How do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Most travellers take a Sacred Valley connection then the train to Aguas Calientes, or hike the Inca Trail with a permit.
🇵🇪 Peru travel guide
South America · AndesHistory & CultureNature & Adventure
Cusco Travel Guide
Things to do in Cusco — Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu
Photo: tomscoffin · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Cusco
Cusco's stone streets, plazas and Andean food scene make it far more than a stopover — acclimatise here before the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Cusco is a stop in Peru, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 40–110 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–September dry season; June for Inti Raymi. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–September dry season; June for Inti Raymi
Weather
High-altitude subtropical highland — strong sun, cool nights, wet summers (Nov–Mar)
Airport
Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ)
Getting around
Walking in centro; organised trains/buses for Machu Picchu
Experiences
Things to do in Cusco
1
Sacsayhuaman
2
Plaza de Armas
3
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
4
San Blas neighbourhood
5
Sacred Valley day trip
6
Machu Picchu (train via Ollantaytambo)
7
San Pedro Market
8
Cathedral Basilica of Cusco
Budget travel
Free things to do in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
San Pedro Market
Cathedral Basilica of Cusco
San Blas viewpoints
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Cusco itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Machu Picchu Museum
- Visit Plaza de Armas
- Visit Plaza de San Francisco,
- Eat at Los Angeles
Prefer a full 10-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Cusco itinerary guide.
Budget
Cusco trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 40–110
per person / day
Luxury
USD 125–210+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Cusco, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Cusco
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Cusco mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 40–110 · luxury 125–210+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
San Pedro Market stalls
Market food · Juice, soups and Andean staples
- $$
Cicciolina
Peruvian-Mediterranean · Long-running Plaza favourite
- $$
Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Peruvian · Gastón Acurio's Cusco outpost
- $$$$
MIL Centro (Moray)
Andean tasting · Virgilio Martínez highland destination (day trip)
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Centro Histórico · Converted 16th-century monastery
- $$$$
Inkaterra La Casona
Plaza Nazarenas · Boutique colonial mansion
- $$$
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Centro · Convent-turned-hotel tourist favourite
Shopping
- San Pedro Market
- San Blas artisan streets
Nightlife
- Plaza de Armas
- San Blas
Museums & culture
- Qorikancha
- Museo de Arte Precolombino
Local foods to try
- Cuy
- Lomo saltado
- Coca tea
- Chicha
Hidden gems
- San Blas viewpoints
- Cristo Blanco
- Tipón ruins
Travel tips
- Spend 1–2 easy days acclimatising before hard hikes
- Drink water and go easy on alcohol the first night
- Book Machu Picchu tickets and trains well ahead in peak months
Nearby
Attractions in the city
In pictures
Cusco gallery
Photos: tomscoffin, AnonymousUnknown author, Primx28, Lindaazucena00, Georg Braun; Frans Hogenberg, Victor Delgado — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Cusco travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
Top picks in Cusco include Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), San Blas neighbourhood. See the full list and itinerary on this Cusco travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
May–September dry season; June for Inti Raymi.
How many days do I need in Cusco?
Plan at least 1 days in Cusco for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Cusco?
Popular stays in Cusco include Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Inkaterra La Casona, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Cusco cost?
On the ground in Cusco (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 40–110, and luxury about 125–210+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Cusco, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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