Cuzco

Cuzco has two defined seasons. The dry season lasts from April to October, with abundant sunshine. The wet season lasts from November to March; in February the Inca Trail is closed.

Tourist Office (Directur), Portal Blankets 117 (near the Plaza de Armas), ☏ +51 84 223701. (updated Aug 2015)

1 Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ IATA), Av Valesco Astete S/N (5 km east of the Centro Histórico via 28 de Julio and Av Valesco Astete; approximately 16–20 min east by taxi from the Centro Histórico). The small airport serves mainly domestic flights and some limited international connections. Travelers typically connect through Lima to reach Cusco with the following airlines: (updated Dec 2021)

Avianca (Bogota, La Paz)

Latam (Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado, Lima, and Santiago de Chile)

JetSmart (Arequipa, Lima)

Sky Peru (Lima)

With only 5 gates and a few off the main terminal, this airport is fairly small, though it sees thousands of tourists a day, with restaurants and shops before and after security. Massage facilities and communication services are also available. There are a few ATMs in the check-in area. If you have time, look across the parking lot for last-minute shopping. Construction for a larger airport is underway in Chinchero (30.5 km NW of Cusco). The new Chinchero airport will include additional international flights from outside of Peru and accommodate more travelers entering the area.

There are no car rental facilities in the airport; car rental companies can be found around the airport perimeter, and meet-and-greets can be arranged to pick up your vehicle. Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty have rental offices in Cuzco, as well as a number of local car rental companies.

The market rate for a taxi from the airport to the Centro Histórico is around S/15, not S/30 or more as the 'official' airport taxis may try to charge you. The ticket desks for official are by the exit doors before exiting the building, with their drivers outside the doors. It is best to use the unofficial cabs and expect to pay around S/10–15 without much trouble. To find these taxis, exit the airport through the main gate and go to the street that is in front of the airport. Head right on the right-hand-side of the street for around 50 m until you hit the taxi stand.

There are plenty of buses passing outside of the airport main gate. During daylight hours, it should be easy to take one to the old town. S/1. Takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

The airport opens at 03:00 in the morning, so if you have to leave early in the morning, do not arrive before 03:00, if so, You will have to wait outside the airport (and it is pretty dark).

Cusco is surrounded by mountain peaks and most flights from Lima approach it by going to its south, overshooting it, and doubling back through a gap in the peaks on the south east side. If you are coming from Lima and are seated on the left side of the plane, you should get great views of the city and the surroundings on final approach.

The 2 Terminal Terrestre is on Avenida Vía de Evitamiento # 429, a 2.5 km walk (40 min) southeast from el Centro Histórico on Avenida El Sol and San Martin. You can also take a taxi for a few soles. The toilet in the terminal is S/1 at the first level and free for the other one on the second level.

Buses are plentiful to and from other Peruvian and Bolivian cities like Lima (about 22 hr), Puno (6–8 hr), Arequipa (10 hr, S/25 off season, S/40–120 otherwise), Nasca (14–16 hr), Copacabana (9–12 hr, S/60) and La Paz (12–15 hr, S/90) but are quite long and slow, although the views can compensate. The main roads are mostly quite good, but some can be bad, making trips take longer than expected.

Buses in Peru are not operated to first world standards, especially the cheaper ones. The drivers work long hours and poor maintenance is common. There are frequent accidents, often with fatalities. If you are of nervous disposition, stick with the more upmarket companies.

Peru Hop offers high-end buses to Puno, La Paz, Arequipa, Lima, and places in between. It's geared towards tourists, with stops where you can choose to hop off for sightseeing along the way to Cuzco and back.

Also, make sure your bus has a bathroom or that it stops for bathroom breaks every couple of hours before you buy tickets. There are Puno-Cuzco buses that have/do neither, and that can mean a very long 6–8 hours.

Expreso Los Chankas, Pje Cáceres 150. One of the only companies to offer direct service from Ayacucho to Cuzco. S/55 for a 22-hr ride on a semi-cama bus. Buses at 06:30 and 21:00.

Cuzco is connected to Machu Picchu and Puno by rail. Rail service to Arequipa has been discontinued. Service is operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail. Trains to Machu Picchu (more exactly to Aguas Calientes), generally operate from Poroy railway station.

