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Cusco

Peru

Pace: balanced Historic Vibrant Spiritual Scenic
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
May-Sep
Cusco
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Cusco

Book direct on our own Cusco hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Alpine
Languages
Spanish and Quechua
Local currency
PEN (PEN)
Local time
(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
  1. Jan
    60

    Wet, warm

  2. Feb
    55

    Wettest, warm

  3. Mar
    65

    Wet, warm

  4. Apr
    75

    Transition, mild

  5. May
    85

    Dry, cool nights

  6. Jun
    90

    Dry, cold nights

  7. Jul
    95

    Dry, coldest nights

  8. Aug
    90

    Dry, cool nights

  9. Sept
    85

    Dry, mild

  10. Oct
    75

    Transition, mild

  11. Nov
    65

    Wet, warm

  12. Dec
    60

    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
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Cusco

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Cuy Chactado 95 · Outstanding
Lomo Saltado 87 · Outstanding
Aji De Gallina 78 · Very good
Papa A La Huancaína 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore Sacsayhuaman 95 · Outstanding
Wander Plaza De Armas 90 · Outstanding
Visit San Pedro Market 85 · Outstanding
Discover Coricancha 80 · Very good
Day Trip To Machu Picchu 75 · Very good
Sacred Valley Tour 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Adventure 80 · Very good
Culture 75 · Very good
History 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Acclimatize to the high altitude slowly upon arrival. 95 · Outstanding
Book Machu Picchu tickets and train fares well in advance. 83 · Very good
Bargain respectfully when shopping in local markets. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Cusco

Straight-line distance from the centre of Cusco.

Getaways from Cusco

Places people from Cusco travel to, from our own travel research.

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