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Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cuzco (also spelled Cusco) holds a unique charm that’s hard to put into words. Exquisite churches, fantastic museums, and narrow cobbled streets in the historic center merit at least a few days’ worth of exploration. Add to that stunning Inca ruins both within the city and in the surrounding hills and you’ve got a recipe for travel magic, explore our best Cusco Travel Guide
Cultural festivals throughout the year, including Señor de los Temblores, Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi, highlight the region’s mixed Spanish-indigenous heritage. They also illustrate the continual renewal of the community’s long-held Andean traditions. This fascinating and historically-rich city is sure to be one of the most memorable places you’ve ever set foot in.
The highland climate of Cusco City has two distinct seasons, rainy season and dry season. The climate ranges from temperate to chilly, throughout the year. The mountainous geography of the Cusco region has a wide variety of microclimates. Varying temperatures are usually determined by the level of elevation. The climate can be warm in the valleys, becoming humid the closer you get to the Amazon and frosty at high altitude plains. Generally, as you climb higher elevations, the temperature drops.
Rainy Season
The rainy season in Cusco is from December to March and coinciding with summer in South America. Rainstorms are unpredictable, though heavy rains are usually brief and episodic. January and February typically receive the most rainfall. Cloudy skies are typical throughout the rainy season, but you can expect a welcomed patch of sunshine on some days. Average temperatures are around 60°F (16°C) in the day and 46°F (8°C) at night.
Dry Season
The dry season is from April to November, coinciding with winter in South America. During these months in Cusco, it’s typically beautiful and sunny. The average daytime temperature is around 65°F (18°C), but if you’re in direct sunlight it can feel a lot hotter. At night, without cloud cover to create an insulation effect, the temperature dips down to a chilly 25°F (4°C).
There are benefits to visiting Cusco during each season, as well as some drawbacks.
Cusco is located in the Huatanay valley in Southeastern Peru and surrounded by Andean peaks. The city is the capital of the province and region of Cusco. It’s the principal hub for tourism in Peru and patrons heading to and from Machu Picchu.
ELEVATION
11,155 ft (3,400 m)
POPULATION
~497,000
The city of Cusco represents the sum of hundreds of years of indigenous and cultural fusion throughout the southern Andes of Peru. Excavations in the Cusco basin have uncovered artifacts and temples from the ancient Killke Culture dating as far back as 900 AD.
The Inca civilization began to develop as a city-state in 1200 AD, first co-existing with and then gradually absorbing neighboring ethnic groups. Inca oral traditions recorded after the Spanish conquest remember Manco Capac as the first Inca king.
Expansion of the Inca Empire did not begin until 1438, under the reign of Pachacutec-Cusi Yupanqui, whose name means “earth-shaker.” The Inca called their lands Tawantinsuyu, which spread over much of South America. They used the imperial capital of Cusco as their capital to impose political, religious, and administrative control.
The rectilinear layout of Cusco’s streets is an Incan legacy. Pachacutec ordered his subjects to rebuilt the city in the shape of a puma. The rivers Saphi and Tullumayo were canalized to control flooding and formed the outlines of the puma’s body (the rivers continue to run underground), its loins centered on Qorikancha, and its head represented by Sacsayhuaman. Sacsayhuaman overlooks the city and is built from giant stones. This area of Cusco was reserved for the elite. You can still make out areas that were designated for agriculture, artisanry, and industry.
Francisco Pizarro and Spanish soldiers landed on the shores of the Inca Empire in 1531, thus marking the beginning of the end for the Inca. For a captivating re-telling of the Conquest and collapse of the Inca Empire, join any of our tours for a comprehensive history on Inca heritage and culture.
