Cusco

Cusco pulls you into a world where the Inca legacy stands tall, especially as you ascend to the majestic Machu Picchu. Roam the San Blas neighborhood, discovering artisan crafts and centuries-old churches. By evening, Plaza de Armas comes alive with music, dance, and food keeping you warm.

Chapters

Cusco Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Machu Picchu
• Sacred Valley
• Sacsayhuamán
• Inca Trail
• Pisac Market

Lowlights:

• Altitude sickness
• Overcrowding in peak season
• Persistent street vendors


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Cusco Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast of local specialties at Panaderia Qosqo Maki.
  • Immerse yourself in the Incan culture with a visit to Qorikancha, a former Incan temple and Spanish monastery.
  • Explore the vibrant San Pedro market and sample some exotic fruits and street food.

Midday

  • Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at Chicha por Gastón Acurio, a restaurant that offers traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Visit the San Blas neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and artisan workshops.

Afternoon

  • Discover the unique flavors of Peruvian chocolate and coffee at the ChocoMuseo.
  • Stroll through the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, and admire the stunning colonial architecture.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen, a restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional Peruvian and international cuisine.
  • Experience the nightlife of Cusco at Museo del Pisco, a bar that specializes in Pisco-based cocktails.
  • End your day with a relaxing soak in the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can enjoy stunning views of Cusco while soaking in the thermal pools.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tawa Cafe, known for its local flavors and cozy atmosphere.
  • Explore the ancient Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views of Cusco.
  • Immerse yourself in Peruvian history and culture at the Museo de Arte Precolombino, home to an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at Chicha por Gastón Acurio, a renowned restaurant that showcases the best of Peruvian cuisine.
  • Visit the bustling San Pedro Market, where you can sample local fruits, vegetables, and street food.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Qorikancha, once the richest temple of the Inca Empire and now a captivating blend of Inca and Spanish architecture.
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of San Blas, known for its bohemian atmosphere and local artisan workshops.

Evening

  • Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Cicciolina, a trendy restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and international cuisine.
  • Experience the lively nightlife of Cusco at Mama Africa, a popular bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music.
  • End your evening with a visit to Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco and a great place to soak in the city’s vibrant energy.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, a beloved breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and smoothies.
  • Explore the fascinating ruins of Q’enqo, an ancient Inca site believed to have been a ceremonial center.
  • Embark on a scenic hike to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where you can learn about traditional salt production methods and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Midday

  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Green Point, a vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide range of delicious plant-based dishes.
  • Visit the quirky Planetarium Cusco, where you can learn about the stars and constellations of the southern hemisphere.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of San Cristobal Church, a beautiful colonial church with stunning views of Cusco.
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of San Pedro, home to colorful local markets, street art, and charming cafes.

Evening

  • Savor a memorable dinner at MAP Café, located within the premises of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and offering a unique dining experience.
  • Unwind with a drink at Limbus Resto Bar, a trendy rooftop bar with panoramic views of Cusco.
  • End your evening with a visit to the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, where you can enjoy a traditional folk dance performance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Peru.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike for its tasty pancakes and smoothies.
  • Next, head to Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, to admire the stunning colonial architecture and the impressive Cathedral of Santo Domingo.
  • Finally, visit the San Pedro Market, a bustling local market where you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade textiles and souvenirs.

Midday

  • Grab a quick lunch at Chicha, a trendy restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional Peruvian and modern dishes.
  • Afterward, take a short walk to the San Blas neighborhood, known for its charming cobblestone streets and unique artisan shops.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Qorikancha, an ancient Inca temple that was later converted into a Spanish monastery.
  • Next, head to the 12 Angled Stone, a remarkable Inca wall that showcases the impressive precision and engineering skills of the Inca people.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Limo, a contemporary Peruvian restaurant that offers a fusion of flavors and ingredients from around the world.
  • Afterward, head to Paddy’s Irish Bar for a drink and some live music.
  • Finally, end your evening with a visit to the Cusco Planetarium, where you can stargaze and learn about the Inca’s astronomical knowledge.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a traditional breakfast at La Valeriana, a local bakery that offers delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Next, take a short taxi ride to the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, an impressive Inca fortress that offers stunning views of Cusco.
  • Finally, visit the Qenqo site, an ancient Inca temple that features intricate carvings and underground chambers.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Green Point, a vegan restaurant that offers a variety of healthy and tasty dishes.
  • Afterward, head to Patallaqta, an off-the-beaten-path Inca site that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Inca people.

