The Ultimate Guide to Visit Cusco in Peru
Cusco in Peru is the gateway to many great sites, including the new world wonder of Machu Picchu. This is one of the most impressive places to visit in the country, and it seriously has so much to offer.
Visit Cusco and you'll find out why it is our favorite city in Peru, and one our favorites in all South America. The blend of architecture from Incan and colonial times makes you feel like you are walking throughout history. The landscapes surrounding it will make you feel as if you are another planet, and the food is some of the best we had in the country.
Cusco is one of those places that you could spend weeks exploring! The reason being, that it is the hub for many different treks in the South of Peru. Surrounded by ruins, markets, and breathtaking nature, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip here. That's why we're here to help. Let's check out everything to know for visiting Cusco in Peru.
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Visiting Cusco in Peru: A Brief Intro
Before diving into all of the fun things to do in Cusco, and all of the details for enjoying the city, let's go over sun fun facts and helpful info about the city itself.
The History of Cusco in Peru
Something to highlight about Cusco, if you are planning on doing a trip around Peru, is that its customs are a little bit different from the rest of the country. This is due to its cosmopolitan nature. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
It was declared in 1983 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with the title "City of Cuzco" and nowadays it hosts around 2 million people every year.
We recommend two weeks if you want to see a lot, and believe us, it’s easy to spend more there. Here is a guide to everything you need to know before your trip to Cusco.
Are you forgetting some travel essentials?
Check out our list of 10 must-have things to be prepared for any situation while traveling.
Where is Cusco in Peru?
Cusco is located in the south east of Peru. It is surrounded by the Urubambu Valley, which is in the Andes mountain range. Peru is on the west coast of South America, south of Ecuador, north of Chile, and west of Bolivia.
Cusco is in the south east of Peru.
How to Get to Cusco in Peru
In order to get to Cusco, you'll first have to find a way to Peru, preferably to Lima. Lima has flights to Cusco pretty much every half hour, and alternatively there is one flight daily to Cusco from Arequipa.
Lima is actually one of the biggest hubs in South America, and has plenty of affordable flights from anywhere in the Americas. You can even find flights from the US to Lima for under $100, and flights from Lima to Cusco cost as low as just $20.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Peru". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for getting to Cusco.
Search for a flight to Cusco, Arequipa, or Lima:
If you are already in Peru and don't want to fly, you can actually easily get a bus to Cusco. This is how we made our way around the country, and found that the overnight buses were a great option for saving money while traveling.
With their fully reclining seats, you can sleep comfortably for affordable prices.
Want to book your bus to Cusco from surrounding cities? Here are a few popular routes:
Entry Requirements for Peru
Before planning a trip anywhere, you'll need to keep in mind the requirements for entering. Here is everything you need to know for traveling to Peru.
Visa Requirements for Peru
Most nationalities from the Americas and Western Europe can visit Peru visa-free for a period of up to 183 days. The only thing you will need is your passport, with a validity of 6 months from the date of departure. Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay may enter the country with their national identity document. If you'd like to know if you need a visa, make sure to check with the local embassy.
We do suggest getting your yellow fever vaccine as well, since it can be a risk, and is required in many countries in South America.
Local Adjustments
Whenever you travel there are things that you may forget about, that could be different from where you are coming from. These are what we call local adjustments, and here are the ones for Cusco in Peru.
What Language is Spoken in Cusco?
The official language in Cusco is Spanish. Peruvians speak pretty clear, so they are actually much easier to understand than some of the surrounding countries (such as Chile for example).
Cusco has plenty of people that do speak English, but it definitely helps to speak Spanish so you can get better deals and avoid getting ripped off.
What Currency is Used in Cusco?
The currency used in Peru is the Sol. Each USD is equivalent to about 3.75 Sol right now (January 2025). There aren't a ton of places that accept credit card in Cusco, so we definitely suggest going to an ATM and taking out plenty of cash.
What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Peru?
The electrical outlets in Peru support plug types A & C. Type A is the two flat pins that are used in the US, and type C is the two round pins that are used in Europe.
The standard voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 60 Hz. It may be smart to bring an electrical adapter, as the outlets vary depending on where you go.
Is Water in Cusco Drinkable?