Following the years after the fall of the Inca Empire in 1533, the Spanish took control of Cusco. Many Inca palaces and temples were toppled. However, the most interesting part of the history of Cusco, is the number of heritage buildings whose foundations are from original Inca architecture. Also, after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake of 1950, the majority of Inca construction survived. The earthquake mostly turned Spanish colonial architecture to rubble. Historical buildings are now a very interesting blend of Inca foundation and the rest of the building is Spanish-style churches and Casonas. Santa Clara Monastery, the Archbishop’s Palace, and Palacio Nazarenas (formerly a convent, now a 5-star hotel) are examples of buildings with long sections of Inca walls that are on display to admire today.
The Plaza de Armas is the cultural heart of Cusco. In Inca times, the square was called Huacaypata, and it was the main stage for the Inca Empire’s most important rituals. It has a lot of historical significance to Peruvians because Tupas Amaru and other independence heroes were executed here. Today, the Plaza de Armas exemplifies the city’s hybrid architecture where pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern histories are layered one on top of the other. Lining the plaza are several restaurants and bars which are perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon people-watching as you adjust to the altitude.
The picturesque Plazoleta San Blas is home to San Blas Church and a quaint collection of whitewashed adobe buildings embellished with cobalt blue balconies and red-tiled roofs. This is the heart of Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood, which has existed as a zone for artisanry since the time of the Inca Empire. Today, it remains the preferred residence of local artists who open their workshops to visitors eager to see their religious sculptures, gold and silver metalwork, woodwork, and more.
The history of colonial Cusco goes hand-in-hand with its churches, and none is more iconic than the Cusco Cathedral. It was built on the site of an Inca palace, using stones from that palace and Sacsayhuaman. Construction for the church began in 1560 and was completed nearly 100 years later in 1656. Inside, there are many works from the famed Escuela Cuzqueña (School of Religious Art), including a painting of the Last Supper, attributed to the native artist Marcos Zapata, which features a traditional Andean plate of cuy (guinea pig) on the table.
Santo Domingo Church encloses one of Cusco’s most impressive Inca ruins, the Coricancha or Temple of the Sun. According to chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, it was the largest and most opulent temple in all of South America, filled with gold, silver, and precious jewels. Inca oral traditions indicate that the temple, dedicated to the worship of Inti, the sun god, was built during the reign of Manco Capac in the 12th century atop a pre-existing temple. Beginning in 1536, Santo Domingo Church was built upon the ruins of the Coricancha, but tantalizing vestiges of the former Inca temple were kept intact. The most intriguing feature is an exceptionally well-crafted semicircular wall that’s visible from Avenida El Sol.
The Sacsayhuaman ruins are on a hill overlooking Cusco. It rises in front of a vast esplanade the length and width of four football fields. The original Inca-built walls were 10 feet (3 meters) taller. On the topmost platform were three circular towers. The gargantuan scale of Sacsayhuaman’s zigzagging, terraced walls will make your jaw drop, even more, when you realize they represent just a fraction of the original site.
Tambomachay is known as “The Bath of the Ñusta (Inca Maiden)” or just the “Inca Baths.” The site was built around 1500 AD and consists of four levels of terraces built into the side of a hill. From the top platform, an underground spring emerges from a hole and cascades down the terraces through finely carved channels. On the last level, the channel splits into two streams that then pour into a stone basin. This exquisite example of Inca hydraulic engineering is a prelude to the sixteen fountains you’ll see at Machu Picchu.
Qenko is an example of a huaca, a naturally occurring rock formation modified into a temple. These holy places can be found everywhere in the Andes, and many of them have been used for millennia. Qenko is remarkable for its size and the intricacy and quantity of its carved features. On the ground level, a tunnel leads into a natural chamber. The cave’s sides and surfaces were polished into walls, niches, and a table. A shaft of light enters through a crack in the rock wall and is said to illuminate the table on full moon nights.
