The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cusco, Peru: Do, Eat, & Stay
When I mentioned to friends that I was planning a trip to Peru, each of them eagerly shared that Cusco is one of their favorite cities. I now understand why. Cusco is located in the Peruvian Andes and is steeped in culture, exceptional cuisine, friendly local people, and enchanting streets to explore. Until the Spanish conquest in the 1530s, Cusco served as the former capital of the Inca Empire, and today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its rich history. This Cusco travel guide will provide you with details about the city and recommended day trips to some of the most amazing attractions in the area including Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.
Local Adventures
Plaza de Armas
Visiting Plaza de Armas is one of the best things to do in Cusco as it is home to the Cusco Cathedral, beautiful gardens, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The main plaza also hosts numerous city festivals, events, and gatherings. Just a 3 minutes walk from Plaza de Armas is Plaza Regocijo, another beautiful plaza full of restaurants and shops.
Cristo Blanco & Sacsayhuaman
Take a taxi ride up to Cristo Blanco, the large Jesus Christ statue that is perched high above the city and is considered the most famous statue in Cusco. I would recommend visiting this attraction early in the day to avoid the heat. After Cristo Blanco, proceed to Sacsayhuaman, the Incan ruins that overlook the city of Cusco.
Tiny Tip: Arrange for your driver to wait for you to drive back down to Cusco or to Sacsayhuaman since the attraction only requires about 15 minutes to explore. On your way back down, make a pit stop at San Cris RestoBar, an ideal place to enjoy a cold Pisco sour and stunning views of Cusco. Once you’ve cooled off, descend the stairs and walk through the narrow streets of the San Blas neighborhood back to Cusco town, exploring various shops along the way.
San Blas Neighborhood
Be sure to visit the charming and artsy San Blas neighborhood that is tucked away to the north/northeast of Plaza de Armas. Wander its cobblestone streets, pop-in the local shops, and find refuge from the heat in one of the many cafes or restaurants that adorn this quaint area.
San Pedro Market
Located just a short walk from Plaza de Armas, this lively local market is a great place to experience local life and purchase local fruits, souvenirs, street food, or coca tea to alleviate altitude sickness.
Day Trips From Cusco
Sacred Valley ATV Tour
One of my most favorite experiences in Peru was an ATV tour through Sacred Valley, which is a great way to see the Peruvian Andes Mountains. There are several tours available online with slightly different experiences. Most tour companies will pick you up at your hotel. From there, you’ll journey to Sacred Valley, where you’ll hop on ATVs for an exhilarating ride to Moray. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife and experience the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. After a 2-hour ATV adventure, you’ll board the bus, which will take you to the stunning Salt Mines. You’ll have ample time to explore the mines, capture pictures, and sample salted chocolates before returning to Cusco. Try this tour: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
Tiny Tips:
– Buy a $3 poncho from a local shop in Cusco. I promise you won’t regret it! It rained off and on throughout our tour, so the poncho protected us from the rain above and the mud below!
– Ensure that you do your research on travel agencies as there are a lot of scams out there which we experienced with another tour.
Rainbow Mountain
Hiking Rainbow Mountain was high on our list of activities to experience in Peru. However, every travel agency strongly discouraged us from attempting the hike, citing the lack of guaranteed visibility of the mountain due to the fog in October. We met other travelers who took the chance and were rewarded with beautiful views of the rainbow-colored mountain. They mentioned it was the most challenging hike they’ve ever done, mainly due to the high elevation of 14,000 ft above sea level. There is an option to ride a horse up the mountain if you can’t hike the entire way. Additionally, there are oxygen tanks and a snack stand available at the mountain’s summit. Given that the drive to Rainbow Mountain takes 3.5 hours from Cusco, most tours depart Cusco around 4 AM. Try This Tour: Rainbow Valley and Red Valley (optional)
7 Lagoons
Unfortunately, we booked this tour through an unreliable tour company that fell through at the last minute. The excursion can be booked through several companies and begins with your tour guide picking you up at your hotel between 5:00-5:30 AM. From there, you’ll embark on a 3.5-hour drive to the lagoons, where you can opt for a leisurely hike to the 7 lagoons or choose to ride a horse. The day concludes with lunch and a visit to a lovely hot spring before you make the long drive back to Cusco. Try This Tour: Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons
Humantay Lake
We also contemplated the Humantay Lake tour but ultimately decided on the 7 lagoons excursion. While the hike to Humantay Lake is more challenging, the views of the lake are truly stunning. This tour spans 12 hours, with a hotel pick-up in Cusco scheduled between 4 AM – 4:30 AM. It involves a 3-hour drive to the trailhead, followed by a 2-hour uphill hike (1.8 miles) to Humantay Lake. If you’re unable to hike, you can opt to pay extra and ride a horse to the lake as this hike takes place at a very high altitude of 17,000 ft. The tour includes breakfast and lunch and returns to Plaza de Armas between 5 PM – 6 PM. Try This Tour: Humantay Lake with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu is a must-visit destination in Peru. While I believe the optimal way to experience it is by staying at least one night in Aguas Calientes, it is feasible to visit the archaeological site on a day trip. However, these day trips typically last around 12 hours and can be quite expensive. The tour package usually includes transportation to/from the train station, roundtrip train tickets on the Vistadome Train, roundtrip shuttle bus tickets, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, and a local guide. If you prefer to stay overnight, you can refer to my comprehensive guide on how to spend 2 days in Machu Picchu. Try This Tour: (From Cusco) Full-Day Tour of Machu Picchu
Where To Eat
Limbus Resto Bar
Perched above the San Blas neighborhood, Limbus Resto Bar is one of the best restaurants in Cusco that attracts both locals and tourists. We loved this restaurant and the views so much that we dined here our first two nights in Cusco. The first night, we were able to experience the views of Cusco at night with the city lit up and fireworks bursting overhead. This was shortly after our arrival in Cusco, and it set the stage for an incredible trip ahead. The following day, we visited Limbus for happy hour and secured a window seat where we witnessed the city’s stunning sunset. Regardless of the time of day, you will enjoy the views and the vibrant ambiance at this exceptional restaurant.
