Travel Guide to Cusco, Peru

Why Adventurers Love Cusco

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Cusco is the launching pad for some of the most iconic adventure travel in the world. The city itself is a stunning collision of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture, sitting at 3,400m in a valley surrounded by Andean peaks. From here, trekkers head out on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, and the increasingly popular Rainbow Mountain day hike. The Sacred Valley below offers whitewater rafting, mountain biking, zip-lining, and visits to Inca ruins. The altitude is no joke — you need at least 2-3 days to acclimatize before attempting anything strenuous — but once adjusted, the range of adventure here is unmatched in South America.

Top Activities

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• Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — The classic 4-day, 43km trail to the Lost City, limited to 500 people per day (book 6 months ahead)
• Hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) — Stunning striped mountain at 5,200m, a full-day trip from Cusco
• Raft the Urubamba River — Class III-IV rapids through the Sacred Valley with mountain scenery
• Mountain bike from Maras to Moray — Downhill ride past salt terraces and Inca agricultural ruins
• Explore the Sacred Valley — Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray ruins with markets and local culture

Where to Stay

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The historic center around Plaza de Armas has the densest concentration of hostels, restaurants, and tour agencies. Budget travelers will find dorm beds for $6-12/night in the San Blas neighborhood, the backpacker hub with steep cobblestone streets and artisan shops. Mid-range options include boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings ($30-60/night). For acclimatization, consider staying the first night or two in the Sacred Valley at lower altitude (2,800m vs 3,400m in Cusco) — Ollantaytambo and Urubamba have good options. Hostels in Cusco are social and well-run, with many offering free coca tea to help with altitude.

Getting to the Adventure Spots

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Tour agencies line every street in Cusco and compete aggressively on price. The Sacred Valley is a 1-1.5 hour drive. Trains to Machu Picchu depart from Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours from Cusco) or Poroy (just outside Cusco). Collectivos (shared vans) run to most Sacred Valley towns for $2-5. For the Inca Trail, you must book through a licensed operator — no independent hiking allowed. Rainbow Mountain transport is included in day tour packages ($15-30). Cusco’s airport has flights from Lima (1 hour).

Budget Tips

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Peru is extremely affordable. Full meals at local restaurants cost $2-4 in Cusco and even less in the Sacred Valley. Negotiate everything — tour prices, taxi fares, market purchases. Book treks and tours in Cusco rather than online for 30-50% savings (walk around and compare at least 3 agencies). Take collectivos instead of taxis. Drink coca tea freely to help with altitude. The dry season (May-September) is essential for trekking — rainy season trails become dangerous.