Explore Cusco: Complete Travel Guide to Peru's Historic City
Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes, was once capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins. The baroque Santo Domingo Convent was built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and has archaeological remains of Inca stonework.
My trip to Cusco was a whirlwind (in both time and weather) but was incredible just the same. I only spent two and a half days in the city, on either end of my trip to Machu Picchu, but it was enough time to know I would absolutely go back and spend more time exploring this area.
I did manage to explore the city quite a bit, and enjoy some really great meals, and a cocktail or two.
I took the short flight from Lima to Cusco early so I would have the full day to explore, then headed to Aguas Calientes the following morning. On the return, I arrived in Cusco in the evening and then spent the full next day.
Cost Breakdown
Flight
Round trip from Lima to Cusco on LATAM airlines booked with points equaling approximately $150
Accommodations
I went pretty budget on my accommodations since I would only be there briefly and to sleep, and was very pleasantly surprised.
Eco Bunnu Inn was clean, comfortable, well located, and very accommodating. I stayed both nights I spent in Cusco.
Transportation
I took Ubers to and from the airport in Cusco for about $6usd each way. My driver that picked me up at the airport did request I pay the parking lot fee, which was about $1usd.
I also used Uber in Cusco to get to further destinations, but primarily walked everywhere quite easily.
The taxi drivers in Cusco can be a bit aggressive, especially at the airport and the train/bus stations, but simply repeating “no thank you” and walking past works just fine.
Food and Drink
I found that overall, eating out in Cusco was less expensive than in Lima. A coffee and light breakfast (pastry or quiche) was $3 - $5usd and a 3 course vegan dinner was under $20.
Cusco offered everything from casual dining and grab and go to fine dining and everything in between, so there was something for every budget and every taste.
Poncho
Purchased in a small shop due to extreme rain and wind that soaked through my jacket and pants: $5usd
Elevation
Cusco is a city located in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest elevations in the world.
Altitude sickness can be very real and can present in various ways. I was fortunate to have mild symptoms; slight dizziness, a tinge of shortness of breathe, and a very minor headache. Unfortunately, I clearly saw some other tourists getting hit much harder by altitude sickness (included vomiting in the street…).
There are many suggested remedies for the altitude sickness from tablets and pills, to teas and drinks, and other local holistic remedies. I did have a tea from a local cafe that the owner suggested shortly after I arrived. I am not sure if that is what helped me have very minor symptoms or not, but certainly didn’t hurt.
The Sights
I didn’t do too much intentional sightseeing while in Cusco, but just wandered around and found what looked worth popping in to.
This is what I saw:
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
🗺️Plaza de Armas Cusco S/N, Cusco 08001, Peru
🕰️Mon-Fri 9a-11:45a, 1p-5:45p, Sat-Sun 9a-11:45a
💵approx 2.50usd
The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus) is a historic Jesuit church in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, in Cusco Region, Peru. It is situated in the Plaza de Armas de Cusco, the city center. It is built on an Inca palace. It is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in Peru. The architecture of this building exerted a great influence on the development of many Baroque architecture in the South Andes. Its construction began in 1576, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1650. The rebuilt church was completed in 1673.
The church itself is beautiful, but the views from the top are stunning (and worth the climb). Photos inside the church are not permitted, but I assure you; it is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside.
Cusco Cathedral
🗺️Cusco 08002, Peru
🕰️Daily 6a-8p
💵Approx 10usd
The Cathedral of Cusco or Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption is the main temple of the city of Cusco, in Peru and houses the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cusco
The Cathedral of Cusco is a large focal point in the city center and is both striking from the outside and beautifully ornate on the inside. I almost skipped going inside, but I am so glad I didn’t.
Qorikancha
🗺️Santo Domingo s/n, Cusco 08000, Peru
🕰️Mon-Sat 8:30a-5:30p, Sun - closed
💵approx 3.50usd
Coricancha, Koricancha, Qoricancha or Qorikancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, and was described by early Spanish colonialists. It is located in Cusco, Peru, which was the capital of the empire.
Qorikancha was the perfect place to explore on a rainy day, and I am sure is even more remarkable in sunshine. The architecture and history of this site are quite incredible.
