CUSCO CITY
Cusco City is the historic heart of Peru, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. It is a mesmerizing fusion of ancient stone foundations, vibrant Andean culture, and Spanish colonial architecture.
This ancient metropolis is the Gateway to Machu Picchu and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobblestone streets tell the story of a dramatic past, blending indigenous heritage with colonial grandeur at every turn.
Most Popular Attractions
Cusco City Core & Historic Center
Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata): The main square, surrounded by colonial arcades, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Company of Jesus, built over the Inca Huacaypata (Great Square).
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral Basílica de la Virgen de la Asunción): A stunning example of colonial architecture, built using stones from the Inca site of Sacsayhuamán.
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) & Santo Domingo Convent: The most important temple in the Inca Empire, whose foundations were used to build the Spanish convent.
Qorikancha Museum: Located adjacent to the Coricancha, it houses artifacts detailing the history of the site.
Church of the Company of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús): A beautiful Baroque church considered one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the Americas.
San Blas Neighborhood (Barrio de San Blas): Known as the ‘Artisan District,’ this charming quarter features narrow, steep streets and is full of workshops, galleries, and bohemian shops.
San Blas Church (Templo de San Blas): A small but significant church famous for its spectacular pulpit carved from a single cedar tree.
Hatun Rumiyoc Street: Famous for the Twelve-Angled Stone, a perfect example of Inca masonry skill.
Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace): A colonial mansion housing the Museum of Religious Art.
Museo Inca: A museum dedicated to the pre-Columbian history and art of the Cusco region.
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP): Showcasing ancient Peruvian artifacts in a beautiful colonial manor house.
Mercado Central de San Pedro: A vibrant, bustling municipal market offering a taste of local life, food, and produce.
Museo Histórico Regional: Housed in the Garcilaso de la Vega house, covering the Inca and colonial periods.
Convent of Santa Catalina (Acllawasi): A former Inca house of chosen women, now a serene convent and museum.
Templo de la Merced: A church known for its beautiful cloister and a magnificent monstrance made of gold and precious stones.
Cusco Planetarium: Located just outside the city, offering a modern view of the ancient Inca astronomical traditions.
Municipal Palace of Cusco: A colonial building facing the Plaza de Armas, a central point of civic life.
Casa Concha Museum: Houses the original artifacts recovered from Machu Picchu by Yale University.
Calle Loreto (Inti K’ijllu): A narrow street lined with impressive, original Inca stone walls.
Templo de San Francisco: A large Franciscan church and monastery complex with notable artwork.
Barrio de Santa Ana: Another historic neighborhood offering fantastic views of the city.
Andean Textile Center (Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco): Showcasing traditional weaving techniques from various communities.
Cusco City Outskirts & Nearby Archaeological Sites
Sacsayhuamán: A massive Inca fortress/religious site with colossal, perfectly fitted stone walls, overlooking the city of Cusco.
Q’enqo: A limestone outcrop with zigzagging channels, believed to be a site for rituals and sacrifices.
Pukapukara: Referred to as the ‘Red Fortress,’ this site is believed to have been a military control post and a tambo (rest stop).
Tambomachay: Known as the ‘Inca Bath,’ this site features a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, likely used for ritualistic water worship.
Tipón: An impressive Inca site featuring sophisticated terraces and an intricate irrigation system, considered a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering.
Pikillaqta: Pre-Inca Wari ruins of a large administrative center, featuring distinct stone and adobe architecture.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun): Explore this stunning site, which was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, built with precisely carved stones and later topped with the Spanish Santo Domingo Convent.
Explore the San Blas Neighborhood: Wander the steep, narrow streets of this bohemian artisan district, famous for its whitewashed houses, blue balconies, unique workshops, and the charming San Blas Church.
Take a Peruvian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes like Aji de Gallina, Lomo Saltado, and, of course, the proper method for preparing Ceviche.
Hike to Sacsayhuamán: Walk or take a short ride up to this incredible Inca fortress/temple complex, known for its massive, interlocking dry-stone walls that overlook the city.
Experience the San Pedro Market: Immerse yourself in the local life at this bustling indoor market, sampling fresh juices, local cheeses, regional produce, and finding unique souvenirs.
Wander through Plaza de Armas: Spend time in the main square, admiring the Cathedral, the Church of the Company of Jesus, and the colonial-era arcades, which often host local events and celebrations.
Visit the Cusco Cathedral (Basilica Catedral): Explore this magnificent colonial cathedral, which houses a spectacular collection of gold and silverwork and famous artwork, including a version of The Last Supper featuring a guinea pig.
