops
Peru grows excellent high-altitude coffee, and Cusco's cafes take it seriously. Good spots to warm up and acclimatize.
Three Monkeys Coffee Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
A specialty roaster serving single-origin Peruvian beans with proper pour-overs and espresso, plus a leafy back patio. A favorite for a serious flat white away from the plaza crowds. Expect around 12 to 18 soles for a coffee.
Cafe Dwasi Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
A cozy, friendly cafe known for well-pulled espresso and genuinely good breakfasts. A calm spot to plan the day over coffee and eggs. Prices are reasonable for the quality.
L'Atelier Cafe Concept Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:10 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A cool cafe and creative space in San Blas serving good coffee, cakes, and light bites amid rotating art. Great for a slow afternoon on the hillside.
Museo del Cafe Google
Closed Mondays
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Part cafe, part exhibit on Peruvian coffee culture, set in a colonial courtyard just off the plaza. Order a cup and learn the story behind the country's growing regions. Also serves full meals.
✦ Eat & drink
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch
Jack's Cafe Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A San Blas institution and expat favorite for hearty all-day breakfasts, big portions, and generous plates of eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches. Expect a queue at peak times; worth it. Mains roughly 25 to 40 soles.
The Meeting Place
A cafe on Plazoleta San Blas run as a nonprofit supporting local causes, serving strong coffee, bagels, and big breakfasts. Friendly, casual, and popular with travelers.
Qura Cafe Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
A bright, health-leaning spot for smoothie bowls, avocado toast, fresh juices, and good coffee. A nice break from heavier Andean fare when you want something light.
✦ Eat & drink
Best Restaurants in Cusco
From smoky picanterias to ambitious Andean tasting menus, Cusco eats very well. Try cuy, alpaca, and Peruvian classics like lomo saltado and ceviche.
Cicciolina
A longtime favorite above a colonial courtyard on Triunfo, serving polished Andean-Mediterranean cooking and one of the best tapas bars in town. The upstairs dining room is romantic; the bar is great for a solo dinner. Reserve ahead for dinner.
Chicha por Gaston Acurio Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
Celebrity chef Gaston Acurio's Cusco restaurant, showcasing regional Andean ingredients in refined but generous dishes like anticuchos, alpaca, and cuy. A great introduction to elevated Cusqueno cooking. Mains around 50 to 90 soles.
Pachapapa Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
A rustic courtyard restaurant on Plazoleta San Blas famous for oven-roasted cuy (guinea pig, order ahead) and grilled meats cooked in a wood-fired oven. Atmospheric on a warm evening under the arches.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
A modern, casual spot near the plaza doing reliably delicious Peruvian classics: ceviche, lomo saltado, quinoa dishes, and creative twists. Good portions and a lively vibe make it an easy dinner pick.
MAP Cafe Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A glass-box restaurant inside the Museo de Arte Precolombino courtyard, serving one of Cusco's most refined tasting menus in a striking modern setting. A special-occasion splurge; reserve well ahead.
✦ Top experiences
Markets & Shopping
Mercado Central de San Pedro Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cusco's main market, designed with iron by a Gustave Eiffel associate, is the place for fresh juices, cheap set lunches, cheeses, chocolate, and alpaca goods. Go in the morning and mind your belongings in the crowds. A stop on many cooking-class market tours.
San Blas artisan workshops
The steep lanes of San Blas are dotted with family ceramics and textile workshops, including long-established artisan studios. Good for handmade souvenirs beyond the mass-produced stalls.
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco Google
Closed Sundays
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
A nonprofit that supports Andean weaving communities, with a small museum and shop of authentic, fairly priced textiles on Avenida El Sol. Watch weavers at work and buy directly. A cut above the tourist stalls.
✦ Top experiences
Top Things to Do in Cusco
Start slow while you acclimatize: the city's Inca and colonial sights are compact and largely walkable.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
The Inca Empire's most important temple, once sheathed in gold, with the Santo Domingo convent built directly on top of its flawless stonework. The contrast of Inca and colonial architecture is the clearest lesson in Cusco's history. Entry is around 15 soles.
Sacsayhuaman Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
The massive Inca fortress-temple above the city, built from enormous interlocking stones, some weighing over 100 tons. A short taxi or steep uphill walk from the plaza; sunset views over Cusco are superb. Covered by the Boleto Turistico.
Cusco Cathedral & Plaza de Armas Google
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
The grand Baroque cathedral on the main square holds a famous painting of the Last Supper featuring cuy on the table. The arcaded plaza is the city's living room, lit up beautifully at night.
Cusco City Tour: Four Ruins Half-Day
An easy guided introduction hitting the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay in an afternoon, ideal on an acclimatization day. Around $40 per person.
Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Tour
A hands-on class that starts at San Pedro Market tasting exotic fruits, then teaches you three Peruvian dishes and cocktails like the pisco sour. Fun, delicious, and a great rainy-afternoon activity. Around $65.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo
A 2-hour workshop where you roast, grind, and mold your own chocolate from Peruvian cacao. Great for families and a nice low-altitude activity near the plaza. Around $34.
✦ Beyond the city
Day Trips & Bucket-List Excursions
Cusco is the launchpad for the region's headline sights. Book trains and permits well ahead, especially in high season.
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
The classic full-day version by train, with transfers, the shuttle bus up to the citadel, and a guided tour, returning the same evening. Long but doable in a day if you can't spare an overnight. From around $336.
