Landing in Cusco ($$3,400\text{ m / }11,155\text{ ft}$$) is often the start point for adventures here. It’s a cool place, and you can totally explore it without spending a ton of cash.

Seeing Cusco Town

Let’s start with places right in the city you can check out. You can see the Cathedral and Koricancha. You can grab tickets when you get there.

Just walk around these spots yourself and see all the amazing stuff inside. It’s pretty chevere.

Walking is the best way to see the old part of Cusco. It’s a mix of mountain style and old Spanish buildings. You’ll see buildings sitting right on top of old Inca walls – like, how did they do that? Some old ways of life are still happening here. Must-sees include the main square (Plaza de Armas), the San Blas area which is cool and artsy and has a nice church, and Hatunrumiyoq street where you’ll find the famous 12-angled stone. Just wandering around is free and you see a lot.

Exploring the Archaeological Parks

Near Cusco is the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park ($$3,700\text{ m / }12,140\text{ ft}$$). This park isn’t just one spot; it includes other old places like Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca-Pucara. If you like walking and are feeling strong (remember the altitude!), you could hike up there. It’s a bit of a climb, though. A lot of travelers find it easier to use a travel agency. They sort out the ride there and back and usually have a guide who can tell you all about these awesome ruins. Taking a tour can make things pretty tranquilo.

The Sacred Valley Adventure

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is super popular, and you can get there using public transport. First, maybe head to Pisac ($$2,972\text{ m / }9,751\text{ ft}$$). You can check out the ruins up on the hill and also the market down in town where they sell local crafts and stuff. From Pisac, you’ll need another ride to keep going. You could go straight to Ollantaytambo ($$2,792\text{ m / }9,160\text{ ft}$$), or maybe stop in a town called Urubamba first to grab some lunch. Then, continue to Ollantaytambo to see its cool Inca fortress.

Using public transport takes a bit more planning, finding the right buses or combis (small vans). If you don’t want to worry about that, like where to eat or if you can find a ride, a travel agency tour is an option. They handle the transport and guiding for you.

Once you are in Ollantaytambo, you have choices. It’s a nice Inca village to just hang out and even stay the night – there are lots of places to sleep there. Or, you could catch a train from Ollantaytambo that same night towards Machu Picchu and stay in the town at the base, Aguas Calientes ($$2,040\text{ m / }6,693\text{ ft}$$). If neither of those sounds good, you can just head back to Cusco. Either with your tour group if you used one, or by public transport.

Getting Your Tickets for the Big Sites

To visit a bunch of these places, especially the ruins in the Sacred Valley and the parks near Cusco like Sacsayhuamán, you usually need a special ticket called the “boleto turístico.” It’s like a pass for multiple sites.

This ticket gets you into quite a few places. Here are some that are included:

• Sacsayhuamán
• Qenqo
• Puca-Pucara
• Tambomachay
• Tipon Archaeological Park
• Piquillacta Archaeological Park
• Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
• Pisac Archaeological Park
• Chinchero Archaeological Park
• Moray Archaeological Park
• Some Museums (like the Regional Historical and Contemporary Art ones)
• The Pachacutec monument, plus others.

Just remember, this ticket covers entry to the sites listed, not transport or guides unless you book a tour package that includes them.

Quick Tips for Your Trip

• Money: Peruvian Soles (S/.) is the money used. Have some cash for smaller purchases and public transport.
• Altitude: Cusco is high up. Take it easy on your first day. Drink lots of water (not alcohol at first!). Maybe try the local coca tea; many travelers say it helps. It’s totally normal to feel a bit breathless.
• Transport: Decide if you want the freedom of public transport (cheaper, more local feel, but takes time to figure out) or the ease of a tour (more expensive, faster, everything is planned). Both are fine ways to go.
• Food: Try local food! It’s often delicious and affordable. Look for menú del día (menu of the day) for a cheap lunch.
• Negotiate: For taxis or things in markets, it’s common to agree on a price before you go or buy.

What to Bring

Pack light if you plan to move around a lot.

• Layers of clothing (it can be warm in the sun, but cool in the shade or evenings)
• A good pair of walking shoes
• Rain jacket or poncho (especially in the rainy season)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (the sun is strong at high altitude)
• Reusable water bottle
• Small backpack for day trips
• Camera (of course!)
• Hand sanitizer

Best Time to Visit

The dry season is generally from May to October. The days are usually sunny and clear, which is great for hiking and seeing the views. This is also the most popular time, so there are more people.

The rainy season is roughly from November to April. It doesn’t always rain all day, but you can expect some showers. It’s greener and less crowded during these months. Some travelers prefer this time even with the rain.

Choosing the “best” time really depends on if you prefer sunny weather and more crowds, or potentially some rain but fewer people around.