Cusco, Peru: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to the Inca Capital
Cusco is so much more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. With its colorful streets, fascinating Inca history, lively markets, rooftop restaurants, and breathtaking Andean surroundings, it's a city that deserves more than a quick stop on your Peru itinerary.
But there's one thing you need to know before you arrive: Cusco is HIGH.
At around 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, the altitude can literally take your breath away, so it's worth planning for before your trip.
We explored Cusco during our family trip to Peru, and it quickly became one of those places where I wished we'd given ourselves more time. Between the incredible Inca stonework, narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, local food, and archaeological sites nearby, there's so much more to discover than you might expect.
If you're visiting Cusco for the first time, this guide covers what you need to know before you go, from the city's fascinating history and must-see sights to altitude, where to stay, and how much time to spend.
A Little History: Why Is Cusco So Important?
Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire, known as the Tawantinsuyu. The city was the political, religious and cultural centre of the empire, which at its height stretched across a huge portion of western South America.
What makes Cusco so fascinating is that you can still see the Inca city underneath the Spanish colonial one.
Walk through the historic centre and you'll notice enormous stone walls fitted together with incredible precision. Then look up and you'll see Spanish churches and colonial balconies built directly above earlier Inca structures.
It is literally two different worlds built into the same city.
One of the best examples is Qorikancha, the former Inca Temple of the Sun. The Spanish colonial church and convent of Santo Domingo were later built on the site.
The famous 12-Angled Stone is another example of the extraordinary precision of Inca stonework. It is part of an Inca wall in the historic centre and has become one of Cusco's most recognizable sights.
Cusco's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most important cultural destinations in Peru.
The Must-See Places in Cusco
1. Plaza de Armas
Start here.
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of historic Cusco and a great place to get your bearings.
You'll find the Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, colonial arcades, restaurants and plenty of people watching.
Sit down, look around and visit at different times of day if you can.
Cusco's historic centre is very walkable, and many major attractions are close together.
My tip: For the classic Cusco photo, come back around golden hour. The historic buildings, mountains and evening light are beautiful.
2. Qorikancha – The Temple of the Sun
Qorikancha was one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire and was dedicated to the Sun.
What makes it especially interesting is seeing the Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture layered together.
It's one of those places where you can actually see the history rather than just read about it.
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3. The 12-Angled Stone
It sounds like a very small attraction—and technically it is.
But stop anyway.
The 12-Angled Stone is famous because of the precision of the Inca masonry surrounding it. The stones were cut and fitted together so closely that you can barely see the joints.
And yes, there will probably be other tourists taking pictures of it.
Take yours anyway. 😂
Location: Hatunrumiyoc Street in the historic centre.
The area is also full of little shops and artisan stores, so it's easy to combine this with shopping.
4. San Blas
San Blas is the artsy side of Cusco, with:
- cobblestone streets
- artisan workshops
- handmade crafts
- small cafés
- galleries
- colourful doors
- beautiful city views
It is also uphill.
And at 3,400 metres, “it's just a little uphill” means something completely different. 😂
Take your time. San Blas is particularly known for its artisans and traditional crafts, making it a good neighbourhood to explore if you want something beyond standard souvenir shops.
5. Sacsayhuamán
If you only have time for one major archaeological site immediately outside Cusco, make sure Sacsayhuamán is on your list.
The massive stone walls are incredible. Some of the stones are enormous, and seeing how precisely they were fitted together gives you a completely different appreciation for Inca engineering.
The site sits higher than central Cusco, so don't underestimate the altitude.
This is NOT where I would start your first morning after flying in from Lima.
6. Qenqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay
These archaeological sites can be combined with Sacsayhuamán as part of a Cusco ruins tour.
The traditional route includes:
Sacsayhuamán → Qenqo → Puka Pukara → Tambomachay
They're included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket system, along with other archaeological sites and museums depending on the ticket purchased.
💡 TOUR TIP
If you're short on time, consider booking a half-day Cusco city and ruins tour rather than arranging transportation between everything yourself.
BOOK A CUSCO CITY & RUINS TOUR
A guide can also make a huge difference because you're not just looking at rocks—you learn what you're looking at.
💡 My Tip
If you're planning to visit several archaeological sites, the Tourist Ticket can be much more convenient and often cheaper than buying individual entrance tickets.
This is especially useful if you're doing a Cusco ruins tour or a Sacred Valley tour because several of the sites included in those itineraries are covered by the ticket.
Important: The Cusco Tourist Ticket is not the same as your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Machu Picchu has its own separate ticketing system.
👉 CHECK CURRENT CUSCO TOURIST TICKET INFORMATION – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Before your trip, check the current ticket options, prices, included attractions and validity periods because these can change.
One more thing: Keep your ticket somewhere safe. You don't want to be digging through your backpack at every archaeological site while everyone behind you is waiting.
