Cusco is gateway to Machu Picchu + Inca capital + altitude (11,000 ft). 4-5 days perfect including day trips.
Top Things to Do in Cusco
1. Machu Picchu (book 2-3 months ahead)
Cost: USD 50 entry + USD 70-200 train + USD 12 bus.
Go 6am opening. 4-hour visit.
2. Sacred Valley day tour (Pisac + Ollantaytambo)
Cost: USD 30-50 tour.
8 hours. Ruins + markets.
3. Walk Cusco’s Plaza de Armas + Cathedral
Cost: Free walking.
USD 8 cathedral. Inca + Spanish colonial mix.
4. Sacsayhuaman fortress + ruins
Cost: USD 20 boleto turistico.
Massive Inca stones above Cusco.
5. Eat at Cicciolina or Limo (modern Peruvian)
Cost: USD 30-50/person.
Best fine dining in Cusco.
6. Try ceviche + pisco sour
Cost: USD 10-25.
Peru’s national dish + drink.
7. San Pedro Market (San Blas)
Cost: Free walking.
Local food market. Try lucuma + cherimoya fruits.
8. Rainbow Mountain day trip (Vinicunca)
Cost: USD 50-80 tour.
17,000 ft altitude – acclimate first!
9. Hike Humantay Lake
Cost: USD 40-60 tour.
13,800 ft. Turquoise glacial lake.
10. Walk Barrio San Blas (bohemian neighborhood)
Cost: Free walking.
Cobblestones + cafes + galleries.
11. Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Cost: USD 5.
Inca’s most sacred temple. Stone walls survived earthquakes.
12. Eat alpaca steak + cuy (guinea pig – traditional)
Cost: USD 15-30.
Try at Pacha Papa restaurant.
13. Do a coca tea ceremony
Cost: USD 30-50.
Acclimate to altitude + culture.
14. Maras salt mines + Moray circular ruins
Cost: USD 30-50 tour.
4 hours. Pre-Inca salt evaporation + Inca agricultural lab.
15. Hike Inca Trail (4-day) or Salkantay Trek
Cost: USD 600-2000.
Book 4-6 months ahead. Inca Trail permits limited.
Practical Tips for Cusco
Currency: Local currency essential. USD accepted in some tourist areas at worse rates. Carry small bills.
Transport: Use Uber/Cabify/local apps (not street taxis). Public transport is cheap but watch belongings.
Safety: Don’t flash phones/cameras in crowds. Use hotel safes. Use Uber not taxis at night.
Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up taxis. Tips welcome from porters + drivers.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Stay in safe tourist neighborhoods. Mid-range boutique hotels offer best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Cusco safe?
Cusco is generally safe in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply – watch valuables in crowds. Use trusted taxi apps. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night.
How many days do I need in Cusco?
Cusco deserves 3-5 days for first-timers. Add days for surrounding regions + day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Cusco?
Avoid wet/hurricane seasons. Dry season + spring/fall offer the best balance of weather + crowds + prices.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Basic Spanish helps enormously. Locals appreciate the effort. Google Translate works in a pinch. Some staff in tourist hotels speak English.
What about altitude sickness?
Cusco (11,000 ft), Quito (9,300 ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) cause altitude sickness for 10-30% of visitors. Acclimate 1-2 days, drink coca tea, take diamox if needed.
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