Cusco Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Cusco

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8a Cusco Guest House

Pasaje Ramón Castilla N° 132 Wanchaq - Cusco | Cusco, 08001, PE

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Historical Center Apartments

Calle Atoqsaycuchi 665 - San Blas | Cusco, PE

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Elite Apartment

Av. Antonio Sucre B-4 Dpto 401residencial "amatista" Urb Huancaro Distrito Santiago | Cusco, PE

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Best View apartment downtown Cusco

Pasaje Santa Rosa A-8 San Blas | Cusco, PE

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Apartamento exclusivo en Cusco cerca al aeropuerto

Calle Mexico E4 San Antonio | Cusco, PE

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Casa Victoria

Urbanizacion Covipol H-3 | Cusco, PE

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Casa Independiente cerca al Centro en Segundo Piso - Los Profesionales

Av. Los Profesionales E-5b Urb. Huancaro Santiago | Cusco, PE

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At a glance

Climate

Alpine

Languages

Spanish and Quechua

Local currency

PEN (PEN)

Local time

17:17 (GMT-5)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

San Blas

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected for guides, optional for restaurants

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 70 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Cuy Chactado Lomo Saltado Aji de Gallina Papa a la Huancaína

When to visit Cusco

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July Busiest: May-Sep

Jan

60

Wet, warm
Feb

55

Wettest, warm
Mar

65

Wet, warm
Apr

75

Transition, mild
May

85

Dry, cool nights
Jun

90

Dry, cold nights
Jul

95

Dry, coldest nights
Aug

90

Dry, cool nights
Sept

85

Dry, mild
Oct

75

Transition, mild
Nov

65

Wet, warm
Dec

60

Wet, warm

60

Jan Wet, warm

55

Feb Wettest, warm

65

Mar Wet, warm

75

Apr Transition, mild

85

May Dry, cool nights

90

Jun Dry, cold nights

95

Jul Dry, coldest nights

90

Aug Dry, cool nights

85

Sept Dry, mild

75

Oct Transition, mild

65

Nov Wet, warm

60

Dec Wet, warm

Things to do in Cusco

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Explore Sacsayhuaman

Northern Cusco 2.5 hrs

Marvel at the massive interlocking stones of this ancient Inca fortress overlooking Cusco.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit San Pedro Market

San Pedro 2 hrs

Experience a bustling local market, sampling exotic fruits and local delicacies.

Indoors Good for children

Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes 12 hrs

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the iconic lost city of the Incas.

Outdoors

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Discover Coricancha

Historic Center 1.5 hrs

Explore the Inca Temple of the Sun, now a Dominican convent, showcasing impressive Inca masonry.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Wander Plaza de Armas

Historic Center 1.5 hrs

Soak in the colonial architecture and lively atmosphere of Cusco's main square.

Outdoors Good for children

Sacred Valley Tour

Sacred Valley 9 hrs

Explore picturesque Inca ruins and traditional villages nestled in the stunning Andean landscape.

Outdoors Good for children

Cusco itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Cusco — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the ancient heart of the Inca Empire and the vibrant pulse of colonial Peru.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential historical, cultural, and culinary highlights of Cusco. From majestic Incan ruins to bustling markets and charming colonial streets, it offers a well-paced introduction to this captivating Andean city, ideal for those seeking a blend of history and local immersion.

3 Days 14 Stops

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