Museo de Arte Precolombino occupies a beautiful colonial house and displays nearly 400 pieces borrowed from the extensive repository of the Larco Museum in Lima, considered one of the most excellent museums of pre-Columbian culture in the world. The collection includes artifacts spanning nearly three millennia of Peruvian history (1250 BC to 1532 AD) and from diverse pre-Columbian cultures including the Nazca, Mochica, Huari, Chancay, and Inca. Visit the MAP Café, located in the courtyard, to enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner in an elegant setting.
Museo Inka showcases the history of the Inca civilization through various displays of ceramics, textiles, mummies, jewelry, qeros (drinking vessels), and more. Learn about the mythical origins of the Inca Empire, the history of pre-Inca and Inca settlement in and around Cusco, and the different ecological zones from the jungle to the high altitude plains that were connected by ancient trade networks.
Mercado de San Pedro has gained popularity with foreign visitors, but the market continues to be an excellent way to observe daily life at the market in Cusco. Among the sights you’ll see are locals eating lunch at their favorite kiosk and food stalls. The vendors sell an eclectic mix of souvenirs, including alpaca sweaters, embroidered cups and ponchos. They also have ethnic super grains, wheels of cheese and carts with fresh fruits and vegetables. Basically, San Pedro Market has it all. Best part is that it´s clean and the crowds never get overwhelming.
The Inca Empire placed profound importance on astronomy. The observations they made in their natural environment, like those up in the sky, were deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and day-to-day activities. A visit to the Planetarium Cusco is an opportunity to learn about Inca constellations and the southern night sky. If the weather permits, you can observe the star studded sky over Cusco through a telescope. The planetarium is a family-run project located in an Andean style house with adobe walls up in the surrounding hills next to Sacsayhuaman about a 10-minute drive from the Plaza de Armas.
Note:
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (or boleto turístico del Cusco) gives you access to a variety of Inca ruins and museums. The popular Full Ticket is valid for ten days and includes entry to sixteen attractions, including Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, the Museum of Pre Columbian Art, and many more. Also included are archeological sites in the Sacred Valley, exclusing Machu Picchu.
Cusco has a booming restaurant scene offering both local delicacies and international classics. Here are some of our favorite places to dine out in the Cusco and sample the range of Peruvian cooking.
Chicha is the restaurant of Peru’s celebrity chef Gaston Acurio. The extensive menu includes many enticing regional foods, but pay extra attention to the section dedicated to Cusquenian dishes. Top your lunch or dinner at Chicha with a dessert called Chocolate Balloon with baked apples covered in caramel moose, ice cream, and toasted almonds.
Location: Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd floor, Cusco
Cicciolina is on the second floor of a restored colonial home around the corner from the Cusco Cathedral. This charming restaurant serves an inventive menu of international favorites and Novo Andino (New Andean) dishes. Lamb Ragu and Causa de Cuy are among a long lineup of recommendations.
Location: Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd floor, Cusco
Pachapapa is an excellent spot to come for a cozy, sitdown meal in San Blas. Enjoy Peruvian classics, like aji de gallina, and hearty lamb, steak, and chicken dishes, as well as some Italian options. If you sit out on the restaurant’s interior courtyard, you can see your made-to-order pizza or calzone emerge from the wood-fired oven.
Location: Plazoleta San Blas 120, San Blas, Cusco
Limo specializes in Peruvian-Japanese cuisine (called Nikkei) and delicious pisco cocktails. In addition to a full sushi bar and ceviche, Limo offers non-seafood Peruvian favorites like arroz chaufa (Peruvian-Chinese fried rice), alpaca steak, pork adobo, and more. Ask for a table by a window overlooking the Plaza de Armas.
Location: Portal de Carnes 236, Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Morena Peruvian Kitchen serves generous portions of traditional Peruvian cooking with a modern twist. Try classic dishes like chicharron (deep-fried pork) and lomo saltado, and one of the fresh smoothies or juices. The contemporary restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
48-B Calle Plateros, Cusco
In modern-day Cusco, whether it’s the processions of Easter Week or the Inca celebration known as Inti Raymi, no public event is complete without performances of folkloric music and dance that recall the oldest traditions of the Andes and hundreds of years of Peruvian history.
