The ultimate Cusco travel guide for 2026
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the old capital of the Inca Empire, and one of the most rewarding cities in South America. As a Cusco-based operator, we wrote this guide to help you skip the guesswork and spend your time where it counts — here is everything that matters, from altitude to the unmissable day trips.
First things first: altitude
Cusco sits at about 3,400 m, high enough that most visitors feel the altitude on day one. Give yourself two easy days before any trek or high-altitude day trip, drink plenty of water and go gently. Our full altitude guide covers prevention and symptoms.
The best things to do in and around Cusco
You can split Cusco into three buckets: the city itself, the Sacred Valley, and the day trips into the mountains.
In the city
Walk the Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha sun temple and the artisan streets of San Blas, then see Sacsayhuamán and the ruins above town on a Cusco city tour.
The Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray make a superb day — and the valley sits lower than Cusco, so it doubles as acclimatization. See the Sacred Valley tour and our sites guide.
The famous day trips
| Day trip | Why go |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Mountain | The iconic striped ridge at 5,000 m |
| Humantay Lake | A turquoise glacial lagoon |
| Palcoyo | A quieter rainbow mountain with a stone forest |
| 7 Lagoons of Ausangate | Mineral lakes beneath a sacred peak |
Compare the two colour mountains in our Palcoyo vs Vinicunca guide.
And of course — Machu Picchu
Most people come for the wonder itself. You can visit on a day tour by train, walk in on the Classic Inca Trail, or take an alternative trek like Salkantay. Read how to get to Machu Picchu and the tickets and circuits guide before you book.
Ready to plan?
Tell us your dates and we’ll build the perfect Cusco trip around them.
When to go
The dry season (May–September) has the clearest skies and is the busiest; the shoulder months (April, October) are quieter and still lovely. See our month-by-month weather and best-time guide.
How many days do you need?
Short answer: five to seven days lets you acclimatize, see the Sacred Valley, reach Machu Picchu and fit a day trip. We break it down in how many days you need in Cusco, or see ready-made multi-day packages.
Frequently asked questions
Five to seven days is ideal — enough to acclimatize, explore the city and Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu and fit in a day trip such as Rainbow Mountain.
Yes, Cusco is a well-established tourist destination. Take normal city precautions, watch for altitude, and use reputable operators for tours and treks.
Yes. At around 3,400 m, give yourself two gentle days before any trek or high day trip to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
The dry season from May to September offers the clearest weather. April and October are quieter shoulder months with fewer crowds.