A vibrant mural covers the wall of a rustic building with a tiled roof. The artwork features colorful abstract designs, faces, and a person playing a musical instrument. A motorcycle is parked nearby on the cobblestone street.

Roam. Rest. Repeat.

Peru

Cusco Travel Guide

A wanderer’s guide to exploring the streets of Cusco

Cusco – once the seat of the Incan Empire and the epicenter of clashing civilizations, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Full of history, culture and food, the ancient capital has become a travel mecca for many wanderers. It serves as the gateway to some of the most famous sites in the world, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Large stone cathedral with ornate baroque facade, arched doors, and twin towers, situated on a wide stone staircase. People are sitting and walking on the steps under a blue sky.

Essential Cusco Travel Guide

Cusco is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to! Everything about it screams culture and history. Imagine an ancient empire sprawling thousands of miles across the continent. A network of roads spanning in every direction to the far reaches of its borders. All of them converging here. The stronghold of the Incan Empire. Much of that legacy remains today, just waiting for you to experience it! I’ve put together this basic Cusco Travel Guide to give you some inspiration for your visit.

How to Get There

By Air: The easiest way to get to Cusco, and the option most people choose, is by airplane. Whether you’re coming directly from abroad or you’re already in Lima, there are numerous flight options for fairly cheap.

By Bus: Alternatively, you can get there via road. There are several bus companies that make the journey from nearly every other destination in Peru. But be warned if you’re coming from Lima…this is a long 20+ hour journey.
As much as I love overland travel, I actually recommend flying to Cusco. Especially if it’s your first stop. Arriving fresh from a short flight as opposed to drained by a grueling bus ride makes for a much better welcome to the capital city. And there will be other destinations where bus travel might be the only option.

Getting acclimatized

First thing to know about Cusco is that it’s a high-elevation city. Sitting at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level means your body will need to adjust to the altitude, especially in preparation for our next stop. So take it easy the first day. You’ll still be able to see and do plenty without wearing yourself out. Here are some tips:

Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water and avoid heavy alcohol consumption.
Be prepared: pack or buy some altitude sickness pills.
Do as the locals do: chewing coca leaves is said to help.

What to Do

One of the best things about Cusco is the variety of activities available. You get to choose your own adventure. Whether that be sticking around town to explore the colonial streets or venturing off into the natural beauty that surrounds this valley. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Wander the streets: Walking in Cusco will take some getting used to as your body adjusts to the altitude. But this is the best way to explore the city and truly experience the place. The old colonial streets exude historical charm and the vibrant Peruvian culture will be on display everywhere you look. Narrow alleyways. Food vendors. Bustling markets. Colonial architecture. There is so much to be seen and experienced simply by walking!

A narrow cobblestone street lined with colonial-style buildings, some with balconies and flags, stretches uphill under a cloudy sky in a historic town.

An Indigenous woman sits on a cobblestone street, weaving colorful textiles beside a stone wall and window. Piles of vibrant, patterned fabrics are spread around her.

Narrow cobblestone street lined with old white buildings and wooden doors, leading downhill toward a distant city and mountains under a cloudy sky. Power lines cross above the street.

An Indigenous woman in traditional clothing stands on a cobblestone street holding a white lamb and standing beside a baby llama wearing colorful tassels. Graffiti covers the wall and parked cars are visible in the background.

A narrow cobblestone street with people walking alongside a large wall made of massive, precisely cut Inca stones at the bottom and colonial-style adobe above in Cusco, Peru. The sky is partly cloudy.

A woman shops at a colorful market stall filled with patterned textiles, ponchos, blankets, and woven crafts, set on cobblestone ground with vibrant fabrics hanging on the walls and tables.

Visit Mercado San Pedro: There are plenty of markets in and around Cusco, but this is one of the best! It may be relatively small compared to other markets around the world, but it’s got plenty to offer. Fresh produce, grains, flowers and souvenirs. My favorite part though, was sampling the food vendors along the exterior! Try the natural maca, quinoa, anticuchos, and papa rellena.

Busy indoor market scene with people sitting on stools at stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables. The market has a high ceiling, bright lighting, and a lively, social atmosphere.

