Machu Picchu
South AmericaHistoryCultureAdventure

Cusco

Inca ruins and Andean mountain trails

Plan with AISee the 1 itineraryPhoto by Eddie Kiszka on Unsplash
Best timeMay–September (dry season)
Typical trip length5 days
On travli1 itinerary
Getting aroundWalk Cusco; train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
CurrencyPeruvian sol (PEN)

About Cusco

Cusco lies in the Peruvian Andes at high elevation. The city preserves Inca foundations beneath later structures. Its center includes the Qorikancha temple complex and Cusco Cathedral on the main plaza. Streets lead out to smaller sites like Q'enqo and Tambomachay.

Trips from here reach Ollantaytambo and the terraces at Moray. The journey continues to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. This destination fits travelers interested in Inca history and mountain walks through the Sacred Valley.

Why travelers love it

QorikanchaThe Inca Empire's most important temple, dedicated to the sun. A Spanish church was built on top of its fitted stone walls.SacsayhuamánHilltop complex above Cusco known for enormous stones fitted together without mortar.Q'enqoA carved limestone outcrop used for Inca ceremonies, with tunnels and an altar cut into the rock.Puka PukaraThe remains of an Inca outpost of reddish stone, overlooking the road into the Sacred Valley.TambomachayAn Inca site of terraces and stone channels that still carry spring water.MorayCircular terraces stepped down into a natural bowl, thought to have been used for growing crops.

Top attractions

Qorikancha
Inca templeQorikanchaCusco, Peru
Sacsayhuamán
Inca fortressSacsayhuamánCusco, Peru
Q'enqo
Inca shrineQ'enqoCusco, Peru
Puka Pukara
Inca ruinsPuka PukaraCusco, Peru
Tambomachay
Inca siteTambomachayCusco, Peru
Moray
Inca terracesMorayCusco, Peru
Salineras de Maras
Salt pansSalineras de MarasCusco, Peru
Ollantaytambo
Town and fortressOllantaytamboCusco, Peru
Machu Picchu
Inca citadelMachu PicchuCusco, Peru
Huayna Picchu
MountainHuayna PicchuCusco, Peru
Cusco Cathedral
CathedralCusco CathedralCusco, Peru

1 Cusco itinerary

Cusco, Peru
Cusco, PeruCusco and Machu Picchu in 5 days5 days · By travli

Cusco questions

How do I get tickets for Machu Picchu?

Entry uses timed tickets with a daily cap, sold in advance. In the dry season, book weeks ahead, and buy the Aguas Calientes bus ticket or plan to walk up.

Will the altitude affect me?

Many visitors feel it on the first day in Cusco. Take it slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid a big first night. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are lower than Cusco.

Do I have to hike the Inca Trail?

No. This plan uses the train to Aguas Calientes and the bus up to the site. The classic Inca Trail takes four days and needs a permit booked months ahead.

When is the best time to go?

May to September is the dry season, with clear mornings and cold nights. The wettest months are December to March, and the Inca Trail closes each February.