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Cusco, (also spelled Cuzco or Qosqo), endures as one of the undisputed highlights of South America, an unforgettable vacation destination in 2026. According to Inca mythology, the two mile-high Spanish Colonial city sprung from the naval of the earth. Book your Cusco tours today!
This storied capital offers the complete package. The gateway to the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu is a dynamic mix of traditional Andean culture and innovative modern amenities — world class restaurants, hotels and boutiques.
Its unique character is preserved in a vibrant indigenous culture. You can feel it, strolling along the narrow side streets, past massive carved stone foundations inter laid with inexplicable perfection by the Inca more than five centuries ago.
While most visitors head straight from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the city itself offers a cornucopia of fascinating attractions and activities.
There are also dozens of round trips from Cusco. Choose among several day trips to Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites. Or you can opt for one of the multi-day hikes with camping in verdant valleys and along the slopes of majestic mountains that are still venerated in the local culture as Apu deities.
To book your Lima tours now or consult with us, fill out the “Contact Us” form and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your fully customizable trip.
Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
Prices available upon request
Prices starting from $530 per person
Prices available upon request
Prices available upon request
Prices starting from $581 per person
Prices starting from $768 per person
Prices from $517 per person
At 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, Cusco stands as the most historically significant city in Peru and one of South America’s top travel destinations. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, today it serves as the main gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and dozens of major archaeological sites.
For visitors interested in Inca history, Andean culture, and world-renowned trekking routes, Cusco is the essential starting point.
Cusco’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking its streets, you’ll see a city layered with history: Inca foundations, Spanish colonial churches, and modern Peruvian life coexisting in one of the most dynamic urban landscapes in the Andes.
The Plaza de Armas is the focal point, flanked by the Cusco Cathedral and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, both built on Inca stonework. Museums, artisan shops, and cafes fill the surrounding streets. Despite heavy tourism, Cusco has retained a strong sense of local identity.
Above the city, the massive walls of Sacsayhuamán—built with multi-ton stones fit together without mortar—offer insight into Inca engineering. Nearby sites like Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara continue to reflect the religious and political landscape of the empire.
A short drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley opens up to reveal a series of fertile valleys, traditional towns, and world-class archaeological sites. The towns of Pisac, Yucay, and Ollantaytambo offer not only Inca ruins but also vibrant local markets, where traditional weaving and agriculture remain central to daily life.
Stone terraces, still in use today, climb the hillsides, while the Urubamba River snakes through the valley floor. For travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion, this is one of the best areas in Peru.
The Sacred Valley is also the staging area for the Inca Trail, Lares Trek, and alternative hiking routes to Machu Picchu and beyond.
The most famous destination in Peru, Machu Picchu is reached by train from Cusco or on foot via several trekking routes. This 15th-century Inca citadel, perched on a mountain ridge above the cloud forest, is one of the best-preserved pre-Columbian sites in the Americas.
Machu Picchu’s layout, construction, and location continue to be studied by archaeologists and attract more than a million visitors per year. Despite its popularity, careful management and regulation help preserve its structure and setting.
For more experienced hikers, the lesser-known site of Choquequirao—accessible via a demanding multi-day trek—offers a quieter, more rugged alternative.
Cusco is one of the few cities in Peru where traditional festivals are celebrated on a large scale throughout the year. In June, Inti Raymi (the Festival of the Sun) draws thousands to watch re-enactments of Inca rituals at Sacsayhuamán.
In nearby Paucartambo, the Festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an important syncretic religious event blending Catholic and Andean beliefs. Parades, masked dancers, and live music fill the streets for several days.
Smaller neighborhood festivals, Catholic processions, and local markets reflect an ongoing relationship between ancient customs and modern Peruvian life.
Elevation: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m. Spend a day acclimating before hiking.
Getting there: 1-hour direct flight from Lima or 21-hour bus ride.
Recommended stay: 4–5 days to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
Best time to visit: May to October (dry season), with June and July offering clear skies and cool nights.
Accommodations: Options range from boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings to family-run guesthouses and luxury lodges in the Sacred Valley.
Cusco offers more than proximity to Machu Picchu. It’s a destination in its own right, with centuries of history, a strong local culture, and access to some of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas.
Whether you’re exploring Inca temples, learning about traditional weaving techniques, or hiking to ancient ruins, Cusco delivers a depth of experience few other destinations can match.
To book one of our Cusco Tours now or consult with us, fill out the “Book Now” form to the right and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your fully customizable trip. Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
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