Cusco City Guide

This Cusco City Guide details Incan foundations and Spanish architecture. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, San Blas, San Pedro Market, and Sacsayhuaman.

Cusco stands as a living museum where ancient Inca stonework serves as the foundation for ornate colonial cathedrals. Start your exploration at the Plaza de Armas, the city’s vibrant heart, before climbing the steep, cobblestone streets of the San Blas neighborhood for panoramic views and artisan workshops. Just above the city center, the massive limestone fortifications of Sacsayhuaman offer a masterclass in ancient engineering, while nearby sites like Quenqo and the Temple of the Moon provide a mystical glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage.

Beyond its historic architecture, Cusco is a sensory feast. Spend a morning wandering through the bustling San Pedro Market to sample local cheeses and exotic fruits, or dive into the culinary scene with a Peruvian cooking class to master the Pisco Sour. The city also serves as the essential gateway to the Sacred Valley, home to the impressive terraced ruins of Pisac and the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. For many, the ultimate highlight remains the journey to Machu Picchu, easily reached by a scenic train ride through the cloud forest.

While the majesty of the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman is undeniable, Cusco reveals its true character in the quiet corners where residents gather. For a peaceful escape, head to the Sapantiana Aqueduct. This colonial-era stone structure, built over an Inca waterway, offers a serene backdrop for a stroll away from the bustling crowds of San Blas.

Food lovers seeking an authentic atmosphere should bypass the larger markets for the Mercado de San Blas. Smaller and more intimate than San Pedro, it is the perfect spot to sit at a wooden stall for a freshly squeezed fruit juice or a hearty bowl of caldo de gallina alongside local families. It captures the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit without the tourist polish.

For those drawn to the mystical heritage of the Andes, the Temple of the Moon—or Amaru Markahuasi—provides a contemplative alternative to the busier ruins. Located a short hike beyond the city’s edge, this ancient huaca features intricate carvings and caves where locals still leave offerings. It is a place of profound quiet, offering panoramic views of the valley and a direct connection to the region's spiritual past.

Cusco's historic center is a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets best navigated on foot, though the city’s high altitude and steep inclines can make walking quite strenuous. For distances beyond the Plaza de Armas, taxis are the most convenient option. They are unmetered, so always agree on a fare before getting in; a standard trip within the city usually costs between 5 and 8 PEN. Uber is also available and provides the benefit of fixed pricing and tracked routes, often costing slightly more than a hailed taxi.

Public transportation consists of small buses and vans known as combis, which are very affordable at roughly 1 PEN per ride. While they are a great way to see the city like a local, they can be crowded and their routes are often confusing for newcomers. To reach the city center from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, expect to pay approximately 15 to 25 PEN. It is advisable to ignore the high-pressure solicitors inside the terminal and instead use the official taxi stands or walk to the designated pick-up area just outside the gates.

For excursions to the Sacred Valley, many travelers utilize colectivos—shared transit vans that depart when full. These can be found at specific terminals, such as those on Calle Pavitos, with fares to Ollantaytambo typically ranging from 12 to 15 PEN. Regardless of the method, always keep small coins on hand, as drivers rarely have change for larger denominations like the 50 or 100 soles notes.

Shopping in Cusco offers a vibrant blend of traditional craftsmanship and high-end luxury. For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, start at the San Pedro Market. This bustling hub is the best place to find hand-woven textiles, colorful chullos, and local specialties like Maras salt or organic Peruvian coffee. Be prepared to haggle politely, as it is a standard part of the market culture here.

For those seeking unique, artisanal pieces, the San Blas neighborhood is a treasure trove. Known as the artisan's quarter, its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with galleries and workshops where you can find world-famous Mendívil-style ceramics and intricate silver jewelry. This area is perfect for mid-range shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items that reflect the city's deep artistic roots.

High-end shoppers should head toward the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets to find premium alpaca and vicuña wool products. Renowned brands like Kuna and Sol Alpaca offer exquisitely soft garments that are considered some of the finest textiles in the world. Whether you are looking for a simple souvenir or a luxury investment piece, Cusco's retail scene provides a rich connection to Andean heritage.

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season from May to October, when brilliant blue skies and sunny days provide the perfect backdrop for exploring ancient ruins. June is a standout month, as the city comes alive with the vibrant Inti Raymi festival, though this peak period brings the highest prices and largest crowds. Visitors during these months should prepare for chilly nights, as temperatures drop significantly once the sun sets over the Andes.

For a more tranquil and cost-effective journey, the shoulder months of April and November offer a beautiful balance of lush green scenery and manageable tourist levels. While the rainy season from December to March can lead to muddy trails and occasional flight delays, it provides the most intimate experience of the city’s historic streets and nearby archaeological sites at a fraction of the high-season cost.

Language: Spanish

• Hola — Hello
• Buenos días — Good Morning
• Buenas noches — Good Evening
• Adiós — Goodbye
• Gracias — Thank You
• ¿Dónde está ______? — Where is ______?
• Por favor — Please
• ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?
• ¡Cuidado, la llama escupe! — Watch out, the llama spits!