From bustling metropolises to tiny villages, the Explore My City series invites you to discover new favorite places around the world.
Where is Cusco?
Cusco is a high-altitude city in southeastern Perú found near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountains. Sitting at 11,150 ft. (3,400 m) above sea level, the city was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to Cusco
Cusco has been working on building an international airport for several years. Until that project is completed, international visitors often fly into the Peruvian capital Lima and then take a national flight to Cusco. You can also take public transit or a private bus tour through different cultural sites to arrive in Cusco from the capital. This helps your body acclimate to Cusco’s higher altitude which you’ll need a few days to adjust to.
What can you do in Cusco?
Cusco is a major hub for tourism in South America with nearly two million visitors per year. Many tourists stay here before visiting sacred Inca sites including Machu Picchu or Choquequirao, and it’s a mecca for hiking, trekking, and cultural tours.
Within the city limits and surrounding areas, you can visit various points of interest and Inca sites by foot or taxi. These include:
Saqsaywaman
Complejo Q’enqo
Temple of the Moon
You can ride horses near the Temple of the Moon.
Qhalispuqyo Ruins
Planetarium Cusco
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
The views from the Cristo Blanco Mirador
In the city, you’ll generally find something going on, no matter the time of year. Here are some touristic hubs along with local markets and squares.
Qorikancha (The site of the most important temple in the Inca Empire)
Plaza de San Blas, Mercado de San Blas (One of my favorite neighborhoods, the Mercado is worth a visit)
Mercado San Pedro (A larger, more chaotic market with all sorts of goods)
Tupac Amaru Square (Visit on Saturdays to see the fair that may have concerts, festivals, performances, dances, food, clothing, paintings, plants, and more)
What to eat in Cusco
Peru is one of the greatest countries in the world for cuisine, and you’ll find a bevy of national and local dishes and drinks to try. For the best lunch, head to any of the small, local restaurants away from the main tourist square and order the menu of the day for 6-15 soles.
Molientes
Huachemanco
Papas revueltos
Ceviche de trucha
Choclo con queso
Lomos asado
Pollo a la brasa
Caldo de gallina
Sopa criolla
Arroz con leche
Ajil de gallina
Conchita
Alpaca
Quinoa
Cuscaina Negra
Tallarines verdes y rojos (huancaína sauce)
Cuy (please note, this is guinea pig)
Fresh fruits
What to drink
Pisco (alcoholic)
Pisco Sour (alcoholic)
Chilcano (alcoholic)
Chicha de jora (alcoholic)
Mate de Coca
Muña (Andean mint) tea
Chicha Morada
Fresh fruit juices
Restaurants
Chicha por Gaston Acurio (Restaurant from a world-renowned Peruvian chef, but more affordable than his other spots)
Sol de Mayo (Classic Peruvian fare)
Carpe Diem (Authentic Italian cuisine and pizza)
Qucharitas (Amazing ice cream)
San Blas Market (Best fruit juices and sandwiches)
Limbus Restobar (Great city views)
Green Point Vegan Restaurant (Peruvian options with a vegan twist)
Chakruna Native Burgers (If you want to try an alpaca burger)
Native Burgers and Salads (Fresh veggie options, good burgers, great staff )
