Look no further, your ultimate Cusco, Peru guide is here! Since the days of grade school history lessons, Cusco has held a special place in my imagination. The stories of ancient civilizations, majestic ruins, and vibrant culture sparked a fascination. The name Cusco is derived from the Quechua word ‘Qosqo’ which translates to navel or center in English. According to Incan mythology, Cusco was considered the center of the world, much like the bellybutton is the center of the body. So when the opportunity came to spend 3 weeks in this city, it was a dream come true ~ a journey to the heart of the Incan Empire.
Winding through the alleys of the historic center, I couldn’t help but think about centuries of history simultaneously mingling with the vibrant energy of the present. Cusco is more than just a place to visit. It’s a living, breathing testament to the resilience that holds the memories of one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Journeying through the city, along with surrounding mountains and towns, I connected the dots to a mysterious destination that lived in my dreams. Yes, there is so much to share, welcome to your ultimate Cusco, Peru guide!
Your Cusco, Peru City Guide
Getting to Cusco
• The fastest and most convenient way to reach Cusco is by flying into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Many major airlines offer direct flights to from Lima, Peru’s capital.
• You can travel to Cusco by bus from other Peruvian cities such as Lima, Arequipa, or Puno. The journey by bus is much longer than flying but can be a more budget-friendly option. We recommend booking the highest class seat you can with Cruz del Sur. This is one of the nicest bus companies we have used.
Where to Stay
I would 100% stay in the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco. It is safe and there is so much at your fingertips.
Eats
Peruvian food is wildly delicious; to me it is one of the tastiest Latin cuisines. They have a way of honoring local ingredients and making them shine. Even if it is a simple potato dish, it is an insanely flavorful potato dish. Ya know what I mean? The food in Cusco left me craving more and wanting to recreate some of the staples at home. They are also wonderful at plating, each plate was a feast for the eyes as well. Here are my top Cusco eats.
Classy Joints
• Rucula Peruvian Restaurant – an authentic dining experience showcasing traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients. I had the best causa I ate in Peru at Rucula, a must try! Causa is a traditional Peruvian dish made from layers of seasoned mashed potatoes and a protein or avocado garnished with onions, olives and a special sauce.
• Green Point Vegan Restaurant – with a focus on sustainability and ethical dining, Green Point is a favorite spot for all eaters seeking delicious and healthy options. With a gorgeous outdoor patio, delicious wine and attentive servers, no wonder this is a fan favorite. Perfect for a solo date or time with friends in a beautiful setting. I enjoyed the savory lentil soup, malbec by the glass and hummus appetizer they bring on the house. Their dessert case will convince you to not skip this course, perfect for takeaway sweet treats!
• Mulli – well appointed in the Plaza Mayor. This is a charming place to enjoy happy hour or dinner with outstanding views of Cusco’s main square and surrounding hillsides. Offering Peruvian classics along with international options, Mulli is a crowd pleaser with must-see views. I came for the Peruvian Malbec during a fantastic sunset. Try to go early and snag a seat upstairs at their outdoor patio.
• Vida Vegan Bistro – they offer a diverse menu of meat-free staples along with global classics. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the staff is enthusiastic about their food and wine. A lovely lunch or dinner all eaters will enjoy. I visited twice, once ordering the pesto pasta with seared mushrooms, and the other the potato dumpling appetizer. Both were delicious, there doesn’t seem to be a wrong choice here!
Laidback Eateries
• Mercado San Blas – no visit to Cusco would be complete without a visit (likely multiple!) to Mercado San Blas. The food stalls offer an eclectic variety of traditional Peruvian dishes showcasing authentic Andean flavors. You will be dining with locals as they love the authentic atmosphere, delicious food, fair prices and sense of community. Don’t miss Green Falafel or Cervicheria de Yanet.
• Chia Vegan Restaurant – a nice cozy vibe with yummy food. A wonderful casual option for lunch or dinner. I enjoyed their Caprese Soup!
• Avocado Toast & More – with a couple of locations around Cusco they boast plenty of healthful options for meat and plant-based eaters alike. I was comforted by their beet burger salad and a side of potatoes.
Cafes
Cusco has no shortage of adorable cafes, wander around and find your faves, these spoke to me!
• Espresso 18 – with strong coffee and house-made savory and sweet treats, what’s not to love? Grab a seat, bring your laptop and enjoy looking out onto Cusco’s iconic hillside.
• Kaldi Coffee – I found myself here multiple times working away upstairs while enjoying sweeping views of the city. They serve scrumptious coffees and snacks. This was my choice spot with good wifi when working outside of my apartment.
Grocery Shopping
If you are staying a while, these suggestions are friendly on your wallet and will help you stock up on essentials with ease!
• Mercado San Blas – along with their cherished food options, they also have pantry stalls complete with veggies, fruits, nuts, quinoa, chocolate and so much more. Don’t miss the juice and smoothies as well, bring your Soles and go nuts!
