In Cusco, the heart of our Peru adventure, we spent six nights and we felt like it is the minimum to soak in the city's infectious joy. With its vibrant Inca architecture and delectable local cuisine, Cusco quickly became our favorite stop, offering a unique blend of history and happiness at every turn.
Lima
Huacachina
Sacred Vally
Arequipa
Cusco
Machu Picchu
Paracas
Titicaca
Rainbow mountain
Walk around Cusco
Here's a guide to the must-see and do in Cusco center
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1. Plaza de Armas:
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Start your exploration at the heart of Cusco, Plaza de Armas. Admire the architecture, visit the Cathedral, and relax in the square surrounded by historic buildings.
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2. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun):
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Explore the impressive Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture at Qorikancha. This site was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
3. San Blas Neighborhood:
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Wander through the charming streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops, galleries, and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the San Blas Church and enjoy the artistic atmosphere.
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4. Twelve-Angle Stone:
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Marvel at the famous Twelve-Angle Stone located on Hatun Rumiyoc Street. This intricately carved stone is a testament to Inca craftsmanship.
5. Cusco Cathedral:
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Explore the Cusco Cathedral, located on Plaza de Armas. Admire the stunning art, sculptures, and religious artifacts inside this grand colonial structure.
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6. Museo de Arte Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Art Museum):
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Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region by visiting the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts from various pre-Inca cultures
7. Mercado San Pedro:
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Experience the local culture at Mercado San Pedro, the central market. Explore stalls filled with fresh produce, textiles, and traditional Peruvian crafts.
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8. Sacsayhuaman:
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Head to the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, located just outside the city center. Marvel at the massive stone walls and enjoy panoramic views of Cusco.
9. Cusco City Walls:
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Walk along the remaining sections of the Inca city walls, such as those near San Cristobal Church. These walls provide a glimpse into the city's ancient past.
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10. Coricancha:
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Visit Coricancha, an Inca temple that was once covered in gold. Learn about the blending of Inca and Spanish architecture.
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Where to stay in Cusco
We chose 2 hotels during our stay in Cusco, a spot right at Plaza de Armas, the hub for exploring neighborhoods like San Blas and the bustling San Pedro markets. It's the perfect central point, with easy access to all places of the city. The area is alive with energy, offering a vibrant scene with numerous cafes and restaurants to choose from, and a higher spot with an amazing viewpoint on Cusco city, more cozy calm area, but still 5 to 10 min wlak to Plaza de Armas.
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Our stay : El Virrey Boutique ($$$)
Our stay : Amaru Colonial ($$)
Hosteria de Anita ($)
Golden Inca Hotel ($)
How to get around Cusco
By Plane:
Flying to Cusco is the most efficient option. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport connects Cusco with major Peruvian cities and international destinations. Frequent domestic flights with airlines like LATAM and Sky Airline make it easy to explore Cusco’s rich history and nearby attractions like Machu Picchu
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By Rental Car:
Renting a car in Cusco offers flexibility to explore the Sacred Valley, but the mountainous terrain and rural road conditions can be dangerous. We don’t recommend this option.
By Private Tours:
Private tours in Cusco are stress-free and popular, Especially if you want to discover the regions near by. You will find many local agencies near Plaza de Armas, where you can choose your itinerary and use your negociation skills with the agencies.
But to arrive to Cusco, we chose PeruHop and found it a great value at around $200 for our whole trip in Peru, and a final shuttle to La Paz, Bolivia.
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By Public Transportation:
Public transport in Cusco is budget-friendly and culturally immersive, with buses connecting to the Sacred Valley and nearby areas. It requires patience due to less punctual schedules but offers an authentic experience with stunning Andean views.
Culinary delights of Cusco
Indulge in local cuisine at Cusco's diverse restaurants. Try traditional dishes like alpaca, Cuy, quinoa soup, and Peruvian desserts.
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below our rewards and recommendations of some restaurant, that from our point of view you should try absolutely in Cusco
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Green Point, for those seeking vegetarian and vegan options, Green Point offers a diverse and flavorful menu. The restaurant is committed to sustainability and organic ingredients, and we had to taste the best samosa ever
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Pachapapa, located in the San Blas neighborhood, Pachapapa offers a menu featuring local Andean dishes in a charming courtyard setting, and If you're looking to try Cuy, which is guinea pig, a traditional delicacy in Peruvian cuisine, this is the place to be.
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Morena, this modern restaurant offers a nice view over Plaza de Armas, it serves traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu reflects the rich culinary heritage of Peru.
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Baco y Vaca, if you're in the mood for grilled meats, Baco y Vaca is a steakhouse that offers a variety of cuts in a cozy setting. The menu also includes other Peruvian specialties.
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Cicciolina Cusco, an extension of the renowned restaurant in Arequipa,
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L'atelier Café Concept, for a little coffee break in this concept store, the atmosphere is warm, and if you're lucky you can sit on the balcony with a very nice view on the narrow streets of Cusco.
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Peru offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights to suit every budget. Restaurants take hygiene seriously, especially those catering to tourists. Most establishments follow high standards of cleanliness and food safety. and for street foods tasted, we never had an issue, just take a small time to observe how they are cooking, and if you're convinced, go for it.
To ensure a safe dining experience, opt for reputable and well-reviewed restaurants. If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, don't hesitate to communicate them with the staff, who are usually accommodating and knowledgeable about the ingredients used. Embrace the culinary wonders of Peru while enjoying peace of mind, knowing that the country takes pride in offering safe and delicious dining options for every palate.
