Mystical sacred city, considered the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire with a great historical and architectural legacy. Surrounded by green valleys with imposing tourist attractions, culture, tradition and faith still dormant. Known as the navel of the world for being the political and territorial center of the Inca Empire, the department of Cusco shows a striking geographical variety from natural mountain ranges and reliefs, to rivers like the Urubamba.
The city of Cusco, located in the Andes mountain range at 3 399 m.s., was declared the Historical Capital of Peru, being an impressive sample of high Inca engineering whose main tool was stone. As well as places like Choquequirao, Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo and especially Machu Picchu, architectural jewel built with the wisdom of the ancient Incas that served as political, religious and administrative center of the time.
Cusco is fascinating because it is a destination where you will find history, nature, adventure, art, gastronomy and customs that are kept alive. Come to enjoy the warmth of a village the warmth of a town that enjoys the visitors, Cusco waits for you. You can not miss the opportunity to meet her!
Best Month to do Vacations in Cusco
Cusco is a tourist destination different from others in many aspects, and it is also in terms of climate. It is something that you should especially take into account at the time of your trip, since most of the activities to do require walking and being outdoors.
The climate of Cusco is influenced by the winds. Those that arrive from the Altiplano are cold and dry, and the local winds, generated by the topographic differences, are humid and warm and compensate the natural cold caused by the height.
Although all year is good to visit Cusco, because the temperature is nice, it is advisable to choose the dry season, which runs from April to November. This will allow you to enjoy more of the excursions and walks, although there is no shortage of unforeseen rains.
The rainy season in Cusco goes from November to March / April. The precipitations can reach 1000 mm / year. The temperature is a little higher at this time with maximums of up to 30ºC and minimums around 20ºC.
The dry season in Cusco goes from March / April to October. The minimum temperature is close to 5ºC although it can reach below 0ºC. The maximum is close to 32ºC and the average of 17ºC / 18ºC.
What to do for altitude sickness in Cusco
Normally, for people who are used to living closer to sea level and are not used to the heights, the altitude sickness syndrome we started to notice at 2,500 meters (so you can get an idea, Cusco, for example, is 3,360 meters above sea level).
The cause of the following symptoms has to do with the lack of oxygen, so in many of the destinations where it is usually given, they have places where oxygen tubes can be consumed. The most common symptoms are dizziness, vomiting, headache, physical exhaustion, sleep disorder and lack of appetite, among other things.
The most recommendable thing, and that they will offer you in the highest places of Peru, is to drink mate or tea from Coke. It is also good to chew the coca leaf itself, since it secretes a liquid that is very good for these cases. Issue? Well, it's a bit bitter.
The important thing is to be well hydrated, so you will have to drink a lot of water even without thirst. It is also not advisable to make copious meals or in abundance. As you will notice lack of appetite, it is best to make light meals and let your stomach get used to it.
Although this last recommendation is more complicated to follow, it is also recommended that during the first few days not much effort be made. You have to be well rested and take the trip calmly.
Of course, being on vacation in a destination like Cusco is somewhat complicated, since what we want is to see everything in the shortest possible time. However, you have to take breaks and try to sleep well at night, even though one of the symptoms has to do with the sleep disorder and makes us wake up in the middle of the night as if we could not breathe. The body will take a few days to get used to, but you do not have to worry.
The best Vacation to Cusco
Sacred Valley Itinerary
The Sacred Valley is comprised between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, has wonderful Andean landscapes, where its inhabitants, natives of the Quechua ethnic group, conserve many customs and ancestral rites. It is the area where you can appreciate and magnify the high technological development reached by the Incas in agriculture through andenerías systems (set of earthen terraces in a staggered way over the mountains to be used in the sowing) that are found today. in full production, accompanied by sophisticated designs and hydraulic engineering works that were used for irrigation. The centers of adoration to the Pachamama (mother earth) also stand out. Combo Sacred Valley Tour
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Many people decide to travel the Inca Trail for 4 days and enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku); nevertheless, we know that not all people enjoy hiking in the open air and mountain camps as much. If it is one of them, your way to Machu Picchu is by train in a beautiful tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In most cases you will board your train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo station, not only because most services depart from this station, but because during the rainy season at Machu Picchu, the Poroy station is restricted for safety. The place where all the trains arrive to Machu Picchu, is the station of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). One block from the station you can board the buses to Machu Picchu; They leave every 15 minutes and the ticket office is right in front of the small bus station. Machu Picchu Day Trip
Humantay Lake Day Hike
This route is ideal for nature lovers who do not have many days but who will find spectacular landscapes, with exotic flora and fauna along this adventure hike through beautiful valleys and white mountains especially the Humantay lagoon considered one of the mountains and most sacred lagoons in the region.
