Cuzco Peru Travel Guide
The Andean landscape surrounding Cusco provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Prepare for varying levels of physical challenge.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4-day/3-night): Challenging, requires permit and authorized operator. Salkantay Trek (4-5 days): Strenuous, high passes, diverse landscapes.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Strenuous due to very high altitude. Humantay Lake: Moderate to strenuous, steep climb to a stunning turquoise lake.
Lares Trek (3-4 days): Moderate, passes through traditional Andean villages. Choquequirao Trek (4-5 days): Very strenuous and remote, to another "lost city."
Many outdoor activities are at high altitudes. Ensure proper acclimatization for several days in Cusco before attempting strenuous treks or activities to reduce risks associated with altitude sickness.
Cusco offers opportunities to dive deep into Peruvian culture through hands-on experiences, traditional ceremonies, and community interactions.
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo: Offers nightly performances of traditional Andean music and dance, a colorful and energetic display.
Celebrated annually on June 24th in Sacsayhuaman and Plaza de Armas. A spectacular reenactment of an ancient Inca ceremony.
Some tour operators offer participation in traditional Andean ceremonies, involving offerings to Mother Earth for gratitude and blessings.
Several initiatives around Cusco and the Sacred Valley allow travelers to experience rural Andean life, including staying in local homes and participating in daily activities, supporting local economies directly.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) features solemn processions. Corpus Christi in June involves a large religious procession. Santurantikuy on Christmas Eve is a traditional artisan market.
Explore traditional 'Chicherías' for corn beer and 'Picanterías' for hearty local dishes, offering a glimpse into authentic local cuisine beyond tourist-focused eateries.
After days of exploration and adventure, Cusco offers opportunities to relax and rejuvenate through spa treatments, natural hot springs, and tranquil retreats.
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs (Machu Picchu Pueblo): Basic, but popular for soaking tired muscles after trekking. Lares Hot Springs: More rustic, often visited as part of the Lares Trek.
Near Santa Teresa, these beautiful natural hot springs offer multiple pools at different temperatures, often visited as part of the Salkantay Trek or a day trip.
Some wellness centers and boutique hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer yoga classes or short retreats, providing a tranquil setting.
Some tour operators offer experiences involving traditional Andean healers, providing an unique spiritual insight into local customs.
Participation in coca leaf readings offers a traditional way to gain insights or seek blessings from Andean spiritual practices.
Experiences with Pachamama (Mother Earth) ceremonies involve offerings for gratitude and blessings, deeply rooted in Andean spirituality.
Cusco offers a lively nightlife, with options ranging from traditional music venues to energetic nightclubs, providing diverse entertainment after dark.
Nightclubs are concentrated around Plaza de Armas. Popular choices include Mama Africa, Mythology, and The Temple. Clubs generally open late, around 10 PM, and remain open until early morning.
The area around Plaza de Armas and streets like Procuradores form the main bar districts. Pub crawls are often organized by hostels, providing a social way to experience nightlife.
Casinos and smaller bars are available for those seeking late-night options beyond the main nightclubs, offering a diverse evening scene.
Discover bars offering a wide selection of cocktails, including creative variations of the Pisco Sour. Many offer happy hour deals early in the evening.
Hostel bars often invite non-guests and provide a relaxed atmosphere for meeting other travelers and enjoying local and international drinks.
Cusco's burgeoning craft beer scene offers local brews and a cozy atmosphere for beer enthusiasts looking for unique flavors.
Cusco's altitude can intensify the effects of alcohol. Drink moderately and stay hydrated with water to ensure an enjoyable and safe night out.
