About Cuzco
Cusco or Cuzco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range, and the Huatanay and Urubamba rivers. It is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Cusco Province and Cusco Department. It has historically been one of the largest cultural, economic and political centers of Peru.
Places to visit in Cuzco
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Machu Picchu
Historic · 45 mi from centreThe famous Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, reached by train and bus or on foot via the Inca Trail. Entry tickets are timed and limited, so book them well ahead.
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Sacsayhuamán
HistoricAn Inca fortress just above Cusco, built from huge stones fitted together without mortar. Walk up from the city center, but take it slowly to adjust to the high altitude.
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Qorikancha
HistoricThe most important temple of the Inca Empire, later topped by a Spanish convent built on its foundations. Look for the finely carved Inca stonework that survived several strong earthquakes.
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Cusco Cathedral
ReligiousA grand colonial cathedral on the main square, filled with Cusco School paintings, including a Last Supper featuring a roasted guinea pig. Consider buying a combined ticket that covers several religious sites.
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Plaza de Armas
LandmarkCusco's main square, framed by colonial arcades, churches and balconies, built over the old Inca central plaza. Come back after dark, when the lit-up churches create a memorable scene.
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Sacred Valley
Nature · 14 mi from centreA fertile valley along the Urubamba River dotted with Inca ruins, villages and markets. It sits lower than Cusco, so spending your first nights there can ease altitude adjustment.
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Ollantaytambo
Historic · 26 mi from centreAn Inca town with steep stone terraces and a temple complex overlooking narrow cobbled streets still in daily use. Many Machu Picchu trains depart from here, so it is an easy stop on the way.
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Rainbow Mountain
Nature · 52 mi from centreA mountain striped in red, gold and turquoise from mineral deposits, reached by a demanding high-altitude hike. Acclimatize for a few days in Cusco before attempting it, and bring warm layers.
Top experiences in Cuzco
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 29 available.
Hike to The Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca - Full-Day Tour
From $112 per adult
Machu Pichu Full-Day Tour - with Tourist Class Train Ticket
From $373 per adult
Machu Pichu Full-Day Tour - with Superior Class Train Ticket
From $442 per adult
Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Yucay Museum and Lunch
From $59 per adult
Explore Humantay Lake - Full-Day Tour
From $104 per adult
Discover Cusco City and Nearby Archaeological Sites
From $51 per adult
Discover Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay - Half- Day Private Tour
From $70 per adult
Maras, Moray and Ccorccor Community Experience - Full-Day Private Tour
From $181 per adult
Walking Tour Cusco
From $30 per adult
Half-Day Private Tour to Ollantaytambo Fortress
From $131 per adult
Humantay Lagoon - Full-Day Tour
From $128 per adult
Cusco City and the Bohemian Neighborhood of San Blas - Private Tour
From $99 per adult
Where to stay in Cuzco
Popular hotels in Cuzco, out of 227 properties you can book.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
From $80 per night
Jose Antonio Cusco
From $93 per night
Hotel Cusco La Paccha Affiliated by Melia
From $94 per night
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
From $113 per night
Novotel Cusco
From $75 per night
Union Hotel Cusco
From $81 per night
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco
From $96 per night
Del Pilar Ollantaytambo
From $82 per night
Rumi Wasi
From $76 per night
Yawar Inka Hotel
From $64 per night
Kori Gems Inn
From $44 per night
Hotel Plaza De Armas Cusco
From $105 per night
Best time to visit Cuzco
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cuzco is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 65–66°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cuzco weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 65° 49° 99%
- Thu 12 Nov 65° 48° 78%
- Fri 13 Nov 65° 46° 78%
- Sat 14 Nov 67° 49° 86%
- Sun 15 Nov 72° 47° 80%
- Mon 16 Nov 74° 44° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Peruvian sol (PEN)1 US dollar ≈ S/.3.42
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +51
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/LimaUTC−5
- Capital
- Lima
Upcoming public holidays in Peru
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Battle of AyacuchoBatalla de Ayacucho
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Maundy ThursdayJueves Santo
- Good FridayViernes Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cuzco
These are the airports closest to central Cuzco. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cuzco
The center of Cuzco is small enough to walk around, although you will probably need to catch a bus or taxi to the bus station, Sacsayhuamán or the airport. Beware about walking around at night alone or drunk as robberies have often been reported.
By bus
There are several smaller bus terminals in Cuzco that travel to other destinations around the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
By taxi
Taxis are very common in Cuzco. Officially they cost S/2–4 depending on distance. Call Cusco Taxi.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link]. Often the drivers isn't a local. Beware when using taxis at night; robberies have been reported in collusion with taxi cab drivers, and at certain times radio taxis may be the safest option.
By car
Driving in and around Cuzco can be very daunting, complete with a unique set of challenges that can make driving around Lima seem easy by comparison. However, a car does allow complete flexibility to enjoy the sites around the city and the surrounding region, without the complication of having to navigate the very confusing public transit system or being at the mercy of inflexible train schedules.
Cuzco travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cuzco?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cuzco is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 65–66°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cuzco?
September is usually the warmest month in Cuzco, with average highs of 67°F (20°C). March is the coolest, with average lows of 45°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 174 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cuzco?
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Cuzco.
What currency is used in Cuzco?
Cuzco uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ S/.3.42.
What time zone is Cuzco in?
Cuzco uses the America/Lima time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cuzco?
The center of Cuzco is small enough to walk around, although you will probably need to catch a bus or taxi to the bus station, Sacsayhuamán or the airport. Beware about walking around at night alone or drunk as robberies have often been reported.
What are the best places to visit in Cuzco?
Top sights in Cuzco include Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and Cusco Cathedral. The famous Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, reached by train and bus or on foot via the Inca Trail. Entry tickets are timed and limited, so book them well ahead.
What are the top things to do in Cuzco?
Popular experiences you can book in Cuzco include Hike to The Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca - Full-Day Tour, Machu Pichu Full-Day Tour - with Tourist Class Train Ticket and Machu Pichu Full-Day Tour - with Superior Class Train Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Cuzco?
Popular areas for hotels in Cuzco include Cuzco. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Garden Inn Cusco and Jose Antonio Cusco.
How many hotels can I book in Cuzco?
Destina Holidays currently lists 227 properties in and around Cuzco, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
