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Picture of Cusco, Peru

Travel Guide for
Cusco

Peru

Temperate; dry season (Apr-Oct), rainy (Nov-Mar)

Introduction

Nestled high in the Andes, Cusco is a vibrant city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Its cobbled streets and colonial architecture reflect a rich blend of Incan and Spanish influences, offering fascinating history around every corner.

Families will love exploring colorful markets, tasting traditional Peruvian food, and visiting nearby archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán. With affordable museums, hands-on cultural workshops, and scenic parks, Cusco is a friendly, budget-conscious gateway to adventure and learning for all ages.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

DatesDate not specified

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHostel, hotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

family activitiesfestivals and eventsoutdoor adventuressightseeing and tours

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Picture of Cusco, Peru

Key Facts

Location

Cusco Region, Andes

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

430,000

Language

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara

Electricity

220V, 60Hz, Type A/C

Time zone

UTCPET (UTC-5)

Country code

+51

Internet access

Broadband and mobile; good in city, variable in rural

Climate

Temperate; dry season (Apr-Oct), rainy (Nov-Mar)

See More Peru Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-bor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    disculpe (dees-kool-peh)

Map

Logistics

Most travelers reach Cusco by flying; there are direct flights from Lima and other Peruvian cities. Cusco’s airport is small but efficient, and taxis or shuttle buses can take you into town. Booking flights in advance is wise, as prices and availability can vary, especially during high season.

Alternatively, families can take a comfortable long-distance bus from Lima—a scenic but lengthy (20+ hour) option. Train journeys to Cusco aren’t common, but trains from Cusco connect to iconic spots like Machu Picchu. Note that mountain roads may experience delays during the rainy season (November–March), so factor in extra travel time.

Weather

Cusco has a mild climate year-round, but its seasons are defined by wet and dry periods rather than temperature changes. The dry season, from May to September, features sunny days and cool nights, making it ideal for family activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures like hiking or visiting Machu Picchu.

The wet season runs from October to April, bringing frequent rain showers and lush green landscapes. This period is best avoided if you want to enjoy outdoor tours, but it can be rewarding for experiencing fewer crowds and vibrant festivals such as Carnaval. Overall, the dry season is preferred for most travelers seeking comfortable weather and clear mountain views.

Food & Drink

Cusco’s cuisine features hearty Andean dishes like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew), and regional specialties such as alpaca or cuy (guinea pig). Don’t miss fresh fruit juices and chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink. Adventurous eaters will find plenty to try, but vegetarian options are widely available too.

For family-friendly dining on an average budget, try Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Pachapapa (great for traditional fare and pizzas), or Green Point for vegan meals. For coffee and light bites, visit Cicciolina or Laggart Café. Cholos Craft Bar offers a relaxed setting with local beers. Most restaurants appreciate a 10% tip, though it’s not always required.

Many places accommodate special diets, but it’s wise to ask about ingredients. Tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Dining early is common, and some eateries may close for siesta. Reserve ahead at popular spots during high season.

A picture of Ceviche

Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular dish made with fresh raw fish or seafood, marinated in freshly squeezed lime or...

A picture of Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado is a stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of sirloin steak with onions, tomatoes, and other...

A picture of Anticuchos

Anticuchos

Anticuchos are marinated and grilled skewers of meat, with the most traditional versions using beef heart as the...

A picture of Papa a la Huancaína

Papa a la Huancaína

Papa a la Huancaína is a classic Peruvian appetizer consisting of boiled yellow potatoes smothered in a creamy,...

A picture of Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina is a creamy chicken stew featuring shredded chicken in a thick and creamy sauce made...

Accommodation

For families, the historic center of Cusco offers safe streets and proximity to attractions. Popular family-friendly hotels include Tierra Viva Cusco Centro and Novotel Cusco, both known for comfortable rooms and helpful service. Booking.com and Airbnb are excellent for reserving hotels, hostels, or entire apartments ahead of time.

San Blas is a charming, artsy neighborhood perfect for families seeking quieter stays. Hostels like Pariwana Cusco offer private family rooms with social spaces, while Airbnb has many apartment and house rentals with kitchens. Wherever you stay, book early—Cusco is popular year-round, especially between May and September.