Take a Day Trip to the Sacred Valley: Hire a guide or join a tour to visit the essential sites outside the city, such as the Pisac Market and Ruins, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
Go on a Chocolate Making Workshop: Learn about the process of transforming Cacao beans into chocolate, which has deep cultural roots in the Andean region, and create your own bars.
Attend a Traditional Andean Music Show: Experience the unique sounds of the Andes with pan flutes (zampoñas), drums (bombos), and string instruments (charangos) in a local peña (folk music club).
Hike the Inca Trail (or a shorter alternative): While the classic Inca Trail requires planning, you can tackle shorter, less-trafficked nearby trails like the one to Huchuy Qosqo for an authentic hiking experience.
Explore the Regional Museum of History: Dive deeper into Cusco’s past, from pre-Inca cultures through the Inca empire and colonial era, often housed in a stunning colonial mansion.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Primary: Cusco’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Be aware that the center is located on steep hills, especially when venturing into the San Blas area, and the altitude will make walking more tiring.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and affordable. Important: Taxis in Cusco do not use meters. Always agree on the fare before getting into the taxi. For safety and convenience, consider using a ride-hailing app (like Uber or a local alternative) or booking via your hotel, especially at night.
Buses and Combies (Vans): An extensive and very cheap network of public buses and combies (shared vans) serves the city and its surrounding areas. They are usually crowded and can be confusing for first-time visitors but offer a very authentic local experience.
Travel to the Sacred Valley: For day trips, you can hire a private taxi for the day, which offers the most flexibility, or join one of the many organized bus tours. Local buses/vans departing from the Terminal Terrestre or various points offer the cheapest way to reach towns like Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Getting to Machu Picchu: The journey requires a combination of bus/taxi to Ollantaytambo, followed by a dedicated tourist train to Aguas Calientes, and finally a bus up to the ruins (or a long walk). Book train tickets well in advance.
Acclimatize to the Altitude: Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet). The most critical tip is to take it easy for your first 24-48 hours. Drink plenty of water (not alcohol), eat light meals, and consider traditional remedies like coca tea (mate de coca). If symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
Master the Boleto Turístico: Many of the major sites outside the main square (including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and most museums) require the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket). This ticket, purchased at the main office or the first site you visit, often grants access to 16 different sites and is typically a better value than paying for individual entrances.
Dining and Tipping: Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned. Lunch is often the largest and most important meal. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% is customary in tourist-oriented restaurants.
Bargaining: When buying crafts, textiles, or souvenirs in markets and from street vendors, polite bargaining is expected and part of the local culture, especially in places like San Pedro Market. For fixed-price stores, prices are firm.
Respectful Photography: The streets of Cusco are full of photo opportunities, including traditionally dressed women with llamas. If you take a picture of a local, especially one posing with an animal, they will expect a small tip (a propina). Always ask permission first.
Hidden Gems:
- The Twelve-Angled Stone: Located on Hatun Rumiyoc street, this perfectly carved stone is an icon of Inca architectural genius and a great free photo opportunity.
- Museo Inca: A lesser-known but excellent museum focused purely on the Inca culture, featuring mummies, ceramics, and textiles, housed in a beautiful colonial palace.
- Qorikancha Garden: While the main temple is a must-see, the gardens outside the complex offer great views of the complex and surrounding city.
- Cristo Blanco: A large white statue of Christ, similar to the one in Rio, located near Sacsayhuamán. It offers one of the absolute best panoramic views over the entire city of Cusco.
Top Restaurants
Kusykay Peruvian Craft Food [$20-$35] – Located just steps from the Plaza de Armas, this highly-rated spot prides itself on “Peruvian craft food” using local, organic ingredients from the Cusco region, including traditional dishes and more innovative creations.
Pachapapa [$25-$40] – Nestled in the charming San Blas neighborhood, this restaurant offers a rustic atmosphere, traditional Andean decor, and is famous for its wood-fired oven specialties like roasted cuy (guinea pig) and kankacho (roasted lamb).
La Cusqueñita [$15-$25] – A sprawling and popular traditional spot slightly outside the main tourist center, famous for its lively atmosphere, buffet-style lunches on certain days, and classic Cusqueñan dishes like chiri uchu and caldo de gallina.
Nuna Raymi [$20-$35] – Situated in the historic center, this charming restaurant blends traditional Peruvian flavors with a modern touch, with a focus on classic Andean ingredients like alpaca and local trout.
Deva – Cocina Andina [$25-$40] – Located in the historic center, this restaurant specializes in comida típica de Cuzco (traditional Cusqueñan food), including various preparations of alpaca and guinea pig, perfect for an authentic meal.
