Discovering Cusco: The Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire

Cusco: Gateway to Machu Picchu and Ancient Wonders

The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco stands as a living museum where ancient Inca stonework forms the foundation for Spanish colonial architecture. Positioned at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,152 feet), this UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city captivates visitors with its unique blend of Inca and colonial history, vibrant cultural traditions, and stunning Andean landscapes.

Quick Essential Information

Language

Spanish, Quechua

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Visa

Most tourists get visa-free entry for 90-183 days

Power Plugs

Type A & C, 220V

Emergency Contacts

Medical Emergency: 106
Police: 105
Tourist Police: (51-84) 249-654

Religion

Roman Catholic, Andean beliefs

Airport

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Climate

Dry season (April-October), Wet season (November-March)

Useful Apps

Maps.me
Uber
iTranslate

Geographic Location

Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, nestled in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The city sits in the Huatanay River valley, surrounded by the Andes mountain range.

Best Time to Visit

April to October (dry season) offers clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring archaeological sites and hiking. Festivals like Inti Raymi (June 24) provide unique cultural experiences.

Transport

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is located 5 km from city center.

Transport Options from CUZ:

  • Official Airport Taxi: PEN 30-40/USD 8-10 (15-20 minutes)
  • Private Transfer: PEN 50-60/USD 13-15 (15-20 minutes)
  • Shared Shuttle: PEN 20/USD 5 (25-30 minutes) Tickets available at airport counters or online through respective company websites.

Accommodations

Booking platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com

Luxury Range

  • Belmond Palacio Nazarenas: USD 500-800/night
  • JW Marriott El Convento: USD 400-600/night
  • Inkaterra La Casona: USD 450-700/night

Mid-Range

  • Casa Andina Premium: USD 150-250/night
  • El Mercado: USD 180-280/night
  • Novotel Cusco: USD 140-220/night

Budget Range

  • Selina Cusco: USD 20-60/night
  • Wild Rover Hostel: USD 15-40/night
  • Kokopelli Hostel: USD 18-45/night

Foods

Traditional Cusco Cuisine:

  • Chiri Uchu: Traditional cold dish served during Corpus Christi
  • Cuy al Horno: Roasted guinea pig
  • Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with Andean ingredients
  • Alpaca Steak: Local alternative to beef
  • Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed spicy peppers

Local Specialties:

  • Quinoa Soup: Traditional Andean grain soup
  • Trucha: Fresh trout from local rivers
  • Anticuchos: Grilled beef heart skewers
  • Choclo con Queso: Large-kernel corn with cheese

Traditional Drinks:

  • Mate de Coca: Coca leaf tea (helps with altitude)
  • Chicha de Jora: Traditional corn beer
  • Pisco Sour: National cocktail
  • Inca Kola: Popular local soft drink

Must-Try Restaurants:

  • Cicciolina: Contemporary Andean cuisine
  • Pachapapa: Traditional Cusqueñan food
  • Morena: Modern Peruvian dining
  • Map Café: Fine dining in museum setting

Tourist Attractions

Plaza de Armas The historic heart of Cusco showcases architectural mastery across centuries:

  • Cusco Cathedral: A masterpiece of colonial baroque architecture built using Inca stones
    • Houses the famous “Last Supper” painting with guinea pig
    • Collection of over 400 colonial-era artworks
    • Intricate blend of Catholic and Andean symbolism
  • Church of La Compañía: Rivals the cathedral in grandeur
    • Built on palace of Inca Huayna Capac
    • Remarkable golden altar
    • Underground crypt and catacombs
  • Portal de Harinas: Colonial arcades with traditional cafes
  • Stone of Twelve Angles: Famous example of Inca stonework

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) The most sacred site of the Inca Empire:

  • Original gold-covered walls (stripped by conquistadors)
  • Precisely cut stonework remaining from Inca period
  • Five original chambers dedicated to different deities
  • Astronomical observation points
  • Sacred gardens and fountains
  • Spanish colonial artwork merging with Inca architecture
  • On-site museum with artifacts and historical exhibits

Sacsayhuamán Massive ceremonial complex overlooking Cusco:

  • Three-tiered zigzag fortifications
  • Enormous stone blocks weighing up to 125 tons
  • Site of annual Inti Raymi festival
  • Ancient water systems still functioning
  • Underground passages and temples
  • Spectacular views over Cusco
  • Throne room and ceremonial platforms

San Blas Neighborhood The artistic soul of Cusco:

  • Narrowest street in Cusco (Hatun Rumiyoc)
  • San Blas Church with famous wooden pulpit
  • Traditional artisan workshops
  • Historic colonial mansions
  • Boutique galleries and museums
  • Panoramic viewpoints
  • Traditional picanterías (local restaurants)

Sacred Valley Sites Access points to legendary Inca locations:

