The former Inca city that became a vibrant tourist destination is the main reason to visit Peru – and it’s worth it. Here, you’ll find everything to do in Cusco, where to sleep, and where to eat, all in one guide!
Cusco was on my bucket list ever since I took a course on the Inca Empire in college. On my first trip to South America, I toured extensively in Brazil and relaxed in Mexico but didn’t know much about Peru.
For me, a trip to Peru was mostly a trip to Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. This empire’s history fascinated me (along with all the students who took additional courses on ancient Latin American cultures), and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to experience such a historically rich place. It must be how tourists feel when they first visit Jerusalem.
Hearing that many travelers spend more time than they planned in Cusco, I decided to start there to avoid regretting a lack of time in this amazing city. Starting with the cherry on top is always a good idea, right?
What to Know Before Traveling to Cusco:
Day Trips and Short Treks:
Most excursions start early in the morning, with rides up to three hours each way. It’s worth scheduling a rest day between treks, especially if you’re sensitive to long car rides and tend to get nauseous.
Altitude:
You can’t predict how your body will react to the altitude, so take the first two days easy. Try coca tea or coca candies to relieve symptoms if needed.
Light Activities:
Cusco has plenty of relaxing activities for days when you’re not trekking, like chocolate-making workshops, laser tag, and soothing massages. These low-key activities give a nice break between hikes.
Machu Picchu – a Pricy Attraction:
Whether you choose a day tour or a 4-5 day trek, expect the visit to Machu Picchu to cost around $200. Personally, I adored Machu Picchu—I’d dreamed of and studied it for years, and suddenly I was there, watching history come to life right before my eyes.
But…it’s essential to know it’s a very touristy site, and I know some people who skipped it and still had an amazing time. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Alpaca vs. Llama:
Both are types of camels, but there are key differences that can be easy to forget! Alpacas are smaller and cuter, with shorter ears and soft fleece, while llamas are larger and adapted to carry loads.
Taking Photos with Alpacas:
We all want a photo with alpacas, and you’ll find many local women in traditional dress offering photos with their alpacas in exchange for a tip.
Note: according to local guides, these alpacas aren’t in the best condition. They’re accustomed to living in herds in the wild, so constant human interaction can be difficult for them. In fact, if they cling to their owners, it often reflects stress, as they’re inclined to stick close to what’s familiar.
For more ethical photos, you’ll come across plenty of alpacas and llamas in natural conditions on your day trips. I recommend waiting to take photos with alpacas at Machu Picchu, where they’re well cared for and enjoy good conditions (just don’t feed them).
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, or “Old Mountain” in the local language, is one of the Inca Empire’s most important cities from the 15th century and a site that most travelers won’t want to miss. Rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
How to Visit Machu Picchu
Multi-Day Trek (4–5 Days):
For a full-on experience, you can go for either the Salkantay or Inca Trail. These options cover not only Machu Picchu but also amazing views and stops like Humantay Lagoon. It’s a longer, more intense journey but gives you a lot more along the way.
Day Visit
If you’re short on time, a day trip to Machu Picchu is totally doable. Start the day with a van ride to the town of Oyantaytambo, take a train from there to Aguas Calientes, and either hike the 1,700 steps up to the site (get those legs ready!) or grab a bus right to the entrance. For the way back, you can either head straight to Cusco or stay the night in Aguas Calientes, which is closer but a bit pricier.
The Less Recommended Option: There’s an option to get to Machu Picchu by a mix of vans, taxis, and a longer hike, but it’s a challenging and tiring alternative.
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit is the dry season, from April to October. You can still visit in November or March, but there might be some rain or fog that can block the views.
How Much Time Should You Spend At Machu Picchu?
Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours walking around, plus extra time for tickets, lines, and restrooms. Since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime (and pricey) trip, give yourself enough time to relax and soak it all in.
What’s the Best Time of Day to Arrive?
Most people try to get there early, right at the 6:00 a.m. opening, but crowds are pretty steady throughout the day. If you can go in the early afternoon, you might have more space to enjoy the views and take pictures.
Bring Your Passport, Not a Copy!
You’ll need your actual passport, not a copy, to get in. You can even get a cool passport stamp at the entrance as a unique souvenir!
Food and Restrooms:
There are no restrooms inside, and food isn’t allowed (and the alpacas will sniff it out if you try to sneak any in!). Plan your time so you can grab a snack and use the facilities outside beforehand.
