Cusco was the main city and capital of the Inca Empire, one of the largest civilizations on the American continent, and was declared a UNESCO city in 1983.
The wonder of this place is bigger than its name and for the purposes of the case, it does not matter. His rich history has baptized him in many ways and his writing is accepted in different ways. From its beginnings, it had different scriptures because its original nomenclature was Quechua and then necessarily Castilianized.
Ancestral cultural traditions and expressions are part of daily life in Peru, as well as a historical background that today tells the story of indigenous cultures mixed with Spanish cultures. You can still see many locals speaking Quechua, raising alpacas, growing corn and weaving textiles in the traditional way. Here we tell you some things to do in Cusco and enjoy this magical city.
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Cusco is considered the "Archaeological Capital of America". In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. In 2016, the users of the website specialized in tourism Trip Advisor considered the Inca City the best tourist destination in the world. Without a doubt, it is a sin to visit Cusco and not visit Machu Picchu and its mountains. However, there are other archaeological remains of great interest such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Choquequirao, and many more.
Cusco is considered a "museum city". Its cobbled streets are full of history. They combine the Inca tradition with the Spanish one. In 1983, Unesco declared it Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among its most important attractions are the Plaza de Armas, its 13 churches in the Historical Center, the stone of the 12 angles in Hatun Rumiyoc Street, the neighborhood of San Blas and many others. Its streets are said to radiate energy.
The largest supply center in the city, has been serving since 1925, being one of the oldest in Cuzco.
You can find meats, vegetables and varied crafts in the same place. Especially striking is the variety of colors, which gives the environment a very exotic look.
The beer par excellence of the city of Cuzco began its production in the year 1909.
A soft beer very appropriate for Andean heats, which is a symbol of the city.
You can try any of its three varieties (Premium, Malt or Wheat), each with different characteristics and flavor.
The Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu is considered one of the 5 best hiking trails in the world. This section covers approximately 39.6 kilometers through impressive landscapes until reaching the 'Inca Citadel' by Puerta del Sol, just as the Incas did more than 500 years ago. However, this impressive walk is not the only one that can be done in Cusco. There are other equally incredible options such as the route through the snowy Salcantay or the walk to the Inca city of Choquequirao.
Take a Pisco, the national drink of Peru, is definetely some of the things to do in Cusco you can´t miss. It is a grape brandy, which is produced from fermented wine.
Its graduation is high (varies between 38 ° and 48 °, usually having 42 °).
El Cuy, is one of the typical dishes of Peruvian cuisine. The Cuy (guinea pig) is fried, and it is presented whole on the plate, accompanied by vegetables, potatoes, corn, etc.
The magical Sacred Valley of the Incas is a mixture of archaeological remains, indigenous peoples and varied mountain landscapes.
Given its unbeatable conditions for agriculture, this valley was also chosen by the Spanish colonizers, leaving a multi cultural mix still visible today.
One of the most traditional areas of the Peruvian Andes, which has integrated tourism without losing even a hint of its identity. Most famous places to visit in a Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco are:
The "Old Mountain" stands imposing over 2490 meters above sea level.
Machu Picchu Cusco is the number one tourist attraction in Peru waits patiently every day for the hundreds of visitors we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy.
How does the weather change throughout the year? Which month is the sunniest in Cusco?
Peru is a country with very varied landscapes. There's the Pacific region, then the adjacent Andes that extend inland, and beyond that, to the east, is the tropical rainforest of the Amazon. Depending on the geographic zone, the climate in Peru varies, as well as the changing seasons.
The city of Cusco, located in the Andes, is characterized by a relatively constant day temperature of 19°C to 21°C all year round, in places in the surrounding area it also reaches up to 25°C in summer. But the main difference between the seasons is determined by the weather: Peru is in the southern hemisphere, so the European warm months are the cold season there and vice versa. The main difference between the seasons is the rainfall. Summer brings a lot of rain while the cooler months fall into the dry season.
Here find out when is the best time for a trip Cusco.
Despite the consistent temperatures that prevail in Cusco, it's worth bearing in mind the time of year you intend to travel. Because there are some sights around Cusco, including the famous Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
A visit to the old sites is definitely a good idea during the dry season. Temperatures of 0°C at night are not uncommon, but beautiful weather for sightseeing and hiking in the mountains is almost guaranteed. The peak season for a trip to Cusco is from April to October.
In the transition period between the seasons it usually still rains a little, only the months of May to September are really almost rain-free. Those who value special nature experiences, however, travel in the Peruvian spring, in October and November.
Even if you have to put up with one or the other downpour, you will be rewarded by the landscape: nature wraps itself in its spring-like colors, the mountains are covered with light green, flowers in lush colors shine in between.
And even in the off-season in the Peruvian summer, it is worth traveling to Cusco. During this time there are no big holidays in European countries, fewer tourists come to this region, the well-known sights are not overcrowded, many entrance fees are reduced.
During a to visit Cusco Peru, you can choose a variety of tours. These range from full-day excursions to trekking on Machu Picchu. Cusco offers multi-day tours that can be combined with climbing Huayna Picchu, walking along the Urubamba River, and following the authentic Inca Trail. Also, add Rainbow Mountain Peru into your itinerary since this is an increasingly popular hike leading through Andean villages with living traditions.
If you are looking for a shorter adventure, choose the short Inca Trail. The best hiking alternatives to the Lost City of the Incas are the so-called Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu.