7. San Pedro Market
For a more everyday side of Cusco, visit San Pedro Market.
You'll find fresh produce, juices, bread, cheese, chocolate, local products, textiles, souvenirs and plenty of things you probably won't recognize.
It is also a great place to grab a fresh juice.
San Pedro Market is within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and is the city's principal traditional market.
⚠️ My Market Tip
Bring cash and keep an eye on your belongings.
Walk around before buying the first thing you see. You'll probably find similar souvenirs in several places at different prices.
Where to Eat in Cusco
Cusco has everything from tiny local spots to beautiful restaurants overlooking the Plaza de Armas.
A few places worth checking out:
Located just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, KUSYKAY focuses on Peruvian cuisine and is convenient if you're sightseeing around the historic centre.
PACHAPAPA cocina cusqueña y más
Located in San Blas, this is a good option if you want traditional Cusqueñan or Andean dishes.
Rucula Peruvian Restaurant
Very centrally located near the Plaza de Armas, with Peruvian and contemporary options.
Ukllay Traditional Peruvian Cuisine Rooftop
If you want dinner with a view, this restaurant is directly around the Plaza de Armas and has rooftop or terrace seating.
A more experience-focused option where some dishes are finished on heated volcanic stone at the table.
One thing I recommend: don't spend your entire Cusco trip eating only familiar food.
Try something local.
You might discover a new favourite—or at least have a good story to tell. 😂
What Should You Eat in Cusco?
If you're feeling adventurous, look for:
1. Cuy – guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.
2. Alpaca – commonly served as steak or another meat dish.
3. Trucha – trout is especially popular in the Andes.
4. Choclo con queso – giant-kernel Andean corn served with cheese.
5. Papa a la huancaína – potatoes with a creamy yellow pepper sauce.
6. Chicha morada – a non-alcoholic purple corn drink.
7. And don't forget coca tea. We drank quite a bit of it in Cusco, especially while adjusting to the altitude.
Where to Shop in Cusco
This is where I had to remind myself: You don't need to buy everything.
Because you will WANT to buy everything. 😂
Cusco is full of textiles, sweaters, blankets, jewellery, artwork, alpaca products and souvenirs.
San Blas
Go here for a more artisan-focused shopping experience. You can find small workshops, galleries and handmade products.
San Pedro Market
Good for a mix of food, textiles, souvenirs and everyday local products.
Centro Artesanal Cusco
If you want to compare lots of souvenirs in one place, larger artisan markets can be convenient.
For example, the Centro Artesanal Cusco on Avenida Tullumayo offers a large selection under one roof.
🛍️ Shopping tip
Don't automatically assume that something labelled “Peruvian” was handmade locally.
If you're looking for genuine artisan work, ask where it was made and who made it.
Also, when shopping for alpaca products, watch out for fake or misleadingly labelled items. Some products marketed as alpaca may contain mostly synthetic fibres or other wool, so ask about the fibre content and check the label before buying.
And compare prices. You may see nearly identical products at several different shops.
The Biggest Thing to Watch Out For: ALTITUDE
I'm putting this in all caps because it matters.
CUSCO IS HIGH.
Cusco sits at approximately 3,399 metres / 11,150 feet above sea level.
If you fly from Lima to Cusco, you go from basically sea level to more than 3,000 metres in a very short amount of time.
And your body may have opinions about that.
For us, altitude was something we definitely felt. I had dizziness, shortness of breath and extreme tiredness when we first arrived. My husband had headaches, and our son also experienced shortness of breath.
We were coming off an overnight flight and had barely slept, so that definitely didn't help.
What helped us
We took it much slower than usual, drank water, had coca tea and candy, used electrolyte drinks and didn't try to prove anything by immediately climbing a mountain.
My biggest advice: don't schedule Rainbow Mountain or another demanding hike for your first day in Cusco.
Give yourself time to adjust.
If symptoms are severe, worsening or concerning, don't assume it's “just altitude”—seek medical attention.
What I Would NOT Do on Your First Day
If you've just flown into Cusco, I would avoid:
❌ Rainbow Mountain
❌ Humantay Lake
❌ Long hikes
❌ Lots of stairs
❌ A packed sightseeing schedule
❌ Heavy drinking
❌ Trying to see everything in one day
❌ Heavy Meals
Instead:
✔️ Check into your hotel
✔️ Drink water
✔️ Eat something light
✔️ Walk around the historic centre slowly
✔️ Sit in Plaza de Armas
✔️ Visit somewhere relatively easy
✔️ Go to bed early
Cusco isn't going anywhere.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cusco?
For the city itself, I would give yourself at least 3–5 days.
Cusco is also the base for some of the biggest experiences in the region, so you may want additional days for:
- Sacred Valley
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Maras
- Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain
- Humantay Lake
This is why I recommend planning your Peru itinerary carefully before booking everything.