City Tour
Cusco, mythical capital of the Inca Empire, proudly retains its walls and stone walls, which evoke the greatness of the children of the sun. A city full of monuments and historical relics, myths and legends that seem to be reborn every time you walk through its centuries-old streets. Arriving in the city of Cusco, walking through its streets and enjoying its landscapes is transported directly to the past, its atmosphere originates in those who breathe experiences of deep fascination. City Tour in Cusco
South Valley of Cusco
Admire the southern area of the city of Cusco and part of the history through pre-Inca, Inca archaeological centers and a beautiful colonial church known as The Sistine of America all in beautiful villages that still retain their beauty colonial mansions.
What to do in Vacations of Cusco for a week
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
Larger than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao lies practically desolate at the top of the deepest canyon in America. Here tourists do not arrive in comfortable trains, but real adventurers who, after days of exhausting trek, meet with the absolute silence of their mysterious ruins. Archaeologists have estimated that only 40% of the city has been exposed, with various government projects on the way to squeeze their tourism potential. That's why you should do the Trekking to Choquequirao now, before the crowds rob you of an authentic encounter with our historical past. Choquequirao Trail to Machu Picchu
5 day Salkantay Trek
This impressive trek passes under the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6.71 masl/ 20569ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive Apus of Salkantay and Huamantay, while touring the high puna landscape. The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Inca sacred city of Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program. This tour is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space in the trek of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Trek Salkantay was recently named among the best 25 treks in the world, by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine. Condor Sight to Salkantay Trek
Peruvian Festival
Inti Raymi
The Inti Raymi is a festival that celebrates the sun god of the Incas, today it is recreated on June 24 of each year as the most solemn and grandiose festivity of the vanished Inca Empire. The Inti Raymi is a festival celebrated since the time of the Incas during the winter solstice to worship the sun god, it involves colorful costumes, luxury banquets, festive music, and historical re-enactments. Inti Raymi Festival Tour
Qoyllor Rit'i
Travelers in Peru have the opportunity to participate in a unique event that takes place from May 31 to June 2, 2015. Come and ascend the altar in the Ausangate with approximately 10,000 local pilgrims to celebrate Qoyllur Rit'i! Ignore the low temperatures and altitude (4700meters!) For this spiritual festival with music, dance and colorful costumes. Ausangate Festival Qoyllur Rit'i
Cusco Jungle Tour
Paradise blessed with the greatest biodiversity in the world, inhabited by native communities that still keep alive their ancestral traditions and live in harmony with nature. This fascinating destination is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and exotic animals in the Peruvian Amazon. Becoming an ideal place for those who love nature and like an experiential tourism. Manu Peru Amazon
What to do in Sacred Valley this Vacations in Cusco
Chinchero and the Tupac Yupanqui Palace
In Chinchero, a walk through the cobbled streets of the town, until you reach a large square where the Domingos hosts one of the few traditional markets that remain in this part of Peru. Barter still works here, unlike the tourist market of Pisac, which, although it is true, is open every day to tourist hunting. Palace of Tupac Yupanqui Palace of Tupac Yupanqui In the square we will see something out of the ordinary. A church where its bell tower is completely separated from it. Its name, Church of Our Lady of Montserrat. Inside, where you can not take photographs, we can see many images of saints of Spanish origin as San Isidro himself.
Leaving this and turning right we find the pearl of Chinchero, the Palace of Tupac Yupanqui. This palace was destroyed several times in different battles but it was shocked that it was built in a place where it could hardly be cultivated. The reason ... to be closer to the gods.
Moray - The experiments carried out by the Incas
In a deep valley, the Incas had devised one of the strangest constructions that have been seen. A succession of continuous circles dug into the earth and separated by deep steps. The Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory in order to experiment with different crops.
Las Salinas de Maras - Salt with a Gourmet touch
At the top of the Sacred Valley Las Salinas de Maras is composed of more than 3000 cells, each of them operated by a family. The salt they extract can be of three types, normal, pink and the one used for animals. This salt is without iodine and is very demanded by quality restaurants that want to give a special touch to their meals.
Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley
This locality gives name to the pre-Inca ruins that are located in the part of the city whose original name is unknown. Ollantaytambo as a name was chosen because of a local legend. Account that a general fell in love with a daughter of the royalty, whose father was not at all satisfied with this relation. Both lovers fled and took refuge here, in Ollantaytambo. The general was called Ollanta and he was tricked into giving shelter and food to a captain who later betrayed him. Therefore, with the name of General ... Ollanta and the mistake he made, to give food and shelter, which in Quechua means Tambo , the name of the town was formed.
Things to do in Cusco for free
The main activities that you can enjoy in Cusco for free include:
- Walk through the Plaza de Armas. It is the center of the enormous open-air museum, known as the historic center of Cusco.
