Cusco, Peru

Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. Its colonial churches stand on Inca stone walls, and its steep, cobbled lanes reward a slow walk, once you are used to the altitude.

Cusco: Curious Monkey Cusco- Eat the Streets, Walking Food Tour
Featured walk: Curious Monkey Cusco- Eat the Streets, Walking Food Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Cusco was the centre of the Inca world, and the Spanish built their colonial city directly on its foundations. The result, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city where Baroque churches and mansions rest on perfectly fitted Inca stonework.

The centre is compact and beautiful, but it sits about 3,400 metres above sea level. Even short climbs leave visitors breathless at first, so the first day or two are best spent walking slowly.

What makes Cusco distinctive

  • Inca walls of perfectly fitted stone
  • The Plaza de Armas, framed by colonial churches
  • San Pedro market and Andean food
  • The base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Walking tours in Cusco

Hand-picked guided walks in Cusco, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Cusco

Compare with other cities: Free walking tours · Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Historic centre

    The Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets.

  • San Blas

    A steep artisans' quarter with views and small cafés.

  • San Pedro

    The market district, local and lively.

Free self-guided walk

From the Plaza de Armas to San Blas and Qorikancha

A free self-guided walk from Cusco's Plaza de Armas past the Inca stonework of Calle Hatunrumiyoc to San Blas, then down to Qorikancha and the San Pedro Market.

2.6 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Plaza to San Blas

    Up Hatunrumiyoc past the Inca walls to the San Blas square.

  2. Up to Sacsayhuamán

    A steep climb from the centre to the Inca fortress and the Cristo Blanco viewpoint.

Practical walking notes

  • Altitude

    Take the first days slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals and alcohol at first.

  • Hills and steps

    Streets above the plaza are steep and stepped.

  • Sun and cold

    The sun is strong at altitude, and nights are cold. Bring sunscreen and warm layers.

When to visit

  • May–September

    The dry season: clear days, cold nights and the busiest time.

  • October–April

    The wet season, with afternoon rain. The Inca Trail closes in February.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Cusco airport has frequent flights from Lima and is a short taxi ride from the centre.

  • By rail

    Trains to Machu Picchu leave from near Cusco and from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The centre is compact; take taxis for the steeper climbs.

  • Taxis

    Inexpensive; use official taxis or apps.

Questions travellers ask about Cusco

How do I cope with the altitude?

Rest on arrival, drink water, eat lightly and walk slowly. Some travellers start in the lower Sacred Valley. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe.

How far is Machu Picchu?

About 75 km. Most visitors take the train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the site. Entry tickets must be booked in advance.

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Cusco: Curious Monkey Cusco- Eat the Streets, Walking Food Tour
Country overview

Peru

An Inca capital at 3,400 metres

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-26. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.