Visiting Cusco a Simple Tips for a Great Trip!

Hey future travelers! Are you thinking about visiting Peru? And maybe seeing that super famous old city called Machu Picchu? Well, most people who go to Machu Picchu start their trip in a really cool city called Cusco!

Cusco is not just a place to start your adventures; it’s an amazing city all by itself. It was the main city of the Incas a long, long time ago, and it’s full of history, beautiful buildings, and fun things to see and do.

But like visiting any new place, especially one high up in the mountains, it helps to have some simple tips. This story will give you easy ideas for visiting Cusco so you can have a happy and fun trip! We will use simple words and explain everything clearly.

What is Cusco? (It’s an Old Mountain City!)

Think of Cusco as a very, very old and special city. Long, long ago, it was the most important city for the Incas. They built amazing temples and palaces here.

When people from Spain came to Peru many years later, they also built buildings in Cusco, often right on top of the Inca walls! So, today, you can see a mix of old Inca stone walls and newer buildings from Spanish times. It looks really unique and cool!

Cusco is in a valley high up in the Andes Mountains. Because it’s high up, the air is thinner (we’ll talk about that!). It’s a busy city, but the old center part where most visitors go is easy to walk around and feels like you are in a place with a big story.

Why Go to Cusco?

People visit Cusco for many reasons:

History is Everywhere: You can see real Inca walls and buildings that are hundreds of years old just by walking in the city center.
It’s Beautiful: The main square (Plaza de Armas) is lovely with old churches and balconies. The streets are small and interesting to explore.
Fun Things to Do: There are museums, markets, nice places to eat, and shops.
It’s the Start for Adventures: Cusco is the place you need to be to go to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and start other treks.
The Feeling: Cusco has a special feeling because of its history and being so high up in the mountains.

Tip 1: Get Used to the High Place (Altitude is Real!)

This is maybe the most important tip for visiting Cusco. Cusco is located very high up in the mountains. It’s much higher than many cities around the world.

Being high up means there is less oxygen in the air. Your body needs oxygen to work, especially when you move. With less oxygen, you might feel the effects of altitude.

Simple things about altitude:

You might feel out of breath easily, even just walking slowly up a small hill.
You could get a headache.
You might feel more tired than usual.
Some people feel a little bit sick in their stomach, dizzy, or have trouble sleeping at first.

This is normal for many people when they come to a high place like Cusco. It’s called altitude sickness, but usually, it’s just mild feelings while your body gets used to the height.

Simple Steps for Altitude in Cusco:

Take it EASY on your first day: When you arrive in Cusco, don’t plan to run around and see everything right away. Just get to your hotel, relax, and walk slowly. Don’t do any hard exercise.
Drink LOTS of water: This is super helpful. Drink more water than you usually do, starting as soon as you arrive. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or sugary drinks the first day.
Try Coca Tea: In Cusco, many hotels offer coca tea. This tea is made from the leaves of the coca plant (it’s not like the drug!). Local people have used it for a long, long time to help feel better with the altitude. It can help with headaches and breathing. It tastes a bit like green tea.
Eat Light Meals: Don’t eat a very heavy meal right away on your first day. Smaller, easier-to-digest meals are better.
Go Slow: When you walk around Cusco in the first couple of days, walk slowly! Like walking with your grandma. It’s not a race.

Most people feel better after 1 or 2 days as their body gets used to the height. Taking it easy at the start is the best way to enjoy your whole trip.

Tip 2: How to Get to Cusco

Most people come to Cusco by flying or by bus.

Flying: There is an airport right in Cusco. Flying is the fastest way to get there, especially if you are coming from far away like Lima (the capital city of Peru). The flight from Lima to Cusco is usually a little over 1 hour. Flying is usually more expensive than taking a bus.
Bus: You can take long-distance buses to Cusco from many cities in Peru. Buses take much longer than flying (like 20+ hours from Lima!). But buses are usually cheaper, and you get to see the country as you travel.

Choose the way that works best for your time and money!

Tip 3: Where to Stay in Cusco (Hotels and Hostels)

Cusco has many places to sleep, from simple ones to fancy ones.

Hostels: These are good if you want to save money and maybe meet other travelers. You can often get a bed in a room with other people (a dorm room), or sometimes they have private rooms too. Hostels often have common areas where people hang out.
Hotels: These offer more privacy. You get your own room and bathroom. Hotels can be simple and not too expensive, or very fancy and luxurious.

Think about if you want to meet people or have your own quiet space, and how much you want to spend on a place to sleep.

Tip 4: Getting Around in Cusco City

The old center of Cusco is not super big, so the best way to see it is often by walking.