Museo Del Monastério De Santa Catalina De Siena
🗺️calle, Sta. Catalina Angosta 401, Cusco, Peru
🕰️Mon-Sat 8:30a-5:30p, Sun- closed
💵Aprrox 6usd
The museum focuses on the daily lives of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine: their spiritual practices, their teachings and duties, the training of novices, and their everyday tasks.
This was certainly not a planned destination for me, but I couldn’t pass it by. It was certainly one of the most unique (and in some parts, creepy) museums I have ever been too. It had an eerie beauty (enhanced by no other visitors) and a ton of history. I am glad the sign caught my eye and I decided to pop in and roam around.
Mirador de San Blas
🗺️ Mirador de San Blas, Cusco 08003, Peru
I lucked out and Mirador de San Blas was located very close to my hotel so it was one of the first spots I checked out on arrival and the sweeping views were stunning.
The mirador is located close to San Pedro Market so easy to cover both at once.
San Pedro Market
🗺️Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru
🕰️Mon-Sat 6a-6p, Sun 6a-4p
While there is a plethora of souvenir shopping available throughout the city, San Pedro Market is the perfect place to find a great variety all in one place. The market has everything from knickknacks to blankets, T-shirts, ponchos, and anything else you may want to commemorate your trip. I also very much appreciated that the shop owners were not pushy or overbearing.
Street Art
The streets of Cusco feature numerous murals and works of art. Many of the images depict beautiful Peruvian scenes and stories. These works of art can be found throughout the city and are worth seeking out.
Calle Siete Borreguitos
Calle Siete Borreguitos or Seven Little Lambs Street, is one of the most picturesque and highly Instagrammable streets in the city of Cusco. This charming pathway is such a delightful sight that you'll want to take time to walk up or down its steps.
Calle Siete Borreguitos is straight out of a fairy tale and is such a charming street in tucked in to the city. The stairs are no joke (especially with the elevation) but are worth taking a slow stroll up.
Food and Drinks
In my very brief research on Cusco, I found there were some very well reviewed vegan restaurants. While I am certainly not a vegan, I do enjoy vegan food and especially take advantage when it is well priced, and packed with local flavors. Cusco was the perfect place to delve in to some delicious vegan eats, some cute cafes, and sip on some great local cocktails.
Vida Vegan Bistro
🗺️C. Palacio 122, Cusco 08000, Peru
🕰️Daily 12p-10p
💵$$
🥬Vegan
Vida Vegan Bistro was the perfect blend of a beautiful space, scrumptious food, great service, and a very reasonable price tag. The menu was everything from unique pizzas to variations of Peruvian dishes. I could have eaten a bucket of those patacones.
Green Point Vegan Restaurant
🗺️Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003, Peru
🕰️Tues-Sun 8a-10p, Mon - Closed
💵$-$$
🥬Vegan
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
Green Point Vegan is a little oasis in Cusco. Tucked away in a beautiful garden setting, this vegan restaurant had a broad and impressive menu of food and drinks. The service was incredible and attentive without being overbearing and I felt welcomed from walking in the door to saying goodbye.
As an added bonus and happenstance, there were 4 other solo female travelers enjoying brunch at the same time I was.
La Valeriana
🗺️C. Espinar 115, Cusco 08002, Peru
🕰️Daily 8a-8p
💵$$
A slightly overpriced, touristy cafe? Yes. A super cute place to escape a downpour and enjoy a hot drink and little bite? Also, yes.
La Valerciano has a great variety of sweet treats and sandwiches in a cute and cozy atmosphere near the center of the city. It also has a patio that looks like a great place for people watching in less terrible weather.
Museo Del Pisco
🗺️Sta. Catalina Ancha 398, Cusco 08002, Peru
🕰️Tues-Sat 12p-12a, Sun-Mon 3p-10p
💵$$
My only regret of my Cusco trip was not discovering the Museo Del Pisco sooner and scheduling a tasting. The setting is chic and beautiful, the staff was exceptionally welcoming, kind, and knowledgeable and the two cocktails I had were some of the best of my whole Peru trip.
