Cusco
Inca capital — Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán + gateway to Machu Picchu
Cusco is the historic Inca capital + UNESCO World Heritage — colonial Spanish churches built atop Inca stone foundations, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán megalithic fortress + the essential base for Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley visits. Altitude 3,400m — acclimatise 2-3 days before hiking.
Cusco highlights
Plaza de Armas + Cathedral
Colonial heart of Cusco — Cathedral built with Inca stones from Sacsayhuamán. Evening lights + café balconies.
Sacsayhuamán
Megalithic fortress with stones 200 tonnes each. Sunrise or sunset views over Cusco. 30-min uphill walk from city.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Inca sun temple + Santo Domingo Convent built on top. Perfectly-fitted stonework survives Spanish demolition.
San Blas artisan district
Cobblestone hilly neighbourhood — artisan workshops, boutique cafés, panoramic viewpoints.
San Pedro Market
Central market — fresh juices, empanadas, chicha morada. Local + touristy — go early.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) day trip
5,200m — striped rainbow mineral colours. 3h drive + 3h hike. Very high altitude; not for underconditioned.
Palccoyo (alternative Rainbow Mountain)
Easier alternative — 3 mountains instead of 1. Less crowded. Half-day tour.
Cusco cuisine (cuy, alpaca, pisco)
Chicha, MAP Café, Cicciolina, Green Point — mix of traditional + fine dining.
Getting there
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) has direct flights from Lima (1h 20m), La Paz + European connections via Lima. High altitude (3,400m) means dramatic descent flights.
Getting around
Walking (city is compact but hilly). Uber + local taxis (~10-15 PEN). Boleto Turístico (~$40) covers 16 sites in + around Cusco.
April-October (dry season, best Inca Trail). Avoid January-February (heaviest rain, Inca Trail closed February).
$25-60 backpacker · $80-180 mid-range · $400+ luxury (Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Palacio del Inka)
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Getting out of Cusco (CUZ)
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