- The nearby streets are flooded with historical places, museums, churches and thousands of people from all over the world enjoying the culture and contributing to it. In it you can see some of the most impressive churches in the city, the Cathedral and the Company of Jesus decorate the northeast of the square, the other side is decorated by colonial mansions built on Inca residences and temples.
- Visit the Churches of Cusco. Cusco has 13 churches, most of them are true works of art, and while they are not free (completely), there is a way you can enter without paying a single cent and do not worry, it is legal. You will only have to visit them between 05:30 am and 09:00 am. In this schedule the churches are free; However, if you want to visit the churches outside these hours, you will have to purchase the ticket for the religious circuit of Cusco.
- Going through Hatun Rumiyoc Street, which is known all over the globe because it houses the world famous 12 angles stone, is really impressive and as you should know, it is one of the great enigmas behind the Inca civilization; the fact that they were not carved with hammers and bronze chisels (as they say), will be very present in your head, and with it the question that all people ask themselves when they are in places like this, could the Incas mold the stones? but if you investigate a little more about this, it will come with amazing revelations, which could lead you to even conspiracy theories.
- As we told you before, visiting the Historic Center of Cusco is like going through a huge open-air museum. In addition to the incredible Plaza de Armas, you can see others such as Plaza Regocijo, Plaza San Francisco, structures such as the Santa Clara arch, etc. Each of the streets of Cusco can tell you an incredible story. With heroes, invaders, treacherous rebellions, and many, many stories of the navel of the world. We recommend you see the 7 streets of Cusco.
- Visit the San Pedro Market. It is one of the places you have to go if you want to go into day to day with the people of Cusco. The old Central Market is one of the places where you can have a full-fledged experience. It is located 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and in it you can enjoy many of the dishes native to Cusco, see how they are prepared and also the ingredients; although if you decide to try the guinea pig (guinea pig prepared in a wood oven) it is better to eat it before you see it as an ingredient (in the meat section). You can also find handicrafts and garments woven from alpaca wool, sold by people with typical costumes, who bring them from their native communities to show them to people from all over the world, who decide, like you, to visit the San Pedro Market.
- Tour the neighborhood of San Blas. It is known as the neighborhood of artists and it is because in it you can find many artists and artisans from the families of artists and artisans that gave shape to some of the best works of art in the city of Cusco, from the time of the colony; so we do not speak of only artists, but in many cases, of people who have inherited art for generations and who carry it in their veins. There are dozens of handicraft merchants and small art museums where you can enjoy the best of Cusco art, we recommend visiting the art exhibition of the Mendivil family, it will tell you stories and leave you pleasantly impressed. The district of San Blas irremediably ends up being one of the favorite places of the people who visit Cusco.
- Appreciate typical dance performances. On Sunday, in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco fairs and presentations are held in which you can see some of the typical dances of the Cusco region, and although some were born just a few decades ago, others are representations that were made since the time of the Incas; You just have to find a place and enjoy the show. No doubt this is one of the best ways to soak up the culture of Cusco and the people of Cusco. While doing this, you can enjoy a beer Cusqueña and although you can find it in some countries in Europe, North America and Central America, you must necessarily do so if you come from Asian countries or the African continent.
What to do in Cusco at night
Clubs
In Cusco you can find dance clubs for all tastes; You can listen to many different types of music; electronic, salsa, dance, hip hop, reggaeton, reggae and much more. Most of these places have generous happy hours.
Bar & Club Ukuku's
The Ukuku's Bar & Club combines local and international flair very well in a lively place near the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, it is one of the most active and ancient places in Cusco. In it you can listen to everything, traditional Andean music, electro, pop, jazz, reggae, etc. It is located at Calle Plateros, 316. It is open from 8 pm to 6 am.
The Mama Africa
Mama Africa can surprise you with the best mixes of music, electronics, reggae, hip hop, disco; and be coaxed from one moment to the next with a sensual salsa class. You can also see artists and art from all over, including African drums, Spanish guitars or Brazilian bongos; on the way. The party is until dawn and you can repeat the experience the next day and do it as many times as you want; because, although it is possible that you will find colleagues from the previous day. Every night is different in Mama Africa. happy hour until 11pm. It is located in Portal de Harinas 109, 3rd floor, Plaza de Armas. It is open every day from 9 pm to 6 am.