The water is generally not safe to drink in Cusco, so we suggest sticking to bottled water. You'll have to stay extra hydrated, as the city of Cusco in Peru has a lot of hills, and the landscapes around them take a lot of effort to do because of the elevation.
We suggest buying giant jugs of water, and refillable a reusable water bottle to be prepared for wherever you go.
Tipping Culture in Cusco
The tipping culture in Peru is a standard 10 %, and tips are always expected in cash.
Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
Inside the city of Cusco itself, you could spend a few days enjoying all that it has to offer. Outside the city there are so many options that you could easily spend a month exploring all that this area has. Here are some of the best things to do for your visit to Cusco in Peru.
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Explore the Old Town of Cusco (1-2 days)
Cusco has a beautiful old town which should definitely not be missed. Wander the streets, enjoy the views, and acclimate yourself to the altitude, before venturing out to see all that the surrounding areas have to offer.
The Old Town of Cusco deserves a full day of exploring its quaint streets.
Looking for a city tour in Cusco? We've found a few for you to check out:
Machu Picchu (3-4 days)
Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world, and the main reason that hundreds of thousands of people visit Cusco in Peru each year.
There are several different options for traveling to Machu Picchu, the two most popular being the train and doing a trekking tour. The train is the more expensive and luxurious option, while the trek is truly immersive and thrilling.
Huaynu Picchu
Huayna Picchu is another thing to check out inside of Machu Picchu. It requires an additional ticket, and is inside the grounds of Machu Picchu. The views are truly unbeatable, and worth checking out while you are there.
If you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu, make sure to read our full guide. Our article includes more details of what to expect, and how to prepare for this magical journey.
Sleep in a Million Star Hotel (1 ½ days)
Get ready for one of the most memorable experiences of your life! Sky Lodge Adventure Suites, located in the Sacred Valley are a real bucket list item.
This is more than just a hotel, but an entire experience. Climb all the way up to reach your capsule that hangs off the side of a mountain overlooking the Sacred Valley.
Skylodge Adventure Suites are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Want to see what it feels like to be hanging off of a mountain? We have a Full Travel Guide to check out!
Vinicunca, a.k.a. Rainbow Mountain (1 day)
This colorful mountain was only discovered a few years ago, but it really something worth seeing. There are many tours that go here. But be prepared, because you will most likely have to leave at 3 am. Check out our complete travel guide for more details if Rainbow Mountain is on your list.
Note: There are actually now four different rainbow mountains! All are beautiful in their own way and worth visiting. We only visited Vinicunca, which was the most popular at the time.
We've found some tours for you to check out for Rainbow Mountain:
Red Valley, Inside Vinicunca (Included in Rainbow Mountain)
Located right next to Rainbow Mountain, this valley has a pink/red hue. It is an extra 10 soles to enter (about 3 USD) but is definitely worth the stop if you are going to Rainbow Mountain.
The red valley is connected right to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
We suggest going without a tour so that you have time to really experience both beautiful surroundings. If you'd like more info, make sure to check out our full travel guide about Rainbow Mountain.
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain (1 Day)
This Rainbow Mountain is a great alternative to Vinicunca, especially if you don't like crowds or don't want to wake up at 3 AM.
There are quite a few tours you can find here, or you can rent a car and go on your own.
Palcoyo is a great alternative Rainbow Mountain choice.
Red River (included in Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain)
The red river is stunning and unlike anything you will ever see. Its red hue is due to the rain run off from the nearby Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. It is located 3 hours south west of Cusco.
There are not many tour agencies that advertise this tour service, but there are some Palcoyo Rainbow Tours that perhaps might stop to show you. Renting a car is the best way to experience the red river though, as you can explore the whole region on your own clock.
Note: The river is not always red. Depending on the time of year and day depends on the color of the water here. The best time to witness this is from January to April.
The red river is one of the most unique places outside of Cusco.
Saqsaywaman and Other City Ruins (1-2 days)
Let's head back to what's actually inside the city of Cusco in Peru!
These ruins are in the heart of the city and can be easily walked to. The entrance is 70 soles (about 22 USD). This is a little expensive for Cusco, but the ticket also includes all of the different ruins in the city.
Being that there are several other smaller ruins, we definitely think it is worth it if you have a few extra days in the city.