Cusco: must-know tips for your Peru trip
- Climate: The months from May to September are high season, with cold, dry nights and strong, warm sun during the day. These months are marked by large temperature fluctuations. At night, it can freeze well below zero in Cusco, while daytime temperatures can reach up to 24°C. From October to April, it’s wetter due to the rainy season, but also less cold.
- Transport: You can reach Cusco from Puno by bus in about 6.5 hours (Cruz del Sur or Oltursa). Alternatively, there are direct flights from Lima with LATAM or Avianca.
- Tours: Cusco offers countless opportunities for hiking trails and various tours. Some recommendations include visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, rafting on the Vilcanota River, exploring Cusco on a Free Walking Tour, or mountain biking in the surrounding area. Tip: avoid the touristy Mirabus, as they are very commercial.
- Hotels: Our favorites across different price ranges are Tika Wasi, Ninos Hotel (run by a Dutch woman who uses the profits to provide breakfasts for Peruvian children), Teatro Inka, and Amaru Hostal.
- Restaurants: Our top pick is Pachapapa (San Blas). Why? Fresh Peruvian dishes cooked in an outdoor oven, a cozy courtyard with heaters, and live harp music every evening—romance at its finest in Cusco! For a more local experience, our favorite is La Cusquenita, a picantería with daily live traditional dance performances and authentic, hearty Cusco dishes. Note: portions are generous!
- Nightlife: You can visit the main tourist spots around the Plaza de Armas. For live music and great cocktails, head to Republica del Pisco, where you can relax at the bar and enjoy live bands every night. To see the popular local band Pueblo Andino live, go to Ukukus on Saturdays. Chango Club, just behind the plaza, is currently the most popular nightclub in Cusco.
- Length of stay: You can easily spend a week in Cusco, especially if you plan to hike at least the four-day Inca Trail, combine it with a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, or simply explore the city itself. Afterward, you can fly back directly to Lima and continue to Amsterdam the same evening, or head to Máncora.
Trails
You want to visit Machu Picchu, but how do you get there? The Incas once had only one option: walking the ancient Trail. Today, you can still follow in their footsteps. And did you know there are even more routes leading to Machu Picchu?
Tours & Day Trips
Besides the Inca Trail and a visit to Machu Picchu, you can enjoy a variety of great day trips from Cusco.
