What to Do in Cusco: Our Tips!
Things to Do in Cusco
Cusco is the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most beautiful cities in the Andes. Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll encounter a rich mix of colonial and Inca heritage. You can opt for a guided Tour of Cusco with a private guide or simply explore the city on your own.
Climate
The months from May to September are the high season, with cold, dry nights and bright, warm sunshine during the day. These months are characterized by large temperature swings. At night, temperatures in Cusco can drop well below freezing, while daytime highs can reach up to 24°C.
The months from October to April are wetter due to the rainy season, but the nights are less cold.
Transportation
You can reach Cusco in about 6.5 hours by bus (Cruz del Sur or Oltursa) from Puno. Alternatively, you can fly directly from Lima to Cusco with LATAM or Avianca.
Tours
From Cusco, there are plenty of options for trekking Trails and other types of Tours. Some recommendations include visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, rafting on the Vilcanota River, joining Free Walking Tours in Cusco, and mountain biking around the city. Tip: avoid the touristy Mirabus Tours, as they tend to be very commercial.
Hotels
Our favorites across different price ranges are: Tika Wasi, Ninos Hotel (run by a Dutch lady who uses the proceeds to provide breakfasts for Peruvian children), Teatro Inka, and Amaru Hostal.
Restaurants
Our top pick is Pachapapa (San Blas). Why? Delicious fresh Peruvian food cooked in an outdoor oven, a lovely courtyard with heaters, and a harpist who plays every evening. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Cusco!
If you want more local flavors, our favorite is La Cusquenita, a picanteria. Every day there are live performances of traditional regional dances, and you’ll be served authentic traditional Cusco dishes. Be warned: the portions are not small!
Nightlife
For live music and great cocktails, head to Republica del Pisco. Enjoy hanging at the bar while listening to live bands performing every evening. If you want to see the popular local band Pueblo Andino live, go to Ukukus on Saturdays. Either way, live performances are guaranteed. Looking for a nightclub? El Chango is a fun option in the center of Cusco.
Length of Stay
You can easily spend a week in Cusco. Especially if you plan to hike the four-day Inca Trail and combine it with a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, or simply explore the city. Afterwards, you can fly directly back to Lima and continue the same evening to Amsterdam or Máncora.