3 San Pedro railway station (Estación San Pedro). (updated Apr 2021)

4 Poroy railway station (Estación Poroy) (Northwest of Cuzco, 20 min by taxi from downtown.). (updated Apr 2021)

There are several smaller bus terminals in Cuzco that travel to other destinations around the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

5 Av. Grau 525. Cuzco—Chinchero - Urubamba

6 Calle Puputi 208. Cuzco—Pisac - Yucay - Urubamba

7 Av. Tullumayo 207. Cuzco—Pisac - Calca

8 Av. De La Cultura 1320. Cuzco—Urcos (Tipon - Piquillacta - Andahuaylilas)

If you are staying in Cuzco for a long time, the combis are a cheap and reliable form of transportation. These are the Volkswagen vans and small buses with names like Imperial, Batman, or Zorro. It costs about S/0.60 to ride them. If you are unsure whether a combi will take you where you want to go, just ask. They will call out the stops as they go and if you want to get off, you just yell "Bajo!", as in, "I want to get off!" They run until 22:00. But if you are a fan of lots of personal space, this may not be the best option for you, as they tend to be quite full. Carry your backpack in front of you.

For large groups, a tourist bus can be very convenient to get to places like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Check with one of the many local travel agencies.

Taxis are very common in Cuzco. Officially they cost S/2–4 depending on distance. Call Cusco Taxi. Often the drivers isn't a local. Beware when using taxis at night; robberies have been reported in collusion with taxi cab drivers, and at certain times radio taxis may be the safest option. The driver might also try to extort a hefty sum of money (S/15) for a short ride if you don't haggle before – which is likely if you're just arriving at night at the bus terminal and want to avoid the hordes of touts. Just pay S/5 and leave it at that.

Do not get in any taxis which already have a passenger. Do not get in a street taxi by night: order one by telephone.

Uber is also available, with easy and cheap access using the global app. Prices are comparable to those of taxis, often slightly higher.

Driving in and around Cuzco can be very daunting, complete with a unique set of challenges that can make driving around Lima seem easy by comparison. However, a car does allow complete flexibility to enjoy the sites around the city and the surrounding region, without the complication of having to navigate the very confusing public transit system or being at the mercy of inflexible train schedules.

Two main challenges to driving in Cuzco are road quality and the city's topography. Road quality is very uneven, even in the city center, and there is significant road construction in areas such as around the airport. In the historic center, roads are often narrow and paved with cobblestone, and during wet weather they can be very slippery. Roads in Cuzco can also be winding and steep, with high gradients (above 6%) not uncommon in more elevated areas and towards sites like Sacsayhuamán. Highways are often two lanes only, and drivers commonly speed up and overtake slow trucks. Speeds on otherwise-low traffic roads can be very fast. Landslides are also a risk during rainy season.

Parking lots are available in major shopping areas like PlazaVea and big supermarkets, and parking spaces are available at many sites especially outside the city, but are generally rare in the historic center. Limited paid street parking (the Zona Azul) is available for S/1.50 an hour (except on Sundays, when it's free) in the center from 7:00 to 20:00; a parking attendant will approach you with a parking ticket. Parking must be paid in advance, so inform the attendant how long your vehicle will be parked for.

1 Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo. M-Sa 09:00–18:00. In the Municipal Palace at Plaza Regocijo, this museum has exhibitions of contemporary art. Admission with the boleto turistico Included in boleto turistico. (updated Feb 2025)

2 Museo Histórico Regional, Calle Garcilaso, ☏ +51 84 582830. Daily 08:00–17:00. In the home of the Inca historian Garcilaso de la Vega, this 2-story museum has many paintings from the 17th and 18th century as well as historical displays chronicling the pre-Hispanic Inca civilization, the invasion of the Spanish and the role of Christianity in the post-conquest era. A tour is unlikely to take much more than an hour. Included in boleto turistico. (updated Feb 2025)

3 Machu Picchu Museum (Museo Machu Picchu, Casa Concha), 320 Santa Catalina Ancha. M–F 09:00–16:00, closed Sa–Su. The largest collection of Machu Picchu artifacts in the world. These artifacts were collected by Yale University researcher Hiram Bingham beginning in 1912 and returned to Peru in 2011. The museum is housed in a late 18th-century house called Casa Concha. Foreigners S/20, international students and Peruvians with ID S/10, Peruvian students S/5. (updated Feb 2025)

