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Cusco

Created: 08/2025
Updated: 08/2025

Cusco is a historic city nestled in the Andes Mountains of southeastern Peru,
once the flourishing capital of the Inca Empire.

The moment you step off the plane, you're already around 3,400 meters in elevation.
–and even a short walk can leave you breathless.

This city preserves traces of both the Incan era and Spanish colonial rule.
With every step, you can feel that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


I spent just over two months here while learning Spanish,
and Cusco became the starting point of my journey through South America.

If there's one place I urge you to visit in South America, it's Peru—and especially Cusco.
Let yourself be moved by the spirit of the city and the majestic landscapes that embrace it.

Sightseeing Spot

You’ll notice a sense of harmony throughout the city,
with its reddish roof tiles and earthy brown walls.
The many slopes and narrow backstreets offer new discoveries with every daily walk.


Try exploring in all directions from Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city.
You’re bound to find souvenir shops, restaurants, markets, churches, ruins, and scenic viewpoints.


Alpaca wool clothing and gemstone accessories can be found all over the city.
However, quality and price vary greatly from shop to shop,
so it’s best to browse around and get a feel for the market before making a purchase.

Cusco Ruins Tour

There are several well-known ruins located near Cusco.
Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Pukapukara, to name a few.

I visited several of these sites myself, but unfortunately,
I can’t clearly remember which photo belongs to which ruin…


Still, each site is truly worth seeing,
so if you have enough time in Cusco, I highly recommend exploring as many as you can!
By the way, you can easily book tours to each ruin through local agencies or online.
(※Note: Basic English or Spanish may be required when booking on-site.)

Moray

You can visit this ruin by joining a one-day bus tour from Cusco.
Most tours typically include the Sacred Valley and the Maras Salt Mines, which will be mentioned later.


This is also one of the most famous ruins, so be sure to check it out!

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley can be visited together with sites like the Moray ruins mentioned earlier.
There are also towns nearby, and some travelers choose to stay for several days.
There’s so much to see!


Unfortunately, I only did a day trip,
but if you have more time, it might be worth considering a plan to stay in the area.

Salineras de Maras

This is a must-see spot that you’ll almost certainly visit when exploring the Sacred Valley.
Absolutely breathtaking, isn’t it?!


During the rainy season,
timing is important—there may be muddy conditions depending on when you go.
It’s best to check with a local tour company for up-to-date details.

Humantay Lake

You can join this as a day trekking tour from Cusco.
As you can see in the photos,
the emerald-green lake stands out beautifully amidst the surrounding mountains.


Unfortunately, on the day I joined, the summit was hidden by clouds.
But if you go on a clear day when the summit is fully visible,
you're guaranteed to witness an even more breathtaking view.

Seven Lakes Tour

There is also a trekking tour called the Ausangate Seven Lakes Trek,
which is similar to the Humantay Lake trek.
(Ausangate is considered a very sacred mountain in Peru.)


This is a highly recommended trek where you can enjoy seven stunning lakes, as beautiful as Humantay Lake.

By the way, this tour involves a lot of walking.
It might be a good idea to get your body used to trekking with Humantay Lake or other hikes before joining.

Machupichu

Yes, exactly. When you think of Peru, this is the place—Machu Picchu.
Its presence is so overwhelming that coming to Cusco and not visiting here is almost unthinkable.
There are various ways to get here: by train, by bus,
or by walking the Inca Trail over five days...
I took the train. It was an incredibly elegant journey.
*By the way, I believe you need to make a reservation in advance to enter Machu Picchu!
Be sure to check reliable travel websites for up-to-date information!


Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a majestic ancient city ruin
that you’ve only ever seen on TV.

Needless to say, it's nothing short of breathtaking.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunka)

Where is the second most famous spot in Cusco?
The first name that comes to mind is Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).


The photos you often see online are heavily edited with Photoshop,
so you might imagine an outrageously colorful mountain.
In reality, the saturation isn’t quite that extreme.
Even so, the grandeur and beauty you witness in person are truly unforgettable.


By the way, Rainbow Mountain sits at over 5,000 meters above sea level...
Take three steps and you’ll feel the effects of thin air.

It’s highly recommended to acclimate yourself beforehand
by walking around Cusco or doing some light trekking.

