Why go to Cusco and Machu Picchu
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its streets still run along Inca walls. From here you descend through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most extraordinary places.
Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
May to September is the dry season, with clear days, cold nights and the busiest trails. The rainy season runs from November to March, and the classic Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. April and October are good shoulder months.
Top things to see
Machu Picchu
Book circuit tickets and train seats well ahead.
Sacsayhuamán
Giant Inca stone walls above Cusco.
Qorikancha
The Inca Temple of the Sun under a Spanish convent.
Sacred Valley
Pisac market, Ollantaytambo and Moray.
Plaza de Armas
Cusco's colonial heart.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
A high, demanding day trip.
Things to do in Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Hike the classic Inca Trail (permits sell out months ahead)
- Try the Salkantay or Lares treks as alternatives
- Visit the Maras salt pans
- Take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes
- Climb Huayna Picchu for the view down on the ruins
Local experiences
- Drink coca tea to adjust to altitude
- Shop San Pedro Market
- Eat cuy (guinea pig) in a traditional picantería
- Join a community-run weaving workshop in Chinchero
Where to eat in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Dishes to try: ceviche, lomo saltado, alpaca, cuy, rocoto relleno, chicha morada.
Chicha por Gastón AcurioPeruvian
Regional cooking from Peru's star chef.
CicciolinaMediterranean
Tapas and pasta in a colonial building.
Where to stay in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Monasterio, A Belmond HotelLuxury
A 16th-century monastery with oxygen-enriched rooms.
Inkaterra La CasonaBoutique
Colonial manor house on Plaza Nazarenas.
Sumaq Machu PicchuLuxury
Riverside hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Best areas to stay
San Blas
Artistic, hilly and charming.
Historic centre
Close to everything.
Sacred Valley
Lower altitude and peaceful.
5 days in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Day 1: Arrive and acclimatise
Day 2: Cusco's Inca walls
Day 3: The Sacred Valley
Day 4: To Machu Picchu
Day 5: Machu Picchu
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Corpus ChristiMay or June
Saints paraded through the Plaza de Armas.
Inti Raymi24 June
The Inca Festival of the Sun at Sacsayhuamán.
Getting around
Cusco sits at 3,400 m. Many travellers acclimatise in the lower Sacred Valley first. PeruRail and Inca Rail run trains from Ollantaytambo or near Cusco to Aguas Calientes, where buses climb to Machu Picchu.
Practical information
- Plug types
- A, C (guide)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Emergency
- 105 (police)
- Tap water
- Drink bottled or filtered water
Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; tip guides and porters on treks. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Allow two days to adjust to altitude before hiking
- Machu Picchu entries are timed and limited: book early
- Carry your passport for site entry
- Bring layers: mornings are cold, afternoons warm
Cusco and Machu Picchu travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The best months are usually Apr–Sep. May to September is the dry season, with clear days, cold nights and the busiest trails. The rainy season runs from November to March, and the classic Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. April and October are good shoulder months.
How many days do you need in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Plan on 5–6 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The local currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu cost per day?
Roughly US$55 per person per day on a budget, US$150 mid-range and US$600 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Local favourites include ceviche, lomo saltado, alpaca, cuy, rocoto relleno, chicha morada.
What plug adapter do I need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Cusco and Machu Picchu uses plug type A, C at 220 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
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