4 Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco, Av Sol. No. 603, ☏ +51 84 236880. M-Su 8:00-19:00. A beautiful (and free) museum inside El Centro's textile store, featuring a gallery containing displays of traditional Quechuan and Andean textiles. The museum explains the historical significance of textiles and the techniques by which they are made. A must-see, and visitors can buy the traditional textiles as they come in. A large majority of the money goes to the women who produce them, and the textiles are of much higher quality than the synthetic and machine-woven textiles found throughout the city. Free. (updated Feb 2025)

5 Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha, Av El Sol. M-Su 9:00-18:00. With information about the different pre-Columbian cultures and fragments of ceramics and textiles of the Inca culture. A very small museum, the showcase room includes three mummies and skulls modified by the Incas with holes or sloped foreheads. Allow an hour to an hour and a half. English explanations are present but lacking. Included in boleto turistico. (updated Feb 2025)

6 Museo de Arte Popular, Av. El Sol 103 (in the basement of the OFEC office), ☏ +51 84 258089. M-Sa 9:00-18:00. Displays a collection of popular art featuring handcrafts of the modern era. Included in boleto turistico. (updated Feb 2025)

The stone walls of the city are Inca, particularly near the Plaza de Armas. Unlike the colonial walls, they typically have stones with very straight lines and no mortar.

11 Piedra de los doce ángulos (Twelve-angle stone), Hatun Rumiyoc. A large stone in one wall has 12 sides and 12 angles. This one has become almost a symbol of Cusco and is a striking example of the precision of Inca architecture and stonework. (updated Dec 2017)

12 Monumento Pachacuteq, Av. Peru 4. Down Av. Sol, is a statue of the Inca warrior King Pachacuteq. The statue is placed on a cylindrical base and the total monument is over 22 m high. The cylindrical base can be climbed, but views are disappointing because the monument is in a lower part of town. Admission with the boleto turistico.

13 Cusco Cathedral (Catedral Basílica de la Virgen de la Asunción). Daily 06:00–20:00. Elaborate large cathedral full of colonial-era religious paintings. The biggest church in Cuzco, in front of Plaza de Armas. As a tourist the entrance is S/25. If you go in a "misa" (mass) between 06:30–09:00, it is free. No photography allowed. S/40; morning mass free. (updated Jan 2025)

14 Palacio Inka del Kusikancha (Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco), Calle Maruri 324. M–F 07:15–13:00, 14:00–16:00. The ruins of an Inca palace, the home of 15th-century Inca emperor Pachakuti Inka Yupanki, which you can walk around in. The Inca and colonial stonework and architecture is interesting. No admission fee, but the attendant who lets you in and shows you where to go expects a S/5 tip. (updated Dec 2017)

1 Plaza de Armas. The park square has churches, shops, restaurants and bars surrounding it, and is a great place to spend an afternoon. The historical center of Cuzco is beautiful, but you will have to deal with all the street vendors and hawkers of cheap paintings and other souvenirs. They are everywhere in and around the Plaza de Armas. They somewhat spoil the experience. (updated Nov 2020)

Get a massage. You will invariably be propositioned by young ladies handing out flyers advertising massages, especially near the Plaza de Armas. These are legit, only cost S/15–20 for an hour, but are not done by trained masseuses. Still, for the price it can't be beat.

2 Plaza de San Francisco, (a few blocks southwest of the center). A great place to visit one of Cuzco's many great coffee shops. Next to the Plaza is the main market, which is fairly traditional and is a worthwhile visit. The market has a mix of stalls selling food and other household items as well as clothing and souvenirs.

Play Sapo, a traditional bar game played in chicharias all over Peru. The game involves throwing small coins, called fichas, at a table with a bronze sapo (toad) attached. You get points for making it into holes on the table, and a ton of points for making it into the sapo's mouth. Best played while drinking chicha (corn beer) at a local dive. Ask old men to show you the correct throwing form, as it's difficult to master.

Talk to local store owners, curators, waitresses and bartenders. They typically know a little English if your Spanish is not good, and are generally happy to share interesting information about the city not found in guidebooks. This is also a great way to find the best places to try cuy, alpaca, and chicha.