• San Pedro Central Market – a sizable market spanning multiple blocks. Visit for all your grocery needs, food stalls, souvenirs, snacks, fresh juices and a heavy dose of Andean daily life.
• Cave 143 Cusco – visit this adorable wine shop for all your vino needs. They have tons of varieties from the region, surrounding countries and beyond.
Activities in Cusco
• Mirador Desde el Cristo Blanco – hike to this 26 foot Christ statue built in 1945 for incredible views of the city. A wonderful lookout for day or evening, this hike is just under 4 miles round trip from the city center. Remember Cusco has an elevation of over 11,000 feet, so go at your own pace and listen to your body.
• Sapantiana Aqueduct – an ancient water system known for its impressive engineering. The Temple of Sapantiana is above the waterway. It is believed to have been an important ceremonial site in ancient times, reflecting the religious and cultural practices of the pre-Columbian civilizations that inhabited the region.
• Casa Palacio Jazz Club – visit this cozy jazz club run by musicians for an awesome night of live music. Enjoy the delicious drinks and laid back vibes. They open in the evenings so check the times before heading here.
• Mundo Antiguo Spanish School – if you are new to the Spanish language or have a base, why not improve if you have time? Cusco is an amazing city to study Spanish in. Mundo plans a ton of group and volunteer activities outside of class which helps to practice the language, make friends and give back to the community.
• Cusco City Tour – wander the city with an expert guide through the cobblestone streets. Get the dish on vibrant markets, majestic cathedrals, museums, and archaeological sites, immersing yourself in the deep history of the Andean culture. Viator has a great half-day tour here, or Freetour.com has options for shorter tours.
Activities Outside the City
Your ultimate Cusco, Peru guide would not be complete without mentioning some of the most fascinating activities to do outside of the city. The surrounding regions are full of history, culture, ruins, and natural beauty making it an incredible region to explore. The diverse landscape offers boundless opportunities for discovering the wonders of the Andes. Here are a few of the unforgettable activities to partake in outside of Cusco. I did quite a few of these and enjoyed each moment.
Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu – one of the 7 wonders of the world Machu Picchu is a must-do activity when in Cusco. You can plan a day trip here by train from Cusco or by hiking the famous Inca Trail. Rachel hiked this trail in 2017 over 4 nights and 5 days with Llama Path. She loved this company for their sustainable tourism practices, expert guides, great equipment and phenomenal food. If you opt for a trek, they will likely arrange pickup to and from Cusco.
*Pro tip ~ you can buy affordable, waterproof trek gear in Cusco so you do not have to lug it around the world. Dial in what your trek company provides and get the rest locally! 😏
There is talk about this ancient site closing in the next couple of years due to the grounds becoming more and more unstable due to weather and tourism. If visiting is on your bucket list, this is your sign to start planning! Regardless of which option you choose, book your tickets well in advance as there are capacity limits per day.
More Nature & Adventure Activities
• Sacred Valley Tour – exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas allows you to visit picturesque towns, ancient Incan ruins, lush crop fields, and vibrant markets. Highlights include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Touring by 4×4 quad was unforgettable!
• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – embark on a challenging but rewarding trek to Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Andean mountains.
• Salkantay Trek – for adventurous hikers, the Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail which still leads to Machu Picchu. This trail takes you through diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude mountain passes and cloud forests. You can look into customizing your itinerary with your tour company to include mountain biking and rafting in the river.
• Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins – visit the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested since Incan times. Afterward, tour the agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Incan agricultural laboratory.
• Horseback Riding – explore the surrounding countryside of Sacsayhuaman on horseback, riding through Andean villages, Inca ruins, and scenic landscapes. During these rides, you will visit different huacas which are ancient sacred ceremonial sites that were built by pre-Columbian civilizations.
*Pro tip ~ the best time to visit Machu Picchu & surrounding areas is during the dry season May-Oct. You can expect less rain and clearer skies although these famous sites are visited year-round. Look into shoulder season as well for better prices and smaller crowds. Choosing the time of year will influence what you pack, your tour company will provide a detailed pack list.
So Much To Do in Cusco
As you can see there is so much to do in Cusco. I spent 3 weeks in this region of Peru and feel like I barely scratched the surface. If ancient civilizations, unobstructed nature, incredible food, adventure activities and kind locals light you up, you must put Cusco on your travel list.
Cusco’s charm and allure will leave you mesmerized and lustfully planning your return. With so much to see, eat and do, a journey to this city will ignite all your senses. I hope you feel equipped to begin planning your itinerary with this ultimate Cusco, Peru guide. As always please let us know if you have any questions as it is our passion to help you plan your dream trips!
Until next time,
Bekah
PS ~ If you have more travel time before or after Cusco we suggest visiting Peru’s capital city Lima! Your flight route may take you through Lima, so planning an extended layover would be simple and rewarding. Read up on that city guide here along with our Lima restaurant guide here.
