Cusco

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Practical information

Discover Cusco and it’s hotspots nearby with our exciting tours! Explore the best Cusco attractions. Here is some practical information, useful before booking a tour.

  • Getting to Cusco from Lima:
    • By air: The fastest way to get to Cusco from Lima is by flying. It takes about 1.5 hours. Several airlines operate daily flights from and to Lima.
    • By bus: A more economical but longer option is taking a bus. This can take about 21 hours and offers beautiful scenery along the way.
  • Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally clearer and drier, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Altitude: The city is located at an altitude of about 3.400 meters (11,200 feet). Altitude sickness can be a concern, so it’s advisable to acclimatize for a few days upon arrival before engaging in activities.
  • Duration of stay: A minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended in Cusco to explore the city and surrounding attractions comfortably. If you plan to include trips like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or visit Machu Picchu, consider extending your stay to about a week.

Top attractions in and around Cusco

  • The Sacred Valley: Home to beautiful villages, Inca ruins, and markets, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • Lake Humantay: A stunning glacial lake with turquoise waters, located about a 2-hour drive from the city. It is typically visited on a day hike that is moderately challenging and offers spectacular views, particularly of the Salkantay Mountain.
  • Cusco’s historic center: Full of colonial architecture, ancient Inca ruins, and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas and the Cusco Cathedral.
  • Rainbow Mountain: Known for its unique mineralogical composition that creates colorful layers in the mountain.
  • Sacsayhuamán: An impressive Inca fortress with large terraces that overlook Cusco.

Mountain tours

Lake tours

Manu Amazon Jungle Tours from Cusco

Other, half-day tours

For which type of tour/attraction visit Cusco?

  • History and culture enthusiasts: Explore Inca ruins, museums, and cultural tours.
  • Adventure travelers: Engage in hiking, zip-lining, and biking around the Sacred Valley and other high-altitude trails.
  • Nature lovers: Explore the Andean landscapes, like beatuiful lakes and mountains.
  • Spiritual seekers: Participate in traditional Andean ceremonies or yoga retreats.

More about Cusco

Historically, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. The city was laid out in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal according to the Incas. The Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century and built their colonial city on the foundations of Inca architecture, which is why Cusco today is a blend of Inca and Spanish styles.

Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 because of its unique history and architecture. The city is considered the historical capital of Peru and remains a major hub for the country’s tourism and culture. Exploring the Inca capital offers a glimpse into the Inca civilization’s grandeur and the rich traditions that continue to influence modern Peruvian life.