Afternoon

  • Visit the ChocoMuseo, a museum and chocolate factory where you can learn about the history of chocolate and make your own chocolate bar.
  • Next, head to the San Francisco Church, a beautiful colonial church that features stunning artwork and a peaceful courtyard.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Cicciolina, a cozy restaurant that offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Peruvian flavors.
  • Afterward, head to Museo del Pisco, a bar and museum that showcases the history and culture of Peru’s national drink.
  • Finally, end your evening with a visit to the San Blas viewpoint, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Cusco.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at El Mercado, a vibrant restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes made with local ingredients.
  • Next, visit the Qoricancha Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Inca people.
  • Finally, take a short walk to the San Cristobal Church, a beautiful colonial church that offers stunning views of Cusco.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at La Feria, a local restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes.
  • Afterward, head to the Tipon archaeological site, a stunning Inca site that features impressive terraces and water channels.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino, a museum that showcases the art and artifacts of the pre-Columbian cultures of Peru.
  • Next, head to the Chichubamba community, a small town where you can learn about traditional agriculture and textile production.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen, a cozy restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Afterward, head to Museo Inka, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Inca people.
  • Finally, end your evening with a visit to Limbus Restobar, a trendy bar that offers a variety of cocktails and live music performances.

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and fresh juices.
  • Take a stroll through the charming San Blas neighborhood, admiring its picturesque streets and local artisan shops.
  • Visit the impressive Qorikancha, an ancient Incan temple dedicated to the sun.

Midday

  • Satisfy your hunger with a tasty lunch at Pacha Papa, a restaurant specializing in traditional Andean cuisine.
  • Explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, where you can find an array of local foods and handicrafts.

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour of the stunning Sacsayhuaman, a fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Marvel at the intricate stone masonry of Q’enqo, an ancient Incan temple and ceremonial site.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Museo del Pisco, a restaurant and bar famous for its creative pisco cocktails.
  • Experience Cusco’s energetic nightlife at Mama Africa, a popular club featuring live music and dancing.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Heladeria Holanda, a local ice cream shop serving up unique flavors like quinoa and coca leaf.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a tasty breakfast at La Valeriana, a cozy cafe with a charming garden.
  • Explore the ancient Incan ruins of Tipon, known for its impressive agricultural terraces and intricate irrigation system.
  • Take a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Pikillacta, admiring its well-preserved adobe walls and historic architecture.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Don Antojito, a local favorite serving up classic Peruvian dishes.
  • Visit the colorful Centro Artesanal Cusco, a handicraft market featuring locally-made textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

Afternoon

  • Explore the fascinating Museo Inka, which houses an impressive collection of Incan artifacts and artifacts from the colonial period.
  • Visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco’s historic district and home to the stunning Cathedral of Santo Domingo.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Incanto, an Italian restaurant known for its homemade pasta and cozy ambiance.
  • Enjoy a drink with a view at Limbus Restobar, a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city.
  • Experience the vibrant energy of Cusco’s nightlife at Ukuku’s Pub, a popular spot for live music and dancing.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cicciolina, a trendy restaurant known for its creative brunch dishes and house-made bread.
  • Take a scenic drive to the ancient Incan site of Moray, known for its impressive circular terraces and unique agricultural innovations.
  • Visit the picturesque town of Maras, known for its historic salt mines and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Midday

  • Satisfy your hunger with a delicious lunch at Chicha por Gaston Acurio, a restaurant specializing in modern Peruvian cuisine.
  • Visit the fascinating Museo de Arte Precolombino, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.

Afternoon

  • Explore the colorful streets of the San Blas neighborhood, admiring its unique architecture and charming shops.
  • Visit the impressive Catedral del Cusco, a stunning colonial-era cathedral featuring intricate artwork and a rich history.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Limo, a fusion restaurant combining Peruvian and Asian flavors.
  • Sip a cocktail at Miski, a cozy bar featuring a wide selection of craft beers and spirits.
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of Los Perros, a popular bar featuring live music and a fun, energetic crowd.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Morena, a cozy cafe known for its fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
  • Visit the impressive Convento de Santo Domingo, a beautiful colonial-era church and monastery.
  • Take a scenic drive to the stunning Lake Humantay, admiring its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views.

Midday

  • Satisfy your hunger with a tasty lunch at Green Point, a vegetarian restaurant serving up delicious meat-free options.
  • Visit the fascinating Museo de Historia Regional, which explores the rich history and culture of the Cusco region.

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming Plaza San Francisco, admiring its beautiful colonial-era architecture and unique shops.
  • Visit the impressive Palacio del Inka, a stunning colonial-era palace featuring intricate stonework and beautiful artwork.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Chullpi, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious grilled meats and traditional Andean dishes.
  • Sip a craft beer at Chicha Brewing Company, a popular brewery featuring unique, locally-inspired brews.
  • Experience the lively energy of Paddy’s Irish Pub, a fun spot for live music and dancing.

