There are benefits to visiting Cusco during each season, as well as some drawbacks.
The Plaza de Armas, also known as the Main Square or Cathedral Square, is the central and main square of Cusco, Peru. It is a historic and cultural focal point, surrounded by significant landmarks and buildings. Here is some information about the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
The Cusco Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin (Catedral Basílica de la Asunción de la Virgen), is one of the most significant and imposing religious structures in Cusco, Peru. Here is some information about the Cusco Cathedral:
San Blas is a charming and historic neighborhood in the city of Cusco, Peru. Known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and bohemian atmosphere, San Blas is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here’s some information about the San Blas neighborhood:
Coricancha, also known as Qorikancha or Qurikancha, is an ancient Inca temple located in the city of Cusco, Peru. The name “Coricancha” is derived from the Quechua words “Quri” (gold) and “Kancha” (enclosure), reflecting the temple’s renowned opulence. Here is some information about Coricancha:
Sacsayhuamán is an Inca archaeological site located on the outskirts of Cusco, Peru. It is renowned for its impressive megalithic stone walls and is considered one of the most significant and well-preserved Inca ruins in the region.
Tambomachay is another archaeological site located near Cusco, Peru, and it is known for its impressive water-related features. Here’s some information about Tambomachay:
Q’enqo, also spelled Qenko, is an archaeological site located near Cusco, Peru. It is part of the Sacred Valley and is known for its unique rock carvings, ceremonial spaces, and underground passages. Here’s some information about Q’enqo:
Museo de Arte Precolombino occupies a beautiful colonial house and displays nearly 400 pieces borrowed from the extensive repository of the Larco Museum in Lima, considered one of the most excellent museums of pre-Columbian culture in the world.
The collection includes artifacts spanning nearly three millennia of Peruvian history (1250 BC to 1532 AD) and from diverse pre-Columbian cultures including the Nazca, Mochica, Huari, Chancay, and Inca. Visit the MAP Café, located in the courtyard, to enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner in an elegant setting.
The Inka Museum (Museo Inka) in Cusco, Peru, is a significant cultural institution that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the Inca civilization and other pre-Columbian cultures in the Andean region. Here’s some information about the Inka Museum:
The San Pedro Market, known locally as “Mercado San Pedro,” is a vibrant and bustling market located in the heart of Cusco, Peru. It is one of the largest and most popular markets in the city, offering a diverse array of products, local cuisine, and a lively atmosphere. Here’s some information about the San Pedro Market:
Cusco Planetarium is an educational and cultural center located near Cusco, Peru, dedicated to astronomy and stargazing. Here’s some information about the Cusco Planetarium:
Until the 1950s, the upper section of the street was called Ccopapata, or tee “ashes road” in Spanish, because the neighbors would dump the ashes from their stoves and the remnants of guinea pigs. The lower section of the street was called Taqsanapata because many people used to go this way from the Cusco Historical Center to wash their clothes in the River Puckro, especially people in mourning who would wash the clothes of their loved one who had died and then later distribute those clothes and often shed their stage of mourning.
And this is where the name of the street enters the story. Many of those who went to wash clothes would take their sheep to graze and drink water, which is why the street began to be called Calle Borrego or Sheep Street. In fact, that street name can still be seen in very old property titles.
Sapantiana is a colonial hydraulic structure built over the P’ujru River, whose construction was driven in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Jesuit order and the Concilio del Cusco. It is a colonial wall built over a four-story arch, most likely using lithic elements from the Sapantiana huaca, which is just a few meters away. Before 1950, water flowed through the channel for the consumption of the colonial city. Today, it is nothing more than the remnants of the past that have survived through time.
How to get there? Taking the main square of Cusco as a reference, enter through Triunfo Street and pass by the Cathedral of Cusco. After a few minutes, you will reach Hatun Rumiyuq Street, where the stone of the 12 angles is located. A little further ahead is Choquechaca Street; walk until the end. As you ascend the stairs, there is a sign and guided flow, more specifically, follow the course of the stream, as it is the same stream that runs under the arch supporting the colonial aqueduct.
Cusco day excursion checklist:
Dry season packing suggestions:
Rainy season packing suggestions:
Altitude sickness is a common health concern for travelers arriving in Cusco. Acclimation varies widely by individual, but many people adjust within 24 to 48 hours. Minor symptoms include headache, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Severe reactions to high elevations are rare and hard to predict.
Before you travel, ask your doctor about medications to prevent altitude sickness. During your stay to Cusco, keep hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and try the local remedy, coca leaf tea. If you’re planning to trek to higher elevations, plan to spend a few days acclimating in Cusco before beginning the journey.
The best area to stay in Cusco is in the historic downtown, which has countless restaurants, museums, Inca ruins, and other top attractions within easy walking distance. Some of the city’s most charming hotels are an uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas in the San Blas neighborhood, which might not be the best option for anyone with physical limitations or concerned about overexerting themselves in the high elevation. Cusco accommodation ranges from backpacker party hostels, AirB&B, and comfortable hotels that include complimentary breakfast. Check out our preferred places to stay in the Hotels section above.
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