• The Vibe: Ancient Incan capital meets bustling tourist hub. It's a magical blend of indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and adventure-seekers from all over the world.
• Elevation: A dizzying 3,400 meters (11,152 feet). Don't underestimate the altitude—it's a major factor in your trip.
• Population: Around 430,000 people.
• Language: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages. You'll hear both, but Spanish will get you by. English is common in tourist centers but less so elsewhere.
• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). While some touristy places might take USD, you'll want cash in Sol for markets, taxis, and smaller shops.
• Famous For: Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, its incredible Incan ruins, vibrant markets, and being the historical heart of the Inca Empire.

1. Machu Picchu: This is the big one, and it lives up to the hype. The ruins themselves are incredible, but the setting, surrounded by dramatic green peaks, is what makes it unforgettable. Key Tip: Book your ticket months in advance as they sell out. If you want to do the route I did be sure to select the option which includes Waynapicchu for that iconic high-up view. The hike is a bit tough but 100% worth it for the birds-eye views.
2. The Sacred Valley: This whole area is packed with mind-blowing ruins and landscapes. I did an ATV tour here and it was a blast. The key stops are Moray, the crazy circular agricultural terraces, and the Salineras de Maras (salt mines), which are visually stunning. There are tons of ways to see it, from bus tours to adventure sports.
3. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): It looks just like the pictures, but the hike to get there is brutal. You're trekking at over 5,000 meters (17,000 ft), and you will feel every single step. It's a super long day trip from Cusco, but seeing those colors in person is a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
4. Sacsayhuamán: Pronounced like "sexy woman," or at least that's what everyone called it, this massive Incan fortress sits on a hill overlooking Cusco. The sheer size of the stones they used is mind-boggling. It's part of the Boleto Turístico (more on that below) and easily reachable from the city.
5. Qoricancha (The Sun Temple): A perfect example of Cusco's layered history. It was once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, covered in gold, before the Spanish came, looted it, and built a church right on top of the original Incan stone walls.
6. San Pedro Market: A chaotic, vibrant, and totally authentic local market. You can find everything here from fresh juices and cheap, delicious lunches to souvenir textiles and whole alpaca heads. It's a feast for the senses.
7. Plaza de Armas: The main square and the heart of the city. It's surrounded by beautiful cathedrals and colonial arcades. It’s a great place to people-watch, but be prepared to politely say "no, gracias" a lot to people selling tours and massages.

• ☀️
  Apr–Oct

  Dry Season

  This is peak season for a reason. You'll get clear blue skies, sunny days, and the best conditions for hiking. Nights get cold, though, and you'll be sharing the views with plenty of other travelers.

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  🌤️
  Apr-May & Sep-Oct

  Shoulder Season

  The sweet spot. The weather is still great, the mountains are lush and green from the recent rains, and the crowds are smaller than in the June-August peak.

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  🌧️
  Nov–Mar

  Wet Season

  Fewer crowds and lower prices, but be prepared for frequent rain. It can be unpredictable and might cause travel delays or muddy trails. The landscape is incredibly green, though.

Navigating Cusco is an adventure in itself, with its narrow, hilly, cobblestone streets.

Walking: The best way to explore the historic center. Just be prepared for the hills and the altitude—you'll get winded easily your first few days.

Taxis: They are everywhere and cheap, but they don't use meters. You must agree on a price before you get in. A typical ride within the historic center should be around 5-8 PEN. Use licensed taxis, especially at night.

Rideshare Apps: Uber is available but not as common or reliable as in other cities. I used it a few times and it was fine, though late at night I had some difficulty finding a ride so I had to use a taxi instead.

Colectivos: These are shared vans that run on set routes. They're a super cheap way to get around or travel to nearby towns in the Sacred Valley, but they can be crowded.

Tour Buses: For day trips to places like the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain, you'll be on a tour bus or van. This is the most practical way to reach these sites.

Cusco is generally considered safe for travelers, especially in the tourist-heavy areas like the Historic Center and San Blas. The biggest concerns here aren't violent crime, but rather altitude sickness and opportunistic theft.

• Altitude Sickness is Real: This is your #1 health and safety concern. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Take it very, very easy your first couple of days. Drink tons of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and try the local remedy: coca tea or leaves. If you fly directly from a low-altitude place like Lima, your body will need time to adjust.
• Petty Theft: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas like the San Pedro Market or Plaza de Armas. Keep your valuables secure and don't flash expensive items. The good news is that violent crime against tourists is low.
• Traffic is Chaotic: This is not an exaggeration. Drivers can be aggressive, lanes are a suggestion, and sidewalks can be narrow or disappear entirely. As my blog post mentions, I was literally hit by a bus. Be extremely careful when crossing streets and walking.
• Tour Safety: Book your adventure tours (ATVs, hiking, etc.) with reputable companies. Check reviews and don't just go for the cheapest option you're offered on the street.
• Solo Female Travelers: Cusco is a popular destination for solo travelers and is generally considered safe. Standard precautions apply: avoid walking alone in deserted areas late at night and trust your gut. Stick to the main tourist areas after dark.

Centro Histórico / Plaza de Armas: The heart of the action. It's convenient, bustling, and you'll have countless restaurants and shops at your doorstep. Can be noisy.

San Blas: Known as the artisan's quarter, this neighborhood is charming, bohemian, and full of beautiful boutique hotels and cafes. It's quieter than the plaza but located on a steep hill, so be ready to climb.

Lucrepata: A more residential and quiet area right next to San Blas. A good option if you want to be close to the center but away from the tourist noise.

• Layers, Layers, Layers: The weather changes constantly. You'll need t-shirts, a fleece, and a waterproof/windproof jacket, often all in the same day.
• Good Hiking Shoes: Non-negotiable. You'll be walking on uneven cobblestones and hiking trails.
• Sun Protection: The sun at high altitude is incredibly strong. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated to combat the altitude.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: Talk to your doctor before you go about prescription options like Diamox (Acetazolamide).
• Daypack: For carrying water, snacks, layers, and sunscreen on your many excursions.

• Acclimatize Smartly: Seriously, don't plan a strenuous hike on your first day. A common strategy is to head directly from Cusco airport to the lower-altitude Sacred Valley (like Pisac or Ollantaytambo) for a couple of nights before returning to explore Cusco.
• The Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): This is essential. It's a single pass that gets you into 16 of the most important ruins and museums in and around Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray. You can buy a full 10-day ticket or partial tickets for specific circuits. You cannot buy individual tickets for most of these sites, so you need the Boleto.
• Book Machu Picchu Way in Advance: Tickets sell out, especially for peak season and for the popular Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu mountain hikes. Book online from the official government site or a trusted agency at least 2-3 months beforehand to be safe.
• Money: The currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Carry small bills and coins for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in the city center, but can be harder to find in rural areas.
• Water: Do not drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
• SIM/eSIM: An eSIM like Airalo works well in the city, but don't expect a signal once you head out on remote hikes.

• eSIM: Airalo Peru - The e-SIM I used in Peru. It worked great for me for most places around Cusco. Of course, in the places outside the city there aren't many cell towers to keep you connected.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing - Recommended travel medical insurance for nomads. Not a legal requirement for Peru, but for peace of mind it's nice to have, especially for adventurous hikes or activities.
• Accommodation: Expedia Accommodations Cusco - Find hotels, hostels, or whatever you prefer. I was in a hostel but there are plenty of nicer options if you have the budget for it.

• Official Machu Picchu Ticket Portal
• Peru's Official Tourism Site