- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
Cusco stands out as a highly sought-after tourist spot in South America, celebrated for its extensive history, lively culture, and stunning natural landscapes. As the former heart of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco presents a wealth of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment, making it a challenge to decide where to begin your adventure.
Within this article, I will lead you through the essential sights and activities that Cusco has to offer. Featuring destinations such as the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley, and the remarkably beautiful historic center of the city, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Cusco is guaranteed to inspire awe. So, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes, and let’s embark on this journey.
A trip to Peru is incomplete without experiencing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an extraordinary location brimming with historical and cultural significance, providing insight into the pre-Columbian heritage of the Americas. Key places to visit include:
It’s crucial to take into account the time of year when planning your visit to Machu Picchu, as the peak tourist season spans from June to August, a period when the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the site is closed to visitors in February. Ensure you make your reservations well in advance, as tickets are in high demand and there is a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed.
Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is an incredible geological wonder situated in the Cusco region.
When you book a tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, you’ll be amazed by the stunning display of vivid colors, a natural phenomenon resulting from various minerals such as iron, copper, and sulfur present in the rock formations. It’s an ideal destination for those passionate about photography.
The mountain reaches an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. To get there, you’ll need to undertake a hike of about 6 kilometers from the village of Pitumarca. The trek can be quite demanding due to the high altitude and steep inclines, so it’s generally recommended for individuals who are comfortable with this level of physical exertion.
The Inca Trail is recognized as one of the most renowned hiking trails globally. It presents breathtaking panoramas of mountains, forests, and Inca archaeological sites, following an ancient route through the Peruvian Andes that connects Cusco with the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Hiking the Inca Trail typically requires between 4 and 5 days, making it essential to be adequately prepared with the appropriate gear for the varying weather conditions and the duration of the journey. It’s advisable to pack comfortable clothing, durable hiking boots, a sleeping bag, sufficient food and water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
The only way to experience this adventure is by engaging the services of a knowledgeable guide and having secured a permit for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Remember to make your booking well in advance, as the number of permits available is limited and demand is high. Also, given Cusco’s high altitude, it’s wise to allow yourself time to acclimatize before beginning your trek on the Inca Trail.
Cusco is a city best appreciated by walking its streets. The city’s pathways radiate the charm of past eras, and the friendliness of its inhabitants will encourage you to explore every corner. Without a doubt, one of the finest areas to explore on foot is the historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features numerous colonial-era buildings and plazas.
A must-see location is Qorikancha, the principal temple of the Inca Empire. Following the Spanish conquest, it was transformed into a church. Today, it functions as a museum where you can observe Inca ruins alongside a wealth of colonial architectural elements.
Following this, you might consider visiting the San Pedro Market to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local people, sample regional flavors, and shop for souvenirs, as well as exploring the San Blas neighborhood. However, there’s perhaps no better way to truly see the city than by taking a guided tour of Cusco. You’ll uncover all the most iconic locations in the Peruvian capital and its main attractions.
This is one of the most recognizable and central locations in the city. This beautiful square is surrounded by impressive colonial architecture and features a statue of the Inca ruler Pachacútec at its center. You’ll quickly notice that it’s one of the most popular tourist areas in the city due to the constant flow of people at all times of the day.
From the square, you can view some of the city’s primary tourist landmarks, such as the Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby highlights. I recommend purchasing tickets for the Cusco Cathedral if you plan to go inside and see its interior.
Taking a leisurely walk through the Plaza de Armas is a wonderful way to absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Additionally, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a beverage or a coffee before continuing your explorations.
The Sacred Valley is an absolutely enchanting region, home to numerous ancient archaeological sites, traditional indigenous villages, and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
With its combination of towering mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers, booking a tour through the Sacred Valley is an experience that will leave you in awe. Furthermore, the region enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). I suggest:
Cusco boasts a distinctive and flavorful culinary tradition that blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Be sure to sample local specialties such as cuy (guinea pig), anticuchos (skewered meats), ceviche (fish marinated in citrus), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), ají de gallina (spicy chicken stew), or the wonderful papas a la huancaína (potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce), among many other delicious options.
One way to get more acquainted with Cusco’s food culture is by visiting its local markets, such as the San Pedro Market. However, if you’re seeking a more personalized experience, I recommend participating in a Peruvian cooking class.
You’ll learn in detail how to prepare some of the most delicious regional dishes. There are numerous cooking schools in Cusco that offer lessons on how to cook traditional Peruvian meals, and the best part is that once you return home, you’ll be able to recreate these flavors in your own kitchen.
One of the most convenient ways to navigate Cusco and identify key areas of interest is by taking a sightseeing bus tour. The Cusco sightseeing bus will guide you through the main attractions of this beautiful Peruvian city, although it typically operates on a fixed route rather than a hop-on-hop-off basis. However, these tours usually include a guide who can provide historical information and context for each location you visit.
By booking a Cusco sightseeing bus tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as significant archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, and Qenqo, and you might even get the chance to visit the Cristo Blanco viewpoint overlooking the city.
Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca fortress situated in the hills surrounding the city of Cusco. Featuring massive, intricately carved stones and walls reaching up to 9 meters in height, it stands as a masterpiece of Inca engineering, constructed using enormous stone blocks, some weighing several tons each.
It is believed that Sacsayhuamán served both military and religious purposes. The site is strategically located on a hill that offers panoramic views of Cusco, providing you with a stunning vista of the city and the surrounding mountain landscape.
While you are welcome to explore the site independently and walk along the ancient stone pathways among the ruins, it is highly recommended to join a guided tour to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its rich history and significance.