Quinta Eulalia [$15-$30] – A true local spot slightly outside the center, known for specializing in traditional Cusqueñan dishes like fried cuy (cuy frito) and rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper).
Inkazuela Restaurant [$15-$30] – Tucked away in the historic center, this cozy spot is known for its hearty and flavorful stews (guisados) served in clay pots, including the popular alpaca stew.
Restaurant Sumaqcha [$15-$30] – Found in the center, this restaurant is a solid choice for straightforward Cusco classics like cuy al horno (oven-baked guinea pig) and fresh ceviche.
TikaSara [$15-$30] – Located conveniently in the historic center, this restaurant focuses on traditional Peruvian cuisine while also offering many vegetarian and vegan options, making it great for groups.
A Mi Manera [$20-$35] – A popular spot in the historic center offering a diverse menu of traditional Peruvian fare, including excellent ají de gallina (creamy chicken stew) and cuy al horno.
Huaraca Grill [$20-$35] – Situated in the historic center, this grill restaurant is celebrated for its love letter to Peru’s rich culinary heritage, serving fresh ceviche and lomo saltado.
Kushka Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in the historic center, this is a great no-fuss spot for a quality Peruvian lunch, offering fresh and flavorful modern Peruvian cuisine without a high-end price tag.
Chull’s Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer [$15-$30] – Tucked away on a street near the main square, this beloved local spot offers traditional Peruvian cuisine paired with a great selection of craft beer.
Sumaqcha [$15-$30] – A family-run spot in the historic center with a fireplace, offering straightforward, classic Cusco dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Campo Cocina Andina [$25-$40] – Located near the Plaza de Armas, this restaurant serves slightly fancier, polished versions of traditional Cusqueñan dishes, focusing on Andean ingredients.
Marcelo Batata [$20-$35] – A consistently recommended restaurant in the historic center known for its well-executed Peruvian classics like ají de gallina and lomo saltado.
Mulli Steak & Wine [$25-$45] – A haven for meat lovers in the historic center, specializing in high-quality cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, all expertly grilled.
Inka Grill [$30-$50] – A classic and established restaurant in the historic center, known for its grilled meats and traditional Peruvian appetizers.
Territorio Cocina Peruana [$20-$35] – A small, highly-praised restaurant a short walk from the main square, known for its amazing Peruvian cuisine and informal atmosphere.
Yaku Restaurant [$15-$30] – Situated near Plaza Regocijo, this casual setting offers surprisingly memorable Peruvian food with high ratings from locals and visitors alike.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen [$30-$50] – An elegant and stylish restaurant facing the Plaza de Armas, offering gourmet cuisine that thoughtfully combines ingredients from Peru’s coast, highlands, and jungle in fusion dishes like alpaca risotto.
Chicha by Gastón Acurio [$40-$70] – This sophisticated restaurant is a project by Peru’s most famous chef, celebrating regional Peruvian cuisine from the Cusco area with a modern and elegant touch, located near Plaza Regocijo.
Organika Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located on a quiet street north of the Plaza de Armas, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to sustainability, using organic ingredients harvested from their own farm in the Sacred Valley.
Cicciolina [$35-$60] – Housed in an old colonial building near the central plaza, this establishment offers a delightful Italian-Peruvian fusion menu with a great tapas bar area and a more formal upstairs dining room.
LIMO peruano nikkei [$35-$60] – Situated in an old colonial residence overlooking the Plaza de Armas, this restaurant offers a sophisticated fusion of Peruvian and Japanese Nikkei cuisine, including excellent sushi, ceviche, and creative cocktails.
Green Point Vegan Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, this revolutionary plant-based restaurant offers a creative menu of vegan versions of traditional Peruvian dishes, set in a gorgeous courtyard.
Qespi Restaurant & Bar [$40-$70] – Located within the JW Marriott Monasterio in the historic center, this restaurant focuses on Peruvian haute cuisine with an emphasis on Andean ingredients.
MAP Café [$50-$80] – A sophisticated dining spot located within the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP), offering a blend of indigenous and contemporary Peruvian cuisine in an elegant, glass-enclosed conservatory.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse [$40-$65] – Tucked away in the historic center, this steakhouse specializes in serving high-quality meats, including alpaca, cooked dramatically on a hot volcanic stone.
Senzo [$50-$80] – Located in the historic center, this restaurant blends traditional Andean food-making methods with new culinary art, offering an innovative take on Novo Andean and international food.
Oculto [$30-$50] – A historic center spot offering Peruvian-international fusion small plates and tapas, complemented by a solid wine list.