When: Dec 31 – January 1
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Cusco is an exciting time. For New Years, thousands of locals and foreigners pack the Plaza de Armas. After the clock strikes midnight, fireworks go off and a wild outdoor party ensues.
When: moveable dates (40 days before Easter Sunday)
A city-wide water fight breaks out on the first Sunday of Carnival, and any person out on the street is a potential target for drenching, and in the spirit of Carnival, anything goes.
When: moveable dates
Events throughout Semana Santa in Cusco provide a remarkable example of how Catholic observances are infused with Andean elements. The week begins with a procession for Taytacha Temblores or “Lord of Earthquakes,” one of Cusco’s revered patron saints, and concludes with eating twelve typical dishes said to represent the twelve apostles. Learn more about celebrating Easter in Cusco and around Peru.
When: moveable dates Sunday – Tuesday
Ascension Day, the same week as Corpus Christi)
Qoyllur Ri’ti, or the Snow Star Festival, is an amalgam of old and new, but with Andean symbols and practices playing a central part. For the festival, an estimated 10,000 pilgrims from Andean villages arrive at Sinakara chapel at the base of the Ausangate.
When: moveable dates (nine weeks after Easter Thursday)
Corpus Christi is a visually stunning procession of the patron virgins and saints from Cusco’s different neighborhood churches. Approximately 50,000 people gather on the Plaza and surrounding streets to watch this holy tradition.
When: June 24 (each year)
Inti Raymi is a paramount festival in Cusco that honors the Inca sun god, Inti. The main procession event takes place on June 24, but the days before and after are also filled with festivities.
When: July 28 – 29 (each year)
The date of Peru’s independence is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country. In Cusco, you’ll see the red and white flag waving everywhere. There are daytime parades and folkloric dance performances and fireworks at night.
When: Dec 24 (each year)
The Feria de Santurantikuy is a unique Cusco tradition where people come to buy and sell objects and adornments for nativity scenes in the Plaza de Armas. Artisans from around Cusco and from as far away as Puno come to display their wares rendered in techniques ranging from silver and tinwork to embroidery.
This full-day trek will take you and a small group to Humantay Lake, nestled below the famous Salkantay Mountain. Hike to one of Peru’s most magical lakes and be surrounded by the impressive Salkantay and Humantay Peaks. Enjoy a hot breakfast upon arrival to the trail, snacks along the way, a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef, private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and a fluent English-speaking guide. Humantay Lake Tour hikes to one of Peru’s most magical lakes while gazing at unbelievable turquoise water. The views are breathtaking!
Appreciate the natural Rainbow-like colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain Trek, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping their ancient culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range. The Rainbow Mountain trek offers a selection of wildlife including soaring Condors and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area are probably the coolest and most unique natural phenomenon you will ever see.
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire called Tawantinsuyu and is a living museum overflowing with our country’s history and culture. You can see the different stages of history from ancient times to the conquest up to modern days. There are numerous archeological sites, Cathedrals, museums, night clubs in the social scene and many shops to explore. Cusco is the most important tourist destination in Peru as it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, not to mention a lot of fun!
Visit the most interesting sites in and around Cusco such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Koricancha, which was once filled with gold until plundered by invaders, Sacsayhuaman fortress and its military Inca architecture, and the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay!
Go for a bike ride off the beaten track and enjoy the fresh air stunning scenery of surrounding mountains, fresh air in while pedaling through the Sacred Valley to visit the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras.