  • Pisac:
    • Massive agricultural terraces
    • Ancient astronomical observatory
    • Traditional market (best on Sundays)
    • Colonial church built on Inca foundations
  • Ollantaytambo:
    • Living Inca city with original layout
    • Massive temple-fortress complex
    • Ancient grain storehouses
    • Traditional canchas (housing blocks)

Museo Inka Housed in the colonial mansion Admiral’s House:

  • Extensive collection of Inca artifacts
  • Gold and silver work displays
  • Mummies and burial items
  • Traditional textiles exhibition
  • Interactive weaving demonstrations
  • Ancient tools and weapons
  • Detailed models of Inca sites

San Pedro Market The city’s largest traditional market:

  • Fresh produce section with Andean products
  • Traditional medicine stalls
  • Local cheese and bread vendors
  • Handicraft section
  • Traditional food courts
  • Juice bars and local delicacies

Hidden Gems Lesser-known but fascinating sites:

  • Museo de Arte Precolombino
  • Santa Catalina Convent
  • San Antonio Abad Temple
  • Cusco Planetarium
  • Temple of the Moon
  • Q’enqo ceremonial site
  • Puka Pukara fortress

Things to Do

Cultural Deep Dives:

  • Traditional Ceremonies:
    • Participate in coca leaf readings
    • Join traditional Andean ceremonies
    • Experience despacho offerings
    • Learn about Andean cosmology
  • Artisan Workshops:
    • Traditional weaving demonstrations
    • Pottery making classes
    • Silver jewelry workshops
    • Leather crafting sessions
  • Music and Dance:
    • Andean music instrument workshops
    • Traditional dance lessons
    • Evening folklore shows
    • Visit to music instrument makers

Sacred Valley Adventures:

  • Archaeological Explorations:
    • Guided tours of lesser-known sites
    • Photography sessions at sunrise
    • Archaeological workshops
    • Mountain biking between sites
  • Natural Wonders:
    • Rainbow Mountain expeditions
    • Humantay Lake trek
    • Salt mines of Maras visits
    • Sacred Valley horseback riding
  • Local Communities:
    • Home stays with local families
    • Agricultural work experiences
    • Traditional cooking lessons
    • Textile weaving communities

Adventure Activities:

  • Hiking and Trekking:
    • Alternative Inca Trail routes
    • Ausangate Circuit
    • Salkantay Trek
    • Day hikes around Cusco
  • Outdoor Sports:
    • Rock climbing ancient quarries
    • Mountain biking sacred trails
    • Zip lining Sacred Valley
    • White water rafting
  • Wellness Activities:
    • High-altitude yoga sessions
    • Traditional healing ceremonies
    • Meditation in ancient sites
    • Andean spa treatments

Culinary Experiences:

  • Cooking Classes:
    • Traditional Andean cuisine
    • Modern Peruvian fusion
    • Local market tours
    • High-altitude cooking techniques
  • Food Tours:
    • Street food adventures
    • Chocolate making workshops
    • Local brewery visits
    • Coffee plantation tours

Evening Entertainment:

  • Cultural Shows:
    • Traditional music performances
    • Folkloric dance shows
    • Dinner theater experiences
    • Local peñas visits
  • Night Tours:
    • Illuminated ruins tours
    • Ghost story walking tours
    • Stargazing at planetarium

Sunset photography sessions

Local Life:

  • Community Interactions:
    • Local festival participation
    • Market visits with locals
    • Traditional games learning
    • Community service projects
  • Art and Photography:
    • Street art tours
    • Photography workshops
    • Artist studio visits
    • Traditional art lessons

Getting Around

  • Taxi: Starting fare PEN 4/USD 1
  • Local Bus: PEN 1/USD 0.30 per ride
  • Walking: Best for historic center
  • Tourist Buses: Various prices for sites
  • Private Tours: Negotiable rates

Budget (Daily Expenses in USD)

CategoryBackpackerMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation15-4080-180300-700
Food10-2530-6070-150
Transportation5-1015-3040-100
Attractions10-3040-80100-200
Total/Day40-105165-350510-1150

Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and altitude-related issues.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Buy a Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico)
  • Use local transportation
  • Eat at local markets
  • Visit during shoulder season
  • Book accommodations in advance

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Dry season: Best for hiking and outdoor activities
  • Wet season: Fewer tourists, lush landscapes
  • June: Inti Raymi festival
  • Shoulder seasons: Better rates

Safety Precautions

  • Acclimatize properly to altitude
  • Drink bottled water
  • Use registered taxis
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Be cautious at night
  • Carry altitude sickness medication

Cusco offers an unparalleled journey through history, combining ancient Inca heritage with colonial charm and modern Andean culture. Whether you’re using it as a base to explore Machu Picchu, immersing yourself in local traditions, or exploring the surrounding Sacred Valley, Cusco provides an enriching experience that will leave lasting memories of Peru’s fascinating heritage and warm hospitality.

Note: The travel package prices provided are estimates based on current market rates. Actual costs may fluctuate due to factors such as peak tourist seasons and other circumstances beyond our control.