Cusco Region

Peru
Cusco featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Get used to the altitude in the Belly Button of the World that serves as the gateway to the most iconic Incan landmark.

Cusco is becoming synonymous with Machu Picchu. The vast region contains a varied terrain featuring Amazon lowlands and the Andes mountain range. Contrast the region’s modern capital city, also called Cusco, with the ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Make your way to the famous Lost City of the Incas that stands on an Andean mountain top overlooking the Urubamba River. The 15th-century temples dotted around a dewy peak make Machu Picchu among the world’s most spectacular sights. These buildings remained hidden for centuries but are now a UNESCO Historic Sanctuary.

There are three overlapping routes on the Inca Trail that lead to Machu Picchu. The Classic trail is a 4-day trek covering 26 miles (43 kilometers) through picturesque terrain. Note that the entire region is particularly busy in July and August, in the middle of the dry season.

Continue on a trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas for other nearby ruins. Písac has a lively market and fascinating vestiges. Admire the traditional Incan layout of Ollantaytambo and visit the modern commune of Urubamba. The perfect remedy after all that hiking are the hot springs of Sicuani, Calca and Santa Teresa.

For a change of scenery, spend some time in the region’s namesake capital, Cusco. Note how colonial gems are built over ancient Incan walls, adding layers of history. Relax in the historic Plaza de Armas in the city center and explore local galleries. San Pedro Market and the Artisan Market are among the cultural treasures.

Make your way to the city outskirts to see the vestiges of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Sacsayhuaman and Qenko. Learn about the local wildlife at the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. Thrill-seekers should consider whitewater rafting in Cusipata and Chuquicahuana.

The Cusco region lies in the southern part of Peru, near the borders with Bolivia and Brazil. Fly to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in the city of Cusco and get around the region by bus.

With Machu Picchu and many other Incan ruins, Cusco is among the world’s most impressive historic regions.

Popular cities in Cusco Region

Cusco featuring heritage architecture, a house and a ruin
Cusco
Known for Shopping, Tours and Historical
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this historic city is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and one of the most important sites in indigenous Peruvian culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza de Armas
  • San Pedro Market
  • Cusco Cathedral
Machu Picchu featuring mist or fog and a ruin
Machu Picchu
Known for Mountains, Hiking and Historical
The sacred Inca city, built high in the Andes and hidden for centuries, is now one of Peru’s most spectacular and popular tourist destinations.

Reasons to visit

  • Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
  • Huayna Picchu
  • Inca Trail
Cusco which includes a ruin, landscape views and a small town or village
Ollantaytambo
Known for Historical, Ruins and Tours
Home to the ruins of a striking temple, this quaint village has changed little since it was inhabited by the Inca centuries ago.

Reasons to visit

  • Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
  • Musqa Pukyo Terraces
  • Cerro Santa Barbara
Cusco showing a park
Maras

Reasons to visit

  • Salt Mines of Maras
  • Moray Terraces
Cusco which includes heritage architecture and a small town or village
Chinchero
Known for Ruins, Churches and Small town
Glimpse traditional Andean village life in this picturesque town, best known for its lively market and stunning mountain views.

Reasons to visit

  • Archaeological Center of Chinchero
  • Mercado de Chinchero
Urubamba featuring a small town or village and markets
Urubamba
Known for Relaxing, Hiking and Historical
The Sacred Valley’s central transportation hub, this lively town has a well-functioning tourist infrastructure and makes an ideal base for exploring the region.