Timing Your Train Trip
If you arrive around 10:00 a.m., a return train between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. should give you plenty of time to explore. Getting back to Aguas Calientes from the site involves about 20 minutes of either hiking down or a bus ride, and then a short walk to the train station.
Weather at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu’s weather is warmer, tropical, and humid compared to Cusco. Mosquitoes are common, so bring repellent. The lower altitude also gives you a nice break from Cusco’s high altitude effects.
Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Siete Colores)
If you’re keen to see the famous rainbow-colored mountains, you have two main options: Rainbow Mountain itself or Palcoyo, which is a bit easier.
Rainbow Mountain:
This day trip includes a 3-hour drive each way, and the hike takes about 1.5 hours to the top. It’s a steep climb, but the colors are worth it. Keep in mind it’s a popular spot, so expect to see plenty of other travelers along the way.
Palcoyo:
Palcoyo is another option if you’re looking for a less intense hike.
It’s also a 3-hour drive but doesn’t involve a tough trek. Just a short, mostly flat walk, and you’ll see stunning colors within about 15 minutes.
Palcoyo is usually quieter, so it’s a good choice if you want a calmer hike.
Humantay Lagoon
Humantay Lagoon is a stunning day hike, with a 3-4 hour drive to get there each way. After a quick breakfast stop in a nearby village, you’ll start hiking—a mostly uphill trek of about 1.5 hours—leading you to a lagoon with deep blue and green waters surrounded by mountain views that are just breathtaking.
Note: This trek is usually done in big groups (usually by bus rather than van), so it can feel a bit crowded. But the views at the top make it well worth the effort.
Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons
If you’re looking for an alternative day trek, the Seven Lagoons around Ausangate make for a unique adventure. The drive there also takes about 3–4 hours, and after breakfast in a local village, you’ll set off on a 3-4 hour hike with moderate hills.
Along the way, you’ll pass by seven beautiful lagoons, with the last one often called the most beautiful. Its colors change depending on the weather and sunlight, adding to the magic of the trek. Since the area’s at a high altitude, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, so come prepared for anything from strong sun to sudden snow showers. Dressing in layers is a good idea.
Personally, I chose this trek over Humantay, and it was stunning, even though we hit some surprise snow that made things a little chilly. If you want, you can rent a horse for parts of the trail, though I’d recommend walking if you can. The trail isn’t super challenging, and the horses didn’t seem in the best shape.
Top Attractions in Cusco
The Sacred Valley
A tour of the Sacred Valley is a must and can be booked through your hostel or local agencies. The stops vary a bit from agency to agency, but most include a visit to Pisac, where you can learn about alpaca wool processing, and to the Moray archaeological site.
Moray is a fascinating site that was discovered by pilots who noticed strange circular terraces from above. The common theory is that these terraces served as an agricultural “experiment station” where the Incas tested different growing conditions for crops like potatoes to improve agriculture across the empire.
Free Walking Tour
You can join a free walking tour around Cusco, which is organized by most hostels (just leave a tip for the guide). It’s a three-hour tour, perfect for getting to know Cusco’s neighborhoods and local history in the first days of your stay.
Tours usually depart twice a day from the main square, making them easy to join. On our tour, we learned about Cusco’s history, the Inca Empire, the main square’s landmarks, the city’s flag, and explored the San Blas neighborhood. We even got a mini ceviche-making lesson and tasted our creation as a group!
Local Markets
- San Pedro Market: Cusco’s largest market, right by Plaza de Armas. It’s the place to go for clothes, souvenirs, food stalls, fruits, and vegetables.
- San Blas Market: A smaller market in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, perfect for fresh juices, fruit salads at great prices, and simple, affordable food stalls.
San Blas Neighborhood
A lively bohemian neighborhood with whitewashed buildings and bright blue accents, full of cool restaurants and unique souvenir shops. I recommend grabbing lunch at Green Point for a solid lunch deal and finishing the day at Limbus Resto & Bar for an unbeatable city view.
Massages
After all the trekking and long van rides, a good massage at a friendly price can be the perfect treat. Many Israeli travelers head to the spa above the McDonald’s in the main square, where you can get a full-body massage with hot stones for just 50 soles (instead of 120 soles) – as the local masseuse said, “a special price for Israel!”