Once you are accustomed to the altitude, go for a jog! This is a very humbling experience, as the hills and thin air prove a challenge to even those in great shape. It's also a good way to explore. Head east or south of the plaza for the safest places. If you're a woman out exercising, you may get a few cat calls, as this is common in much of Latin America.

3 Salseros Cusco. Take a Salsa class, or three. This is a fabulous little salsa school offering private and group classes at minimal price in two central locations. With enthusiastic teachers and a number of styles taught, this is the perfect time to polish your moves and get ready to shine on the dance floor. Ask for Franshesco Efernetti if you want private classes.

Plan trekking or other excursions in the area. The wealth of agencies and tour companies make Cuzco a good place to gather information and compare prices.

Most day trips from Cuzco follow the following format: between 07:00 and 09:00, you are picked up from your hotel or you meet with your group in a public plaza very near to Plaza de Armas, or at the front door of the agency with which you booked the tour, which is also very likely to be near Plaza de Armas. Then you drive for 1–2 hours to your destination. The day ends back where it started, at 15:00-16:00. In practice this means that you can do only one day trip per day and that it will most likely occur during the beginning part of the day. An exception to this is the day tour of Cuzco which starts later, around 13:00. For all these trips, ask in your hotel if you want them to call travel agencies.

Day Trip City Tour or the Four Archaeological Ruins Tour bus around S/25 (Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Pukapukara and Tambomachay) from 13:00 to 19:00. Alternatively, a local combi (bus) goes between the city and the four sites and costs S/1 to ride. Look for the bus that says "Huerto".

15 Sacsayhuamán. The closest and largest of these ruins is the amazing Sacsayhuamán (sometimes called Saqsaywaman and pronounced "Sock-say-wah-mun"), the ruins of an Inca fortress high above Cuzco. It is a steep climb from the Plaza de Armas up Plateros street which changes to Saphi. Look for the long staircase on the right, follow the paved curvy road up to the next cobblestone pedestrian path and follow this climb past the first closed control point to the second control. No need to take a cab if you can handle it. But, be careful, as robberies have been reported in mornings and evenings. There is a charge to explore the ruins at the second control or present your boleto turistico. Those on a budget can get a sense of the ruins without paying by walking up the hill and up to the entrance. You can then walk to the adjacent hill with the big Jesus on it and look down on the city. The sheer size of the stones that were moved and the importance of the battle there make it worth entrance fee. Even though only 20% of the fortress remains, the ruins are huge—budget at least two hours for exploring them. They include a dark tunnel you can walk through and a sloped rock that kids love to use as a slide. Read up on the battle beforehand as the guides don't discuss it. Also, a view of the circular base of the former tower as shown in many of the photos is not possible due to the protective ropes. Go earlier in the morning as later visits are disrupted a bit by whistles from guards telling unobservant tourists to get off the ruins. Or go even more early (before 07:00) and get in for free (2013).

16 Qenko (Q'enqo). The second site up the road from Sacsayhuamán. Take the combi shared buses up the hill for S/1 or take a walk of about 0.5–1 km up a gradual incline to visit the site. Its name means "Zig-Zag" in Quechua, and probably refers to the Zig-Zag channels carved into a rock. Explore the pass through cave and view the altar on which llamas were sacrificed. The large erect stone shown on the boleto turistico is a solar calendar. On each side of the stone is a square wall two stones high. Each stone is representative of a number of days, the total is the total days in the year. Opposite the stone are the familiar windows in which mummies and human remains were discovered. Adjacent to the site is the smaller archeological site Q'enqo Chico. Accessible with the boleto turistico. (updated Dec 2017)

Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. A one-of-a-kind rehabilitation center started by a family of biologists, which provides shelter to animals injured or victimized by poaching. It's a happy place where animals get better and those able are re-released. In 2012, there were three condors, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, macaws, pumas, an unusual furless Peruvian dog, local deer, all very friendly. This is the best place to see pumas, condors and vicunas up close. This is on the road from Cuzco to Pisaq. You can get there by motorcycle or there is usually person working for this refugee at corner of Plaza de Armas and Calle del Medio, which will organize transport for you in refugee's van for S/20 per person. Donations help with rehabilitation efforts. This place is ahead of its time, and very friendly and awesome.

Whitewater rafting, but not in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where the water is very polluted and the rapids are relatively tame. Instead head upstream to the Chuqicahuana or Cusipata sections of the Rio Urubamba/Vilcanota where the water is much cleaner and the rapids are excellent fun up to class 5 depending on what time of year you are traveling.

