Cusco is recognized as one of the most important tourist destinations in South America. It serves as the historical capital of the Inca civilization and the main access point to the citadel of Machu Picchu. However, to understand its importance, one must first understand its geographical environment. The Cusco region is a territory of complex and diverse geography, marked by the presence of the Andes Mountains.
This geography is responsible for the great variety of landscapes in the region, which include snowy mountains like Ausangate, fertile valleys like the Sacred Valley of the Incas (watered by the Vilcanota River), and numerous high-altitude lagoons. This topography is also the cause of its mountain climate, which features variable microclimates and is divided into a dry season and a rainy season, factors that directly impact the planning of any trip.
This guide is designed to answer the central question of "Where is Cusco located?". To do this, in the following sections, we will break down its geographical location, its altitude (3,399 masl), and its historical importance as the "navel of the world".
Location
Cusco is in the southern part of the Andes Mountains in Peru. The city of Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level (11,151 ft). The most important snow-capped mountains in the region are Ausangate and Salkantay. The Vilcanota River runs through almost the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the town of Aguas Calientes. Cusco also has its jungle region, where the Incas knew how to build important cities such as Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Cusco is the first tourist destination in Peru and South America. It has 13 provinces, with the city of Cusco being the capital and urban center of the department. Its territory includes Andean mountains as well as jungles and rivers.
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Location of the department of Cusco in Peru
The department of Cusco is located in the south of Peru in South America.
Geographically, it is located in the Peruvian Andes Mountains. However, its territory (71,086 m2) also includes a vast area of?? jungle.
It is bordered to the north by the departments of Ucayali and Junín. To the south by the departments of Arequipa and Puno. To the east by the department of Madre de Dios. And to the west by the departments of Apurímac and Ayacucho. -
Location of the city of Cusco
Cusco or Cuzco is the capital province of the department of the same name.
It is located in the center of the department, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes Mountains. It borders the provinces of Anta, Calca, Paruro, Quispicanchis and Urubamba.
Cusco was also the capital of the Inca Empire as well as one of the most important cities during the Spanish Colony.
How many provinces does the department of Cusco have?
The department of Cusco has 13 provinces:
- Acomayo.
- Anta.
- Calca.
- Canas.
- Canchis.
- Cuzco.
- Chumbivilcas.
- Espinar.
- La Convención.
- Paruro.
- Paucartambo.
- Quispicanchi.
- Urubamba.
Demographics
The department of Cusco has a total population of 1,316,729 inhabitants (2017).
The city of Cusco is one of the most populated in Peru with 428,450 inhabitants (2017).
What are the coordinates of Cusco?
These are the coordinates of the department of Cusco in degrees, minutes and decimals:
Longitude: O71°58’2.42″ Latitude: S13°31’21.5″
How to get to Cusco?
For the great majority of travelers, the first step to get to Cusco is to fly to the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, the capital of Peru. This airport is the main international hub in the country and receives direct flights from most capitals in the Americas and several cities in Europe.
How to get to Cusco from Lima?
Once in Peru, there are two main methods to get from Lima to the city of Cusco: by air (the fastest option) or by land (the cheapest option).
1) Getting to Cusco by Plane (Recommended Route)
This is the most efficient option and the one most used by travelers.
- Route: The flight is from the Jorge Chávez Airport (LIM) in Lima to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.
- Flight Duration: The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Main Airlines: The airlines that operate this domestic route most frequently are LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.
- Booking Recommendation: It is recommended to buy the plane tickets online and several weeks in advance, especially if traveling in high season (May to September), as prices can increase considerably.
2) Getting to Cusco by Bus
This option is considerably cheaper, but requires a significant time investment.
- Direct Route (Not Recommended): A direct bus route exists from Lima to Cusco, which takes between 20 and 24 hours. This option is not recommended, as it involves a very fast and abrupt climb in altitude, which significantly increases the risk of suffering severe altitude sickness (soroche) upon arrival.
- Route via Arequipa (Recommended for Acclimatization): The most logical and safest land route (often called "the gringo route") is to travel in stages to allow the body to acclimatize. The usual itinerary is Lima -> Arequipa (approx. 16 hours of travel) -> Cusco (approx. 10 hours of travel). Spending a few days in Arequipa (2,335 masl) before climbing to Cusco (3,399 masl) is the best acclimatization strategy if traveling by land.
- Booking Recommendation: Unlike buying at terminals, it is recommended to buy bus tickets online and in advance, using formal and safe companies known for their comfort and service (like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa).
How to get to Cusco from abroad?
For the great majority of international travelers, the first step is to take a flight to the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, the capital of Peru. This airport is the main international hub (connection center) of the country.
Once in Lima, you must take a domestic connection flight to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. The Lima airport receives direct flights from the main cities in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam), and almost all capitals in South America (Santiago, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, etc.).
Cusco Tours
Many are the routes that pass through the Amazon, 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.
