Holiday in Cusco
City in Peru — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇪
Country
Peru
Type
City
Best time to travel
May–September (dry season, cold but sunny)
Budget/day
45–80 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Lima (14–17h), connecting flight to Cusco (1.5h). No visa required for Germans (90 days). At least 2 days for acclimatization!
Deals for Cusco:
What makes Cusco special as a destination?
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters in the Peruvian Andes and is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. The Spaniards built their colonial churches and palaces directly on the foundations of Inca structures, creating a unique architectural fusion that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, is framed by the Cathedral and the Jesuit church Compania de Jesus. The street Hatun Rumiyoc houses the famous Twelve-Angled Stone — a stone perfectly integrated into an Inca wall with twelve corners, demonstrating the superior stonemasonry of the Incas. The fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman above the city consist of stone blocks weighing up to 200 tons, the transport of which remains a mystery to this day. The artist district of San Blas, with its steep cobblestone streets, is home to workshops, galleries, and charming cafes. Cusco is the starting point for the Sacred Valley of the Incas with Ollantaytambo and Pisac, as well as for the journey to Machu Picchu. The local cuisine surprises with specialties such as Cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. Important: Plan at least two days for acclimatization to the altitude. May to October offers dry, sunny weather.
What are the top highlights in Cusco?
The top highlights in Cusco include Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas (Artist District), Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Plaza de Armas
The magnificent main square with cathedral, Jesuit church, and colonial arcades – the vibrant heart of Cusco, especially illuminated at night.
Sacsayhuamán
The Inca fortress above the city with stones weighing up to 120 tons, perfectly fitted without mortar – the construction technique remains a mystery to this day.
San Blas (Artist District)
Steep cobblestone streets, workshops, galleries, and the best cafes in Cusco – with a view over the red tiled roofs.
Sacred Valley
The Urubamba Valley with Pisac market, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Moray terraces – a day trip or a stop on the way to Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The color-striped mountain at 5,200 m – a strenuous hike, but the colors (red, yellow, green, turquoise) are surreal.
Hotels in Cusco
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Cusco
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is May–September (dry season, cold but sunny). Rainy season November–March, 12–20 °C, afternoon rain, sunny mornings In winter: Dry season May–September, 5–20 °C, cold nights (down to -5 °C), sunny days
Recommended travel time
May–September (dry season, cold but sunny)
Summer
Rainy season November–March, 12–20 °C, afternoon rain, sunny mornings
Winter
Dry season May–September, 5–20 °C, cold nights (down to -5 °C), sunny days
How much does a holiday in Cusco cost?
Budget travellers: 20–35 €/day, mid-range: 45–80 €/day, luxury: 100–300 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20–35 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
45–80 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
100–300 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Cusco?
Flight to Lima (14–17h), connecting flight to Cusco (1.5h). No visa required for Germans (90 days). At least 2 days for acclimatization!
Book a package holiday to Cusco
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cusco and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Cusco?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Altitude sickness is real at 3,400m – take it slow on the first day, drink coca tea, and stay hydrated.
Boleto Turístico (130 Soles) is the combined entry ticket for 16 attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley – worth it after 3 visits.
Drink Pisco Sour at Plaza de Armas and enjoy the square – but alcohol affects you more at high altitude!
For Rainbow Mountain, start early (5 AM) – the colors are most intense in the morning and clouds come in the afternoon.
What should you eat in Cusco?
Typical specialities in Cusco: Cuy (guinea pig) — A delicacy in Cusco: grilled whole and crispy – a cultural experience that should be tried., Alpaca steak — Tender, lean meat with a gamey flavor – a local specialty found in many restaurants., Choclo con Queso — Huge Peruvian corn on the cob with a piece of fresh cheese – simple and perfect as a snack., Pisco Sour — Peru's national cocktail – in Cusco made with fresh lime juice and perfect egg white foam., Coca tea — Essential against altitude sickness – offered for free everywhere and has a slightly grassy, herbal taste..
These specialties you must try!
