The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Cusco, Peru: A Comprehensive Itinerary
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If you're planning a trip to Cusco, Peru, you've come to the right place. My ultimate guide is packed with travel tips, accommodation recommendations, the best places to dine, top attractions, and essential tips to ensure your Cusco adventure is unforgettable. Explore the heart of the Andes Mountains, savor Peruvian cuisine, and discover the rich cultural heritage of this historic city. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or visiting Cusco for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of your journey!
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO
Cusco is an incredibly walkable city, so most accommodations will be no more than a 15 minute walk away from the main attractions.
Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta ($)
This hostel is located in a quiet area that is a short 15 minute walk from the main square. Spacious, clean, and quiet, your stay includes a free breakfast every morning, and most of the rooms also offer ensuite bathrooms, offering extra privacy for all guests. The hostel manager was very helpful and accommodating, willing to help you with any requests: early breakfast, laundry services, and booking taxis to the airport.
Samay Wasi Youth Hostels Cusco ($)
If you are a solo traveler looking for a quiet and clean place to stay in the heart of Cusco, look no further than this hostel. Located in the artistic San Blas neighborhood, this hostel takes the phrase, “room with a view,” to heart. With stunning vistas of Cusco, free breakfast and coffee, and a resident cat, this hostel is the perfect stay for solo and budget travelers alike.
Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique ($$)
Steps from the San Pedro Market and a short walk from the main square, this unique hotel will make you feel right home with its cozy atmosphere and a delicious complimentary buffet breakfast. Located on a quiet street in the bustling city center, your stay here will be the relaxing reprieve you are looking for after a long day of exploring Cusco!
A stunning colonial inn located in the artistic San Blas neighborhood, this hotel offers a central courtyard with a colorful flower garden, daily complimentary breakfast, and rooms featuring local Peruvian décor and bold colors. This hotel’s central location and unique design make it the perfect location for your stay in Cusco.
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$$)
If you come to Cusco looking for the ultimate luxury experience, then this is the hotel for you. Located only two blocks from both the main square and the beautiful San Blas neighborhood, this resort style hotel offers a spa with full services, an outdoor swimming pool, full access to their fitness center, and an in house restaurant serving a combination of local Andean and western cuisines. With a complimentary shuttle service from the airport and an incredible free breakfast everyday, this hotel will fulfill all your dreams of a vacation full of pampering, personalized service, and delicious food.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel ($$$)
This stunning hotel, often called the best hotel in Peru by guests, offers a luxurious experience surrounded by the historical beauty of Cusco. Featuring a restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine, a bar that offers both a stunning view and Pisco lessons, and an in house spa, your stay at the Palacio del Inka will make for an unforgettable trip. Other services include a free daily buffet breakfast, oxygen and coca tea upon request to help with the effects of Cusco's high altitude, as well as an on-site gym and an indoor swimming pool (available for an extra fee).
WHERE TO EAT IN CUSCO
Peruvian cuisine is some of the best in the world, and Cusco offers endless options for great restaurants, so here are a few that we tried and would recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen ($$): We went here for our first dinner, and this restaurant set the bar sky high. Located right in the main square, Morena blew us away with both the food as well as the presentation. Every dish looked like a piece of art - our chocolate dessert came in a literal giant cacao pod. With candles at every table and excellent service, this restaurant is a must try if you are visiting Cusco.
Dishes to try: the bruschetta, the guinea pig, the pork belly, and the chocolate dessert
Soqa ($): Located in the artsy San Blas neighborhood, this cafe was recommended to us by our walking tour guide; in fact, he said this was his favorite restaurant in all of Cusco, so we of course had to try it. The whole restaurant is two floors, and the atmosphere was very cozy and definitely had fewer tourists than other restaurants we tried.
Dishes to try: the Quinoto (our guide’s favorite dish) and you must try the mint lemonade with chia seeds
Chakruna Native Burgers ($): Also located in the artsy San Blas neighborhood, this was another incredible recommendation by our walking tour guide, and this place did NOT disappoint. In fact, to call the sandwiches we ate burgers would be doing them a disservice; they have plenty of options available (chicken, beef, alpaca), as well as an incredible veggie burger.
Dishes to try: you MUST get the fried made from Peru’s native potato and be sure to ask for the white sauce (they did not disclose the recipe no matter how much we asked) to go with it
Organika Bakery & Coffee ($): A great option for breakfast or lunch as you are exploring Cusco. Located a couple of minutes away from the main square, this cafe is bright and airy, and even has a cat strolling around for pets (which I loved).
