About Cusco

Cusco is famously known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World. Despite its altitude of 3,400 meters, one of the main tourist attractions in Peru is Cusco. It was the capital of the Incan Empire. Now it is famous for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. In 1933, it had been declared the Archaeological Capital of America. In 1983 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the people living here are of Indigenous origins and speak Quechua. More than two million people visit this place. Want to be astonished by the rich history and culture of Cusco? 

Public Transport System

Taxis, Buses and Minibuses

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: High, Efficiency: High

Mode & Cost of Transports

  • Buses in Cusco are very inexpensive than taxis, but they could be overcrowded and hectic in general. The base fare to the buses in  Cusco are S/. 0.70.
  • Taxis are the best source to roam around in the city. They run without meters and are easily available at any cross. There is no base rate fix for taxis.and sometime they ask for high prices to be paid.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle PEN 3.00
Cup of Coffee PEN 5.00
Milk Carton Pack PEN 4.00
Rice/Kg PEN 4.00
White Bread PEN 4.00
Eggs (12) PEN 4.00
Combo Meal PEN 12.00
Fine Dining PEN 50.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi PEN 2.00
Domestic Beer PEN 5.00
Imported Beer PEN 9.00
Bottle of Wine PEN 27.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) PEN 0.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) PEN 4.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). PEN 1.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) PEN 800.00
  • Altitude sickness can take its toll so be prepared before undertaking any trips and try altitude sickness pills or chewing coca leaves.
  • Research carefully and ask lots of questions before booking your trekking agency.
  • It is normal to have rain and sunshine even at the same time, so be prepared for all types of weather.
  • Don’t be in a hurry to visit all of the attractions on your first day, just relax and adjust to the Cusco temperatures.
  • If the trip is meant for trekking, do not buy the trekking supplies locally. Buy them beforehand.
  • Do buy a Boleto Turistico if you plan to visit most of the sites in Cusco and Sacred Valley.
  • Cusco has some very good dining options. Do try their local food. 
  • Do stay at a local hospedaje. These are usually run by locals and offer comfy accommodation at excellent prices.
  • Don’t take pictures of people without asking. This should be standard procedure anywhere you go but Cusco locals are particularly sensitive to this. Be respectful.
  • Do visit the Nazca Lines before visiting Cusco.
  • You can trek to Machu Picchu or book a ride to the top. 

Night Life

Cusco is renowned in Peru for its energetic nightlife, and due to a large number of tourists, the city is bustling every night of the week. A good number of Cusco's nightlife, tourist bars, and nightclubs are established near the main plaza. The way of life in Peru has an inclination to focus on the moment, and not think about tomorrow, which makes it a great place to go out and party. You will find that in Peru, alcohol, both at stores and bars, is more reasonably priced than in bigger countries. The trendy drinks in Cusco are the Cusqueña and the Pisco Sour. Make sure that you limit your drinks because Cusco’s altitude of over 11,000 feet makes it one of the most punishing places in the world to experience a hangover! You will find venues for dancing, disco, karaoke, and live music near the Plaza de Armas. For dancing and live DJs, visit backpacker hostels near the Plaza de Armas.

Must See

  • Cuson Planetarium is about looking at the stars. One of the best things to do in Cusco at night.
  • Museo del Chocolate Cusco - Chocolatiers show you how they make chocolate.
  • Try the tandoori guinea pig (cuy) for a traditional Peruvian twist at Korma Sutra.
  • Twelve-Angled Stone is on the favourite street in Cusco surrounded by stone buildings and craft shop.
  • Visit the Pisac Market to see all of the craft and produces.

Experiences

  • There are a number of tours available in Cusco to learn to cook with Andean flavors.
  • Try street food like fried Peruvian corn, fried plantains, empanadas, traditional ham sandwiches, and lots of juices.
  • Experience the nightlife.
  • Climb to a viewing point and get high, with your favourite drink.
  • Explore the Sacred Valley.

Activities

Pares y Nones
Casino
Meson De La Estrella 122,Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Distance From City Center
2.2 km
Zoologico UNSAAC
Zoo
3S 6, Cusco, Peru
Distance From City Center
2.5 km
Manu Wildlife Center Lodge
Safari
Manu Wildlife Center, Cusco
Distance From City Center
165 km
Mystic Slot
Casino
Ayacucho 171, Cusco 08000, Peru
Distance From City Center
2 km
Tipon zoo
Zoo
Cusco, Peru
Distance From City Center
2.9 km
Rescue Zoo or Santuario Animal de Cochahuasi
Zoo
Via Cusco Pisaq, Cusco, Peru
Distance From City Center
22 Km

Shopping

No data available
  • Alpaca wool clothing
  • Peruvian quinoa
  • Coco candies 
  • Maca powder 
  • Pisco 
  • Toros de Pucará 
  • Incan cross 
  • Tortora reed ornaments 
  • Traditional textiles 
  • Intricately carved gourds 
  • Decorative retablos 
  • Pink salt from the Maras Salt Mines 
  • Llama dolls

Official Language

Spanish

Other Language

Quechua and Aymara, English

Spoken Language

The majority of the population... Read more

Currency

Nuevo Sol (PEN)

Population

0.4 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 18.21°C

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TimeZone

16:09 PM (GMT -05:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

116

 

Police Icon

Police

105

 

Electric socket

Type A
Type A (120 V 60 Hz.)
Type C
Type C ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Alejandro Velasco Astete - CUZ

Best time to visit

April, May, June, July, August, September

Moderate time to visit

February, March

Worst time to visit

October, November, December, January

Taxi

Start Tariff: PEN 5.00

1 Km. Tariff: PEN 6.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: PEN 25.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Cusco (Contact directly)

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