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Picture of Cusco, Peru

Travel Guide for
Cusco

Peru

Temperate; dry season (Apr-Oct), rainy (Nov-Mar)

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.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

DatesDate not specified

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHostel, hotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

family activitiesfestivals and eventsoutdoor adventuressightseeing and tours

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Picture of Cusco, Peru

Itinerary

Ease into your Cusco adventure by experiencing the city's welcoming atmosphere, soaking up its vibrant culture, and acclimatizing to the Andean altitude together.

Plaza de Armas Stroll and Cultural Welcome

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.

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.

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.

Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Panoramic Train

Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco with Panoramic Train

MANUAL

Enjoy a Small Day trip to Machu picchu with us If you’re short on time, this experience is the best option and well worth it, Machu Picchu is what many people call their most beautiful experience in Perú, Unfortunately, the typical group tours are characterized by large groups, pickup delays, crowded buses and unmotivated guides that present their memorized Machu Picchu scripts. Due to the group size, it’s often difficult to follow everything the guide says and to ask all the questions you want with us this experience will be the opposite Come to know this beautiful destination.

4.9 (157 reviews)

From $349 USD

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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)

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Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (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)

Map

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.

A picture of Ceviche

Ceviche

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

A picture of Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado

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

A picture of Anticuchos

Anticuchos

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

A picture of Papa a la Huancaína

Papa a la Huancaína

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

A picture of Aji de Gallina

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

Surfing & Beach Cleaning in Peru
volunteering

Surfing & Beach Cleaning in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

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Endangered Animal Sanctuary in Peru
animals

Endangered Animal Sanctuary in Peru

Minimum 2 weeks

Peru

$550/week

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Culture Week in Peru
learning

Culture Week in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$495/week

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Eco Build Experience in Peru
volunteering

Eco Build Experience in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

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Veterinary Dog Clinic in Peru
animals

Veterinary Dog Clinic in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$430/week

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Archaeology Project in Peru
learning

Archaeology Project in Peru

Minimum 1 week

Peru

$370/week

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Attractions

5.0 (2086 reviews)
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco

Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You will cook 3 Peruvian courses and 2 cocktails. Our Peruvian Cooking, cocktails and market tour starts at San Pedro Market (door number 1), with a visit to this historical market. We will try some of the most exotic fruits of Peru ( super foods) After that, we will walk to our bar studio, a traditional house from 1930. We start our experience preparing the most delicious cocktails with fresh fruits (bought in the local market we visited) and Pisco. You will cook: peruvian tamal (quinoa), cebiche and causa limeña. Our class is full hands on and you will take part in all the preparation. After the class we will also send you the recepies, so then you can enjoy it with your family and friends. Notice: The cocktails and cooking experiences in Cusco are in the morning and in the afternoon. * In the morning from 10:00 to 14:00 * In the afternoon from 15:30 to 19:30 Our dishes are easy to be converted into vegetarian. To know your food requirements is very important

From $62 USD

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5.0 (401 reviews)
Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco

Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This exclusive tour will take you to a local market in Cusco, then teach you about Peruvian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class in a modern cooking studio, located in downtown Cusco. At the market, you will get an introduction to the local variety of products and the diversity of ingredients used in the local cuisine. You will learn about Andean kitchens and about the variety of local products and the diversity of ingredients used in the local cuisine. Our professional Peruvian chef will show you how to prepare our HIGH VIBRATION MENU with Andean products. Come, take part in this “must do” activity during your stay in Cusco.

From $65 USD

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4.6 (44 reviews)
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco

INSTANT

Explore the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu on this small-group tour from Cusco, which allows you to leave all of the logistics to the experts. All of your transfers, including hotel pickup and train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, are included and you will explore the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu in the company of a guide who will reveal its secrets.

From $324 USD

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4.9 (19 reviews)
Best of Peru in 6 days: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

Best of Peru in 6 days: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

INSTANT

Visit the best of Peru on this 6-day tour from Cusco. Discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Chinchero, Moray, the stunning Salineras de Maras and the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a guided tour of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, marvel at its history, architecture and unparalleled energy. Continue your journey to the Andean highlands to discover the imposing Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Navigate its crystal clear waters and visit the floating islands of Uros and picturesque Taquile Island, where ancient traditions still endure. • Tour the most emblematic places of Cusco and Lake Titicaca in Puno. • Explore Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with a guide in your language. • Enjoy five nights accommodation with daily breakfast. • Transfers and transportation with door-to-door service at each destination. • Quality service guarantee throughout the tour.

From $799 USD

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5.0 (8 reviews)
Horseback Riding thru the Mountains of Cusco

Horseback Riding thru the Mountains of Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Since ancient times we have moved over long or short distances on horseback. Doing it on your trip, to meet inaccessible places or to walk, is a supplement that becomes a more delightful experience of your trip. Reach the archaeological away on horseback and feel naturally comfortable. Explore nature and experience the landscape in a different way. Here are the alternatives that Peru offers.

From $75 USD

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4.9 (47 reviews)
Rainbow Mountain ATV Adventure – Full-Day Tour from Cusco

Rainbow Mountain ATV Adventure – Full-Day Tour from Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the wonder of Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, on an ATV adventure that takes you through the heart of the Andes. This is not just any tour—it's your gateway to an off-the-beaten-path journey where you'll weave through untamed roads and feel the rush of the crisp mountain air against your skin. Our exclusive ATV escapade lets you enjoy the vibrant striations of Rainbow Mountain's unique geology away from the throngs of hikers. Perfect for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, this small group experience includes a savory local breakfast, a hearty lunch, and convenient hotel transfers from Cusco. Capture the moments with stunning photographs as you make stops at the most picturesque spots. Join us for an unforgettable ride through the Andean landscapes and live the thrill of discovering Rainbow Mountain's hidden hues and majestic sights.

From $99 USD

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5.0 (14 reviews)
Half day - Cusco City Tour - Private Service

Half day - Cusco City Tour - Private Service

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit the ancient capital of the Incan empire, live the magic mix of this city between traditions and history of the Incas along with the traditions and history of the Spanish. The Cusco city tour includes an archeological park of Saqsayhuaman tour and includes a tour of religious sites in Cusco.

From $101 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Private Half-Day Tour of Cusco and Its Surroundings

Private Half-Day Tour of Cusco and Its Surroundings

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Come and enjoy the beauty of one of the most amazing cities in the world. Vsit the famous Cathedral of Cusco, the Temple of Qoriqancha, the fantastic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Pukpukara and Tambomachay accompanied by a comfortable and safe tourist transport and the company of a good tour guide that will blow your imagination.

From $65 USD

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4.9 (21 reviews)
Horseback Adventure through the Sacred Temples of Cusco

Horseback Adventure through the Sacred Temples of Cusco

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A horseback ride through the ancient temples of Cusco reveals the rich Inca heritage and natural beauty of the region. With an expert local guide, participants will enjoy a tour that includes the Inkilltambo Agricultural Center, Huayraqpunku Viewpoint, and the sacred Temples of the Moon and Sun. The experience culminates in a forested path where you can jog or gallop, while appreciating the surroundings. At the end of the tour, a short walk along the Inca Trail offers a spiritual closure to the trip. Designed for all levels, this activity ensures deep contact with Andean culture.

From $60 USD

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