This day tour visits the famous archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, three more archeological sites near Cusco and the ancient town of Pisac! Sacsayhuaman with its impressive Inca military construction protected the northeastern part of Cusco from invaders and is adjacent to the large Cristo Blanco Statue above the city. We also explore the archeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, which are located on the way to Sacred Valley and Pisac. The Inca Village of Pisac has the largest handicraft and textile market in the region of Cusco and the archeological ruins of Pisac are considered to be one of the most interesting Inca archeological sites in the country – besides Machu Picchu of course! The Inca tunnel and the Sacred Temple are constructed from pink granite. We will also explore one of the biggest Inca cemeteries with more than 2,000 tombs and admire the farming terraces built into the mountain. At the colorful Inca market in Pisac, you will have plenty of opportunities to test your bartering skills, interact with the local artisans and purchase their hand-made souvenirs, although you do not need to buy anything, but it is still fun to look around. Please note: The Cusco City Tour is only offered to our clients doing tours or treks to Machu Picchu.
This half day South Valley tour takes us to the unique archeological site of Tipon where we enjoy the impressive irrigation system of created by the Incas, then to Piquillacta where you discover the huge urban planning of the Wari culture. Next, we continue on to Andahuaylillas often referred to as the “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” which has impressive mural paintings from the XVII century.
Please note: The Cusco City Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.
This half day tour visits Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines. We will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley. Visit the picturesque town of Chinchero and its colonial church, the agricultural Terraces in Moray and the impressive pre-Inca salt mine – Salineras.
Please note: The Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley is a treasure trove of timeless ancient Inca archeological sites and stunning natural landscapes that will simply take your break away. As you can imagine, agriculture presented a massive challenge for the Incas because of the craggy, mountainous terrain of the Andes. However, the Sacred Valley is a fertile and lush stretch of land with endless sources of fresh water. This was the heart of Inca land; the temperature is mild compared to the rest of Cusco and the views are incredible.
Our tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through traditional weaving villages and the Inca ruins of Pisac that remain a true representation of Inca agricultural practices. We explore a camelid farm surrounded by llamas, alpacas and vicunas among many other camelids. Driving of the main road, we visit the experimental farming terraces of Moray and the Pre- Inca Maras Salt mines, that’s still function as a main source of income for this small community and supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. As the sun begins to set, we visit the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the ultimate and most intense battle between the Inca Empire and Spanish invaders took place.
The Sacred Valley is vast and stretches for miles with many small indigenous towns, Camelid farm, secluded weaving villages, and ancient Inca Ruins including Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. The tour starts at the massive Pisac ruins with its impressive Inca cemetery of more than 2,000 tombs, engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. The ATV tour includes the Salt Mines in Maras which has thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside fed by natural springs above; and the Terraces of Moray, built in the form of an amphitheater and have different temperatures at each level to grow crops. It was watered through a complex irrigation system and allowed the cultivation of the Incas to grow over 250 types of vegetables. The tour ends at the fascinating and imposing site of Ollantaytambo, a truly impressive Inca ruin with the Sun Temple, the water fountains, the temple of Inkawatana and the impressive storehouses.
Traveling to Peru in the peak season (June, July, August) requires a lot of planning several months in advance. This includes booking hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), flights to/from Cusco, train tickets to/from Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu tickets (limited to 400 and sell out weeks in advance) and Inca Trail permits if applicable.
Altitude sickness is a common health concern for travelers arriving in Cusco. Acclimation varies widely by individual, but many people adjust within 24 to 48 hours. Minor symptoms include headache, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Severe reactions to high elevations are rare and hard to predict.
Before you travel, ask your doctor about medications to prevent altitude sickness. During your stay in Cusco, keep hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and try the local remedy, coca leaf tea. If you’re planning to trek to higher elevations, plan to spend a few days acclimating in Cusco before beginning the journey.
Cusco day excursion checklist:
Dry season packing suggestions:
Rainy season packing suggestions:
The best area to stay in Cusco is in the historic downtown, which has countless restaurants, museums, Inca ruins, and other top attractions within easy walking distance. Some of the city’s most charming hotels are an uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas in the San Blas neighborhood, which might not be the best option for anyone with physical limitations or concerned about overexerting themselves in the high elevation. Cusco accommodation ranges from backpacker party hostels, AirB&B, and comfortable hotels that include complimentary breakfast. Check out our preferred places to stay in the Hotels section above.
