Cusco

Cusco Travel Wiki

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Travel to Cusco

As a destination on its own as well as the gateway to the Inca ruins, Cusco is a must-see during your trip to Peru. The city, also spelled Cuzco, is situated at over 11,000 feet and literally scrapes the sky. It is a stopping point for your journey to the once lost city of Machu Picchu, the tropical Peruvian Amazon, and the bold Andes Mountains. Cusco is a colonial town with its cobblestone streets caters towards all types of travelers, from backpackers to romantic couples, and great for weary sightseers to rest up for a few days before embarking on their next adventure on a whirlwind tour of South America.

Travel and vacation in Cusco, Peru

Here you can find information about travel and holiday trips to Peru. You will find travel deals as well as general travel information, guides, “good to know” and facts about Peru. We try to find the best travel video about the city and its surroundings and we write about the best sights, shopping and things to do. You will also find updated current weather and forecasts. The current exchange rates are also updated many times a day.

Best of Cusco

What to see and do in Cusco ?

Cusco is nestled between the peaks of the surrounding Andes, so it has remained relatively small in terms of city planning. Several hotels and hostels are situated in the Centro Historico with the Plaza de las Armas at its heart. Visitors can stay close to action at the plaza or choose a quieter stay towards the edges of the old city. Most of the sites and attractions in the city are a short walk from each other, and you’ll find restaurants and several tour companies eager to help you plan your adventures in to the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, and beyond.

Once your lungs have adjusted to the altitude, you should set out to explore the city. The narrow streets of Cuzco invite visitors to wander through. Dare yourself to get lost in the streets and you’ll run into cute shops and cafes. Sip some delicious mate and people watch or relax your muscles with a massage.

Stumble onto the San Pedro Market where the locals shop and pick up some fresh produce. The impressive Plaza de las Armas is easy to find, and it is a great spot to enjoy the sunshine. The Catedral de Santo Domingo and La Compania sit on its side, and both are good examples of colonial architecture. If you are lucky, you’ll catch one of the many colorful festivals occurring in the plaza.

Throughout the city, you can hunt for traces of Inca ruins. Stop by the Museo Historical Regional situated in a sweeping colonial home to view a motley collection of Inca, Pukara, and Wari artifacts. Visit the ruins of Qorikancha, whose stones were used to build La Catedral. Other nearby sites include Quenco, home of the ancient temple of Puma, the Inca fortress of Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, where some believe is an ancient spa resort.

High above the city of Cusco sits the impressive ruins of Saksaywaman, which is most known for its impressive stone wall fitted perfectly together without mortar. Every year on June 24, hundreds of native people and visitors gather in its large plaza to celebrate Inti Raymi, the winter solstice. Just a short bus ride from the city, visitors can view Cusco from above.

There are a myriad of tours that will allow you to explore the area beyond the famous Machu Picchu. Trek to a lesser-known Inca hilltop city named Choquequirao for a less crowded Inca experience. Book an overnight trip through the Peruvian Amazon or spend the day white-water rafting through stunning mountain gorges.