Cusco: Ancient Inca Capital & Gateway to Machu Picchu

Cusco (Qosqo in Quechua, meaning "navel of the world") was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Inca stone foundations support Spanish colonial churches, and centuries-old plazas are packed with backpackers, tour groups, and families.

At 3,400 meters (11,150 ft), Cusco demands respect. Most visitors feel the altitude upon arrival. But after a day or two of acclimatization with coca tea and gentle walks, the city reveals itself as one of the best cities in South America, surrounded by archaeological sites and home to a culinary scene that rivals Lima's.

For trekkers, Cusco serves as the essential base camp for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Lares Trek. All our tour packages include acclimatization time here before heading to the mountains.

Top Attractions

Plaza de Armas

The historic heart of Cusco, flanked by the Cathedral (built 1559–1654) and the Jesuit Church of La Compañía. The Incas called this square Huacaypata, and it hosted ceremonies and celebrations. Today it's the center of city life, surrounded by restaurants and shops beneath colonial arcades. Visit the Cathedral for its stunning collection of Cusqueña School paintings, including a famous Last Supper featuring a roasted cuy.

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

The most important temple in the Inca Empire, originally covered in sheets of gold. The Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo directly on top of its perfectly fitted stone walls. Today you can see both layers of history side by side. The Inca stonework so precise that no mortar was needed, supporting Spanish arches and frescoes. The remaining Inca walls have survived every earthquake that damaged the colonial structure above.

Sacsayhuamán

A massive Inca fortress (or ceremonial center) overlooking Cusco, built with limestone blocks weighing up to 200 tons. The zigzag walls stretch over 600 meters and represent some of the most impressive stone construction in the Americas. It's a 20-minute uphill walk from Plaza de Armas, so take it slowly at this altitude. The annual Inti Raymi festival (June 24) reenacts Inca solstice ceremonies here.

San Pedro Market

Cusco's central market is a feast for the senses. Ground-floor stalls sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. The juice ladies blend any combination you want for about $1. Upstairs, food stalls serve complete lunches (menú del día) for under $3. It's also the best place to buy coca leaves, alpaca wool products, and local handicrafts at local prices, not tourist markups.

San Blas

The artisan quarter, uphill from Plaza de Armas, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with workshops, galleries, and cafés. The neighborhood is artsy and less polished than the center, with some of Cusco's best boutique hotels and restaurants. The steep walk up rewards you with panoramic views over the city's terracotta rooftops. Visit the San Blas church for its ornate carved pulpit, said to have been made from a single cedar trunk.

Day Trips from Cusco

Sacred Valley

The Urubamba Valley is a must-visit, sitting 600 meters lower than Cusco (excellent for acclimatization). Key stops include Pisac (terraced Inca ruins and a famous Sunday market), Ollantaytambo (an Inca fortress town with a massive stone temple), and Chinchero (traditional weaving community). Most Sacred Valley tours take a full day and are included in our multi-day packages.

Moray & Maras Salt Mines

Moray is a set of concentric circular agricultural terraces that the Incas used as a crop laboratory: each level creates a different microclimate. Maras Salt Mines, 7km away, are thousands of evaporation pools cascading down a hillside, producing salt since Inca times and still harvested by local families. The two sites pair perfectly for a half-day trip.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

A full-day excursion to a mountain at 5,200m with naturally striped mineral deposits in red, yellow, green, and turquoise. The hike is 5km each way and challenging at altitude, so only attempt this after acclimatizing for at least 3 days. Depart Cusco at 4am, return by 4pm. Best visited in dry season (May–October) for clear views.

Where to Stay

Plaza de Armas Area

The most central location, steps from restaurants, shops, and attractions. Hotels range from budget hostels ($15–25/night) to luxury options like the Belmond Hotel Monasterio (a converted 16th-century monastery). Expect more noise and tourist activity.

San Blas

The artsy, quieter neighborhood uphill from the plaza. Excellent boutique hotels and guesthouses in the $40–120 range. You'll walk steep streets daily, which helps with acclimatization. Great restaurant and café scene.

San Cristóbal

Even higher than San Blas, this neighborhood offers stunning views and budget-friendly accommodations ($20–50). Less touristy, more residential. The uphill walks are demanding at altitude but worth the panoramic viewpoints.

Food & Dining

Cusco's food scene has exploded in recent years, blending traditional Andean ingredients with modern techniques.

• Cuy (guinea pig): The iconic Andean dish, roasted whole until crispy. Tastes similar to rabbit. Try it at a traditional picantería.
• Alpaca steak: Lean, tender, and high in protein. Often served grilled with Andean potatoes and huacatay (black mint) sauce.
• Lomo saltado: Peru's national comfort food: stir-fried beef with tomatoes, onions, and french fries, served with rice. Chinese-Peruvian fusion at its best.
• Chicharrón: Deep-fried pork served with large corn kernels (mote) and salsa criolla. A popular weekend breakfast.
• Chicha morada: A non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves. Refreshing and uniquely Peruvian.
• Coca tea: Brewed from dried coca leaves. Legal and widely consumed for altitude relief. Mild, earthy taste.

For budget dining, head to San Pedro Market for $2–3 set lunches. For mid-range, San Blas has excellent restaurants in the $8–15 range. Fine dining options on and around Plaza de Armas serve creative Andean cuisine ($20–40 per person).

Altitude Tips for Cusco

At 3,400m, Cusco is higher than most visitors have ever been. Most people feel some effects: shortness of breath on stairs, mild headache, and fatigue. These tips help:

• Rest on arrival: Don't plan strenuous activities for your first day
• Drink coca tea: Hotels serve it free, and it genuinely helps with mild symptoms
• Stay hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours
• Eat light: Heavy meals demand more oxygen to digest, so keep it simple on day one
• Consider the Sacred Valley first: At 2,800m, it's 600m lower and makes a gentler introduction to altitude

For detailed prevention strategies, medication advice, and when to seek help, see our altitude sickness guide.

Getting Around

• Walking: The historic center is compact and walkable. Most attractions are within 15 minutes of Plaza de Armas. Just go slowly at altitude.
• Taxis: Cheap and plentiful ($1–3 within the city). Negotiate the fare before getting in or use the InDriver app.
• Colectivos: Shared minivans run fixed routes to nearby towns (Chinchero, Pisac, Urubamba) for $1–3. Depart from specific streets when full.
• Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ), 15 minutes from the center. Flights from Lima (1h20m) run throughout the day.

Cusco FAQ