Inflatable canoeing. On the Piñi Pampa section of the Rio Urubamba you can paddle your own canoe, fun but not frantic class 1 and 2 rapids.

Rio Apurimac-rafting, If you have more time, try to raft the 3 or 4 day Rio Apurimac - the true source of the Amazon and one of the top ten rafting rivers in the world. Class 3 - 5 all in the most amazing 3,000-m deep canyon. Go with the experts as accidents have occurred and in Peru you pay for what you get, so saving on the costs may seriously reduce the quality and the safety of your trip.

Rent a motorcycle. There are several shops on Calle Plateros, just north of Plaza de Armas, that rent motorcycles for the day. You do not even need a motorcycle license, simply any kind of driving license from your home country. Prices are typically US$40/day which includes two helmets, gloves, and jacket. Sacred Valley Moto Tours, at Calle Plateros #399 (corner of Siete Cuartones), has new bikes in good condition. Where to go? A loop of the Sacred Valley, taking in the market at Pisac, lunch in Urubamba, and several Incan sites, can easily be done in one afternoon. The drive from Cuzco to Pisaq is a string of gorgeous switchbacks - and a great way to see the four Inca sites above Cuzco, the aminal sanctuary, and Pisaq on the same day on your own schedule. Or head south to some of the less-visited but just as pretty small towns and Inca ruins.

2 Chifa Status, Av. La Cultura (close to El Mega supermarket), ☏ +51 84 257013. M–Sa 13:00–16:00 and 18:00–21:00. Good quality Chifa. Dishes for S/2-3. Ample portions invite sharing. Credit cards accepted. (updated Feb 2025)

3 El Encuentro, Tigre 130, ☏ +51 84 213224. M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00, closed Su. Reasonably priced vegetarian restaurant with good portions. The S/10 dinner includes soup, main course and mate. Free salads with lunch. They also do soy meat very well. There are two of these restaurants but the one in Calle Tigre near Plaza de Armas is S/8 for exactly the same menu. S/20. (updated Feb 2025)

4 El Fogon, Calle Plateros 365 (Just off of Plaza de Armas, top floor), ☏ +51 84 233596. Daily 12:00 - 22:00. Nothing fancy but great cheap food: for S/10 you get a meal deal that includes a plate from the salad bar, a selection of soup, a selection of main dish, a dessert and a beverage. Or splurge with their more expensive menu offer for S/20. Very tasty Peruvian food. Friendly staff. S/20. (updated Feb 2025)

5 Victor Victoria, Calle Tsesequocha 474 (just off Calle Tigre), ☏ +51 84 270049. M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00, closed Su. Friendly service. Great salad bar buffet included in all main dishes. Gorgeous garlic trout with rice or potatoes for S/10 (including the salad bar buffet and lovely fresh bread) but only for lunch. Great value breakfasts. Regular glasses of freshly squeezed juice for S/6. Also they have a proper espresso machine for good coffee in the morning. (updated Feb 2025)

6 Chia Vegan Kitchen, Calle Tecsicocha 466 (near the intersection with Calle Tigre), ☏ +51 84 599055. 10:00-22:00. Arguably the best vegan place in Cusco, and very good value for money. Looks good, smells good, tastes good, and the staff is super friendly. Lunchtime offer includes drink and salad buffet for S/15. À la carte dishes are more expensive, but worth it. If you're up for a hot drink and/or something sweet, try the enormous hot chocolate for the (very enjoyable) sugar shock of the day. (updated Feb 2025)

7 Bagdad Cafe, Portal de Carnes 154 (left of the cathedral), ☏ +51 84 238759. M-F 12:00 - 22:00, Su 12:00 - 16:00, closed Su. This small restaurant seems to produce everything themselves. Local food is extremely good, in the evening small performance groups enter the restaurant and give excellent performances. The prices are mid-range, but it is sure worth it. The daily menu lunch special is more like a snack. (updated Feb 2025)

8 Jack's Cafe, Ruinas 493 (on the corner and near the South American Explorers clubhouse), ☏ +51 84 254606. Daily 07:00 - 22:30. This is a great place to get a big breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, avocado, toast and fantastic thick shakes. Very popular with tourists. Try the homemade lemonades. Right outside of Jack's is an empanada stand which has great rocoto salsa, a spicy salsa that goes well on the cheese or meat-stuffed pastries. S/30. (updated Feb 2025)