Classic 4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
The legendary 4-day trek over high passes and past ruins, ending at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu, run by a top-rated operator with a return on the Vistadome train. Permits are strictly limited and sell out months ahead. From around $835.
Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour: Pisac, Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
A well-paced day through the valley's highlights: the Pisac ruins and market, the circular Inca terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pans, and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Great acclimatization and scenery. Around $139.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The striped peak at over 5,000 meters is Peru's second-most-visited sight. This small-group tour uses a later 8 AM departure to dodge the pre-dawn crowds; acclimatize first, as the altitude is serious. From around $79.
Humantay Lake Full-Day Hike
A day trip to a stunning turquoise glacial lake below Salkantay, reached by a steep but short hike at high altitude. One of the most photogenic outings from Cusco. From around $25.
2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour by Train
A relaxed overnight version pairing the Sacred Valley with an unhurried Machu Picchu visit, staying in Aguas Calientes. Less rushed than the single-day dash and a good middle ground. From around $449.
ATV Tour to Moray, Maras & the Salt Mines
Explore the Sacred Valley's Inca terraces and salt pans on a quad bike, a fun, adventurous alternative to the standard van tour. Suits confident, active travelers. From around $29.
✦ After dark
Bars & Nightlife
Cusco's nightlife clusters around the Plaza de Armas and Calle Procuradores, from craft cocktails to late-night dancing.
Museo del Pisco
A convivial bar dedicated to Peru's national spirit, with tasting flights, expert bartenders, and live music most nights. The place to learn the difference between pisco varieties and try a proper pisco sour.
Limbus Restobar
A San Blas rooftop with arguably the best view in the city, looking out over the terracotta roofs and floodlit plaza. Come for sunset cocktails; the food is decent but the panorama is the draw. Reserve for a window table.
Republica del Pisco
A lively bar just off the plaza with pisco cocktails, DJs, and dancing that keeps going late. A dependable spot to start or end a night out.
✦ Good to know
Before you visit
AltitudeCusco sits at about 3,400 meters, and altitude sickness is common. Take it easy on arrival, hydrate, avoid alcohol the first day, and consider spending your first night lower in the Sacred Valley; coca tea and pharmacy soroche pills help, and consult a doctor about acetazolamide before your trip.
MoneyThe currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Carry cash for markets, taxis, and small restaurants; cards are accepted at hotels and nicer establishments. ATMs are widely available around the plaza but charge fees, so withdraw larger amounts.
Getting aroundThe historic center is walkable but steep and slow at altitude. Use ride-hail apps (inDrive, Uber) or official taxis rather than unmarked cars, and agree on the fare before a metered-free ride.
SafetyCusco is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing happens in crowded markets and nightlife areas. Watch your bags, avoid flashing valuables, and use registered taxis at night.
LanguageSpanish is the main language, with Quechua widely spoken in the region. English is common in tourist areas but a few Spanish phrases go a long way.
TippingTipping around 10 percent is appreciated in restaurants if service isn't included, and small tips for guides, porters, and drivers are customary. Round up for taxis.
Tickets & passesMany Inca sites around Cusco (Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray) require the Boleto Turistico, a combined tourist ticket sold in partial or full versions. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail require timed entry and permits bought in advance.
✦ Before you go
Plan-ahead checklist
Inca Trail permits are strictly capped and sell out months ahead, and the trail closes every February for maintenance. book 4-6 months ahead
Machu Picchu uses timed-entry tickets by circuit and they sell out in high season, so buy entry and train tickets well before you arrive. book 1-3 months ahead
Reserve popular dinner restaurants like Cicciolina and MAP Cafe in advance, especially in peak season. book a few days ahead
Build in two nights to acclimatize to the altitude before any high hikes like Rainbow Mountain or the Inca Trail.
If visiting in late June, book accommodation early for Inti Raymi (June 24), when the city fills up. book 2-3 months ahead
Cusco is that rare place that lives up to the hype and then some: a city where Inca stone, Andean flavors, and mountain adventure meet at 3,400 meters. Give it a few days, eat and wander widely, and let it be more than a pit stop on the way to Machu Picchu. Book your trains and permits early, and the ancient capital of the Andes is yours to explore.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Plan at least three to four days: one or two to acclimatize and explore the city and nearby ruins, plus time for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. A full week lets you add Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or the Inca Trail without rushing.
Where should I stay in Cusco?
First-timers do best in the historic center near the Plaza de Armas for walkable access to sights and restaurants, while San Blas offers artsy charm and views. Budget travelers can look around the San Pedro market area, and those wanting to acclimatize gently may prefer the lower-altitude Sacred Valley.
Is Cusco expensive?
Cusco is affordable by international standards. Set-lunch menus run a few dollars, mid-range dinners are 25 to 60 soles, and hostels start under $15, though Machu Picchu trains and tours are the big expenses at a few hundred dollars.
How do you deal with the altitude in Cusco?
Take your first day slow, drink lots of water, skip alcohol initially, and try coca tea. Consider sleeping your first night in the lower Sacred Valley, and ask a doctor about altitude medication like acetazolamide before your trip.
Is Cusco worth visiting beyond Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. Cusco is a beautiful colonial and Inca city in its own right, with world-class food, markets, hillside ruins, and the artisan quarter of San Blas, plus the Sacred Valley on its doorstep.
Top-Rated Places to Eat, See & Stay
✦ Plan with MagicTrips
Build your own Cusco trip
Tell us how many days, your budget, and what you're into. We'll turn it into a custom, day-by-day Cusco itinerary.