Peru

Things to do in Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its colonial churches stand on Inca stone walls, most famously at Qorikancha. It sits at about 3,400 m and is the base for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and the Inca Trail, so a trip here is planned around altitude, train times and limited entry tickets.

  • Machu Picchu by train with guided visit
  • Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo tour
  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike
  • Humantay Lake trek

Experiences in Cusco

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Cusco

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Highlights

  • Machu Picchu by train with guided visit
  • Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo tour
  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike
  • Humantay Lake trek
  • Moray and Maras salt pans by bike or van
  • Cusco and Sacsayhuaman walking tour

Best time to visit

May to September is the dry season, with sunny days and cold nights; June to August is also the busiest. November to March is the rainy season, and the classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.

Getting around

The historic centre is compact and walkable but steep; taxis are cheap for longer hops. Trains to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) leave from Poroy near Cusco or from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, and the airport is about 20 minutes from the centre by taxi.

Local tips

  • Machu Picchu tickets are sold for fixed time slots and circuits with daily caps, and Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead, so book both before flights.
  • Spend your first night or two lower in the Sacred Valley and avoid Rainbow Mountain, at over 5,000 m, until you are acclimatised.
  • The Boleto Turistico del Cusco covers many sites, including Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray, but not Machu Picchu or Qorikancha.

Day trips from Cusco

  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Humantay Lake
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Cusco?

The most booked experiences in Cusco are Machu Picchu by train with guided visit, Sacred Valley, Pisac and Ollantaytambo tour, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike and Humantay Lake trek.

When is the best time to visit Cusco?

May to September is the dry season, with sunny days and cold nights; June to August is also the busiest. November to March is the rainy season, and the classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.

How do I get around Cusco?

The historic centre is compact and walkable but steep; taxis are cheap for longer hops. Trains to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) leave from Poroy near Cusco or from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, and the airport is about 20 minutes from the centre by taxi.

Do I need to book tours in Cusco in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Cusco?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Cancun4186 km awayMexico City4720 km awayNew York6035 km awaySan Francisco7757 km away