If you’re visiting Peru, there’s a 99.9% chance you’ll spend some time in Cusco.
You probably already know it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu (even though it’s not exactly close), and you’ve likely seen beautiful photos of its main square. But what about everything else?
In our main guide to the best things to do in Cusco, we share our favorite sights and activities, but to truly prepare for your stay in one of South America’s most iconic cities, here are 18 incredibly useful travel tips, including when to visit, how to get around, how to handle the altitude, and why you really shouldn’t drink the tap water.
🏔️ Cusco Is Your Gateway to the Inca Empire. Use It as a Base
While Cusco has plenty of attractions, ruins, and museums, its real strength is serving as a launchpad for exploring the Sacred Valley. This region is stitched together by ancient trails and rich in history.
⛰️ About the Altitude
Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), which is no joke if you’re arriving from sea level (like flying in from Lima) or have never been at high altitude.
Spend at least one full day acclimating. Don’t rush into hikes or tours, you’ll feel awful. Instead, drink plenty of water, rest if needed, and enjoy a gentle walk through the historic center.
Also, avoid hauling heavy backpacks up and down Cusco’s steep cobblestone streets. Book your first night’s accommodation in advance.
🧥 Evenings Are Cold
No matter the season, Cusco’s nights are chilly. Pack warm layers, fleece, wool hats, and thermal shirts are lifesavers. Choose accommodation with plenty of blankets.
Still cold? Don’t worry, this is Peru. You’re never far from a stall selling alpaca sweaters.
🍝 Cooking Tips at High Altitude
Boiling pasta gets tricky at altitude. Water boils at a lower temperature, so cooking takes longer. It’s not a big deal, but it’s annoying in a hostel with one pan and a queue of hungry travelers.
If you plan to cook, shop for fresh produce at local markets like San Pedro. For snacks and staples, large supermarkets like Orion in the historic center have decent selections.
🐶 Street Dogs Are Everywhere
Greater Cusco is home to around 11,000 street dogs.
Even in Peru, where stray dogs are common, that’s a huge number. Most are harmless and go about their business, napping, roaming, and occasionally scoring snacks from tourists. Many are semi-stray, meaning they technically have a home and someone who feeds them.
Sadly, not all are so lucky. You’ll likely see a few heartbreaking cases. Fortunately, Cusco has a few shelters caring for the most vulnerable dogs, but they always need support.
Most street dogs pose no safety threat.
📅 High vs. Low Season
High season runs from June to September (Peruvian winter), with minimal rain and clear skies. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and coincides with summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Expect crowds, higher prices, and limited availability, book early.
Cusco is busy year-round, but outside the Plaza de Armas, it’s quieter. Low season brings more rain but warmer temperatures and better last-minute availability.
Shoulder seasons (April–May and October–November) offer the best balance.
🚖 Getting Around and Out of Cusco
If you arrive by bus (likely an overnight from Arequipa), you’ll land at the main terminal (“Terminal Terrestre de Cusco”). You’ll need a taxi to reach the city center, most charge a standard fare of S/.10 (~$3 USD).
For day trips to the Sacred Valley or elsewhere, head to the correct colectivo station. These small vans leave when full and run frequently, but each destination has its own departure point, often on opposite sides of the city.
