Cusco was the capital of the Inca empire, and it is where nearly every trip to Machu Picchu starts. Spanish churches and mansions stand on Inca foundations of perfectly fitted stone; the streets around the Plaza de Armas and the San Blas quarter are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also high — about 3,400 m. Give yourself time to adjust, or travel on to the lower Sacred Valley straight away and keep Cusco for the end of your trip.
Top things to do at Cusco
The Plaza de Armas and the cathedral
The main square occupies part of the Inca ceremonial plaza. The cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía face it; arcades and balconies line the other sides.
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca world, once sheathed in gold, lies beneath the convent of Santo Domingo. Its curved outer wall and interior chambers show Inca stonework at its finest.
Sacsayhuamán
On the hill above the city, three zigzag ramparts are built of limestone blocks weighing many tonnes. Nearby are the carved rock of Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and the fountains of Tambomachay — together an easy half-day.
San Blas and Hatun Rumiyoc
Walk up the lane of Hatun Rumiyoc, past the famous twelve-angled stone, into the artisan quarter of San Blas, with workshops, cafés and views over the rooftops.
San Pedro market
The central market, for fruit juices, bread, cheese and a look at daily life. Keep an eye on your belongings.
How to get to Cusco
- By air: frequent flights from Lima take about 1 h 20 min; the airport is 15–20 minutes from the centre.
- By bus: long-distance services connect with Puno, Arequipa and Lima.
- To Machu Picchu: see how to get to Machu Picchu.
Insider tips
- Take your first day slowly: short walks, light meals, plenty of water.
- The Boleto Turístico covers Sacsayhuamán and many sites in the Sacred Valley, but not Machu Picchu, the cathedral or Qorikancha.
- Nights are cold from June to August; choose a hotel with heating.
- Use registered taxis or apps at night, as in any city.
Best tours & tickets for Cusco
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Cusco:
Half-day tour Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo
The Inca sites on the hills above Cusco with a guide, in half a day. The giant walls of Sacsayhuamán are a fine introduction to Inca stonework before you see Machu Picchu.
- Sacsayhuamán fortress
- Q’enqo and nearby Inca sites
- An easy pace for acclimatising
Day trip From Cusco: Full-Day Group Tour of Machu Picchu
The best-selling way to see Machu Picchu in a single day: pickup in Cusco before dawn, transfer to the station, train to Aguas Calientes, bus up, a guided visit and the same in reverse. Long but efficient, with more than two thousand reviews.
- Hotel pickup, transfer and return train
- Bus up to the citadel and entry ticket
- Guided visit of Machu Picchu
Half-day tour Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Tour
Three of the most photogenic stops near Cusco in a morning or an afternoon. Very well reviewed, and easy to fit around other plans.
- Circular terraces of Moray
- Maras salt pans
- Weaving demonstration in Chinchero