Day 5

Morning

  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Mercado 28, a local market featuring an array of fresh fruits, baked goods, and traditional Peruvian breakfast dishes.
  • Take a scenic train ride to the stunning Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
  • Explore the ancient ruins and breathtaking views of this incredible Incan city.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Take a scenic train ride back to Cusco, admiring the stunning mountain views along the way.
  • Visit the charming Plaza Regocijo, a beautiful square featuring historic architecture and unique shops.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Chicha por Gaston Acurio, a restaurant known for its innovative Peruvian cuisine and cozy ambiance.
  • Savor a cocktail at Museo del Pisco, a trendy bar featuring a wide selection of pisco cocktails and tasty tapas.
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of La Chupiteria, a fun bar featuring live music and a festive crowd.

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Valeriana, a cozy bakery that offers delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Embark on a walking tour to explore the city’s main attractions such as Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha – the temple of the sun.
  • Take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink at Museo del Pisco, where you can also learn about the history and production of Peru’s national drink.

Midday

  • Savor the flavors of Peruvian cuisine at Chicha por Gastón Acurio, a restaurant that offers traditional dishes with a modern twist.
  • Visit the San Pedro Market, a bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Limo Cocina Peruana & Pisco Bar, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisine.
  • Sip on a pisco sour or other cocktail at Museo del Pisco, a bar that specializes in pisco-based drinks.
  • End your night with some live music at Mama Africa, a vibrant nightclub that plays a mix of Latin and African music.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, a popular spot that offers American-style breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the Monastery of Santo Domingo, a stunning example of colonial architecture that was built on top of the Inca temple of Qorikancha.
  • Explore the San Francisco Church and its impressive collection of colonial art.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at El Encuentro, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Museo Inka, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Qenqo archaeological site, an Inca temple that was used for ceremonial purposes.
  • Explore the Puka Pukara fortress, a military complex that was used to protect Cusco.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Baco, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Sip on a craft beer at Cervecería del Valle Sagrado, a brewery that specializes in local brews.
  • End your night with a movie at Cineplanet Cusco, a modern cinema that offers a variety of films.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Bondiet, a cafe that offers a variety of breakfast dishes and pastries.
  • Take a tour of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress that offers stunning views of Cusco.
  • Explore the Qoricancha Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at La Cusqueñita, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Planetarium Cusco, where you can learn about the stars and constellations of the southern hemisphere.

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll through the San Sebastian neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and picturesque streets.
  • Visit the Church of San Sebastian, a colonial church that features stunning artwork and architecture.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Chullpi, a restaurant that offers traditional Andean cuisine.
  • Sip on a cocktail at Misk’i, a bar that specializes in cocktails made with local ingredients.
  • End your night with some live music at La Estrellita, a cozy bar that offers a variety of music genres.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Bodega 138, a cafe that offers a variety of breakfast dishes and coffee.
  • Take a tour of the Cusco Art Museum, a museum that showcases the history and art of Cusco.
  • Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, a colonial church that features stunning artwork and architecture.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at La Feria, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Almudena Cemetery, a historic cemetery that features stunning architecture and artwork.

Afternoon

  • Take a hike to the Temple of the Moon, an ancient Inca temple that is surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
  • Visit the ChocoMuseum, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate in Peru.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kion, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine.
  • Sip on a cocktail at Museo del Café, a museum that showcases the history and production of coffee in Peru.
  • End your night with some live music at Ukuku’s Bar, a cozy bar that features traditional Andean music.

Day 5

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at El Fogón, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Chapel of the Holy Family, a colonial chapel that features stunning artwork and architecture.

Afternoon

  • Take a tour of the Chicha Museum, a museum that showcases the history and production of chicha – a traditional Peruvian drink made from corn.
  • Visit the Qosqo Native Art Center, where you can find traditional Andean crafts and artwork.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Greens Organic, a restaurant that offers organic and vegetarian dishes.
  • Sip on a craft beer at Cusco Brewing Company, a brewery that specializes in local brews.
  • End your night with some live music at The Temple of the Moon, a cozy bar that features a variety of music genres.

Day 6

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Bohème Café, a cafe that offers a variety of breakfast dishes and coffee.
  • Visit the Church of San Pedro, a colonial church that features stunning artwork and architecture.
  • Explore the Qanchipata Market, where you can find a variety of handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at Los Toldos Chicken, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, a museum that showcases the art and culture of pre-Columbian civilizations.

Afternoon

  • Take a tour of the San Francisco Museum, a museum that showcases the history and art of the San Francisco Church.
  • Explore the Plaza San Blas, a picturesque square that features stunning colonial architecture.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at La Cicciolina, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Sip on a cocktail at Museo del Pisco, a bar that specializes in pisco-based drinks.
  • End your night with some live music at La Cueva, a cozy bar that features traditional Andean music.

Day 7

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at El Tipón, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Visit the Temple of San Blas, a colonial church that features stunning artwork and architecture.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at La Feria, a restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes.
  • Sip on a cocktail at Museo del Chocolate, a museum that showcases the history and production of chocolate in Peru.
  • End your night with some live music at Paddy’s Irish Pub, a cozy bar that features a variety of music genres.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Cusco!
Luxury: –
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Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Cusco!