Itinerary

Ease into your Cusco adventure by experiencing the city's welcoming atmosphere, soaking up its vibrant culture, and acclimatizing to the Andean altitude together.

Plaza de Armas Stroll and Cultural Welcome

Ease into your Cusco visit by starting at the historic Plaza de Armas. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, local performers, and impressive colonial architecture. Families can watch street musicians and take photos near iconic landmarks while adjusting to the altitude.

San Pedro Market Exploration

Wander through the vibrant San Pedro Market, where colorful stalls offer fresh fruit, local snacks, and crafts. Kids will love sampling Peruvian treats and spotting new foods. It’s a great place to interact with locals and get a taste of Andean daily life.

Andean Music & Dance Demonstration

Experience a family-friendly local music and dance performance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo. It's both entertaining and educational, immersing you in vibrant indigenous traditions and helping everyone relax after traveling.

The Best of Peru 6-Days: Cuzco, Machupicchu, Puno & Lake Titicaca

The Best of Peru 6-Days: Cuzco, Machupicchu, Puno & Lake Titicaca

INSTANT

Visit the best of Peru on this 6-day excursion from Cusco. Spend time in Cuzco, visit the highlights of the sacred valley, chinchero, Moray, the salt mines and Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba river, you will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. You can also navigate by boat on Lake Titicaca, visiting the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. • Tour of highlights of Cusco and Lake Titicaca in Puno • Tour Machu Picchu one of the 7 wonders of the world, with a guide who speaks your own language. • Five nights of accommodation with daily breakfast included • All transfers and transshipments included • Comfortable round trip transportation by bus and train to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

4.9 (19 reviews)

From $798 USD

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Experiences

Surfing & Beach Cleaning in Peru
volunteering

Surfing & Beach Cleaning in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

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Endangered Animal Sanctuary in Peru
animals

Endangered Animal Sanctuary in Peru

Minimum 2 weeks

Peru

$550/week

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Culture Week in Peru
learning

Culture Week in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$495/week

Learn More
Eco Build Experience in Peru
volunteering

Eco Build Experience in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

Learn More
Veterinary Dog Clinic in Peru
animals

Veterinary Dog Clinic in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

Learn More
Archaeology Project in Peru
learning

Archaeology Project in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$370/week

Learn More

Attractions

5.0 (5 reviews)
Activity from Cusco to 7 Lagoons of Ausangate

Activity from Cusco to 7 Lagoons of Ausangate

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The 7 lagoons of Ausangate Tour You can't miss it! If you are a lover of mountain trekking and want to contemplate majestic landscapes, this is the right trip! An experience in which you visit 7 lagoons with intense blue, emerald, turquoise and reddish colors bathing the slopes of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the medicinal hot springs in the middle of the mountains.

From $49 USD

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4.7 (54 reviews)
8-Day All-Inclusive Peru Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and More

8-Day All-Inclusive Peru Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and More

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras-Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and Bridge Qeswachaka take you through all the most important sites of Cusco. "The Machu Picchu tickets is subject to availability, clarifying that the only entity authorized to sell these tickets is the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Tickets will be purchased according to the available circuits and tickets (corresponding to circuits 1 and 2). Other circuits may be offered with an additional charge for the price difference in tickets. In case there is no availability of any type of tickets for Machu Picchu, you will receive a full refund of your tour package."

From $801 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Cusco Shanty Towns: Half-Day Alternative Tour in Cusco

Cusco Shanty Towns: Half-Day Alternative Tour in Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is great way to Experience Cusco, off the beaten path, where we show you the reality of Cusco families living outsides of Cusco downtown, you stop by their houses and working areas, talk and interact with them, mainly is a conversation with the local and understand the living style here and the problems they can have when they migrate from the countryside to the city.

From $62 USD

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4.8 (121 reviews)
6 Day Best of Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Tour

6 Day Best of Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Tour

INSTANT

Visit all of Peru's top attractions on this 6-day, small-group tour. Spend time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Visiting Pisac, the famous Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba river. Then visit the amazing Machu Picchu city of the Incas. You'll also visit the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca, with the floating Uros and Taquile islands. Overnight accommodations starting at 3 star hotels, most of your meals, entrance fees and all transportation to and from each attraction (including Cusco airport transfers) are included in the cost of this tour.