9 Cicciolinia, Palacio 110, ☏ +51 84 255763. Daily 12:30 - 21:30. This is a very tasty place to go for breakfast. Another location, Cicciolinia Café, is on Ruinas, which is open from 7:00 AM and good for brunch. S/100. (updated Sep 2025)

10 Emperador, 172 Granada, ☏ +51 84 285656. Daily 09:00 - 22:00. They have a 13-page menu with all sorts of foods from around the world. Try the pisco sour tall. (updated Feb 2025)

11 Encantasq'a, Choquechaca 131, ☏ +51 84 286720. M-Sa 08:00 - 18:00, closed Su. A nice place to have a break with coffee and a snack. Especially the chocolate cupcakes are delicious and make up for half a lunch. They also have fresh cakes, quiches and juices. (updated Feb 2025)

12 Green Point, 235 Calle Carmen Bajo, ☏ +51 84 431146, greenpoint.vegan@outlook.com. Daily 08:00 - 22:00. Vegan restaurant popular with tourists, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Various international dishes, and some Peruvian food. Gluten-free and raw options. Menu in English and Spanish. Wifi available. S/35–50. (updated Feb 2025)

13 Inka Grill, Portal de Panes 115 (On the Plaza de Armas), ☏ +51 93 2929474. Daily 12:00 - 22:00. Well-known and frequented by tourists but not a trap. Excellent food. Good place to try cuy (guinea pig); some people have reported mud butt after eating it, it is tastily done and served without the head so eating doesn't remind you of your pet hamster. Try the appetizer tiradito de trucha. Alpaca also on the menu. (updated Feb 2025)

14 Restaurant Inkazuela, Plazoleta Nazarenas N 167 (8 m from Hotel Monasterio (2nd floor)), ☏ +51 84 234924, restaurantinkazuela@gmail.com. Daily 12:00 - 22:00. This place specializes in stews. Food is delicious and friendly waitresses will take good care of you. Well chosen music and a fireplace create a romantic atmosphere. Appetizers around S/15, mains around S/28. (updated Feb 2025)

15 Tunupa, 233 Portal Confituría (Southwest side of Plaza del Armas on the second floor. There is an access staircase shared with Restaurante Fuego six doors down from the corner of Del Medio and the square.), ☏ +51-84-25-2936. Daily 12:00 - 22:00. They offer some of the best guinea pig or alpaca dishes from the local Novo Andino cuisine as well as other local specialties, including cuy; it's served here without the head (but with the feet). Lunch entrées US$9–17. (updated Feb 2025)

16 Morena Peruvian Kitchen, Portal de Harinas 181 (Northeast corner of the Plaza de Armas), ☏ +51 99 3652202. Daily 12:00 - 23:00. Peruvian classics in an upscale setting on the Plaza de Armas. Reservations highly recommended months in advance during the high season. Walk-in wait times can be >2 hours during peak meal times. S/100. (updated May 2025)

There are several supermarkets close to el centro:

17 Gato's Market, Plaza de Armas (across from Norton Rat's Pub in Portal Belén 115). Daily 09:00 - 23:00. Small and a bit pricey. (updated Feb 2025)

Mega, has several locations: the most central is on Matara, just north of Ayacucho. A larger one is at Plaza Tupac Amaru, on Matará 271 at Av Garcilaso. They have a home-furnishings store next door as well.

For larger supermarkets, take a combi or taxi a couple of kilometres south on Av. La Cultura.

La Canasta, Av La Cultura 2000-block. Well-stocked.

Mega (a few blocks further past La Canasta, on the same side of Av. La Cultura). This is the largest supermarket in Cuzco.