Miwa Peruvian Asian Kitchen [$25-$45] – Located in the historic center, this fusion spot is praised for its Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, offering excellent ceviche, sushi, and flavorful ramen.
KION Peruvian Chinese [$25-$40] – Near Cusco’s main square, this top-tier Chifa restaurant offers a unique fusion of Cantonese and Peruvian cuisine, blending bold flavors in dishes like lomo saltado chifa.
Ofrenda Peruvian Healthy Food [$15-$30] – Located near the historic center, this spot offers a health-conscious twist on traditional Peruvian dishes, making it a favorite for those seeking lighter, flavorful options.
Chakruna Native Burgers [$10-$20] – Found in the center, this casual spot offers hearty and incredible burgers with a native twist, allowing customization with various meats (including alpaca) and toppings.
Mauka Restaurant [$80-$120] – Located within the luxurious Palacio Nazarenas, this fine-dining spot offers a unique tasting menu focused on Andean biodiversity and sustainable sourcing.
Lalola de Javi Abascal [$70-$100] – While rooted in Spanish tradition (similar to its Seville counterpart), this restaurant in the historic center brings a refined and modern Iberian touch to the Andean capital’s dining scene.
El Tupay [$80-$130] – Located in the Belmond Monasterio Hotel, this elegant dining room offers a royal setting for exquisite Peruvian and international fine dining.
Incanto [$60-$90] – Situated in the heart of the city center, this leading choice for a memorable meal smoothly blends Andean and Italian flavors in dishes like ají de gallina ravioli and alpaca loin.
Le Soleil [$70-$100] – Cusco’s pioneer in gourmet French dining, located in the historic center, offering a refined taste of French cuisine with a wine bar that features many French selections.
Casa Qorikancha [$50-$80] – Near the Qorikancha temple, this restaurant offers Peruvian Haute Cuisine and tapas with a unique Neo Baroque design and a focus on excellent service.
San Pedro Market [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a bustling local market slightly west of the historic center with numerous food stalls and vendors, offering incredibly affordable and authentic local lunches, fresh juices, and traditional snacks.
Anticuchos Nancy [$5-$10] – A well-known street food stall often found in the Santiago neighborhood or near the main market, offering some of the best and most authentic anticuchos (marinated and grilled beef heart skewers).
Chikara Sushi [$20-$35] – Located in the San Blas neighborhood, this spot offers Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, a popular Japanese-Andean fusion, often sought out for its creative sushi and seafood.
La Bodega 138 [$15-$25] – A cozy Italian restaurant in the historic center, family-friendly and known for its delectable, thin-crust pizzas and freshly made pasta.
Jack’s Café [$10-$20] – A well-loved spot in the historic center, famous for its hearty, generous portions of Western comfort food and large, all-day breakfasts—perfect after a long hike.
Museo del Pisco [$15-$30] – While not a museum, this popular bar/lounge in the historic center is famous for its expertly crafted Pisco Sours and a concise menu of quality Peruvian small plates and light bites.
Limbus Restobar [$20-$40] – Located at the upper end of the San Blas neighborhood, this spot is worth the uphill walk for its spectacular, unbeatable views of the city skyline, offering good food and creative cocktails.
Qura [$10-$20] – Tucked away in a cozy, cobblestone alley near the center, this cafe specializes in healthy, organic food, with favorites like shakshuka, smoothie bowls, and excellent coffee, perfect for brunch.
La Cantina [$20-$35] – Situated in the historic center, this restaurant is highly-regarded for its Italian offerings, with a special focus on incredible Italian pizza and imported wines.
Ceviche Seafood Kitchen [$30-$50] – Right on the corner of the Plaza de Armas, this restaurant is a go-to spot for high-quality, beautifully presented ceviche and other traditional Peruvian seafood dishes.
Panaderia El Buen Pastor [$5-$15] – A simple, local bakery, great for a budget-friendly breakfast or quick snack, known for employing local women and serving fresh, homemade goods.
La Bo’M Creperie [$10-$20] – Located in the old quarter of San Blas, this charming spot offers a blend of French and Peruvian flavors, specializing in sweet and savory crêpes, soups, and salads.
Cercanía Pan y Café [$10-$20] – A hip spot in the city center known for its fancy baked goods, excellent coffee, and creative breakfast/brunch dishes like deconstructed avocado toast.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Limbus Restobar: Perched on the hillside in the San Blas neighborhood, this is a must-visit for its spectacular, panoramic views of the city, especially during sunset. It offers a great atmosphere for sophisticated cocktails and simple, cold drinks.
