Inca Capital & Sacred Valley Gateway. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, San Blas artisan quarter, and Machu Picchu rail journeys.
Cusco, set high in the Peruvian Andes, is the historical capital of the Inca Empire. Today, its cobblestone streets reveal a fusion of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial architecture, with Inca foundations supporting colonial-era buildings. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as the primary base for travellers exploring the Sacred Valley and accessing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Its unique cultural landscape and proximity to significant archaeological sites make it a key destination in South America.
This area is centred on the Plaza de Armas and contains many of the city's key landmarks, restaurants, and shops. It offers convenient access to the main cathedral and museums, set within preserved colonial architecture.
Located on a hillside overlooking the city centre, this district is known for its steep, narrow streets and artisan workshops. It provides a quieter atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of the main square.
Situated at a lower altitude than Cusco, this region offers a more tranquil, rural setting. Staying here can aid with acclimatisation and provides closer access to sites like Ollantaytambo and the train stations for Machu Picchu.
Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, the 'Temple of the Sun' provides a clear example of colonial construction built atop Inca foundations. The site showcases masterful Inca stonework.
This large Inca ceremonial complex sits on a hill above Cusco and is noted for its monumental walls built with massive, precisely fitted stones. The site offers expansive views over the city.
The city's main square is the social and historical heart of Cusco. It is flanked by the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, both significant examples of colonial baroque architecture.
A primary reason for visiting the region, the 15th-century Inca citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible from Cusco. Rail services provide a common mode of transport through the Urubamba River valley to the site.
April to October. This period constitutes the dry season, offering clearer skies and more favourable conditions for trekking and sightseeing. The wet season runs from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall typically in January and February.
International visitors typically fly into Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) before taking a connecting domestic flight to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. From the airport, transfers to accommodation are generally made by pre-arranged vehicle or official taxi service.
Cusco is situated at approximately 3,400 metres (11,152 feet) above sea level. Entry and health requirements change, so check current official government guidance and speak with a travel health professional before you go.
The choice depends on preference. The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude, which can ease acclimatisation, and offers a rural setting, while Cusco provides a vibrant city atmosphere with direct access to urban historical sites.
This is an official ticket that grants access to numerous archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo. A separate ticket is required for Machu Picchu.
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