Qué hacer en Departamento de Cusco
Descubre Cusco, el ombligo del mundo inca, donde la historia cobra vida. Explora la maravilla de Machu Picchu, recorre la Plaza de Armas y sumérgete en la vibrante cultura andina. Este destino único ofrece una mezcla inigualable de arquitectura ancestral, espiritualidad y paisajes de alta montaña que transformarán tu perspectiva de viaje.
Actividades favoritas en Departamento de Cusco
Best season
La mejor época para viajar al Departamento de Cusco y realizar actividades de senderismo, como el Camino Inca y las visitas a Machu Picchu, es durante la estación seca, que abarca de abril a octubre. Dentro de este periodo, los meses de mayo a septiembre son ideales, ya que ofrecen días soleados y escasa probabilidad de lluvia, condiciones perfectas para explorar los sitios arqueológicos y los valles andinos. No obstante, debes saber que la temporada alta y de mayor afluencia de turistas, con precios más elevados y necesidad de reservar con mucha antelación, coincide con los meses de junio, julio y agosto, debido a las vacaciones internacionales y a que es el periodo más seco.
Weather
El clima en el Departamento de Cusco es predominantemente frío y seco, clasificado como clima de alta montaña (subtropical de tierras altas, Cwb). Se caracteriza por dos estaciones: la seca (de abril a octubre), con días soleados y noches muy frías, y la lluviosa (de noviembre a marzo). Las temperaturas promedio anuales oscilan típicamente entre 8 °C y 15 °C. Las máximas se alcanzan en los meses de la estación seca, especialmente en octubre y noviembre, llegando hasta 20 °C a 22 °C durante el día, mientras que las mínimas más frías se registran en los meses de invierno de la estación seca (junio y julio), pudiendo descender por debajo de 0 °C (con heladas frecuentes).
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to the Department of Cusco?
According to tourists who visited the Department of Cusco, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel located high in the Andes. You can access it by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then take a bus to the citadel. It was built in the 15th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Explore the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the historical and social heart of the city, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings. It is accessible on foot from the historic center and houses the Cusco Cathedral (16th-17th centuries). 3. Discover Coricancha, the ancient Inca temple of the Sun, on which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built. It is accessible on foot from the Plaza de Armas and was one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire. 4. Ascend to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress with cyclopean stone walls, located in the hills above Cusco. You can access it by taxi or by walking from the center of Cusco, and its walls are constructed with enormous stone blocks perfectly fitted together.
What are the best activities to do in the Department of Cusco?
The top-rated activities by tourists in the Department of Cusco are: 1. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a multi-day trek through spectacular Andean landscapes that culminates at the Machu Picchu citadel. It requires permits well in advance and lasts approximately 4 days. 2. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring picturesque towns, Inca archaeological sites, and local markets. It includes sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, and the activity lasts a full day. 3. Explore Cusco's gastronomy by tasting traditional dishes like cuy, trout, and quinoa. Cusco has a vibrant culinary scene. 4. Hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a challenging trek to a mountain with colorful mineral stripes. The altitude is over 5,000 meters, and the activity lasts a full day. 5. Visit the San Pedro Market, a vibrant local market where you can find fresh produce, crafts, textiles, and typical food. It's ideal for experiencing daily life and trying exotic fruits, and it lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
What day trips can be taken from the Department of Cusco?
From the Department of Cusco, you can take the following day trips: 1. Sacred Valley of the Incas: Full-day tour (approx. 8-10 hours) that includes archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, Andean towns, and markets. It can be accessed through organized tours, private taxi, or public transport. 2. Maras and Moray: Half-day tour (approx. 4-5 hours) to see the salt mines of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, which is believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. It can be accessed through organized tours or taxi. 3. Humantay Lake: Full-day tour (approx. 10-12 hours) to visit an impressive turquoise lake at high altitude, at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped mountain. It can be accessed through organized tours. 4. Ollantaytambo: Full-day tour (can be combined with the Sacred Valley) to visit an Inca fortress and a living Inca town. It was an important administrative and military center for the Incas. It can be accessed by train from Cusco or by land transport.
How many days are recommended to visit the Department of Cusco?
To visit the main attractions of the Department of Cusco, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 5 days. With 3 days, it's possible to see the basics (Cusco and Machu Picchu). With 4 days, you can add the Sacred Valley. With 5 days or more, you can explore at a more relaxed pace or add excursions like the Rainbow Mountain. The altitude of Cusco requires acclimatization time, and the suggested itinerary is: Day 1: Acclimatization and Cusco center. Day 2: Machu Picchu. Day 3: Sacred Valley. Day 4: Rainbow Mountain or Maras/Moray. Day 5: Additional exploration or shopping. Factors to consider include altitude, distance, and travel time to attractions, desired travel pace, and the number of full-day excursions.
What is the best time to visit the Department of Cusco in terms of prices and weather?
The high season is from June to August, with dry weather, sunny days, and cold nights (minimum temperature 0°C, maximum 20°C). Prices are very high, and there is high demand, with special events like Inti Raymi in June. The advantages are ideal weather for hiking and clear views, but the disadvantages are the large influx of tourists and the need to book well in advance. The low season is from November to April, with rainy weather and temperatures between 5°C and 18°C. Prices are moderate, and there are fewer tourists. The advantages are greener landscapes and more affordable prices, but the disadvantages include the possibility of rain affecting outdoor activities. The ideal season is from May to October, offering a good balance between dry and sunny weather, fewer crowds than in high season, and moderate prices, with temperatures between 2°C and 21°C.
Is it expensive to travel to the Department of Cusco?
Traveling to the Department of 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 30 to 50 USD, including hostel accommodation, inexpensive local food, and public transport. For a mid-range budget, the range is 70 to 120 USD, covering 3-star hotel accommodation, meals at tourist restaurants, and entrance fees to main sites. For a comfort trip, the daily budget ranges from 150 to 300 USD, including accommodation in boutique or 4-5 star hotels, gourmet meals, and private tours. Reference costs are: average meal in a restaurant between 13 and 21 USD, inexpensive meal between 5 and 9 USD, public transport between 0.50 and 1.30 USD for a short trip, average attraction entrance fee between 10 and 20 USD (excluding the Tourist Ticket and Machu Picchu), budget accommodation per night between 13 and 27 USD, and mid-range accommodation per night between 54 and 108 USD. An example budget for 5 days is between 350 and 600 USD, including accommodation, meals, local transport, and entrance fees to main attractions (excluding Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail). Cusco can be more expensive than other Peruvian cities due to tourist demand, but it is comparable to or slightly cheaper than high-demand destinations in other South American countries. To save money, it is recommended to purchase the Tourist Ticket, eat at local markets, use public transport, and book flights and accommodation in advance.
What budget tours can be done in the Department of Cusco?
Free attractions in the Department of Cusco include the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the San Pedro Market, and the San Blas neighborhood. There are also free tours like the Free Walking Tour Cusco, based on voluntary tips. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: City Tour Cusco (grupal) from USD 15, Tour a la Montaña de 7 Colores (grupal) from USD 30, Tour al Valle Sagrado (grupal) from USD 35, Tour de Aclimatación en Cusco from USD 20.
