Cusco
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Cusco is worth visiting if you enjoy high altitude trekking and exploring colonial architecture built directly onto ancient stone foundations. Plan your trip between May and September to avoid the heavy rains. Most travelers find that three to four days are necessary to adjust to the elevation and see the main sites.
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Allow at least four days to adjust to the altitude and see the major sites.
Most visitors fly into the local airport from Lima or take a long distance bus.
You must buy the Boleto Turístico to enter most archaeological sites and museums.
The altitude sickness is real and can ruin your trip if you do not rest immediately upon arrival.
The reality of the elevation
The city sits at 3,400 meters above sea level. You will likely feel winded walking up the short, steep hills leading away from the main square. Expect to spend your first day sitting still to let your body acclimate.
Drink plenty of water and eat light meals during your first 24 hours. The local coca tea is widely available and helps some people manage the physical strain of the thin air. Do not plan any strenuous activity for your arrival day.
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Timing your visit
The dry season runs from May through September. These months offer reliable sunshine and cold nights. You can expect clear views of the surrounding valley during these times, which makes walking tours much more pleasant.
Travel during the rainy season often leads to cancelled transport or muddy trails. While the city is quieter and cheaper in January or February, the weather limits what you can do outside the city center.
Managing your budget
A typical day in the city costs about 320 PEN. This covers mid range food, local transport, and a modest hotel. You can spend less by eating at local markets, but prioritize clean water and cooked food to avoid illness.
Your biggest expense will be the entrance fees for the various archaeological sites. Keep your spending money in local currency, as smaller shops and markets rarely accept cards or foreign bills.
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The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is mandatory and must be bought upfront.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Cusco or Cuzco (; Latin American Spanish: [ˈkusko]; Qusqu or Quechua: Qosqo, both pronounced in Cuzco Quechua as [ˈqosqɔ]) 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. The region was inhabited by the Killke culture in the 10th century, with the fortress Sacsayhuamán being constructed in the 11th century. The city was originally founded in the 12th century by Manco Cápac, as the capital of the Kingdom of Cusco and, later, of the Inca Empire. The region was conquered in the 16th century by the Spanish and reestablished on 23 March 1534, with most of the city being constructed over monuments left from the Inca Empire. In 1983, Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with the title "City of Cusco". It has become a major tourist destination, hosting over 2 million visitors a year and providing passage to numerous Incan ruins, such as Machu Picchu, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The Constitution of Peru (19
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Questions people ask
Do I need to book my tours in advance?
You should book major treks months ahead of time. You can arrange local city tours once you arrive in the city.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
The tap water is not safe for visitors. Stick to bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
How do I get around the city?
The city center is walkable. Use licensed taxis for longer trips to sites further away from the main district.
What should I pack for the weather?
Pack layers because the temperature changes quickly. You will need a heavy jacket for the cold nights and light clothes for the sunny days.
Is it easy to find an ATM?
ATMs are common in the center. Use machines located inside banks for better security.