Cusco Travel Guide
Cusco was the Inca capital and sits at about 3,400 meters. Acclimatize, enjoy the stone streets and use the city as your gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Best Time
- May to September
- Ideal Length
- 4 to 5 days
- Getting Around
- On foot and by taxi
Planning Your Trip to Cusco
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, and most visitors pass through on the way, but the city itself rewards a few days of exploration. At roughly 3,400 meters, altitude is the main practical concern, so plan an easy first day, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals and alcohol at first. The Inca stonework, the Sacred Valley and the markets are all highlights. Book Machu Picchu entry and trains early, because tickets are limited, and consider spending your first night in the lower Sacred Valley to acclimatize more comfortably.
Best Time to Visit Cusco
May to September is the sweet spot for most visitors. Here is how each season actually feels.
Dry Season
Clear skies, sunny days and cold nights. The best weather for trekking, and the busiest, especially June to August.
Shoulder Season
Fewer visitors, with a mix of sun and showers. A good balance for many travelers.
Wet Season
Frequent rain and cloud, with green landscapes. The Inca Trail closes in February, and landslides can disrupt travel.
Festivals
Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the sun, takes place on 24 June and draws large crowds.
How Many Days in Cusco?
4 to 5 days
Plan to spend two days acclimatizing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu. Four days is a minimum, and five or more is better for trekking.
Cusco Neighborhoods
Pick the area that matches the kind of trip you want, and you will rarely need to cross town.
Plaza de Armas
The main square, with the cathedral and Jesuit church. Busy and touristy.
San Blas
A hilly artisan neighborhood with narrow lanes, galleries and cafés. Charming but steep.
San Pedro
Centered on the San Pedro Market, with local life and food stalls.
Sacsayhuamán Area
The hilltop above the city with massive Inca stonework, reachable on foot or by taxi.
Sacred Valley
A lower-altitude valley with villages, ruins and farmland, a good place to sleep before Machu Picchu.
What to Do in Cusco
Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel, reached by train or trek. Book tickets and trains well ahead.
The Inca Trail
A four-day trek to Machu Picchu. Permits are limited and sell out months ahead.
Sacsayhuamán
Huge fitted stone walls, built by the Incas, above the city.
Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray combine ruins, markets and farmland terraces.
San Pedro Market
A large local market with fruit, cheese and herbs. Try fresh juice.
Rainbow Mountain
A long, high-altitude day trip. Only for those who are well acclimatized.
Peruvian Cuisine
Ceviche, lomo saltado and cuy are on the menu. Try coca tea for altitude.
Qorikancha
The Inca Temple of the Sun, with a colonial church built on top.
Getting Around
The historic center is compact, hilly and best explored on foot, slowly. Taxis are cheap, and colectivos run to the Sacred Valley. Trains run from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. A car is not needed.
Practical Tips
- Take it easy for the first two days and drink plenty of water.
- Consider sleeping in the lower Sacred Valley before heading to Cusco.
- Book Machu Picchu entry and train tickets well in advance.
- Bring layers. Nights are cold, and the sun is strong.
Cusco Travel FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Cusco?
Four days works for acclimatizing, the city, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Five or more allows a trek.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cusco?
May to September is dry and clear, although it is the busiest period. The wet season has fewer visitors but more rain.
Is Cusco Walkable?
Yes, but hilly, and the altitude makes it tiring. Take your time and use taxis for steep climbs.
How Bad Is Altitude Sickness in Cusco?
Cusco is at about 3,400 meters, and many visitors feel headaches or fatigue. Rest on arrival, drink water and speak with a doctor before you travel.
Plan Your Cusco Itinerary
Tell us when you are going, who is coming and what you love. We will build a day-by-day Cusco plan around it, ready in about twenty minutes.