Cusco
Peru
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from May to September offers the best weather for trekking and Machu Picchu. The rainy season brings trail closures around February.
- Population
- 0.4M
Overview
The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage city where colonial churches rise atop Inca stonework. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, it's Peru's tourism heart.
Top attractions
Explore the Inca-walled Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha temple, and the Sacsayhuamán ruins before journeying to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Getting around
The historic centre around the Plaza de Armas is walkable, and taxis are cheap for longer trips. Trains and buses reach the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.