
Introduction
Nestled high in the Andes, Cusco is a vibrant city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Its cobbled streets and colonial architecture reflect a rich blend of Incan and Spanish influences, offering fascinating history around every corner.
Families will love exploring colorful markets, tasting traditional Peruvian food, and visiting nearby archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán. With affordable museums, hands-on cultural workshops, and scenic parks, Cusco is a friendly, budget-conscious gateway to adventure and learning for all ages.
Personalised guide
Family friendly · Average budget · Hostel, hotel, apartment or house

Itinerary for Cusco
Itinerary
Cusco
Viewing Day 1. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.
- 1Ease into your Cusco visit by starting at the historic Plaza de Armas. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, local performers, and impressive colonial architecture. Families can watch street musicians and take photos near iconic landmarks while adjusting to the altitude.
- 2
San Pedro Market Exploration
Wander through the vibrant San Pedro Market, where colorful stalls offer fresh fruit, local snacks, and crafts. Kids will love sampling Peruvian treats and spotting new foods. It’s a great place to interact with locals and get a taste of Andean daily life. - 3
Andean Music & Dance Demonstration
Experience a family-friendly local music and dance performance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo. It's both entertaining and educational, immersing you in vibrant indigenous traditions and helping everyone relax after traveling.
Recommended experience

Cusco by Night: Planetarium Cusco, Dinner, and Pisco Sour
5.0 (75 reviews)
5 hours
This tour will take you to a local market and then out in the town of Cusco at night. We will meet up at your hotel and take you first for a tour of a local non-touristic market and then for a Pisco sour, the most typical cocktail of Peru. Then we will be transported to the Cusco Planetarium, located 15 minutes above the city. Here we will hear about how the Incas viewed the constellations and then we will get to go outside to look through the telescopes and stargaze. After the planetarium, we will return to Cusco and go out to a restaurant frequented by locals for the most popular dish of Peru: Pollo a la brasa, or blackened rotisserie chicken, which is eaten with salad and french fries and will have the most typical drink of Peru, Inca kola. We will finish the tour by walking around the Plaza de Armas (the main square) which is lit up beautifully at night and look at the statue of the emperor Pachacutec and learn about the history of the Incas in Cusco. NOTICE: -Bring warm clothes.
From $95 USD
per person
Key Facts
Location
Cusco Region, Andes
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Religion
Roman Catholicism
Population
430,000
Language
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Electricity
220V, 60Hz, Type A/C
Time zone
UTCPET (UTC-5)
Country code
+51
Internet access
Broadband and mobile; good in city, variable in rural
Climate
Temperate; dry season (Apr-Oct), rainy (Nov-Mar)
Language:
Spanish
hello
hola (oh-lah)goodbye
adiós (ah-dee-ohs)yes
sí (see)no
no (noh)how much
¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)please
por favor (por fah-bor)thank you
gracias (grah-see-ahs)excuse me
disculpe (dees-kool-peh)
Logistics
Most travelers reach Cusco by flying; there are direct flights from Lima and other Peruvian cities. Cusco’s airport is small but efficient, and taxis or shuttle buses can take you into town. Booking flights in advance is wise, as prices and availability can vary, especially during high season.
Alternatively, families can take a comfortable long-distance bus from Lima—a scenic but lengthy (20+ hour) option. Train journeys to Cusco aren’t common, but trains from Cusco connect to iconic spots like Machu Picchu. Note that mountain roads may experience delays during the rainy season (November–March), so factor in extra travel time.
Weather
Cusco has a mild climate year-round, but its seasons are defined by wet and dry periods rather than temperature changes. The dry season, from May to September, features sunny days and cool nights, making it ideal for family activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures like hiking or visiting Machu Picchu.
The wet season runs from October to April, bringing frequent rain showers and lush green landscapes. This period is best avoided if you want to enjoy outdoor tours, but it can be rewarding for experiencing fewer crowds and vibrant festivals such as Carnaval. Overall, the dry season is preferred for most travelers seeking comfortable weather and clear mountain views.
Food & Drink
Cusco’s cuisine features hearty Andean dishes like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew), and regional specialties such as alpaca or cuy (guinea pig). Don’t miss fresh fruit juices and chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink. Adventurous eaters will find plenty to try, but vegetarian options are widely available too.
For family-friendly dining on an average budget, try Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Pachapapa (great for traditional fare and pizzas), or Green Point for vegan meals. For coffee and light bites, visit Cicciolina or Laggart Café. Cholos Craft Bar offers a relaxed setting with local beers. Most restaurants appreciate a 10% tip, though it’s not always required.
Many places accommodate special diets, but it’s wise to ask about ingredients. Tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Dining early is common, and some eateries may close for siesta. Reserve ahead at popular spots during high season.

