High in the Andes, at over 3,300 meters above sea level, there is a city that was not only the heart of an empire but continues to pulse strongly in every cobbled street, every vibrant market, and every protective hill. Cusco is not a destination; it is a revelation.
Ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, Cusco is much more than a departure point to Machu Picchu. It is a city that embraces the past and present with surprising naturalness: colonial convents built on Inca walls, boutique hotels inside ancient mansions, and a cuisine that honors the land while daring to innovate.
Attractions
Choosing our favorite places is a tough job, but these are some.
Useful Information
- Location: Southern Andes of Peru, at more than 3,300 m above sea level.
- Arriving: Flight from Lima (1h 15 min). Tourist trains to Machu Picchu from Poroy, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Access by road from Arequipa or Puno.
- Altitude: Cusco: 3,399 m / Sacred Valley: 2,700–2,900 m / Machu Picchu: 2,430 m
- Weather: Mountain temperate climate. Dry and sunny from April to October. Rainfall from November to March.
- Accommodations: From boutique hotels to luxury lodges and charming Andean houses.
- Ideal for: Inca history, archaeology, Andean landscapes, and living culture.
- Advices: Acclimatize on the first day, drink coca or muña, and avoid intense physical exertion upon arrival.