Rainbow Mountain (Palccoyo)

Actually, there are two Rainbow Mountains in Cusco...
You could call this one the “hidden” Rainbow Mountain.
It’s known as Palcoyo.
There aren’t as many people here,
so you can enjoy a much more comfortable trekking experience.


The colors aren’t quite as striking as Vinicunca,
but the scenery is still beautiful enough to leave you satisfied.

If you’re staying in the area for a while, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

Intiraymi

Inti Raymi, held annually on June 24th, is a spectacular celebration of the sun that vividly preserves the traditions of the Inca Empire.
It's considered one of South America's three greatest festivals.

From May through June, the streets of Cusco are alive with nonstop festivities leading up to the big day.
Locals and visitors alike join in dances, parades, and cultural events that fill the city with vibrant energy.


The atmosphere throughout Cusco is truly something else—
if your travel dates align, visiting during this season is highly recommended!

It's an experience you won’t want to miss.

Restaurant

Local Food

In Cusco, it's common to eat a large rodent called cuy during celebrations.
The taste is a bit different, but I’d say it’s somewhat similar to chicken.


You should also give Inca Kola a try!
Some people find it super sweet... but surprisingly, I kind of liked it. 😄


As I’ll mention in the article below, you can also enjoy dishes like alpaca steak!

Kintaro

Kintaro is one of the few Japanese restaurants in Cusco.
To be precise, it's a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
The interior is stylish and has a luxurious feel.

As a sushi-and-ramen-loving Japanese person, I have to admit the ramen and sushi didn’t quite meet my expectations,
but the karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is highly recommended!

Cafe Pucara

This is also one of the few Japanese-style restaurants around. That said, the menu leans more toward Peruvian cuisine overall.
The calm atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy Peruvian dishes—with a touch of Japanese flavor now and then.

Ego's

This restaurant is quite popular among locals. While it's pricier than the markets, it's much more affordable compared to tourist-oriented restaurants.
The menu features many local-style dishes, offering a slightly more refined take on traditional market fare.

However, since the staff may not speak much English, having some basic Spanish skills could come in handy.

Picarones Ruinas

This place is pretty highly recommended! The menu features just one item, but it’s a dessert with a familiar, comforting flavor.

If you’re craving something sweet or a taste that feels like home, this spot is sure to satisfy.

Organika

This is a slightly higher-grade restaurant within Cusco.

As you can see from the photos, the presentation is incredibly colorful and beautiful.


Organika has many sister restaurants, most of which offer a great atmosphere—definitely worth a visit.

Uchu

This is a well-known steakhouse in Cusco.

It's not the only place, but here you can try alpaca steak.
You can even compare alpaca steak with beef steak,
so I highly recommend giving alpaca a try at least once.

Personally, I found alpaca to be like a slightly springier, more gamey version of beef.

Uchu

YAKU is a sister restaurant of Organika,
and you'll likely notice similarities in the presentation and menu structure.

Just like Organika, they offer beautifully plated and delicious dishes—be sure to try a variety!

Carpe Diem

This is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Cusco.

The food is generally delicious, but personally, I recommend the pizza!


This might be a bit of a personal bias, but I feel that noodles in high-altitude regions often end up slightly undercooked...
Whenever I try pasta or other noodle dishes, I can’t help but notice the texture. (It might just be my own prejudice, haha)

That said, the food is overall enjoyable, so if you're craving Italian in Cusco, definitely give this place a try.

Ceviche

Cusco is a mountain city, so there aren’t many seafood restaurants around.
That said, if you're craving seafood, this is the place to go! The dishes here are truly satisfying.


As the name suggests, you can order ceviche here.
Ceviche is one of Peru’s most famous dishes, made with raw fish served in a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Definitely give it a try!

Cucciolina

This is a very stylish and upscale restaurant. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but if you're in the mood to treat yourself, it's definitely worth a visit.

I couldn’t come here very often, but every dish I had was beautifully presented and tasted great.

Mapacho

This restaurant isn’t located in Cusco, but rather in Machu Picchu Village, along the way to Machu Picchu.
I came here on the recommendation of my host father.
It has a beer bar vibe, and not only is the beer great, but every dish I ordered was delicious as well.

If you visit Machu Picchu Village, be sure to stop by!