Cusco
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Tours in Cusco

Cusco is the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and one of the most fascinating cities in South America. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it blends more than 3,000 archaeological sites with a vibrant living culture, Spanish colonial architecture built on top of Inca foundations, and a cuisine that makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Peru.

Set at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is the gateway to the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. With Machu Picchu Peru Tours you can choose from dozens of tours in Cusco: from half-day city tours to multi-day expeditions across the region’s best archaeological sites. Tours depart daily and are led by certified, bilingual local guides.

What is there to do in Cusco? The possibilities are almost endless: stroll the Plaza de Armas surrounded by baroque cathedrals, visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, explore the markets of Pisac, hike the Inca Trail, or simply get lost in the cobblestone alleys of the San Blas neighborhood. Whatever your budget or fitness level, Cusco has something for you.

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Available tours

The best tours in Cusco

Adventure Full day

Picnic with Llamas

Do you want to enjoy an authentic experience and connect with nature…

Available languages
Español, Ingles
Max altitude
3,875 m.a.s.l.
Group size
2-12 people
6% de descuento
From $190
$179
per person
Minimum age: 10+
Adventure 3 Days and 2 Nights

Machu Picchu by Car – 3 Days / 2 Nights

This tour offers you an alternative route to Machu Picchu, traveling mainly…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Group size
1-12 people
Adventure 5 days, 4 nights

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Salkantay Trek 5D/4N is ideal for nature and trekking enthusiasts. Along…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Max altitude
4,650 m.s.n.m.
Group size
2-12 people
2% de descuento
From $630
$620
per person
Adventure 5 days

Inti Raymi tour and Machu Picchu 5 Days:Cusco Peru Sun Festival

Experience one of Peru’s most extraordinary cultural celebrations with our Inti Raymi…

Group size
1-12 people
Adventure Full day

Tour Queswachaca and 4 lagoons

The tour begins early in the morning (around 4:30–5:00 a.m.) with hotel…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Group size
1-12 people
8% de descuento
From $49
$45
per person
Adventure 3 Days

Ausangate Trek – the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Embark on one of the most impressive hikes in Peru with the…

Distance
35 km
Group size
2-12 people
1% de descuento
From $739
$729
per person
Adventure 4 days / 3 nights

Choquequirao Trek 4 days 3 nights

The Trek Choquequirao 4 D/3 N is ideal for those looking for…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Group size
2-12 people
2% de descuento
From $610
$600
per person
Adventure 4 Days y 3 Nights

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights

The Salkantay Trek 4D/3N combines adventure, culture and dream landscapes. It is…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Max altitude
3,850 m.a.s.l.
Group size
2-12 people
11% de descuento
From $700
$620
per person
Adventure Full day

Tour to Machu Picchu by Expedition train via Poroy – one day

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu…

Available languages
Español, ingles
Max altitude
2,040 m.a.s.l.
Group size
2-12 people
2% de descuento
From $475
$466
per person
Adventure 5 days, 4 nights

Cusco Sacred Valley Tour – Machu Picchu Peru 5D/4N

We will discover the magic of Cusco on a 5-day, 4-night journey.…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Max altitude
5,200 m.a.s.l.
Distance
50 km
Group size
2-12 people
3% de descuento
From $510
$497
per person
Adventure 4 days, 3 nights

Hydroelectric Route to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

The Hydroelectric Machu Picchu Tour 4D/3N is an unforgettable adventure through the…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Max altitude
3,850 m.a.s.l.
Distance
120 km
Group size
2-10 people
Adventure 7 days

Cusco 7 Days – City Tour, Machu Picchu

Explore the cultural and natural wealth of Cusco in this complete 7-day…

Available languages
Spanish, English
Group size
2-12 people
5% de descuento
From $850
$810
per person
Minimum age: 12+
1 2 5

Travel guide: Cusco

Practical info to plan your visit

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cusco is the dry season, from April to October. Days are sunny and rainfall is scarce, making treks and excursions far more enjoyable. June, July and August are the busiest months book at least 2 months in advance, especially if you plan to hike the Inca Trail (daily capacity limited to 500 people).

The wet season runs from November to March. Although it rains often, the landscapes turn lush and there are far fewer tourists. Machu Picchu is especially beautiful in this season with the morning mist. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. If you're after fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in March or November transition months with mild weather.

Getting around

Cusco's historic center is perfectly walkable the Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha, San Blas and the San Pedro market are all less than 20 minutes apart on foot. For the outlying ruins (Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay), take a taxi or mototaxi: the ride to Sacsayhuamán costs S/. 8-12. The InDriver and Uber apps operate in Cusco with fixed pricing and are the safest option. For excursions to the Sacred Valley, Maras-Moray, Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain, book a tour with Machu Picchu Peru Tours door-to-door transport is included in the price.

What to pack

  • Altitude-sickness medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) or coca tablets. Check with your doctor before traveling.
  • Layered clothing: Temperatures swing from 5°C to 20°C in a single day. Bring t-shirts, fleece and a waterproof jacket.
  • Trekking footwear: Essential if you plan excursions or treks. Non-slip sole and reinforced ankle support.
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen: At 3,400 m the UV radiation is very intense, even on cloudy days.
  • Sunglasses and a hat: Essential protection against the Andean sun.
  • Reusable water bottle: Stay well hydrated to help with acclimatization.
  • Energy snacks: Nuts and cereal bars for the excursions.
  • Light poncho or rain jacket: Rain can appear suddenly, especially in the wet season.
  • Cash in soles: Many local markets and restaurants don't take cards. There are ATMs in the historic center.
  • Plug adapter: Peru uses two flat-pin sockets (type A/B).
  • Travel insurance: With high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage.