Bars and lounges
If you have your visit to Machu Picchu the next day or if you have just finished the Inca Trail, you most likely want a place to relax instead of a disco. One of the best alternatives are the beautiful bars of Cusco, with works of art on the walls and beautiful decorations with Andean motifs. But if what you want is a place with a festive atmosphere, then you will find it. In many bars you will find board games, cards, pool tables, small libraries and one of the best atmospheres in the navel of the world. These are some very good bars in Cusco:
- City of London - Teqsecocha Street No. 415
- Irish Bar Paddy - Calle Triunfo N ° 124
- Ukukus - Calle de Plateros No. 316
- Mushrooms Lounge & Bar - Portal de Panes N ° 109 - 2nd floor
Cafes
You will find lovely cafes in Cusco, most of them are decorated with beautiful Andean motifs and work inside old houses, offering beautiful and cozy environments, where you can enjoy a coffee, coca tea, hot chocolate or some of the best known Peruvian desserts, fruit salads and delicious homemade cakes, made with cereals and fruits, Kiwicha, quinoa, lucuma.
- Don Esteban and Don Pancho - Av. El Sol N ° 765
- The Basilica: Urb. Marcavalle A-12 Mystic Slot - Ayacucho Street No. 171
- Pairs and Nones (bar and casino) - Mesón de la Estrella Street N ° 0122 to 0124
- La Bondiet - Ice Cream Shop Calle N ° 118
- Map Café - Plazoleta Nazarenas N ° 231
What else to do in Cusco
- Get lost in the corridors of the Artisan Center of Cusco, the place with the best prices to buy fabrics, handicrafts or souvenirs (Crossing Av. Sol with Av. Tullumayo).
- Visit the temple of Qorikancha, where the Convent of Santo Domingo is currently.
- To offer a local beer, Cusqueña.
- Travel through history at the Inka Museum.
- Try traditional Peruvian dishes like the famous guinea pig in a traditional restaurant.
- Climb to the San Cristobal viewpoint to enjoy the best views of Cusco.
- Sit on a bench in the Plaza de Armas and enjoy the atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- See the stone of the twelve angles, a symbol of Inca architecture.
- Climb up to the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and feel small before its imposing walls.
- Pass through the quiet Plaza de las Nazarenas, where the famous Hotel Monasterio is located.
- Taste the ubiquitous Inca Kola, Peru's best-selling soft drink.
- The monument to Pachacútec, near the bus station in the south of the city.
- Do the Free Walking Tour of the city, start at Plaza Regocijo.
- To see the viewpoint of the Church of La Compania De Jesus, the best views of the Plaza de Armas.
- Callejar through the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas.
- Gourmands have a date at the ChocoMuseo, a museum about chocolate (free).
- Visit the Popular Art Museum with some of the most outstanding sculptures and crafts.
- Climb the Cristo Blanco on the Pukamoqo hill, the Peruvian version of the Christ of Corcovado.
- Take a break in the Plaza Regocijo, behind the Plaza de Armas.
- Take coca tea or chew coca leaves to combat soroche (altitude sickness).
- Go out partying and enjoy the lively Cusco night.
- Admire the 14-meter mural that reflects the history of the Inca empire on Avenida del Sol.
- Buy the Tourist Ticket of Cusco, to visit different places of the city or archeological sites of the surroundings as well as of the Sacred Valley.
What to do near Cusco
- Of course, visit Machu Picchu ... one of the wonders of the world!
- Enjoying the train ride to Machu Picchu is an experience in itself.
- Or do the Inca Trail and get to Machu Picchu living an adventure.
- Climb the mountain Machu Picchu or Wayna Pichu, to see the old citadel from the heights.
- Arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning, when the mass of tourists has not yet stepped on the citadel.
- Climb up a vertiginous path to the Putucusi mountain.
- Take a trip from Aguas Calientes to the Mandor Gardens.
- To travel around Cusco, it is most convenient to hire the tours of the Sacred Valley that usually last half a day or a day and leave from Cusco to the different archaeological zones, in the city there are a lot of agencies to compare prices.
- Visit the fountains of Tambomachay, known as the temple of water.
- Climb to the Puca Pucara fortress.
- Get to caress a flame without spitting.
- Go into the underground cave of Quenqo.
- Walk among the terraces of the salt mines of Maras.
- Surprise yourself with the circular terraces of Moray.
- Riding in a combi used by the locals, squeezed but economical.
- Check if the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas deserves its nickname the Sistine Chapel of South America.
- Stroll in the shadow of the stone and mud walls of Pikillacta, one of the best preserved pre-Inca cities.
- See the work of hydraulic engineering that the Incas made in Tipón canals.
- Eat at the charming Paca Paca restaurant in Urubamba.
- See how the artisans work Chinchero artisans.
- Treat yourself to the spa at the Tambo del Inka Hotel in Urubamba.
- Visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, whose Temple of the Sun is built with rocks of more than 60 tons.
- Getting lost in the Pisac market.
- Admire the impressive terraces of Pisac.
- Take a day trip to the Rainbow Mountain.
- Practice adventure sports such as rafting, via ferrata or mountain bike in Urubamba and the Sacred Valley.
- Go back to Cusco ... you will feel at home!
