Whenever travelers think about Peru, the first places that comes to mind are Cusco (and the Machu Picchu ruins in Cusco). I have visited Cusco more times than I can remember, and I can assure you that Cusco lives up to its fame. In this Cusco travel guide, I’ll share the best tips for a memorable trip.
Cusco is a region located on the Andes mountains of Peru. It’s a top destination in Peru for tourists, because of its ancient history, local culture, natural beauty and hiking opportunities.
The most popular places to visit in Cusco are Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu. There are lots of things to do in Cusco, from visiting Inca ruins, to exploring local markets or the Rainbow Mountain. And of course, visiting Machu Picchu.
Planning a Trip to Cusco
In this Cusco travel guide, I’ll share with you all the information you need to know when planning a visit to Cusco. There’s so much to see and do that having it all organized in one place can help you better visualize your upcoming trip.
The purpose of this Cusco travel blog is to assist you in planning and booking your trip to Cusco. For example, did you know that you should buy your tickets to Machu Picchu months in advance depending on the season? Or that it’s not possible to do the Inca trail in February?
Here you will find all the Cusco travel tips you need to fully explore the highlights of the region.
You will learn about the must-see places in Cusco, the minimum recommended length of stay, the seasons in Cusco, transportation and safety tips, Machu Picchu insights, and more. With the assistance of this Cusco travel guide, you won’t miss any essential experiences in Cusco.
With so much to do in Cusco and across Peru, planning a trip can be overwhelming. This guide aims to cover all the crucial information that you need to know and I try to expand it and update as often as possible.
Planning Your Time in Cusco
Learn everything you need to know about how many days to spend in Cusco (ideally) if you are planning a short visit. You will also find a step-by-step Cusco itinerary for every day to help you organize your trip.
Arriving in Cusco
Is Machu Picchu your final destination? Find everything you need to know about getting there from the moment you land in Lima.
What to do in Cusco
The Sacred Valley
If you are visiting Cusco you can’t miss a visit to the Sacred Valley. You can visit some places as day trips from Cusco (like Maras and Moray). But ideally, try to spend a full day in the larger towns, or your visit may feel too rushed.
- How to Get from Cusco to Sacred Valley (Every Town)
- Maras and Moray: Beautiful Salt Mines and Ancient Ruins
- Ollantaytambo: Best Things to Do in One Day
- Pisac: Ruins and Market in the Andes
Best Time to Visit Cusco
Are you planning your trip in the right season? What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling in each season? Find all the information you need to know below.
Useful Cusco Information
General useful information for your trip to Cusco, such as: Is it safe to travel in Cusco as a solo female traveler? Also, if you take a photo with a woman and a llama in the street, should you tip her?
Machu Picchu Resources
Miscellaneous information that you might find useful when planning your trip to Machu Picchu.
- Highlights of Machu Picchu: The Sun Gate Hike (Intipunku)
- Animals in Machu Picchu: Spectacled Bears, Llamas and More
Where to go after Cusco
If you want to keep exploring Peru after your trip to Cusco, don’t miss a trip to the Amazon rainforest. It’s a popular trip that people make by land from Cusco.