Cusco is one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Former capital of the Inca Empire, UNESCO World Heritage
Site and gateway to Machu Picchu — this complete travel
guide covers everything you need to know for your trip
to Cusco in 2026.
🏙️ ABOUT CUSCO
Cusco (also spelled Cuzco) is located in the Andes
Mountains of southeastern Peru at 3,400 meters above
sea level.
Founded by the Incas in the 13th century, Cusco was
the capital of the largest empire in pre-Columbian
America — the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu).
Today Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the
most visited city in Peru after Lima, receiving over
2 million tourists per year.
📊 QUICK FACTS
✔ Altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level
✔ Population: 450,000
✔ Language: Spanish and Quechua
✔ Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
✔ Time zone: UTC-5
✔ UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
🌤️ BEST TIME TO VISIT CUSCO
Dry Season — May to October (BEST)
✔ Clear blue skies every day
✔ Perfect for trekking and outdoor tours
✔ Best time for Machu Picchu
✔ June and July are peak season
Wet Season — November to April
✔ Fewer tourists
✔ Greener landscapes
✔ Lower prices
✔ Rain most afternoons
Best months overall: May, June, September, October
🏛️ TOP THINGS TO DO IN CUSCO
1️⃣ Visit Machu Picchu
The most important thing to do from Cusco.
Book tickets and tours at least 2 months in advance.
2️⃣ Hike Rainbow Mountain
One of the most spectacular day trips from Cusco.
Located at 5,020 meters above sea level.
3️⃣ Sacred Valley Tour
Visit Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
Perfect acclimatization activity.
4️⃣ Cusco City Tour
Visit Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas.
Best first day activity in Cusco.
5️⃣ Trek to Humantay Lake
Stunning turquoise glacial lake near Cusco.
Easier than Rainbow Mountain.
6️⃣ Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek
The most famous treks in South America.
Book 3-4 months in advance for Inca Trail.
✈️ HOW TO GET TO CUSCO
By Plane
Cusco has Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ).
Direct flights from Lima take 1 hour 15 minutes.
Several daily flights with LATAM and Sky Airline.
By Bus
Tourist buses from Lima take 20-22 hours.
Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are recommended companies.
Tourist buses from Puno take 6 hours.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO
Luxury Hotels
✔ Belmond Hotel Monasterio — most famous hotel
✔ Inkaterra La Casona — stunning colonial mansion
✔ JW Marriott Cusco — modern luxury
Mid Range Hotels
✔ Casa Andina Premium Cusco
✔ Sonesta Hotel Cusco
✔ Hotel Ruinas
Budget Hostels
✔ Pariwana Hostel Cusco
✔ Loki Hostel Cusco
✔ Wild Rover Hostel
Best neighborhoods to stay:
✔ Historic Center — close to everything
✔ San Blas — charming artisan neighborhood
✔ Miraflores — quieter residential area
💰 CUSCO BUDGET GUIDE
Budget traveler: $30-50 per day
Mid range: $50-100 per day
Luxury: $150-300+ per day
Currency tips:
✔ ATMs widely available in Cusco center
✔ USD accepted in most tourist areas
✔ Always carry some cash in Soles
✔ Best exchange rate at Casa de Cambio
🚌 GETTING AROUND CUSCO
✔ Walking — best for historic center
✔ Taxi — cheap and widely available
✔ Uber — available in Cusco
✔ Tourist bus — for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
🎒 WHAT TO PACK FOR CUSCO
Clothing:
✔ Warm jacket for cold nights
✔ Rain jacket or poncho
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Light clothes for warm days
✔ Sun hat and sunglasses
Health:
✔ Sunscreen SPF50+
✔ Altitude sickness medication
✔ Insect repellent
✔ Personal medications
Documents:
✔ Passport — required for Machu Picchu
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Printed tour confirmations
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Cusco safe for tourists?
Yes — Cusco is generally very safe for tourists.
Take normal precautions with valuables and avoid
walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
How many days do I need in Cusco?
We recommend at least 5-7 days in Cusco to visit
Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and
the city itself.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for Peru.
Check with your local embassy before traveling.
What currency is used in Cusco?
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the official currency.
USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
What language is spoken in Cusco?
Spanish is the main language. Quechua is also spoken
by many local communities. English is spoken in
most tourist areas and hotels.
How cold does it get in Cusco?
Daytime temperatures are 15-20°C year round.
Nights can drop to 5°C or below especially in June-July.
🎒 BOOK YOUR CUSCO TOURS WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
We help you plan the perfect Cusco itinerary with the
best tours, guides and prices guaranteed.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com