8 Le Nomade, C. Hatunrumiyoc 120. Daily 09:00 - 20:00. 2nd floor, cnr of Choquechaca and Cuesta San Blas 207. Coffee bar/lounge with live music every night. Reggae, Latin, cubano, afro-Jazz, blues, bossa, funk, soul, rock and española. No cover. Friendly staff. (updated Feb 2025)

9 The Lost City Roasters, C. Procuradores 365 (turn left out of gringo alley, basement bar on the left before Calle Tigre). Daily 08:00 - 20:00. Small basement bar one block from the plaza de Armas. Very friendly place to watch American football or basketball and chat to the regulars and owners. Great pizzas and paninis, cheap happy hour cocktails and beers. A real bar for locals, expats and Cusqueños. (updated Feb 2025)

10 Organika Bakery y Cafe, Plaza Regocijo 209, ☏ +51 94 4118627. Daily 07:00 - 22:00. Modern, bright coffee shop serving hot and cold coffees brewed via chemex, french press, or Japanese sifon. Offers coffee drinks with alcohol. Sandwiches made with homemade breads. S/20. (updated Feb 2025)

11 Three Monkeys, Pje. Pampa de la Alianza 474, ☏ +51 94 1204604. M-Sa 08:00 - 21:00, closed Su. A coffee lover's coffee shop where you can specify the kind of bean you want for your coffee, roast level, and method of extraction (from basic drip to french press or cold brew). Uninviting barebones interior, but good coffee anyway. S/20. (updated Feb 2025)

1 Hospedaje Amanecer, 216 Choquechaca, San Blas District (From the Plaza de Armas, head towards Plazoleta de las Nazarenas, walk down 7 Culebras, turn left and it's on the right hand side, its white with a blue door.), ☏ +51 84 240428. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A quiet place, private bathrooms, TV, wi-fi, hot shower. Twins S/40. (updated Feb 2025)

2 Hostal El Arcano, Carmen Alto 288, San Blas District (go up Carmen Alto and it's almost all the way at the end (the road terminates at a T)), ☏ +51 84 232703. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A great little hostal overlooking the city with a variety of comfortable, affordable rooms. ~S/30. (updated Feb 2025)

3 Pisko and Soul, Calle Carmen Alto 294, San Blas District (Go up Carmen Alto and it's all the way at the end (the road terminates at a T)), ☏ +51 84 221998. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Really nice for a hostel. Very friendly staff. Hot water, continental breakfast, free wifi. It's a new establishment so some books may not have it listed especially if the print is a few years old. ~S/35. (updated Feb 2025)

4 Hospedaje El Artesano de San Blas, Suytucato 790 (straight up from the Plaza San Blas), ☏ +51 84 263-968. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Well-kept place with good-value rooms around a colonial courtyard, hot water, common kitchen, helpful staff, wifi. S/75 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

5 Taita Home, Calle Hatunrumiyoc 759 (straight up from the Plaza San Blas, there is no sign on the door), ☏ +51 84 233873. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Dormitory beds in a freaky, chilled out and friendly atmosphere with a sunny garden, fireplace, outdoor kitchen and gas hot water. S/15. (updated Feb 2025)

6 Hostels Cusco Samanapata, Nueva Alta 575 (Las Blas), hostalsamanapata@gmail.com. Hostel in San Blas area of Cuzco, about 3 blocks from Plaza de Armas. Free wifi, 2 free computers, free breakfast, all rooms have cable TV. Very friendly staff, rooms cleaned daily. Much cheaper than similar places. from S/25 per person. (updated Feb 2025)

7 La Casa de mi Abuelo, Nueva Alta 785, ☏ +51 84 255837. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A guesthouse near the Plaza de San Francisco run by a kind local lady that offers extremely clean and comfortable rooms, ensuite bathrooms, cable TV, and excellent breakfasts. 7-minute walk to Plaza de Armas US$20 double, US$13 single. (updated Feb 2025)

8 Pirwa Hostel Colonial Cusco (Pirwa backpackers hostel), San Francisco #360 (San Francisco square), ☏ +51 84 244659, info@pirwahostelsperu.com. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00. 24-hr hot showers, movies, in-house bar, pool (game) table, attentive staff, free breakfast, free internet, pick up service, and comfortable beds. From S/35 (US$10/person) (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

24 Amaru Hostal I, Cuesta San Blas 541, ☏ +51 84 225933, amaruhostal@speedy.com.pe. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Quiet and cheap option about 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Rooms are decent sized and have private or shared bath facilities and TV. US$30–55/room depending on type of beds, occupancy and season. S/220 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

25 Amaru Colonial Hotel, Chihuampata 642, ☏ +51 84 223521, amaruhostal2@speedy.com.pe. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Quiet and cheap option about 2-3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. US$30–48/room depending on type of beds, occupancy and season. S/130 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

