Cusco, Peru
The old Inca capital, set high in the Andes: a stone-paved historic centre, the Sacred Valley on its doorstep and the train to Machu Picchu a short hop away.
Updated
Key Takeaways
- Cusco sits at 3,399 metres above sea level, so plan a gentle first day and let your body adjust before any big hike.
- The dry season runs roughly April to October, with sunny days and cold nights; November to March is the green, rainy season with fewer visitors.
- Base yourself in the historic centre for the city, or in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco and is often easier on arrival.
- Machu Picchu is reached by train to Aguas Calientes, then a short ride up; entry is by timed ticket, so book ahead through the official platform.
- The Rainbow Mountain trek tops 5,000 metres and is a long day trip, best left until you have spent a few days at altitude.
Why Is Cusco Worth Visiting?
Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire, a living Andean city where Inca stonework carries Spanish colonial buildings, and the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
The historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and it still feels layered, with Inca stonework supporting colonial churches and balconies. Cusco works for travellers who like to walk, eat and look closely. Narrow lanes climb to San Blas, where artisans work, and the main food market sells fruit you may not recognise. Navoy builds a day-by-day itinerary and books the stays and transfers in the same flow, so the altitude, the valley and the train all fit into one plan.
Where Should You Stay in Cusco?
Stay in Cusco's historic centre if you want to walk to sights and restaurants, or in the Sacred Valley if you want a quieter, lower base; most trips use both.
Historic centre and San Blas
Everything within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and the Qorikancha, with San Blas up the hill for its artisans. Expect hills and steps, which feel steeper at altitude.
Sacred Valley
A green river valley with villages, terraces and Inca sites, lower than Cusco. Pisac has a famous craft market and ruins; Ollantaytambo has a living Inca town and the departure point for trains to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
The small town below Machu Picchu, reached by train or on foot, useful for an early start at the citadel but not a base for much else.
| Area | Best For | Atmosphere | How You Reach It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic centre and San Blas | First-timers, food, museums | Lively, stone lanes, steep | Flights from Lima take about 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) | Gentle acclimatisation, markets, Inca sites | Green, calm, village feel | About 1.5 hours by road from central Cusco |
| Aguas Calientes | Early entry to Machu Picchu | Compact, busy with day visitors | Train from Ollantaytambo, around 2 to 3 hours |
What Are the Best Things to Do in Cusco?
Walk the historic centre, climb to Sacsayhuamán, browse San Pedro Market, spend a day in the Sacred Valley, and visit Machu Picchu by train.
- Historic centre and Qorikancha: Stroll the Plaza de Armas, look for the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, and visit the Temple and Convent of Santo Domingo (Qorikancha).
- Sacsayhuamán: A hilltop Inca complex of giant fitted stones, about 2 km from the plaza and a walk of roughly 30 minutes, uphill. It is also the setting for the Inti Raymi sun festival each June.
- San Pedro Market: The city's main food market, good for fruit, bread, cheese and a sense of daily Cusco life.
- Sacred Valley: Pisac's market and terraces, the sites of Maras and Moray, and the Inca streets of Ollantaytambo.
- Machu Picchu: The Inca citadel, reached by train to Aguas Calientes, then a ride up the hill. Tickets are sold for set time slots and routes through the Ministry of Culture's official platform, and the rules have changed over the years, so check them when you book.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): A striped ridge in the Vilcanota range, more than 5,000 metres high, reached on a long day trip with a trek from the trailhead.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Cusco?
Take the first day slowly because of the altitude, book Machu Picchu entry ahead, and pack layers, because Cusco is sunny by day and cold at night.
At 3,399 metres, many visitors feel breathless, tired or headachy for the first day or two; Peru's tourism board advises resting, drinking plenty of water, eating light meals and avoiding alcohol at first, and seeing a doctor if symptoms get worse. Anyone with health concerns should talk to a doctor before the trip. Many travellers use the lower Sacred Valley as a first base, then return to Cusco, and leave Rainbow Mountain until later in the trip. Dry-season days are around 20°C with nights near 10°C, so bring a warm layer, sun protection and a rain shell. Machu Picchu has rules on bag size and conduct, which the official site lists, and visitors follow set routes. The high season runs roughly from mid-June to late September, so book trains and entry tickets well ahead for those months. Carry some cash in soles for markets and small villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Five days is a comfortable minimum: one to acclimatise in Cusco, one for the Sacred Valley, one for Machu Picchu, and time for the city itself. A week lets you add Rainbow Mountain or a slower valley stay. Rushing straight to high altitude hikes in the first two days is the most common planning mistake.
Is Cusco or the Sacred Valley better as a base?
Cusco is better for museums, food, nightlife and walking between sights. The Sacred Valley is lower in altitude, quieter and closer to the Machu Picchu trains, so many travellers sleep there first to acclimatise. A common plan is a night or two in the valley, then several nights in Cusco, or the reverse.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The dry season from April to October brings sunny days and clear mountain views, with cold nights; June to September is the busiest stretch. November to March is the rainy season, greener and quieter, with afternoon showers and some trail disruption. Shoulder months such as April, May and October balance weather and crowds.
Featured Itineraries
Swipe to see more →