Ceviche
Ceviche is a popular dish made with fresh raw fish or seafood, marinated in freshly squeezed lime or...

Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of sirloin steak with onions, tomatoes, and other...

Anticuchos
Anticuchos are marinated and grilled skewers of meat, with the most traditional versions using beef heart as the...

Papa a la Huancaína
Papa a la Huancaína is a classic Peruvian appetizer consisting of boiled yellow potatoes smothered in a creamy,...

Aji de Gallina
Aji de Gallina is a creamy chicken stew featuring shredded chicken in a thick and creamy sauce made...
Accommodation
For families, the historic center of Cusco offers safe streets and proximity to attractions. Popular family-friendly hotels include Tierra Viva Cusco Centro and Novotel Cusco, both known for comfortable rooms and helpful service. Booking.com and Airbnb are excellent for reserving hotels, hostels, or entire apartments ahead of time.
San Blas is a charming, artsy neighborhood perfect for families seeking quieter stays. Hostels like Pariwana Cusco offer private family rooms with social spaces, while Airbnb has many apartment and house rentals with kitchens. Wherever you stay, book early—Cusco is popular year-round, especially between May and September.
Experiences






Attractions

Anthropologist-Led Horseback: Moon Temple & Mysticism (Max 5)
Led by a professional anthropologist, this is a deep immersion into the Andean soul. With a strict limit of 5 guests, we bypass crowds to access the 'Mystical Heart' of Cusco and its sacred Inka temples through ancient cosmovision and my family heritage. The Journey Expert Insight: Explore the Temple of the Moon and hidden gems with an anthropologist's depth. Ancestral Wisdom: Learn authentic Inka cosmovision and the secrets of the 'Llamado del Ánima'. No Crowds: We time our visits to ensure a quiet, sacred atmosphere at every site. Comfort & Safety Max 5 Guests: Guaranteed intimacy and personalized attention. Horse Connection: Mindful instructions for all levels (Trot/Canter available). Door-to-Door: Includes stress-free drop-off at your accommodation nearby city center. Local Support Insider Tips: Message me for expert advice on altitude and hidden local spots.
From $62 USD

Food and Culture Full day Tour in the Sacred Valley
The story of food is the story of the people. Explore the unique and authentic street food and traditional quisine of the Sacred Valley. Food can tell many stories… cultural, social, economic, and sometimes also emotional and spiritual. Our tour invites you to take an in-depth look at the relationship between food and the people, through an experiential encounter with the typical street food and traditional quisine of the Sacred Valley of Peru. The tour begins with a morning of tasting in the charming market area of the town of Urubamba. We will then take a tour to the magical Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Then we drive up the breathtaking mountains of the Andes to visit an indigenous Peruvian family and enjoy a traditional festive lunch. In the evening we will return to Urubamba, to finish the day with a local dessert. So come with me and dive into an exiting, authentic and delicious experience. Lets go get something to eat!
From $200 USD

Inca Jungle Trail 4D/3N to Machu Picchu with Train Return
Experience an unforgettable 4-Day Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu from Cusco! Combine adrenaline, nature, and culture as you bike from Abra Málaga, hike through cloud forest and jungle trails, and explore hidden Inca paths. Enjoy optional activities like white-water rafting and ziplining, relax in the hot springs of Santa Teresa, and end your journey with a guided tour of the incredible Machu Picchu. Travel in small groups with expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and return train options included—perfect for adventurous travelers seeking more than a traditional trek! Highlights: • Downhill biking from Abra Málaga • Optional rafting and zipline adventure • Trek through jungle trails and hidden Inca routes • Visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa • Guided tour of Machu Picchu • Return by train available • Small-group experience with expert guides
From $443 USD

Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour:Chinchero,Maras,Moray & Ollantaytambo
Your journey begins at the Andean Colors Textile Center, where local weavers demonstrate traditional dyeing and weaving techniques passed down for generations. This cultural stop offers insight into the artistry of Andean textiles and the chance to appreciate (and purchase) beautiful handmade pieces. Continue to the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory where different microclimates were used to experiment with crops. Nearby, visit the salt mines of Maras, a spectacular patchwork of salt pools cascading down the mountainside, still harvested by local families today. After lunch in the Sacred Valley, travel to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns. Explore its impressive fortress, temples, and terraces while walking through cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since Inca times. This full-day tour blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, offering a rich glimpse into the heart of the Sacred Valley.
From $155 USD

The Textile Workshop Experience in Cusco Region
This immersive experience allows you to participate actively in every stage of the creation of Peruvian textiles, world famous. You will examine the texture of the wool, clean the fibers and dye them with natural pigments such as plants, insects and minerals. Then talented craftsmen will teach you a knitting technique so you can create your own vibrantly colored bracelet. Complete the experience with a delicious traditional Andean lunch and a fun encounter with friendly alpacas and llamas. Excellent photo opportunities! You can also buy high quality textiles and fun souvenirs in our spacious boutique. Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture in just half a day at ANDEAN COLORS, an excellent option to complement your itinerary.
From $79 USD

4-Day Machu Picchu , Sacred Valley and Cusco-Private Guided Tour
This tour highlights some of the best spots in the Sacred Valley before taking the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night and take you on a private sunrise tour of Machu Picchu the next day. There is an option to add additional days to visit a local farm and other amazing sites in the Sacred Valley as well as doing a city tour of Cusco. No trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu and we will make sure that your journey is unique, memorable, and perfect. Your guide will stay with your for the entire tour providing you with a wealth of information and history about this incredible site. We will book your hotel in the Sacred Valley because the altitude here is lower than in Cusco and you will have an easier time acclimating and can better enjoy your time at Machu Picchu.
From $1,370 USD

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Our tour is unique because we offer personalized and semi-private tours for a better experience with our photographic and bilingual guides. Our tourists leave their good reviews on tripadvisor and we have a quick response to reservations
From $390 USD

Short Inca trail to MachuPicchu || 2days - 1nigth ||
Meals: Breakfast Considered: Easy Weather: Warm and humid Maximum altitude: 2,490 m.a.s.l. Minimum altitude: 2,040 m.a.s.l. Get pictures of Machu Picchu without crowds Bus to Aguas Calientes Night in a hotel with hot shower included Meals: packed lunch, Dinner Walking distance: 15 km / 6 miles, 7-8 hours total Weather: Hot and humid Trek starting point: 2000 m.a.s.l. Highest point is Sun Gate: 2720 m.a.s.l. Machu Picchu elevation: 2400 m.a.s.l. Considered: Moderate Please note that this tour must be booked 2 to 3 months in advance. Availability of Machu Picchu entrance tickets for the desired date must be verified. We will check the availability and confirm whether the tickets can be purchased through the Ministry of Culture. al español
From $396 USD

Half Day Private Tour Machu Picchu Cusco Peru
READ DISCLAIMER BELOW REGARDING SHORT NOTICE (less than 2 months) and HIGH SEASON BOOKINGS BELOW For bookings of 1 person, you may be in a group of a maximum of 4 people. All bookings of 2 or more will have their own private guide. DISCLAIMER: Online tickets typically sell out months in advance but the Cultural Office in Aguas Calientes reserves 1000 tickets per day for in-person purchase. If online tickets are sold out, you will need to arrive very early in the morning the day BEFORE your tour to present your passport to reserve your ticket IN-PERSON. It is possible the ministry of culture will require arriving 2 days in advanced depending on how busy it is. Our team is in Aguas Calientes monitoring the situation and we will advise you on when you should arrive. We will keep you informed on your booking in case you need to change any hotel or train tickets. Your guide will meet you in Aguas Calientes and help you with this process.
From $199 USD

2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Small groups)
Our 2 day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is the shorter and easier way to experience the highlights of the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. On this trail you will be experiencing different microclimates as you will be descending from Andes to the cloud forest. The route is dotted with several Inca ruins including the iconic Wiñay Wayna. You will be entering the citadel of Incas, Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate as those on the Classical Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The trail is ideal for families with small children as you won’t be hiking through any high altitudes or will be camping. The highest point of the 2 day Inca Trail Tour is 2650 metres above sea level. We will be accommodating you in a comfortable ensuite hotel room in Aguas Calientes town. The following day on your half day trip to Machu Picchu citadel, our guide will be walking you through the prime attractions of the citadel.
From $665 USD
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