Cusco

Overview

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters, and the city itself is a layered history lesson — Spanish colonial buildings raised directly on top of precise Incan stone foundations you can still run your hand along. Most travelers treat it as a gateway to Machu Picchu, but budgeting a few extra days here, both before and after the trek, makes the whole trip better.

Getting There

Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) connects to Lima with frequent short flights. However you arrive, plan to do almost nothing for your first 24–48 hours — altitude sickness is common and coca tea genuinely helps.

Top Experiences

• Wander the San Blas artisan quarter, Cusco's steepest and most photogenic neighborhood
• Walk the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, just above the city, best visited around sunset
• Take at least four days for the Inca Trail or the less crowded Salkantay trek to reach Machu Picchu on foot
• Explore the Sacred Valley towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where local markets are still genuinely local

Local tip: Acclimatize in Cusco for two full days before attempting any trek or the Machu Picchu day trip — the altitude is no joke, even for fit travelers.

Food to Try

Cusco sits at the center of Peru's food renaissance. Try cuy (guinea pig) if you're adventurous, alpaca steak if you're not, and don't miss a proper ceviche lunch — Peruvians eat it midday, when the fish is freshest.

Practical Info

• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
• Altitude: Take it seriously — hydrate, avoid alcohol on day one, and consider altitude medication
• Booking ahead: Machu Picchu tickets and Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance
• Getting around: The historic center is walkable; use registered taxis after dark