From $799 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Cusco : Hot Air Balloon Flight - Over The Landscapes of Peru

Cusco : Hot Air Balloon Flight - Over The Landscapes of Peru

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Soar to new heights and witness Peru's breathtaking landscapes from a hot air balloon. Experience the thrill of floating above stunning natural wonders, ancient ruins, and picturesque valleys. This balloon flight promises a unique perspective on Peru's beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure.

From $128 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
Peru Off-the-Beaten-Track: Maras, Moray, and Salineras from Cusco

Peru Off-the-Beaten-Track: Maras, Moray, and Salineras from Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This full day tour will give you the opportunity to explore the less visited colonial town of Maras, Inca ruins of Moray, and unique Pre-Inca salt mines of Salineras. Maras and Moray are areas where the Incas cultivated different products, such as potatoes and corn, and you will also see evidence of coca leaf horticulture. These sites are well worth visiting as you will experience first-hand the remarkable Incan engineering and their unique agricultural techniques, such as drainage systems that continue to function to this day. The salt mines or “Salineras” was a very important place for Peru´s ancestors and remains a significant locale for surrounding communities. The salt pools have been passed down from generation to generation and are still to this day maintained by a community, who cultivate the salt and prepare it for purchase. In addition, on this tour you will see fascinating views of local agricultural terrain and the Andes across the valley.

From $138 USD

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5.0 (22 reviews)
"Laguna Humantay" Day trip from Cusco, with Peru Vip

"Laguna Humantay" Day trip from Cusco, with Peru Vip

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

· You will visit the "Laguna Humantay" with Peru Vip, a company qualified and recommended by our direct clients, we have 10 years of extensive experience, which guarantees our services. · We work with the best schedules to visit the Humantay lagoon quietly. · We operate the shortest route of 1:30 hours of walking. · We work group services with a maximum of 16 people, improved service. · We do not work with large groups that exceed more than 30 people like other companies. · Our guides are accredited professionals, adventure specialists for this route. · Our transports are comfortable sprintes, we have the best buffet breakfast and lunch on the route.

From $71 USD

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4.6 (19 reviews)
Cusco by Bike

Cusco by Bike

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour was designed so that our visitors can know much more of the city and reach unique places that are only visited by local people, they can also be part of the history and culture of the past as well as the present as we will pass through many places who greet secrets of our great Inca culture. Riding the bike is the best way to explore the city and at the same time is the best way to keep the body in good shape.

From $92 USD

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5.0 (41 reviews)
MachuPicchu Mystical Tour Cusco - Peru

MachuPicchu Mystical Tour Cusco - Peru

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Machu Picchu economy tour 2 days 1 night The excursion of Machu Picchu by Car 2 days 1 night is an alternate route, also known as the “Amazon Route” that will lead you to the town of Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu to know the Wonder of the World, allowing you to have a more intimate approach with nature, see a beautiful panorama full of landscapes and snow-capped mountains like Chicon, Salkantay and Veronica that are sample of our Peruvian Andean highlands with paved and rustic roads, with natural people of the area. Enjoy the fantastic experience of a hike surrounded by wild flora and fauna, where we will also appreciate the Mandor Gardens along the way

From $236 USD

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4.0 (3 reviews)
8 Days Peru Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Titicaca Lake

8 Days Peru Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Titicaca Lake

INSTANT

Explore Peru's vibrant capital, Lima, with visits to iconicplaces: Love Park, Huaca Pucllana, and historic city squares. Immerse yourself in the ancient history and culture of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, exploring archaeological wonders like the Temple of the Sun and Saqsayhuaman. Discover the natural beauty and archaeological marvels of the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray Terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Experience the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with guided tours of its terraces, temples, and panoramic views. Embark on a trek to Vinincunca Rainbow Mountain, marveling at its colorful geological formations and panoramic vistas. Journey along the scenic Route of the Sun, exploring Andahuaylillas, Racchi, and the Pucará Museum. Explore the beauty and cultural heritage of Lake Titicaca with visits to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, where ancient traditions are still preserved.

From $1475 USD

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