Dishes to try: any of their juices, the chicken sandwich
Rucula Peruvian Restaurant ($$): This was definitely the nicest restaurant we went to on our trip, but it was also one of our favorites. Not only was the food incredible, but service here was excellent. Our waitress gave us excellent recommendations, and even brought us some tea to go with our dessert. If you want to be treated like royalty and enjoy a swoon worthy, this place has to be on your list.
Dishes to try: Papa Rellena, trout with gnocchi, deep fried pork belly
Limbus Restobar ($$): Another San Blas restaurant, our guide ended our walking tour by taking us here, and we are now endlessly grateful. He treated us to free ceviche and shots of pisco, which were both divine, but the real star of this place is the view it offers of the city. Since San Blas is a bit higher than the main part of Cusco, this restobar looks out over the city and the mountains, creating the perfect view for your meal. I would recommend making a reservation for sunset here to grab enjoy drinks with some food.
Dishes to try: the ceviche is a MUST
Solevan ($): We initially tried this restaurant because it was around the corner from our hostel, but it was so good that we came back for a second time. Definitely a restaurant catered towards locals, the entire menu is mostly centered around chicken; a full meal will cost you less than $7, and all the dishes taste like your aunt’s cooking.
Dishes to try: quite literally anything, but especially the quarter or half chicken
5 THINGS TO DO IN CUSCO
Free walking tour with Bloody Bueno Peru
The best way to get better acquainted with a new city is with a free walking tour from a local, and Cusco is no exception. Our experience with Bloody Bueno Peru completely exceeded our expectations - what was supposed to a be quick introduction to the area turned into a three hour private tour with our wonderful guide Diego, who offered a wealth of knowledge about the history of Cusco, gave us great recommendations that we followed for the rest of our trip, and even treated us to free ceviche and Pisco shots!
Explore the artistic San Blas neighborhood
Only four blocks from Cusco’s main square, this charming neighborhood boasts cobblestone streets full of galleries, delicious cafes and restaurants, and unbeatable views of Cusco. Spend the afternoon strolling through the neighborhood streets — be sure to stop by the Sapantiana Aqueduct — or take advantage of Cusco’s version of happy hour and grab a cheap and delicious pisco sour at one of the neighborhood’s many outdoor bars.
Take a short hike up to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint
Cusco’s version of Christ the Redeemer, this stunning statue also offers expansive views of Cusco from above. The view of the city with the surrounding mountains is well worth the short trek up, and the statue is also a short walk from Saqsaywaman, one of the most well-known and well-preserved Inca ruins in the area.
Visit the San Pedro Market
This large market, open daily, features countless vendors selling fruit, meat, cheese, local dishes, tea, and much more. This market is the perfect place to sample some local dishes and grab a few to take home as souvenirs!
Take advantage of the surrounding area and book a day trip to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, or the Rainbow Mountains
Cusco is the perfect base from which to take 1-2 day trips out to the surrounding area: whether you want to explore the Sacred Valley, see one of the 7 world wonders for yourself, or hike the photogenic Rainbow Mountains, your trip to Cusco will not be complete without a leaving the city to visit these incredible sights!
ESSENTIAL TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Airport Transport Considerations: When traveling to or from Cusco's airport, be mindful of taxi fares. The airport is just a 10-15 minute drive from the city, and the typical cost for a taxi should be around 30-35 Peruvian soles (equivalent to 8-10 USD). Beware of drivers attempting to overcharge.
Altitude Awareness: Cusco is situated at a higher elevation than Machu Picchu. While using Cusco as your base for a Machu Picchu visit, remember that Cusco sits at 11,152 feet above sea level, whereas Machu Picchu is at 7,972 feet. To ensure an enjoyable trip, acclimatize yourself to the high altitude by spending at least a day in Cusco. This gradual adjustment can be beneficial, as Machu Picchu is closer to sea level.
Carry Sufficient Cash: Many establishments in Cusco primarily accept cash payments. To avoid any inconveniences, exchange currency at the airport or in the city upon arrival. Most ATMs in the main square offer reasonable exchange rates, providing you with the flexibility to enjoy your trip without payment concerns.
Water Drinking Caution: While Cusco is a safe and clean city, it's advisable not to consume tap water. For your well-being, opt for bottled water, which is readily available and cost-effective. This simple precaution will help you stay healthy during your travels.
Tourism-Driven Economy: Recognize that Cusco heavily relies on tourism, constituting 80% of its economy. While Cusco is a must-visit destination, especially around the main square, be aware that numerous individuals may try to sell you various items such as art, souvenirs, or photo opportunities with alpacas. Approach these interactions with respect, but exercise caution to avoid falling into overpriced tourist traps.
Visiting Cusco is a remarkable experience, and these tips will help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey!
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