Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire, famous for its blend of colonial Spanish architecture and ancient stone foundations. It serves as the high-altitude gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, best visited during the dry season from May to September for clear blue skies.
Top Things to Do in Cusco
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Getting Around Cusco
From the Airport
Rideshare. Uber is available in Cusco, but the official airport taxis located just outside the arrivals terminal are the most common and reliable method for reaching the city center. Taxi. Official airport taxis have fixed rates to the city center and take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Once You're There
Walking. The historic center of Cusco is very compact and highly walkable, though you should be prepared for steep inclines and high-altitude exertion. Rideshare. Uber and the local app Cabify are widely used, affordable, and safer than hailing random street taxis for longer distances.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Hotel picks for Cusco are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Cusco
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse★ 4.8 (6,232)C. Palacio 135, Cusco 08002, PeruFamous for serving premium meats on sizzling volcanic stones at your table.
Organika★ 4.8 (5,587)Ataud 154, Cusco 08000, PeruThis farm-to-table restaurant sources ingredients from the owner's own garden in the Sacred Valley for unmatched freshness.
Pachapapa★ 4.7 (7,451)Carmen Bajo 120, Cusco 08003, PeruSet in a lovely courtyard, this restaurant is the place to try cuy, the traditional roasted guinea pig of the Andes.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen★ 4.7 (4,083)plaza de armas, Portal Harinas 181, Cusco 08001, PeruKnown for its modern, colorful presentation of classic dishes like lomo saltado and a refreshing pisco sour.
Green Point★ 4.7 (3,878)Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003, PeruThis plant-based sanctuary in San Blas is widely considered the best vegan restaurant in the city for its creative tasting menus.
Cicciolina★ 4.6 (2,572)C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, PeruThis iconic spot inside a colonial house is famous for its vibrant tapas bar and exceptional alpaca steak.
San Blas Beerhouse★ 4.6 (1,010)San Blas, Kiskapata 100, Cusco 08000, PeruThe go-to destination for local craft beer enthusiasts looking to pair a cold IPA with artisan pizzas.
Kion Peruvian Chinese★ 4.5 (2,959)Triunfo 370, Cusco 08002, PeruA sophisticated take on Chifa cuisine, offering incredible dim sum and stir-fry dishes that reflect Peru’s Chinese influence.
Incanto★ 4.5 (1,261)plaza de armas, Sta. Catalina Angosta 135, Cusco 08002, PeruLocated in a former Inca palace, it offers a refined fusion of Italian techniques with local Peruvian flavors.
Chicha por Gaston Acurio★ 4.4 (3,462)Plaza Regocijo 261, Cusco 05184, PeruHelmed by Peru's most famous chef, this restaurant elevates traditional Andean ingredients like quinoa and river trout to fine-dining status.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Cusco
Inca Foundations and Colonial Heart
Morning. Start your journey at the Plaza de Armas, the bustling nerve center of the city where the massive Cusco Cathedral dominates the skyline. Spend time admiring the intricate wood carvings and the famous painting of the Last Supper featuring a guinea pig. From there, walk a few blocks to the Qorikancha, once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, where you can see the seamless fusion of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture. It is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds that gather by mid-morning. Finally, stroll down the narrow street of Hatun Rumiyoq to spot the famous Twelve Angled Stone, a masterpiece of Inca engineering that fits perfectly without mortar.
Afternoon. After grabbing a quick lunch, head toward the San Pedro Market, a sensory explosion of colors, smells, and local life. Wander through the aisles to see everything from piles of exotic fruits to stalls selling local medicinal herbs and colorful textiles. It is the perfect place to pick up a fresh fruit juice or a bag of roasted cancha corn for a snack. After exploring the market, walk toward the nearby Cusco Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to dive deeper into the history of the cultures that predated the Incas. The museum's courtyard cafe is a tranquil spot to rest your feet before continuing your walk back toward the center.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the San Blas neighborhood, known as the artisan quarter of Cusco. The steep, cobblestone streets are lined with galleries and small workshops where you can watch local artists at work. Climb up to the San Blas Plaza to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city as the lights begin to twinkle in the valley below. The atmosphere here is much more bohemian and relaxed than the main square. End your evening at a local bar in this district to reflect on your first day of acclimation.
Fortresses and Ancient Heights
Morning. Today is dedicated to the massive ruins that overlook the city, starting with the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The sheer scale of the limestone boulders used to build these walls is mind-blowing, and the site offers a fantastic panoramic view of Cusco. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the expansive grassy fields and the zig-zagging walls. It is a steep walk from the city, so consider taking a taxi to the entrance to save your energy for the ruins themselves. Afterward, walk a short distance to the nearby site of Q'enqo, a fascinating labyrinthine temple carved directly into the rock face.
Afternoon. Continue your exploration by heading further up the mountain to the archaeological sites of Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Puca Pucara, known as the Red Fortress, served as a military checkpoint, while Tambomachay is widely believed to have been a sacred water temple with beautiful stone aqueducts that still flow today. These sites are less crowded than Sacsayhuaman and provide a peaceful look at Inca ingenuity in the countryside. The high altitude makes the air crisp, so take your time and stay hydrated throughout the afternoon. If you have time, stop at a local weaver's workshop along the road to see how traditional Andean textiles are made.
Evening. Head back down to the city for a well-deserved dinner in the historic center. Spend your evening relaxing at a lounge that overlooks the Plaza de Armas, watching the colonial buildings glow under the floodlights. The night air in Cusco can get quite chilly, so find a cozy spot with a fireplace to enjoy a glass of Peruvian wine. If you still have energy, walk through the quiet, moonlit streets near the Cathedral to see the city from a different, more somber perspective. It is a perfect way to prepare for your final day in the Andes.
Sacred Valley Exploration
Morning. For your final day, take a day trip to the town of Pisac, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Start by visiting the Pisac Archaeological Park, which features some of the most impressive agricultural terraces in the entire region. The hike along the ridge provides breathtaking views of the valley floor and the winding Urubamba River. Make sure to arrive early, as the morning light on the ruins is perfect for photography and the weather is usually at its best. After exploring the ruins, descend into the town of Pisac to explore its famous artisan market, which is much larger and more varied than the ones in the city.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon wandering the stalls of the Pisac Market, where you can find everything from alpaca sweaters to silver jewelry and ceramic bull statues. It is the best place in the region to buy authentic souvenirs, so don't be afraid to browse and interact with the local vendors. For lunch, find a restaurant in the valley that uses fresh, local ingredients like corn and potatoes. The pace of life here is significantly slower than in Cusco, so enjoy the opportunity to sit back and observe the local customs. If you have time, visit a local 'chicheria' to try the traditional fermented corn beer known as chicha.
Evening. Travel back to Cusco in the late afternoon and spend your final evening enjoying a high-end culinary experience. Choose a restaurant that highlights the diversity of Peruvian ingredients, perhaps trying a tasting menu that features Amazonian fish or Andean grains. After dinner, take a final stroll through the Plaza de Armas to soak in the atmosphere one last time. The mixture of Inca stone and colonial arches looks particularly magical at night. It is a bittersweet end to your trip, but you will leave with a deep appreciation for the history and culture of this incredible Andean city.