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Peru Cusco travel guide
11 things to do in Cusco, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Cusco
- Saqsaywaman — archaeological site (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Coricancha — sun temple (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Tambomachay — Archaeological site in Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Puka Pukara — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Q'inqu — archeological site (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Cusco Cathedral — mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Church of the Society of Jesus — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of La Merced, Cusco — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Plaza de Armas — square in Cusco, Peru (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Muyuq Marka — archaeological site in Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Museo de Arte Precolombino Cusco — museum in Cusco, Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
1-day Cusco walking itinerary
Starting point: Plaza de Armas. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.4 km · 7,340 steps · 1 h 13 min on the way): Plaza de Armas → Church of the Society of Jesus → Basilica of La Merced, Cusco → Coricancha → Q'inqu → Saqsaywaman → Muyuq Marka → Cusco Cathedral
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Cusco
- Machu Picchu — The legendary Inca citadel on a cloudy ridge; train to Aguas Calientes, then bus up. Book ahead. (visit ≈ 480 min)
- Maras Salt Ponds — Hundreds of terraced salt pans stepping down a valley slope, worked since before the Incas. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Moray — Amphitheatre-like rings of Inca farming terraces, thought to have been used for crop experiments. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Museo Inka — Colonial mansion holding Inca ceramics, textiles and mummies; the region's most complete archaeology museum. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Cusco
- Plaza de Armas: The heart of the old town; cathedral, restaurants and tour offices.
- San Blas: A hilly, charming area full of artisan workshops.
- San Pedro: Cheaper stays near the famous market.
Getting from the airport to Cusco
- Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ): The airport is close to town; taxi ≈ 20 min.
Getting around
The centre is walkable but the altitude is high, so take it slow on day one. Use official taxis for short rides.
Classic places to eat
- Cicciolina: An upstairs tapas bar with Mediterranean-Peruvian food.
- Pachapapa: Clay-oven dishes in a San Blas courtyard.
- Chicha por Gastón Acurio: A famous chef’s restaurant of regional Andean dishes.
- Morena Peruvian Kitchen: Peruvian classics with a modern touch.
- Mercado de San Pedro: Juice stalls and cheap local food.
- Jack’s Café: A traveller favourite for big breakfasts.
Romantic views
- San Cristóbal Viewpoint (Sunset): Sunset over tiled roofs and the main square.
- Sacsayhuamán (Afternoon): A view of the city from giant Inca walls.
- Cristo Blanco (Sunset): City views beside the white Christ statue on the hill.
Good to know before visiting Cusco
- Fine: Machu Picchu requires a timed ticket, a set circuit and a guide; drones are banned.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Carry your passport.
- Warning: Cusco is about 3,400 m high; go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
- Ride-hailing apps are safer than street taxis.
- The currency is the sol; carry small notes.
- Emergency: police 105, ambulance 106, fire 116
- Plugs: A/B/C, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Peru, Wikivoyage — Peru, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Cusco travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Cusco?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 2 days for the top 9 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Cusco?
- Highlights: Saqsaywaman, Coricancha, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara and Q'inqu. The map has 11 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Cusco?
- Plaza de Armas: The heart of the old town; cathedral, restaurants and tour offices. Other options: San Blas and San Pedro.
- How do you get from the airport to Cusco city centre?
- Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ): The airport is close to town; taxi ≈ 20 min.
- How do you get around Cusco?
- The centre is walkable but the altitude is high, so take it slow on day one. Use official taxis for short rides.
- What is the emergency number in Cusco?
- Emergency: police 105, ambulance 106, fire 116.
- Do you tip in Cusco?
- About 10% is customary.
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