Tiny Tip: I recommend trying the Trout Ceviche, and if you want a seat on the balcony for the sunset, be sure to arrive early. This restaurant tends to have a wait list.
LIMO
Situated in Plaza de Armas, this Japanese-inspired restaurant with a Peruvian flare is a must-visit and comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor. This was my favorite restaurant that we dined at in Cusco.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Ranked as one of the top restaurants in Cusco, this restaurant is conveniently situated in the heart of Cusco and provides a picturesque view of Plaza de Armas. It serves exceptional Peruvian cuisine in a beautifully decorated setting with excellent service. I advise making a reservation in advance, as this is a highly sought-after restaurant.
La Bodega 138
Due to its convenient proximity to the JW Marriott Hotel, we dined at this restaurant on two occasions. Its charming ambiance, delicious pizza, and extensive wine selection made La Bodega 138 an ideal place to enjoy, especially on a rainy day.
Jack’s Cafe
Jack’s Cafe was recommended to me by a friend who studied abroad in Cusco. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast or brunch, conveniently located near Plaza de Armas and the San Blas neighborhood. Please be aware that as of 2018, this restaurant operated on a cash-only basis. However, it’s possible that their payment options have since been updated.
Cappuccino Cusco Cafe
This coffe shop is the ideal place to grab a coffee, enjoy some people-watching above Plaza de Armas, or catch up on work.
Where To Drink
Limbus Resto Bar
While I recommend having dinner at Limbus Resto Bar, you can also enjoy a quick happy hour drink while watching the sunset before heading out to dinner.
Paddy’s Irish Pub
Anyone who has visited Cusco has likely come across this pub. With its relaxed ambiance and cozy interior, this pub is an excellent spot to meet fellow travelers.
San Cris Restobar
Make sure to visit San Cris Restobar on your way down from Sacsayhuaman or Cristo Blanco. The views are stunning, and the mojitos are exceptionally refreshing after a day of exploring the Inca ruins in the sun.
Where To Stay
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Built inside a 16th-century convent, the JW Marriott is an exceptional hotel within walking distance of Plaza de Armas. Thanks to its outstanding customer service and picturesque grounds, it’s become one of my favorite hotels. In October 2018, the resort fee covered a daily breakfast buffet for two, two pisco sours each day, a daily spa credit, and several daily activities. They even have a hotel alpaca for you to snap pictures with! If you’re able to splurge on one hotel, this would be my top choice not just because I work for the company)!
Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels
Palacio Manco Capac is situated a bit further from the city center in the San Blas neighborhood. This hotel was constructed on the site of an ancient Peruvian republican mansion, and it still retains a sense of history in its design. Perched above Cusco, this charming property offers beautiful views of the town below, which can be enjoyed during the daily breakfast included in the hotel rate.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
Palacio del Inka is another Marriott Bonvoy hotel located directly across from Qoricancha (aka the Temple of the Sun) in the heart of Cusco. This hotel is regarded as a historical landmark and proudly showcases over 195 pieces of artwork from various periods, including pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican eras. Its architecture dates back almost five centuries, and it reflects the rich history of the city. Similar to the JW Marriott, the hotel has a pet alpaca that guests can take pictures with. Additionally, they offer unique food and beverage tasting menus and lessons.
Tiny Adventurer
A luxury, adventure travel blog created by a luxury hospitality professional and former secret shopper sharing travel tips, itineraries, and photography from around the world.
