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

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.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleFamily friendly
DatesDate not specified
BudgetAverage budget
AccommodationHostel, hotel, apartment or house
Interests and Activities:
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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
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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.
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.
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...
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.
Ease into your Cusco adventure by experiencing the city's welcoming atmosphere, soaking up its vibrant culture, and acclimatizing to the Andean altitude together.
Ease 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.
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.
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.

7-Day New Dawn in Machu Picchu: Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley
We are in Machu Picchu; the energy traps our senses. We will take the time to enjoy this experience to the fullest. From sunrise to sunset, discovering the mystery that holds each of its stones. Machu Picchu awaits us to meet him in our own way.







Cusco City Sightseeing and Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park Tour
Be fascinated on a half-day tour of Cusco’s surrounding archeological sites, including the famous Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas’ construction of tightly placed stones created an incredible series of walls. With an experienced guide, you’ll also visit Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, as well as the Temple of the Sun (also known as Korikancha). Before your tour ends, visit Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and tour Cusco Cathedral – also known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo – to see its stunning architecture. Not included ticket entry to Sacsayhuaman, you need to buy it for your own
From $79 USD

Sightseeing Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno with Buffet Lunch
Enjoy the best way to travel to Puno with a guided bus tour! On our way we will enjoy drinks on board and a guided service during our 5 stops in the rout. We will visit Andahuaylillay (the sistine chapel), Raqchi (Wiracoha temple), Pukara (Museum) and we will do additional stops for lunch in Sicuani and La Raya which is the border point between Puno and Cusco.
From $99 USD

Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple
Discover the magic and beauty of Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire. The flawlessly built Incan roads spread to all regions from the “Plaza” which was thought of as the center of the world. Visit the Temple of the Sun, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the famous Cusco Cathedral with its Cuzqueno paintings. Entrance fees included, skip the line.
From $59 USD

Half day Horseback Riding tour around Sacsayhuaman park
This tour is the best way to explore the hiden places in Sacsayhuaman archeological park, this impresive place is located 15 min away from Cusco city. All the regular tours takes just a few minutes to visit only the big walls, but you need almost 3 to 4 hours to visit this archeologycal park on a good way, there are lots of hiden places that the tourists don't go on a regular way, for example the "Temple of The Moon" an ancient inca temple used for rituals for fertility, the "Inca Face" a natural shape on the nature that was considered sacred by the incas If you love to explore and learn on a curious way about the incas, this is the best option for you! .
From $75 USD

8-Day All-Inclusive Peru Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and More
The tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras-Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and Bridge Qeswachaka take you through all the most important sites of Cusco. "The Machu Picchu tickets is subject to availability, clarifying that the only entity authorized to sell these tickets is the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Tickets will be purchased according to the available circuits and tickets (corresponding to circuits 1 and 2). Other circuits may be offered with an additional charge for the price difference in tickets. In case there is no availability of any type of tickets for Machu Picchu, you will receive a full refund of your tour package."
From $846 USD

Private Tour: Cusco City Sightseeing including San Pedro Market and Archaeological Sites
This 4.5-hour private tour will take you on a sightseeing tour of Cusco, 'The Capital of the old Incan Empire' and important archaeological site. Get immersed in the old Incan culture when you visit two of the most important places during Incan times: Sacsayhuaman and Qoricancha, 'The temple of the Sun'. Then, visit the beautiful main square and see wonderful colonial churches including the Cusco Cathedral. Finally, explore the colorful local market of Cusco, San Pedro Market, where you will find a variety of local fruits, vegetables and potatoes.
From $87 USD

Horseback Riding: 4 Archaeological Sites
*09:00 am: Pick up at your hotel to begin your day of exploration. *Meeting with our impressive horses. *An informative briefing before starting the trip, provided by a professional guide who will give you the necessary instructions. *Begin your trip by exploring Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and Qenqo, with the magnificent Andes Mountains as your backdrop. *After this immersion in history, we return to the starting point and then visit Sacsayhuaman, the impressive archaeological complex. Embark on this exciting horseback ride to live a unique experience in Cusco, where history meets nature on an unforgettable journey!
From $80 USD

Horseback Riding Plus Tour to Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay
Enjoy a horseback riding tour which will visit the "Four Ruins" taking you to the most famous archaeological sites around Cusco which are Qenqo, Puka Pucara, Tambomachay and the fabulous Sacsayhuaman. To visit these places riding a horse is a great experience.
From $95 USD

7-Day Peru Deep Dive: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour
Embark on a 7-day adventure through Peru, visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. This tour is ideal for couples, families, or friends, and can easily be extended or customized to include activities like hiking or biking. Experience the vibrant metropolitan capital of Lima and the ancient heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco. Journey through the stunning Sacred Valley, exploring its major sites, before arriving at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll stay at sustainable hotels, ensuring an eco-friendly and responsible travel experience.
From $935 USD
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