Must-see places

  • Machu Picchu: Dedicate at least a full day the modern wonder of the world and the main reason to visit Cusco.
  • Sacsayhuamán: Just 10 minutes from the historic center, this fortress of cyclopean blocks (up to 125 tons) is a must. Spectacular city views at sunset.
  • Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): The holiest Inca temple, integrated into the Convent of Santo Domingo. The mortar-free polished stone walls are the finest example of Inca architecture.
  • Sacred Valley (Pisac + Ollantaytambo): An essential day tour terraced ruins, an artisan market and Peru's best-preserved Inca town.
  • San Pedro Market: Chicha morada, tumbo juices, typical food and handicrafts at local prices. Pure authenticity.
  • San Blas Neighborhood: Cobblestone alleys, local sculptors' workshops and the best viewpoints of the historic center.

Tourism in Cusco

Top attractions

  • Sacsayhuaman

  • Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

  • Plaza de Armas

  • San Blas

  • San Pedro Market

  • Qenqo

  • Tambomachay

  • Pikillacta

  • Tipon

  • Puca Pucara

Main activities

  • Trekking

  • Archaeological city tour

  • Inti Raymi tour

  • Maras and Moray ATV

  • Horseback riding

  • Andean cooking classes

  • Quechua community tour

  • Local markets visit

Climate in Cusco

Cusco has two well-defined seasons: a dry season (April-October) with blue skies and cold nights, and a wet season (November-March) with afternoon rains.

Dry season - April to October

6 to 20 C (cold nights, sunny days)

Wet season - November to March

8 to 18 C (afternoon rains, green landscapes)

How to get to Cusco?

From Lima

  • Bus: 20-22 hours (Cruz del Sur, Civa)
  • Plane: 1h 15min (LATAM, Avianca, Sky)

From Arequipa

  • Bus: 10-12 hours
  • Plane: No direct flight (Lima layover)

From Puno

  • Bus: 6-7 hours (train or bus)
  • Plane: No direct flight

Where to stay in Cusco?

5★ Hotels

  • Historic Center - Monasterio Hotel, Inkaterra La Casona

  • San Blas - JW Marriott El Convento

3★ & 4★ Hotels

  • Historic Center (near Plaza de Armas)

  • Cusco city (San Pedro and Wanchaq areas)

Where to eat in Cusco?

Regional dishes

  • Pachapapa - San Blas (regional cuisine in a colonial courtyard)

  • Cicciolina (Mediterranean-Andean)

  • La Bodega 138 - San Blas

National dishes

  • MAP Cafe (contemporary Peruvian cuisine)

  • Chicha by Gaston Acurio

  • Morena Cusquena

Festivities in Cusco

Tourist events

  • Inti Raymi - June 24

  • Santurantikuy - December 24

  • Holy Week - April

Regional festivities

  • Corpus Christi - June

  • Virgen del Carmen - July (Paucartambo)

  • Senor de Torrechayoc - May

Machu Picchu Peru Tours Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Cusco

What is Cusco, Peru most famous for?

Cusco is famous for being the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Its main attractions are the UNESCO-listed historic center, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Qorikancha, and its proximity to the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.

How many days do you need in Cusco?

A minimum of 4 days is recommended to see the essentials: one acclimatization day, a city tour, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. With 7 days you can add Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and some Sacred Valley villages. Trekking lovers need an extra 4 to 9 days for the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.

What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit Cusco. June, July and August offer the most stable weather but are the busiest months. If you prefer fewer tourists, visit in May or September: good weather and more affordable prices.

How do you get from Lima to Cusco?

The most convenient option is flying: the Lima-Cusco flight takes 1h15m with fares from $50 USD on LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART. There is also a direct bus (22 hours, $30-60 USD). We recommend flying and booking the earliest flight possible to make the most of your day.

Is it safe to visit Cusco as a tourist?

Yes, Cusco is generally safe for tourists. The tourist areas of the historic center have a permanent police presence. The usual precautions apply: don't flaunt valuables, use app-based or hotel-recommended taxis, and keep your passport in the accommodation safe.

Do I need to acclimatize before doing tours in Cusco?

Yes. Cusco sits at 3,400 m and altitude sickness (soroche) affects many visitors. It's recommended to spend the first day resting, drinking plenty of water, sipping coca tea and avoiding alcohol and intense physical effort. If your tours include high-altitude trekking, talk to your doctor about using acetazolamide.

What are the best tours from Cusco?

The most popular are: Machu Picchu Full Day (by train, from $215), Sacred Valley Full Day (from $45), Rainbow Mountain (from $35), Humantay Lake (from $35) and the 4-day Inca Trail ($550+). Machu Picchu Peru Tours operates all of these with certified guides, transport included and free cancellation.

Is the Cusco City Tour worth it?

Yes. The Cusco City Tour covers the four essential historic sites the Cathedral, Qorikancha, and the archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo in about 4 hours with a certified guide, for a fraction of what a private visit to each site would cost separately. It's the easiest way to understand Cusco's Inca and colonial history before heading to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, and pairs well as your first activity after an acclimatization day.

Can a 70-year-old visit Machu Picchu and do tours in Cusco?

Yes. Most Cusco tours (city tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train) run at a moderate pace and suit older travelers with reasonable mobility, as long as you build in one acclimatization day before any activity due to the 3,400 m (11,150 ft) altitude. For Machu Picchu, we recommend the accessible bus route from Aguas Calientes rather than long hikes. Check with your doctor beforehand if you have heart or respiratory conditions.

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