Guide to Cusco, Peru

Cusco, often spelled Cuzco, located in the Southern Sierras, is a fascinating city that was the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is one of Peru’s most visited cities, from which tourists can begin trips to Macchu Picchu , the Sacred Valley of the Incas and other Inca sites in the region.

Top reasons to visit Cusco

Machu Picchu - the most popular tourist attraction in Latin America

Cusco is a stunningly beautiful city with well preserved architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history from Incas through to Spanish.

Meet the indigenous Quechua people, proudly displaying their heritage in traditional clothes, music and crafts.

Paragliding over the Sacred Valley

When to go to Cusco

Dry season is from April to October, with plentiful sunshine, whilst the wet season lasts from November to March.

note - high altitude may take some acclimatisation, so beware of altitude sickness

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Top Attractions in Cusco

• Machu Picchu
• PicSacsayhuaman - ruins showing the site of a 1536 battle
• Qoricancha - central site of worship for the Incas
• Santa Catalina Convent
• Plaza de Armas - Incan city walls
• Monumento Pachacuteq
• Cusco Cathedral
• Play ‘sapo’, a traditional bar game with coins (fichas)
• Drink corn beer (chicha)
• Plaza de San Francisco
• Salseros Cusco - try Salsa dancing
• Day trips to other archaeological ruins (Qenco, Pukapukara, Tambomachay)
• Day trip to Sacred Valley (Pisa, chinchero, Ollantaytambo)
• Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
• Whitewater rafting
• Canoeing

Shopping in Cusco

Traditional arts and crafts are actively sold in Cusco, but beware of overpriced goods.

The main market is next to Plaza de San Francisco, selling food, household items, clothing and souvenirs.

Also try San Pedro Market, a genuine colourful and vibrant local market - including a special aisle for entrails!

Eating in Cusco

Good restaurants in Cusco for local cuisine are Ucho Peruvian steakhouse, El Truco, Saftbar Yuca, Pachacutec and Limo.

Local delicacies include:-

• limo salted (beef tips stir fried with tomatoes, onions and spices)
• ceviche
• sopa de zopalla (pumpkin soup)
• aji de gallon (chicken in yellow sauce)
• papa rellena (stuffed potato)

Recommended restaurants include Jack’s Cafe, Cicciolina, Incato, La Bodega 138, Pizza Carlo, Chi Cha, Greens Organic, Green Point, Inka Grill, Pachapapa Restaurant, Los Perros, Museo del Pisco and Fallen Angel.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Cusco

• Coffee - Cafe Morena, The Meeting Place Cafe, La Valeriana
• Bars - Mama Africa, Tunupa, Norton Rat’s Tavern
• Wine - MAP Cafe, Marcelo Batata, Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
• Museums - Museo Historico Regional, Papa Museo, Choco Museo
• Art - Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo, Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco

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