Walking: Walking lets you see the old streets, the walls, the shops, and the people up close. Wear comfortable shoes! The center is mostly flat around the main square, but some streets going away from the center (especially up towards the San Blas area) are on hills.
Taxis: Taxis are easy to find in Cusco. They are usually yellow cars. They don’t always use a meter (a machine that shows the price). It’s best to agree on the price before you get in the taxi. You can tell them where you want to go and ask “Quanto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?). Taxis are good for going longer distances or when you are tired.

There are also small buses and vans (called “combis”) that local people use, but these can be confusing for visitors to figure out. Walking and taking taxis are the simplest ways to get around the main parts of Cusco.

Tip 5: What to See Right in Cusco City

Don’t just use Cusco as a place to sleep before going somewhere else! The city itself is full of cool things to see.

Plaza de Armas (The Main Square)

This is the heart of Cusco. It’s a big, beautiful square surrounded by old buildings.

Cathedral: A very large, old church on one side of the square. It looks amazing from the outside and is full of old art and history inside.
Church of the Society of Jesus: Another beautiful old church right next to the Cathedral.
Arcades and Balconies: The buildings around the square have nice stone arches below and wooden balconies above. They look very pretty.
Gardens and Fountains: The middle of the square has gardens, benches, and a fountain where people sit and watch the world go by.

It’s a great place to start exploring, sit and rest, or meet people.

Old Inca Walls and Streets

As you walk around the center of Cusco, look closely at the bottom parts of some buildings. You will see walls made of huge, grey stones. These are original Inca walls! The Incas cut these big stones perfectly so they fit together like a puzzle, without needing anything between them. Even after hundreds of years and earthquakes, these walls are still standing strong!

Walk on streets like Hatun Rumiyoc (means “Street of the Big Stone”). Here you can see the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, a big stone with 12 sides that all fit perfectly with the stones around it. It shows how amazing the Inca builders were.

San Blas Neighborhood

This is a neighborhood on a hill just above the Plaza de Armas. It’s known as the “artists’ quarter.”

Steep, narrow streets: Walking up here is good exercise! The streets are small and winding.
Craft shops and workshops: Many artists and craftspeople live and work here. You can find unique things to buy directly from the people who make them.
Small churches and viewpoints: There are nice little squares and places where you get great views looking down over Cusco city.

It’s a charming area to explore slowly.

San Pedro Market

This is a large, busy market where local people shop. It’s a real look at daily life in Cusco.

Food, Food, Food: You can see and buy all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and other foods. There are also areas where you can buy a simple, cheap meal.
Crafts and Souvenirs: You can find clothes, bags, hats, and other things to buy.
Juice Stands: Lots of little stands selling fresh fruit juices.

It’s a lively place full of smells, sounds, and colors. Be careful with your bags because it’s crowded. If you buy something, you can often try to get a slightly lower price by asking nicely (“regatear”).

The Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)

This was the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god (Inti).

Inca Walls: The Incas built incredible curved walls here, made of perfectly cut stones.
Spanish Church: After the Spanish came, they built a church and a convent right on top of the Coricancha walls. So you see both the old Inca temple structure and the Spanish building together.

It’s a place that really shows the mix of Inca and Spanish history in Cusco.

Sites Just Outside Cusco (Simple Ruins Tour)

There are also some important Inca ruins just a short drive from the city center. You can visit these on a tour, often called a “City Tour” even though it goes outside the city walls.

Sacsayhuamán: A huge Inca fortress or important ceremonial place on a hill above Cusco. It has massive stone walls. The stones are incredibly big! You see how strong the Incas were.
Qenqo: An Inca site with rocks carved into strange shapes, maybe used for ceremonies. It has underground tunnels.
Puka Pukara: Means “Red Fort.” A small ruin that might have been a military post or checkpoint.
Tambomachay: An Inca site with water fountains that still work today. It might have been a water temple or a resting place.

Visiting these nearby sites gives you more idea of the Inca power and building skills right around Cusco.

Tip 6: Trying Food in Cusco (Be Adventurous, Be Careful!)

Peru is famous for its food, and Cusco has many great places to eat!

Try Local Dishes: Don’t be afraid to try Peruvian food! There are many tasty dishes. Maybe try Lomo Saltado (sliced meat with vegetables, fries, and rice) or Aji de Gallina (creamy chicken dish).
Markets vs. Restaurants: Eating in the San Pedro Market can be very cheap and give you a local experience, but sometimes the cleanliness might not be the same as a restaurant. Restaurants are generally safer for your stomach.
Bottled Water ONLY: Do NOT drink the water from the tap in Cusco. Always drink bottled water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth too, just to be safe.

Enjoy trying new foods, but be smart about where you eat, especially at first, to avoid getting sick.

Tip 7: Money in Cusco (Soles!)

The money in Peru is called Soles. You’ll see prices written with “S/.”

