What to Do in Cusco
Cusco, the navel of the Inca world, immerses you in an unparalleled ancestral energy. Explore the majesty of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, stroll through its cobblestone streets and vibrant markets. Connect with a millenary Andean cultural legacy that will transform your journey!
Favorite Activities in Cusco
Best season
The best time to travel to Cusco and explore wonders like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley is during the dry season, ideally from April to October. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with sunny days and a low chance of rain, making it perfect for hiking, trekking (including the Inca Trail), and enjoying local festivities such as Inti Raymi in June. However, it is important to know that this period coincides with the high tourist season, especially between June and August, so visitor numbers are significantly higher and it is recommended to book entrance tickets and accommodation well in advance.
Weather
The general climate of Cusco is cold and dry, classified as subtropical high mountain, with a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March). Average maximum temperatures are reached during the dry season, especially between September and October, reaching about 20°C to 22°C. Nights are very cold in June and July, when minimum temperatures can drop to 0°C or even below, while in the rainy season, maximum temperatures hover around 18°C and nighttime lows are milder (around 5°C to 7°C).
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to Cusco?
According to tourists who visited Cusco, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be accessed by train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a bus to the citadel. 2. Stroll around the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the historical and social heart of the city, surrounded by colonial architecture and Inca ruins. It can be reached on foot from most accommodations in the center. 3. Explore Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress with massive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It can be accessed by walking from the center (steep) or by taxi/tour. 4. Wander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops and narrow streets. It can be reached on foot from the Plaza de Armas. 5. Immerse yourself in the vibrant San Pedro Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. It can be reached on foot from the Plaza de Armas.
What are the best activities to do in Cusco?
The top-rated activities by tourists in Cusco are: 1. Visit Machu Picchu, exploring the majestic Inca citadel, a wonder of the world and an important archaeological site. Advance ticket and transportation reservations are required. 2. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting picturesque towns, archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and Andean landscapes. This includes visits to local markets and Inca fortresses. 3. Hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), taking a high-altitude trek to admire the colorful geological formations. The altitude exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level, requiring good acclimatization. 4. Visit Humantay Lake, a hike to an impressive turquoise lagoon at the foot of a snow-capped peak. Located at over 4,200 meters above sea level. 5. Tour the historic center, walking along cobblestone streets, admiring colonial architecture built on Inca foundations, and visiting plazas. This includes the Plaza de Armas, the Stone of the 12 Angles, and the San Blas neighborhood.
What day trips can be taken from Cusco?
The following day trips can be made from Cusco: 1. Machu Picchu: Approximately 3.5-4 hours (includes train and bus). Visit the Inca citadel, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Three Windows. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Reachable by train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, then a bus to the citadel. 2. Sacred Valley of the Incas: Approximately 1.5-2 hours (to Pisac/Ollantaytambo). Visit Pisac (market and ruins), Ollantaytambo (fortress), and Chinchero (textiles). It was a key agricultural and ceremonial center of the Inca Empire. Reachable by organized tour, taxi, or public transport. 3. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Approximately 3-4 hours (one way). Enjoy Andean landscapes and multicolored rock formations. Unique geological formations due to mineralization. Reachable by organized tour (the most common and practical option). 4. Humantay Lake: Approximately 3-4 hours (one way). Visit the turquoise glacial lagoon with views of the Humantay snow-capped peak. Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru. Reachable by organized tour. 5. Maras and Moray: Approximately 1.5 hours (one way). Visit the Maras Salt Mines (salt terraces) and Moray (circular Inca agricultural terraces). Moray was an Inca agricultural experimentation center. Reachable by organized tour or taxi.
How many days are recommended to visit Cusco?
To visit the main attractions of Cusco, it is recommended to spend between 4 and 5 days. With 3 days, you can see the essentials (Cusco, Machu Picchu). With 4 days, you can add the Sacred Valley or a full-day hike. With 5 days or more, you can have a more relaxed experience and include other excursions. The suggested itinerary is: Day 1: Acclimatization and historic center of Cusco. Day 2: Machu Picchu. Day 3: Sacred Valley. Day 4: Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake. Day 5: Maras and Moray or a free day. Factors to consider include altitude and the need for acclimatization, the number of sites to visit, desired travel pace, inclusion of full-day excursions, and travel time between destinations.
What is the best time to visit Cusco in terms of prices and weather?
The high season runs from April to October, with sunny days, cold nights, and little to no rain. Temperatures range from 0°C to 20°C. Price levels are high, potentially significantly more expensive, especially for flights and accommodations. A special event is Inti Raymi in June. Advantages include ideal weather for excursions, clear skies, and fewer interruptions from rain. Disadvantages include high prices, large crowds of tourists, and the need to book well in advance. The low season is from November to March, with frequent rain, cloudy weather, and milder temperatures (5°C to 18°C). Price levels are medium-low, with discounts of up to 30% on flights and accommodations. Advantages include fewer tourists and lower prices, as well as greener landscapes. Disadvantages include rain that can disrupt excursions, muddy paths, and fewer sunny days. The ideal months are April, May, and October, with temperatures between 2°C and 20°C, offering a good balance between dry and sunny weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices, with the possibility of deals.
Is it expensive to travel to Cusco?
Cusco has a moderate cost level. The local currency is the PEN, with an approximate exchange rate of 3.7 PEN per USD. A daily budget for backpackers ranges from USD 40 to USD 60, including hostel accommodation, inexpensive meals, local transportation, and some basic entry fees. For a mid-range budget, the daily cost is USD 70 to USD 120, covering accommodation in a 3-star hotel, meals in tourist restaurants, full-day tours, and main entry fees. For a comfort trip, the daily budget ranges from USD 150 to USD 250, including accommodation in boutique hotels or 4-5 star hotels, gourmet meals, and private tours. Reference costs are: average meal in a restaurant S/ 50-80 (USD 14-22); inexpensive meal S/ 15-30 (USD 4-8); public transport S/ 2-5 (USD 1-1) for a short trip; average attraction entry USD 10-20 (without the Tourist Ticket); budget accommodation per night S/ 40-80 (USD 11-22); mid-range accommodation per night S/ 150-400 (USD 41-108). An example budget for 5 days is USD 350-600, including accommodation, meals, local transportation, and basic tours. Cusco can be more expensive than other Peruvian cities due to tourist demand, but it is comparable to or slightly cheaper than high-demand tourist destinations in other South American countries. To save money, it is recommended to eat at local markets or inexpensive 'menus', use public transportation, buy the Tourist Ticket if visiting multiple sites, travel in the low season, and consider hostels or budget accommodations.
What affordable tours can be done in Cusco?
Free attractions in Cusco include the Plaza de Armas, ideal for observing local life and architecture; the San Blas neighborhood, for strolling through its narrow streets and admiring colonial houses and artisan workshops; the San Cristóbal viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the city; and the San Pedro Market, to explore a variety of local products, fruits, vegetables, textiles, and handicrafts. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tour de día completo al Valle Sagrado from USD 45, Excursión a la Montaña de 7 Colores from USD 35, Tour a la Laguna Humantay from USD 40, Clase de Cocina Peruana en Cusco from USD 60.
