Cusco
Cusco, the official Historical Capital of Peru, sits at 3,399 m (11,151 ft) in the Andes of southeastern Peru, about 1,100 km from Lima. Once the capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it is the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.
Few cities in the world carry as much history in their stones as Cusco. Once the beating heart of the Inca Empire, later a jewel of the Spanish viceroyalty and today one of the most visited destinations in South America, Cusco is a living city where ancient walls hold up colonial churches, Quechua is still spoken in the markets, and centuries-old festivals fill the streets every year. More than a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a destination in its own right.
Cusco at a Glance
- Official name: Cusco (Qosqo in Quechua; also spelled Cuzco)
- Meaning: “Navel of the World” or center of the universe
- Location: Southeastern Peru, in the Andes mountain range
- Altitude: 11,151 feet (3,399 m.a.s.l.)
- Population: the official Cusco Metropolitan Area covers five districts (Cusco, San Jerónimo, San Sebastián, Santiago, Wánchaq)
- Languages: Spanish and Quechua
- Currency: Peruvian sol (S/)
- Time zone: UTC-5
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: since 1983
- Official title: Historical Capital of Peru
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Cusco has a cool highland climate with two clear seasons:
Dry season (April–October): Sunny days and cold nights, ideal for trekking and sightseeing. This is also the high season.
Rainy season (November–March): Green landscapes and fewer visitors, with afternoon showers. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance.
Daytime temperatures are usually mild, while nights can drop close to freezing in June and July. Dress in layers and bring sun protection.
Where Is Cusco Located?
Cusco sits in the southeastern part of Peru, high in the Andes. The city is about 1,100 kilometers (684 miles) southeast of Lima, Peru’s capital. Cusco lies high in the valley of the Huatanay River, surrounded by mountains that rise even higher, which gives the city its unmistakable setting of red-tiled roofs framed by green hills.
The city is the capital of the province and the region of the same name. The Cusco region is remarkably diverse: within a few hours you can go from glaciated peaks to the warm cloud forests and jungle that lead to the Amazon. Ausangate is the highest mountain in Cusco, with its summit at 6,384 meters above sea level. By comparison, Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 7,972 feet (2,430 m.a.s.l.), which is noticeably lower than the city itself.
How to Get to Cusco
- By plane: Most travelers fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. The flight from Lima takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, and there are also direct flights from Arequipa, Puno (Juliaca) and other Peruvian cities.
- By bus: Overland routes connect Cusco with Lima (around 20 hours or more), Arequipa and Puno. The Puno–Cusco route is popular for travelers combining Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu.
- By train: Scenic trains link Cusco with Puno and with Machu Picchu (via Ollantaytambo or Poroy).
The History of Cusco
People lived in the Cusco valley for thousands of years before the Incas arrived. According to legend, the city was founded by Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, children of the Sun, who named it Qosqo, the “Navel of the World.” In the 15th century, under the ruler Pachacuti, Cusco became the grand capital of the Inca Empire, a city of stone palaces and temples said to be shaped like a puma.
The Spanish arrived in 1533 and built churches and mansions on top of Inca walls, like the Convent of Santo Domingo over the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and local artists created the famous Cusco School of painting. Over the centuries, the city survived strong earthquakes in 1650 and 1950 (the Inca walls barely moved), saw the great rebellion of Túpac Amaru II, and returned to the world’s attention when Machu Picchu became famous in 1911.
Today, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and the official Historical Capital of Peru, a place where Inca and colonial history live side by side.
Top Attractions in Cusco City
- Plaza de Armas: The heart of the city, surrounded by colonial arcades, balconies, the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía.
- Cusco Cathedral: Together with the Triunfo temple, it makes up the Cathedral Complex and is the most important religious monument in the Historic Center of Cusco. It houses an outstanding collection of Cusco School paintings.
- Church of La Compañía de Jesús: A masterpiece of Andean Baroque, built on the foundations of the Temple of the Serpents (Amarucancha).
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): The most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, once covered in gold. Its curved, perfectly fitted wall is one of the finest examples of Inca stonework.
- Hatun Rumiyoc Street and the 12-Angled Stone: A former palace wall where one stone fits perfectly with its neighbors on twelve sides.
- San Blas Neighborhood: The artisans’ quarter, with steep cobblestone streets, white houses with blue doors, workshops and viewpoints over the city.
- San Pedro Market: The city’s main traditional market, ideal for tasting fresh juices, local cheeses, breads and Andean fruits.
- Museums: The Inka Museum, Casa Concha (Machu Picchu Museum), the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the Qoricancha Site Museum.
Archaeological Sites Near the City
- Sacsayhuamán: A citadel on the northern outskirts of Cusco, located on a steep hill that overlooks the city. Its giant zigzag walls are among the most impressive Inca structures.
- Q’enqo: A carved rock shrine used for ceremonies and offerings.
- Puka Pukara: A “red fortress” that controlled the road and served as a resting place.
- Tambomachay: Known as the Baths of the Inca, with fountains still flowing today.
Beyond the City: The Cusco Region
- Machu Picchu: The Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Famous for its striped colors at over 5,000 meters.
- Humantay Lake: A turquoise glacial lake at the foot of Mount Humantay.
- South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and the Andean Baroque church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
- Treks: The Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao and Ausangate.
Culture and Festivals
Cusco preserves a deep Andean identity. Quechua is spoken daily, weaving traditions continue in communities around the city, and the concept of reciprocity (ayni) and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) remain part of local life.
Main Festivals in Cusco
- Inti Raymi (June 24): The Festival of the Sun, a re-enactment of the Inca winter solstice ceremony at Qoricancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán.
- Corpus Christi (May–June): Saints and Virgins from different parishes are carried in procession to the Cathedral.
- Señor de los Temblores (Holy Monday): The procession of the city’s patron during Holy Week.
- Qoyllur Rit’i (May–June): A pilgrimage to the Sinakara glacier, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo (July 15–17): One of the most colorful dance festivals in the Andes.
- Santurantikuy (December 24): A traditional Christmas Eve market of handicrafts in the main square.
Gastronomy
Cusco’s cuisine combines native Andean products with colonial influences. Must-try dishes include chiriuchu (the traditional Corpus Christi dish), roasted cuy, lechón with tamales, adobo cusqueño, quinoa soup, trout from Andean lakes and chicharrón. Pair them with chicha morada, chicha de jora or a coca tea.
Altitude and Acclimatization Tips
- Because of its height, many visitors feel some effects of altitude on arrival, such as headaches, fatigue or shortness of breath. To adapt, rest on your first day and avoid strenuous activity.
- Drink plenty of water and coca tea.
- Eat light meals and avoid alcohol for the first 24–48 hours.
- Consider starting your trip in the lower Sacred Valley before staying in Cusco.
Official sources: UNESCO World Heritage: City of Cuzco · Ministry of Culture of Peru
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