Cash is King (Sometimes): For small things like taxis, buying snacks or crafts in markets, or paying for small buses, you will need cash (Soles).
Cards Work Too: Many hotels, bigger restaurants, and larger shops accept credit or debit cards.
ATMs: You can find ATM machines in Cusco to get cash using your bank card.
Have Small Bills: It’s helpful to have smaller money (like 10 or 20 Soles bills) because sometimes people don’t have change for large bills (like 100 Soles).

It’s a good idea to have some cash with you for daily spending, but you can use cards for bigger payments.

Tip 8: Shopping for Souvenirs

Cusco is a great place to buy things to remember your trip!

Alpaca Wool: Peru is famous for alpaca wool. You can find sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets made from alpaca. Real alpaca is very soft and warm! Be careful, sometimes things are sold as “alpaca” but are actually made of different material. Shops that look nicer or say “baby alpaca” are more likely to be real.
Crafts: You can find colorful bags, small statues, musical instruments (like flutes), and other handmade things.
Where to Buy: San Pedro Market is good for lots of choices and practicing your bargaining. Shops around the main square are nicer but usually more expensive. The San Blas neighborhood is good for unique art.

Buying a souvenir is a nice way to remember your adventure!

Tip 9: Staying Safe in Cusco (Be Smart!)

Cusco is generally a safe city for visitors, but like any place with tourists, it’s good to be smart and aware.

Watch Your Bag: Keep your backpack or purse in front of you in crowded places like markets or busy streets. Be aware of people around you.
At Night: If you are walking at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and main streets. If you are going a longer distance or coming back late, a taxi is a safer option than walking, especially alone.
Don’t Show Off Expensive Things: Try not to show lots of cash or very expensive jewelry/phones in crowded or quiet areas.
Ask for Help: If you are lost or have a problem, ask your hotel or a police officer for help.

Being aware and taking simple steps helps you stay safe so you can enjoy your trip without worries.

Tip 10: Learn a Few Simple Spanish Words

Most people working in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies in Cusco speak some English. But knowing a few words of Spanish is very helpful and friendly!

Hello: Hola (OH-la)
Thank You: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
Excuse me: Disculpe (dis-KOOL-pay)
Yes: Sí (see)
No: No (no)
How much?: Cuánto cuesta? (KWAN-toh KWES-ta?)
Water: Agua (AH-gwa)

Local people will really like it if you try to speak a little bit of their language! In some smaller villages around Cusco, people also speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. Learning “Hello” in Quechua (“Allinllam” – a-yeen-YAHM) can bring a smile!

Tip 11: Best Time to Visit Cusco (Simple Weather!)

The weather in the mountains can change. Cusco has two main times of the year:

Dry Season: This is usually from May to October.
- Simple Weather: Less rain, more sunny days. The sky is often very blue and clear – great for pictures and seeing the mountains!
- Simple Temperature: Days can be nice and warm in the sun, but nights and early mornings are very cold (can even go below freezing!).
- Crowds: This is the most popular time to visit, so there are more tourists.
Rainy Season: This is usually from November to April.
- Simple Weather: More rain, often in the afternoons. The mountains are greener. Sometimes the sky is cloudy.
- Simple Temperature: Days are a bit warmer than in the dry season, and nights are not as cold.
- Crowds: Fewer tourists visit during this time. Some trails might be muddy.

Choosing when to visit depends on what you like! If you want sunny days and don’t mind cold nights and more people, pick the dry season. If you prefer fewer people and greener views and don’t mind rain, the rainy season can be good.

Right now, in May 2025, it’s the start of the dry season, which is a popular time to visit!

Tip 12: Cusco is Your Base for Adventure!

One of the best things about Cusco is that it’s the perfect place to start many amazing trips.

To Machu Picchu: Whether you take the train or do a multi-day walk like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, you will start from Cusco or nearby towns reached easily from Cusco.
To the Sacred Valley: Tours to see the old Inca places and markets in the valley leave from Cusco every day.
To Rainbow Mountain: Day trips to see the colorful mountain also start with an early pick-up from Cusco.
Other Treks: Many other walking adventures in the Andes start near Cusco.

So, spending a few days in Cusco is not only great for seeing the city and getting used to the altitude, but it also puts you in the right spot to begin your bigger adventures in Peru!

Ready for Cusco?

Cusco is a city full of magic, history, and beauty, high up in the amazing Andes Mountains. It’s a mix of old Inca power and newer history, with friendly people and tasty food.

Coming to Cusco and taking it easy at first to get used to the altitude, exploring the old streets and markets, seeing the nearby Inca ruins, and being smart about your safety will help you have a fantastic trip.

It’s more than just a stop before Machu Picchu; it’s a destination all on its own! We hope these simple tips help you plan your visit and feel ready for the wonders of Cusco. Have a great adventure!