You don't want to spend your entire trip moving from one place to another.
Should You Book a Tour in Cusco?
It depends on what kind of traveller you are.
We did a combination of independent travel and tours during our Peru trip.
For the archaeological sites around Cusco, a guided tour can be useful because the history is a huge part of the experience.
For the Sacred Valley, a tour can also make logistics easier—especially if you want to visit multiple places in one day.
Tours I'd Consider Booking:
Cusco City + Sacsayhuamán
Sacred Valley – Pisac, Chinchero, Moray & Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu
Rainbow Mountain
Humantay Lake
👉 SEE CUSCO TOURS & EXPERIENCES
My Peru Booking List
If you're planning a Peru trip, these are the things I would book ahead rather than leaving everything until you arrive.
✈️ Flights
We used a combination of airlines during our Peru trip.
🏨 Hotels
I recommend checking hotels based on location, reviews and altitude, not just price.
For Cusco, staying reasonably close to the historic centre can make sightseeing much easier.
🚆 Machu Picchu Train
If Machu Picchu is part of your itinerary, don't leave your train planning until the last minute, especially during busy travel periods.
🎟️ Machu Picchu Tickets
These should also be planned in advance because entry is based on designated circuits and availability.
🗺️ Tours & Activities
Where We Stayed in Cusco
During our Peru trip, we stayed at Cusco Bed and Breakfast with Maria & Manuel, and honestly, this was one of those stays that made our trip so much easier.
The location is amazing. It's close to many of the places you’ll want to visit in Cusco, so you can easily explore a lot of the historic centre without spending your day constantly getting taxis.
But what really stood out to us was the hospitality. Maria and Manuel truly go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. They were incredibly welcoming and helpful, and you could tell they genuinely cared about their guests.
And then there’s the breakfast. ❤️
Maria makes it from scratch every morning using natural, organic ingredients, and it was absolutely delicious. After travelling and dealing with the altitude, having a fresh homemade breakfast waiting for us in the morning was such a treat.
Another thing that was incredibly helpful for us was their luggage storage. We left our suitcases with them for the two nights we were away visiting Machu Picchu, so we didn't have to drag everything with us. When we came back to Cusco, our luggage was waiting for us.
Little things like that make such a difference when you're travelling around Peru.
If you're looking for a comfortable, welcoming place to stay in Cusco with a great location and a genuinely personal touch, I would definitely recommend checking out Cusco Bed and Breakfast with Maria & Manuel.
CHECK CUSCO B&B MARIA & MANUEL
If you're comparing hotels, I'd pay attention to:
- Location
- Guest reviews
- Breakfast
- Heating
- Oxygen availability
- Luggage storage
- Whether there are lots of stairs
- How easy it is to get to and from the airport
And remember: Cusco can be surprisingly cold indoors, especially at night.
Little Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Cusco
💵 Carry cash
Not every small shop or market stall takes cards.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Those beautiful cobblestone streets are not your friends after a full day of walking.
🧥 Bring layers
The temperature can change dramatically throughout the day.
🧴 Sunscreen is a must
The elevation means you can get much stronger sun exposure than you might expect.
🚰 Stay hydrated
Especially while you're adjusting to the altitude.
📱 Download offline maps
Your phone may work perfectly—or decide it has had enough.
I always like having offline maps available when travelling.
🐕 Watch where you're walking
Cusco has a LOT of dogs.
And some of them clearly believe the sidewalk belongs to them.
🚗 Watch for cars
The sidewalks can be narrow, and drivers can be unpredictable. Take extra care when walking near the road, especially around busy streets and intersections.
🛍️ Compare prices
Especially for souvenirs and textiles.
🧘 Don't rush
This might be my biggest tip.
Cusco isn't just a place you check off before Machu Picchu.
Stay a little longer and actually experience the city.
Is Cusco Worth Visiting?
Absolutely make time for Cusco itself when planning Peru—not just Machu Picchu.
The history is incredible, the architecture is unlike anywhere I've been, the surrounding mountains are beautiful and there is so much more to the city than the famous Plaza de Armas.
But the biggest lesson from our trip?
Respect the altitude.
Cusco is not a city where you want to arrive with a giant checklist and try to conquer everything in 24 hours.
Slow down.
Drink your coca tea.
Eat something good.
Walk the streets.
Look at the Inca walls.
Shop for things you absolutely did not plan on buying.
And let Cusco surprise you.
📌 Planning a Trip to Peru?
I have more Peru guides coming from our own trip, including our Cusco altitude experience, Sacred Valley itinerary, Machu Picchu planning, driving in Peru, Paracas & Huacachina, Iquitos and our Amazon adventure.
Disclosure
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only share products, hotels and travel services that I believe may be useful to my readers. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue sharing our travels!
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