Inca heritage and the road to Machu Picchu
Cusco
Cusco · Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu
The ancient capital of the Inca empire, Cusco layers Spanish baroque churches atop perfectly fitted Inca stonework. At 3,400m it is the launchpad for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and a living center of Andean culture.
Top sightsSights
Machu Picchu
The legendary Inca citadel reached by train and bus.
Sacsayhuaman
A massive Inca fortress of giant stones above town.
Plaza de Armas
The grand main square ringed by cathedrals.
Sacred Valley
Inca towns, markets and ruins along the Urubamba.
Rainbow Mountain
A striped peak reached on a high-altitude day hike.
What to eatFood
Cuy
Roast guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.
Lomo saltado
Stir-fried beef with onions, tomato and fries.
Chicha morada
A sweet drink made from purple corn.
Good to know
- Acclimatize for a day or two before hiking — the altitude is real.
- Book Machu Picchu tickets and trains well in advance.
- Chew coca leaves or sip the tea to ease altitude.
Getting there
Cusco Airport (CUZ) has flights from Lima; trains run from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
Next city
Lima