Walking is the best way to get around the historic center of Cusco. You can stroll from one side of the historic center to the other within 15 to 20 minutes. Around the Plaza de Armas you’ll find Cusco’s top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife options. The area around the main plaza is mostly flat, but the streets become steeply inclined when you walk toward the San Blas, San Cristobal, or Santa Ana neighborhoods.
Cusco is a 4-hour train trip from the Machu Picchu Station in Aguas Calientes. To catch the train in Cusco, you need to drive to the Poroy Station about 20 minutes from the city’s Plaza de Armas.
Travelers can also trek to Machu Picchu. Trekking packages are arranged so that you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco and then driven to the trailhead in the Sacred Valley. The iconic 4-day Inca Trail starts from KM 82 along the railway tracks in the Sacred Valley and is a 27 mi (44 km) journey on foot all the way to Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.
[acordeons][acordeon title=”How long should I stay in Cusco”]
You should spend at least two days exploring Cusco attractions in the city and its surroundings. If you are short on time, take a guided tour on the first day for a nice introduction to the city’s history and standout attractions like the Plaza de Armas, Coricancha Sun Temple, and Sacsayhuaman. On your second day, spend free time in Cusco exploring the city at your own pace as you adjust to the high elevation. Cusco is also a fantastic base, if you wish to travel to places like Puno, Bolivia or the Puerto Maldonaldo side of the Amazon Jungle.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”What is the elevation of Cusco”]
Cusco is located at 11,155 ft (3,400 m) above sea level and altitude sickness is a common health concern. The elevation of Cusco is much higher than Machu Picchu (7,970 ft, or 2,430 m) and the Sacred Valley (6,730 – 9,800 ft, or 2,050 – 3,000 m).
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”Is Cusco safe”]
Cusco is considered one of the safest cities in Peru. Standard travel precautions apply, and, like anywhere else in the world, you want to avoid making yourself a target for petty theft.
Some important safety precautions include:
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”Where are the best places to shop in Cusco” ]
Cusco has plenty of options to grab a souvenir. Most shops in the city’s historic center are concentrated on the main streets that branch out from the Plaza de Armas and Plaza Regocijo. Alpaca wool hats, gloves, and sweaters are among the most popular items to buy at local markets like San Pedro. If you’re looking for high quality authentic alpaca clothing and textiles, try Centre de Textile Tradicionales del Cusco (Avenida El Sol 603) or Kuna (Portal de Panes 127, Plaza de Armas). For silver jewelry, visit Esma Joyas (Calle Triunfo 393) or the established brand Ilaria (Portal Carrizos 258). For artisan goods, the streets Tandapata and Carmen Alto in Barrio San Blas are a great place to lose yourself in vintage and boutique shops. The best option for trinkets and textiles is the Centro Artesanal Cusco at the very end of Av. El Sol.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”How can I visit the Sacred Valley from Cusco” ]
The easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley from Cusco is on a guided full day tour that picks you up and drops you off from your hotel. The principal stops include the archeological sites in Pisac and Ollantaytambo, as well as Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Sacred Valley is also a great place to venture on a solo day trip for some independent exploration.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”What’s included in a city tour of Cusco” ]
For travelers short on time, a guided Cusco tour is the best way to take in the highlights of South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Group tours usually begin in the afternoon, visiting the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral. These two sites provide an introduction to the drama of Cusco’s history through its architecture, from the rise of the Inca Empire to its defeat by Spanish conquistadors and the building of a colonial city atop the ruins. Then drive into the countryside to see impressive archeological sites, including Sacsayhuaman.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”How can I visit Rainbow Mountain from Cusco” ]