A street vendor sits behind large containers of colorful drinks, pouring a beverage into a cup. The vendor wears a white headscarf and mask, and the stand is set up on a sidewalk with plastic stools and bottles of syrups.

A woman wearing stands at a street cart labeled MACA NATURAL, preparing a drink with containers and ingredients on the cart in an outdoor setting.

A close-up of a hand holding a white plastic cup filled with a dark, frothy beverage. In the background, a person in white is serving from a cart.

A hand holds a fried snack wrapped in a plastic sheet, partially eaten to reveal a filling of vegetables and meat.

Bags of assorted nuts, seeds, and dried fruits with colorful labels in Spanish and English are displayed on a market stall, surrounded by packaged foods, bottles, and boxes in the background.

Eat ceviche: Okay this is on the list no matter where you are in Peru. But you’re in Cusco and no way there’s fresh ceviche this high up in the Andes right? Wrong! Peruvians know how to do ceviche right and this is true even here in the old capital. There are plenty of options around town ranging from food stalls to nice restaurants. I found this amazing street vendor when I noticed a crowd gathering in an alley. When in doubt, trust the locals.

A crowded street scene shows many people, including children in red uniforms and adults, walking and gathering near buildings with rustic walls under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

A street food cart selling ceviche mixto is parked beside a yellow wall. Several people in hats and colorful clothing stand around, ordering food. The cart displays various ingredients and a sign listing ceviche and side options.

A blue tray holds several servings of ceviche with fried fish, corn, and sweet potato, along with cups of leche de tigre topped with fried fish, and plastic utensils on a street food cart.

Sip coffee at L’atelier Cafe Concept: If you’re a coffee lover, or simply just want one of the best seats in all of Cusco, then head over to L’atelier. They’ve got some amazing coffee and delicious baked goods. Plus, if you’re lucky enough you’ll get the window seat overlooking the small street outside! Read my full post here.

Read more:

The Best Café in Cusco

Hike to a mirador: Cusco is built into a valley meaning almost every street from the city center eventually leads up. This makes for some strenuous walks to the edges of town, but also some great views from there. If you want a different perspective on Cusco (and you’ve got the legs), then some of these miradors are worth the hike. Check out San Blas, San Cristobal or Cristo Blanco.

Search for graffiti art: Cusco is defined by the brown stone roads, white walls and red tiled rooftops. It makes for a very uniform setting that almost blends into the hillsides. But that is broken by the vibrant colors of Peruvian style. Pinks, blues, yellows woven into tapestries, clothing and art. And graffiti is a very popular artform in this country. As you’re walking the streets, be on the lookout for these amazing pieces that stand out against the stone and clay backdrop! Check out my map to find some specific spots.

A narrow cobblestone street with white buildings, colorful doors, and hanging flowers. A mural of an Andean person in a vibrant headdress decorates a wall. Several people walk along the sunny street.

A person walks past a large, colorful mural depicting various people and scenes on a high stone wall under a partly cloudy sky.

A vibrant street mural on a stone wall shows a group of colorful faces, a sunflower, an owl, and lush greenery, set against the backdrop of clay-tiled rooftops and a clear blue sky.

Visit an ancient Incan fortress: Speaking of hiking to the edge of town, one of the coolest things I did was walk to the old Incan fortress of Saqsaywaman. It’s an amazing set of ruins with a truly remarkable history. Something even the Spanish were impressed by. And it makes for a wonderful short trip outside of the city center. You can get here via tour or taxi, but walking there was a bit more authentic in my opinion.

A group of people walk across a dry, grassy field near ancient stone ruins and terraced hills, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

Explore beyond the city: Cusco makes for a great base from which to explore other nearby destinations. Machu Picchu is a must for any visitor! But there’s also the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Ollantaytambo and more. If you have the time, try taking a day trip to one of these incredible places.

Marvel at Machu Picchu: No Cusco travel guide would be complete without mentioning this ancient city. And you can’t leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu. Cusco is the launching point for most ventures to the lost city. You can book a day tour in town or you can get a bit more adventurous with a multi-day hike through the Andes! Check out my top recommendation for Peru…the Salkantay Trek!

Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit atop a lush mountain ridge, with terraced fields and steep green mountains rising behind under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Read more:

Trekking Machu Picchu

Where to Stay

There is no shortage of places to stay during your time in Cusco. Accommodations here cater to every sort of traveler. Personally, I wanted specific attributes for my time here. I wanted my first stay to be centrally located and a bit more social. And I wanted my second stay to be a bit more intimate and authentic. Luckily, I found great options for both!

An outdoor space with red angled roofs and wooden walls features a large mural of a womans face with intricate gold designs on a white brick wall at the far end. Green plants and patches of grass are visible.

Selina Plaza De Armas [rebranded: Nogo Hotel Garcilaso]: This hotel chain was recommended to me by a friend. I liked it so much that it became a staple of my travels over the last couple of years. They’re known for being a hybrid between hostel and hotel. More of a digital nomad, coworking crowd than a full-fledged party crowd. That being said, these hostels are still very social places. This one in particular was absolutely perfect. Located just a block away from the main square, it’s walking distance to everything you might want to explore during your first few days. There’s even a smaller square just outside which was perfect for reading or people watching (it’s a little less chaotic than the main square). The rooms are basic, but provide a great aesthetic. The best part however is the open courtyard where you can find the cafe and meet up with other travelers. It was a great space to work or socialize. There was also live music during my time here which made for a perfect evening in. For all you digital nomads, if that space is too loud for your liking, there is a dedicated coworking space available as well. For me, staying here made for the perfect introduction to Cusco because of its location and social atmosphere.

A cozy, warmly lit indoor space with sofas, armchairs, and wooden tables. Two people chat on a couch. Patterned screens, plants, hanging lamps, and a balcony create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

A cozy bedroom with a sloped ceiling, a neatly made double bed with striped pillows, rolled white towels, two bedside tables with lamps, and a circular abstract wall art above the headboard.

[UPDATE: Unfortunately, this hotel chain has closed. This location has rebranded to Nogo Hotel Garcilaso. I still recommend finding something in this area as it was perfect for exploration. Or just give the new ownership a try, but I cannot vouch for them.]

Book Nogo Hotel Garcilaso

Hostal Madre Tierra: My second stay came after completing the Salkantay Trek, so I wanted something cozy and quiet. Hostal Madre Tierra was perfect. It’s removed from the main square, but still within walking distance to anything and everything. It feels local and intimate unlike some of the large hotels or rowdy hostels. It’s run by a very friendly family who patiently helped me practice my Spanish throughout my stay. But what made this place so special was the space itself. It felt like stepping back in time a bit. Back into the Spanish colonial era of the New World. I couldn’t have asked for anything better!

A decorative hanging sign reading Madre Tierra with a sun design, mounted on a white wall next to lanterns, vines, and terracotta roofs in a rustic outdoor setting.

Cozy rustic bedroom with wooden ceiling beams, a double bed with white and red linens, two towel swans, wicker furniture, a wooden door, and a window with lace curtains. Horse artwork hangs above the bed.

A cozy, rustic bedroom with white stucco walls, a bed with an orange pillow, two rolled towels, wicker headboard and chair, wall art above the bed, a lamp on a small side table, and wooden beams on the ceiling.

Book Hostal Madre Tierra

How to Get Around

By Foot: Be sure to pack comfortable shoes because this city was made for walking. Most of the cities’ sights are within walking distance. Plus, the streets themselves are part of the experience.

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available, especially from the city center. You can also ask your accommodation to arrange rides for you.

Final Thoughts – Cusco Travel Guide

Cusco is one of the truly special places in the world. Of course, it’s a bit touristy but so are most incredible places. The key is to make what you want out of your time here. Cusco has so much to offer within its borders and beyond. So follow your heart and experience it in whatever way makes the most sense for you. For me, this city and this trip was the start of something special in my life. It was the launching pad for all of the other places I’ve been since. If you want to read a more personal tale of my Peruvian experience, check out my story here. I hope my Cusco travel guide helps shape your own visit!