Another option is a massage therapist named Matilda, located in the side alley near the Blue Dream restaurant. Just ask a local for directions.
Chocolate Workshop
A fun activity is the chocolate-making workshop, where you can learn about chocolate and make your own. It’s a popular pick, and people love taking home the sweet souvenirs. Personally, I skipped it, but it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Laser Tag
Yes, laser tag exists back home, but lots of Israeli travelers seem to enjoy spending a rest day doing it here. There’s something about laser tag in Cusco that feels extra fun.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco has a few key areas to consider for accommodation, depending on your vibe and what you’re looking for in your stay.
Plaza de Armas – The Main Square
The main square is Cusco’s activity hub, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and most tours that leave for nearby attractions. Staying around here means everything is just a short walk away, including the big San Pedro Market—perfect if you’re looking for affordable shopping and food.
San Blas – The Bohemian Neighborhood
San Blas is the trendy, artsy part of town, packed with cool restaurants, a unique little market, and local shops. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the main square, but keep in mind that it’s a bit of an uphill hike to get there. During my stay, I found myself hanging out in San Blas on almost every free day, usually taking a taxi up because of the altitude or chilly nights, but always enjoying the walk down.
Selina Hostels
Selina is a popular hostel chain with two branches in Cusco: Selina Saphi and Selina Plaza de Armas, both of which offer a mix of hotel-like standards with a fun, social vibe. Each has a local tour agency to help with trip planning, a restaurant with a decent menu (though not super vegan-friendly), and activity boards with things like yoga and salsa classes.
Selina Saphi: I stayed here for almost 10 days in both private rooms and dorms. The decor is well-thought-out, with comfortable bunk beds, USB outlets, personal lights, and curtains for privacy. There’s also a kitchen, dining room, and movie room. The restaurant is a bit separate, so it’s quieter and better suited for a relaxed vibe rather than mingling.
Selina Plaza de Armas: Located closer to the main square, this Selina has a similar standard but a larger social area in the inner courtyard, making it easier to meet other travelers. If you’re traveling solo, this might be a better choice for meeting people.
Pariwana – The Fun Hostel
Located close to San Pedro Market, Pariwana has easy access to cheap eats, fresh juices, and supplies for treks. The hostel is set around a cozy courtyard with seating areas and a ping-pong table, making it a chill spot for those who want a relaxed social scene without the full-on party vibe.
Party Hostels: Loki and Wild Rover
Loki and Wild Rover are Cusco’s well-known party hostels, with lively bars and entertainment staff that organize regular parties. They’re located on a steep climb from the main square and attract plenty of travelers who aren’t even staying there. Parties wrap up around 1–2 a.m., and the crowd usually heads to clubs in the main square afterward. The climb up can be intense, so you might want a taxi up, but walking down is a breeze. Both hostels have good food options, including vegan-friendly meals.
Pamper Yourself – Hilton and Casa Andina
For those who want to splurge a bit, there’s the Hilton, located up the hill from Wild Rover, and Casa Andina with several branches around Cusco.
Where to Eat in Cusco
Cusco is packed with amazing restaurants, from traditional Peruvian spots to international cuisine and plenty of vegan-friendly places. Here are some favorites:
Green Point
A top spot for vegans and non-vegans alike! Green Point is popular among travelers for its creative Peruvian dishes with a plant-based twist. You can try classic dishes like Causa (they also offer cooking classes here if you want to learn).
Their breakfast is especially recommended—their fluffy pancakes with caramelized fruit and delicious sauces are a must-try! They also have a great lunch deal with a salad bar, main course, dessert, and juice for just 18 soles.
Right across the street is their bakery with great cakes, though the pastries may differ a bit from what’s familiar.
Chia Vegan Kitchen
A cozy vegan spot right behind the main square, Chia is popular with vegans and non-vegans for its affordable lunch menu, which includes salads, soup, a main, and a drink. Definitely worth a visit!
Qura
Another vegetarian-friendly option near Green Point in San Blas, Qura is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. Their menu includes healthy bowls with chickpeas, omelets, avocado toast, and more.
La Bodega
A non-vegan spot that’s super popular with the Israeli crowd, La Bodega serves Italian-inspired and meat dishes with a few tasty vegan options like tomato soup and gluten-free pasta with tomato sauce.