Museo del Pisco: Located near the Plaza de Armas, this establishment is part bar, part history lesson. It specializes in Pisco, Peru’s national spirit, offering tasting flights and expert masterclasses alongside a wide selection of expertly crafted Pisco-based cocktails.
Black Cat Bar — Craft Cocktails & Spirits: A trendy, elegant cocktail bar just off the Plaza de Armas on Calle Procuradores. It has a speakeasy-style, intimate setting with mixologists who focus on balanced, house-made infusions using local ingredients.
República del Pisco: Found near the Plaza de Armas, this cozy bar is dedicated to the Peruvian brandy, Pisco. It has a rustic style and is a great spot to try variations of the classic Pisco Sour in an intimate setting.
Los Perros: A veteran pre-game and lounge bar on Calle Tecsecocha with eclectic, unique décor. This spot is known for its strong cocktails, wide beer selection, and laid-back vibe, perfect for socializing before hitting the clubs.
La Bruja Verde: Situated on the winding streets of the city center, this thoughtful bar focuses on house creations and classic cocktails with a botanical slant, giving the room a loungey, ‘alchemist’s hideout’ feel.
Casa Palacio: Near Calle Palacio, this small, welcoming bar is known as the highest-altitude jazz club in the world. It offers a warm atmosphere with a rotating lineup of live bands fusing jazz, blues, and Andean music.
Norton Rat’s Tavern: An expat-influenced pub located on the second floor with a balcony, offering great views overlooking the main Plaza de Armas. It’s a traditional pub setting with a wide range of beers and pub fare.
Paddy’s Irish Pub: Claiming the title of the highest 100% Irish-owned pub in the world, it’s conveniently located just off the Plaza de Armas. It offers a classic, friendly Irish pub experience with Guinness on tap and an all-day breakfast.
KM0: This cozy bar is tucked away on a winding alley off Plaza San Blas. It’s a perfect spot to start the night with a great cocktail happy hour and often features live music.
Indigo Bar: A fashionable late bar located at the top of “Gringo Alley” just off the main square. It’s a cozy spot with a fireplace, serving cocktails and board games for a relaxed evening.
Aura Resto Bar: Another rooftop bar near the Plaza de Armas known for its modern decor, ambient lighting, and great views, offering creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Wild Rover Hostel Bar: Located on the Santa Ana hillside, this is the hostel bar that non-guests flock to. It’s infamous for its nightly themed parties, cheap drink specials, and massive balcony overlooking the city.
La Chupitería The Shot Bar: Found on Tecsecocha street, this spot is perfect for kicking off a lively night with its huge menu of cheap, unique shots and a guaranteed crowd.
The Muse: Located near the Plaza de Armas on Calle Triunfo, this trendy bar and café transforms at night to host live music performances, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Mama Africa: One of Cusco’s most famous and long-standing nightclubs, located on the third floor of the Portal de Panes right on the Plaza de Armas. It features a multi-room setup with diverse music, from reggaeton and Latin beats to electronica.
Ukuku’s Music Club: A city staple a short walk from the Plaza de Armas on Calle Plateros. It’s famous for its vibrant atmosphere, live bands that often fuse Andean music with international genres, and lively dancing until the early morning.
Chango Club: Located in the city center, this club is known for being wild, packed, and underground. It has an unpredictable DJ set that jumps through eras, attracting a large backpacker crowd for a high-energy dance experience.
Mythology: Situated on the second floor near the Plaza de Armas with a balcony. It offers a good balance of music (hip-hop, reggae, salsa) and a mixed crowd, often hosting free salsa lessons before the main club night starts.
Inka Team: A popular dance club that attracts both locals and tourists, often starting the night with free salsa, merengue, or bachata lessons, and then transitioning into a full-blown party with live bands or DJs.
La Fabrica Sports Bar: A large club/sports bar in the city center offering a vibrant nightlife spot with music and an energetic atmosphere, often drawing large crowds for a lively night.
Mushrooms: Located one floor below Mama Africa, overlooking the Plaza de Armas. By day it’s a chill-out bar, but by night it turns into a club, often focusing on electronic music and house on select weekends.
Rock House: Found on Calle Tecsecocha, this is the go-to spot for rock enthusiasts. It’s primarily a specialized music venue with live bands playing everything from classic rock to modern hits, offering an alternative to the Latin beats.
Wild Rover: While technically a hostel bar (see above), the nightly parties and lively energy mean it functions as one of Cusco’s main pre-clubs, with a huge dance floor and cheap drinks until the early hours.
Loki Hostel Bar: Another major party hostel bar in the city center known for throwing insane fiestas and attracting a rowdy backpacker crowd with cut-price drinks and a guaranteed social scene.