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca as it’s known by locals, has become a popular hike in the Cusco region. It’s possible to visit Rainbow Mountain in one (very long) day from Cusco or you can divide the trip into a two-day itinerary. While the hike isn’t very difficult and doesn’t have many steep inclines, Vinicunca is in a high elevation region (the highest part of the trail is 17,060 ft or 5,200 m) and you should spend time acclimating before starting the hike.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”Where is the best place to exchange money in Cusco” ]
In Cusco, there are money exchange offices around the Plaza de Armas and on Avenida El Sol. Some hotels also offer this service. To exchange US dollars or Euros to Peruvian soles, you’ll need crisp bills with no blemishes of any kind. We recommend asking atleast 3 different places, sometimes they don´t always offer the same rate. Money with tiny rips, marks, and other defects will likely be rejected.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”Where is the Cusco Airport” ]
Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of the historic center and the Plaza de Armas. The Cusco airport code is CUZ. International travelers arriving in Peru almost always land in Lima, the country’s capital, and then take a 1.5 hour direct flight to Cusco. From the Cusco airport you can also fly to other popular southern Peru destinations including Puerto Maldonado (Amazon), Puno (Lake Titicaca), and Arequipa.
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”How long is the flight from Cusco to” ]
Flying is the most popular way to get to Cusco and onward to other destinations.
Flight times from Cusco include:
[/acordeon][acordeon title=”How far is Cusco from” ]
Cusco is the jumping-off point not only for Machu Picchu, but other destinations in Peru:
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Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Our group of 8 did the 3-day Inca trail tour. From the very beginning Ray demonstrated his knowledge by answering all our questions thoroughly. Trekking the Inca trail was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I can say for certain that I would not have finished the trail, if not for Ray. I am not active at all, and hiking up and down a mountain, for 7 hours, seemed impossible. Within the first 10 minutes I was ready to be done. That sentiment was shared within most of my group.
Our tour guide Ray was excellent and very helpful. And we did the short inks trail to machupicchu thanks for the experience
Ray was absolutely amazing 😎 would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to travel to Machu Picchu !!! Best experience of my life and off my bucket list🙏🏾
Vinimos desde Choquequirao para visitar Machu Picchu e incluso después de todos los momentos inolvidables del trekking con Jhony como nuestro guía Machu Picchu fue realmente memorable. Tener boletos para la entrada de las 6 a.m. fue fantástico, ya que nos permitió explorar con menos multitudes y presenciar la niebla que se elevaba sobre las ruinas.
Éramos un grupo de tres que decidimos realizar un recorrido de un día por el Valle Sagrado de Orange Nations, contemplando Ollyantaytambo y terminando en Cusco. La mejor decisión que tomamos fue que fuimos recibidos por nuestro increíble guía Miguel justo a tiempo, quien nos llevó a este increíble día lleno de diversión, risas y con un gran conocimiento sobre el área.
Gracias Jhony y Grober por sus recorridos entusiastas y conocedores. Definitivamente ambos guías turísticos del siguiente nivel con una compañía del siguiente nivel. Hicimos la caminata Laures y Machupichu con Sam Travels / Orange Nation y lo recomendamos encarecidamente :)
¡Los mejores guías turísticos del Perú para el sendero Machu Picchu! Nuestros guías turísticos Johny y David brindaron un servicio de la más alta calidad en mi experiencia viajando por Perú. Johnny enriqueció toda nuestra experiencia con humor, un conocimiento increíblemente detallado de la historia y cultura peruana, así como su entusiasmo y amabilidad. Durante los 2 días,
recommends Orange Nation Peru
This was my first time in Peru and I wanted to do something bigger and better than Machu Picchu. I was searching online and came across Orange Nation's "Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu" , which is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Since Peru is known for a Machu Picchu
recommends Orange Nation Peru
My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
Excelente Anghely una nueva oportunidades de trabajo me siento feliz por estos logros
