Cusco, Peru
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire—the "navel of the world" from which the Incas ruled territory stretching from Colombia to Chile. Today the Andean city at 3,400 meters enchants visitors with its fusion of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture, where baroque churches rise from perfectly fitted stone walls. The gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco merits exploration in its own right: ancient temples converted to churches, markets where Quechua-speaking vendors sell traditional textiles, and restaurants reinventing Andean cuisine. The altitude hits hard at first, but the rewards of acclimatization are extraordinary.
Top Attractions in Cusco
- Plaza de Armas — Cusco's main square stands where the Incas held ceremonies in the heart of their empire. The baroque Cathedral and La Compañía church dominate the arcaded plaza, while restaurants and bars fill the surrounding buildings. The square comes alive with processions during religious festivals, linking Catholic tradition with indigenous roots.
- Sacsayhuamán — The Inca fortress above Cusco features walls of massive stones—some weighing over 100 tons—fitted together without mortar so precisely that a knife blade cannot slip between them. The zigzag ramparts likely served ceremonial as well as defensive purposes. The site offers city views and the annual Inti Raymi festival each June 24th.
- San Blas — The artisan neighborhood climbs steep streets above the plaza, its workshops producing and selling traditional crafts—ceramics, textiles, paintings. The whitewashed San Blas church houses a colonial wooden pulpit carved from a single tree trunk, considered a masterpiece of colonial art. Cafés and boutique hotels occupy colonial buildings along the narrow lanes.
- Sacred Valley — The Urubamba Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu contains Inca sites, traditional markets, and Andean landscapes. Pisac's terraces and market, Ollantaytambo's fortress, and Moray's circular agricultural terraces offer cultural and historical depth. The valley's lower altitude provides easier acclimatization than Cusco itself.
- Machu Picchu Gateway — Cusco is the starting point for Peru's most famous destination. Trains and trekking routes reach the lost Inca city from here—the classic Inca Trail takes four days, while train journeys through the valley take hours. Planning well ahead is essential, as permits and entrance limits restrict daily visitors.
Travel Info
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Average temperature: 12°C (54°F) annual average
- Currency: PEN (Sol)
Typical Costs
- Quick Lunch (Menú Turístico): S/10 – S/18
- Dinner (Mid-range Restaurant): S/50 – S/100
- Coffee (Café Pasado): S/6 – S/12
- Collectivo (Shared Van): S/1 – S/3
- Airport Transfer (CUZ to Centro): S/30 – S/50