26 El Balcón Cusco Hotel, Tambo De Montero 222, ☏ +51 84 236738. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Awesome interior design, delicious breakfast and moderate prices. From Plaza de Armas, follow Plateros a block and a half or so. The hotel is in a lane up the hill. About half a block up, look for the door on the right. The sign is above the door, so you may not see it unless you walk on the opposite side of the lane. S/205 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

27 Hostal Frankenstein, San Juan de Dios 260 (2 blocks from main square), ☏ +51 84 236999. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Clean, friendly and helpful German chef, a lazy iguana, creative interior, cosy atmosphere. Double costs around US$20 (the one on top is quiet and offers a view of Ausangate mountain). S/75 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

28 Orquidea del Cusco, Alabado 520, ☏ +51 84 773 409. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The colonial building has original Inca walls and exposed wood beams, and the rustic accommodations are simply decorated in a cozy mountain lodge aesthetic. All rooms are oriented toward Cuzco below, offering panoramic views. (updated Feb 2025)

29 Ninos Hotel Meloc, Calle Meloc 442, ☏ +51 84231424. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Hotel with charitable purposes: all procedures from room booking and in-house restaurant go towards running an association that gives support to local unprivileged children. S/220 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

30 Gran Hostal Machu Picchu, Calle Quera 282, ☏ +51 842 84 23 1111. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Comfortable rooms set around a courtyard filled with lush plants. S/200. (updated Feb 2025)

31 Hostal Rumi Punku, Calle Choqechaka 339, ☏ +51 84 221102. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Rumi Punku means "stone door" in Quechua: the entrance to the hotel leads through an ancient stone door, obviously of Inca design. The doorway is all that has survived of an Inca palace. The door is considered a historic item by the city of Cuzco. (updated Feb 2025)

36 Tierra Viva Cusco Centro, Cruz Verde 390, ☏ +51 84 263300. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 10:00. Upscale hotel with spacious, clean, well-appointed rooms with quality linens, good smelling soaps, bottled water. On-site restaurant serves a hearty buffet breakfast. S/250 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

37 Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi, Calle Saphi 766, ☏ +51 12 641 579. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 10:00. Many of the rooms on the second floor have high ceilings with white-painted wood beams visibly charming. The hotel is organized around two interior courtyards. Breakfast is included. The staff are attentive, speak great English, and can help you make reservations. The most interesting aspect of Tierra Viva Saphi is the location it is at the boundary between fancy Plaza de Armas and the poor hills around Cuzco it's charming, but also somewhat out of place. Room 212 is excellent. 2nd floor rooms are preferable. 24 hour desk so it's easy to check out for those early Inca Trail departures. Free coca tea in the lobby a great way to warm up at night. S/250. (updated Feb 2025)

38 Palacio del Inka, Santo Domingo 259, ☏ +51 84 231961. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. The hotel was part of the Koricancha temple and during colonial times it became property of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Impressive interior with many paintings from the 17th century. Very good spread for breakfast. The hotel offers a daily, free, tour about the hotel and its history in the evenings. S/1100 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

39 Amerinka Boutique Hotel, Calle Marquez Nº 272, ☏ +51 84 224949. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00. Modern hotel that combines warm room atmospheres with professional and experienced attention. Near Plaza de Armas. S/190 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

40 Hotel Monasterio, Calle, Nazarenas 337, ☏ +51 84 604000, info@peruorientexpress.com.pe. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Housed in a former monastery, rooms are former monks' cells, but they are far from monastic. By far the most expensive place to stay in Cuzco. Avoid rooms 414-419, which are near a noisy generator. (updated Feb 2025)

41 Hotel Marqueses, Calle Garcilaso 256, ☏ +51 842 264249, info@hotelmarqueses.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00. The official hotel of SAS travel. Good staff and comfortable rooms. In the tourist district, 2 blocks from the Plaza des Armas. S/380 (Feb 2025). (updated Feb 2025)

June–August. Cuzco can be very hot during the day and quite cold in the early morning and late at night. If you get cold easily, you might want to carry a hat, gloves, and several layers in your day pack to use at night, that you can peel off during the day for complete summer mode

Shoes. Cuzco is somewhat dusty and you will be very happy wearing a boot and sneaker mix such as Keens, rather than for example flip flops.