Category: Travel Guide

If you choose Cusco as a destination to spend a few days on your trip to Peru you have to keep in mind that you will not only find one of the 7 Wonders of the World but also a very varied range of gastronomic proposals.

As a result of the popularity of this destination as a base point between Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Cusco has been filled with businesses and restaurants of all kinds and for all tastes; from traditional Andean food with nouvelle cuisine fusion, to veggie alternatives.

After going for a lovely trekking session through the Cusco countryside, here are eight unmissable options to enjoy the best food in Cusco.

MAP Café

This restaurant stands out among its peers for its unique architecture. It is literally a glass cube located in the courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Sitting there you can appreciate the majesty of the ancient walls of the museum accompanied by the clear blue sky of the mountains.

But it does not stop there, MAP Café not only has an incredible infrastructure but also very interesting food. The gastronomic proposal of this place is the reinvention of Lima and Andean food. Among its outstanding dishes are the mushroom Capchi and its red and black quinoa cannelloni. facebook.com/MAPCafe/

Le Soleil

Located inside the hotel La Lune, this restaurant offers the best of French food in the heart of the Cusco capital. It is recognized as one of the best places to eat in the city and its specialty is confit de canard (or duck confit) and crème brûlée.
facebook.com/LeSoleilCusco/

Le Soleil, Creme Broulee, Restaurants Cusco, where to eat in Cusco

Cicciolina

Locals and outsiders know it as the best tapas bar in all of Cusco. It is located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and has a relaxing atmosphere, perfect to spend the evening chatting with friends.

The essence of their food lies in the ingredients; they make sure to use fresh vegetables from the Sacred Valley. They also have a distinguished dessert menu such as strawberries flambéed with pisco or mango millefeuille with kion (ginger) cream. Their most requested tapas are duck prosciutto and scallops (shells) in sesame and honey sauce. facebook.com/Cicciolina-restaurant/

Limo

As no top Peruvian restaurant can be without the fusion Japanese-Peruvian cuisine (or Nikkei), we introduce you to Limo. Its name honors the Limo chili bell pepper, the protagonist of Peruvian cuisine. Located on the second floor of a colonial mansion, this restaurant has the best view of the majestic Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Its dishes include tiraditos, ceviches and its famous sushi bar. It is worth mentioning that Limo has a wide and very fine selection of Piscos, which makes it the ideal place to try the country’s flagship liquor. facebook.com/limocusco/

Pachapapa

If your purpose in Cusco is to try authentic traditional Andean food, Pachapapa will fit you like a glove. Its food is characterized by having the authentic and unbeatable taste of the high Andeans, which is due to the fact that in this place the original cooking methods are religiously respected.

In Pachapapa you eat outdoors, in the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas, sitting at little tables made of old wood and accompanied by a giant clay oven that keeps you warm at any time of the day. Their specialty is baked guinea pig with huacatay and aji Panca chili and alpaca anticuchos. facebook.com/PachapapaRestaurante/

Chicha

To speak of Gaston Acurio in Peru is to speak of a celebrity who united Peruvians around a common passion: their food. In addition to owning a restaurant empire in Lima (Astrid & Gaston, Tanta, Panchita…) and several world capitals, in Arequipa and Cusco he opened his restaurant that bets on all the flavor and intensity of Andean cuisine: Chicha.

Located in the beautiful Plaza Regocijo, Chicha offers Peruvian dishes such as anticuchos (beef heart sliced and seasoned), chupes such as Chupe 5 flavors, a hearty Andean soup with quinoa, olluco, pumpkin, curry and coconut milk, or a vegetarian version of stuffed rocoto. For dessert you can try the well-known Andean ice cheese. facebook.com/ChichaCusco/

La Morena Peruvian Kitchen

This beautiful and luminous restaurant is another of the necessary if we want to make a gastronomic route in Cusco. Its bet -like most of the new restaurants in the city- is for a reinvention of Andean and Peruvian food looking for new flavors. It also adds some ingredients from the Amazonian cuisine, so scarce in the national gastronomy.

Classic dishes such as tacu tacu or lomo saltado stand out, although they also offer a good selection of hamburgers such as ‘La Bestia’ (although there are also vegetarian ones). To close the dinner, you can order a portion of churros with chocolate and a good local coffee. facebook.com/Morena-Peruvian-Kitchen/

Incanto

Within the walls of what was once the palace of Inca Capac Yupanqui, you will find Incanto, a place where Italian food blends perfectly with the best of Peru’s ingredients. Many Italian tourists are surprised to eat in this place, it is true Italian cuisine in the middle of the Andes mountains.

Among its fusion dishes are the ravioli stuffed with aji de gallina, one of its signature dishes. An interesting fact about this place is that it has its own vegetable garden! It is with these homegrown ingredients that they prepare their famous aioli and pesto sauces. facebook.com/incantocusco/

Green Point (vegan)

This is the only completely vegan restaurant in Cusco. Diners describe the dishes as “fresh, light and original”, perfect for those who live a life free of animal products.

The restaurant is decorated in harmony with the concept of their food: murals alluding to jungle areas and sounds of nature. Green Point is also concerned about promoting vegan life and environmental care. Prices at this place can vary between S/ 15 and S/ 25. Their specialty is the vegan grill and lentil burgers with mushrooms. facebook.com/GreenPointMyVeganRestaurant/

El Encuentro (vegetarian)

Unlike Green Point, at El Encuentro, you get food prepared with animal derivatives (egg, cheese, milk). It has several locations around Cusco and is the perfect alternative when you want a good vegetarian dish but don’t know where to get it.

The menu costs S/6.00 and includes access to an open salad bar and wheat bread. The “El Encuentro” places are famous for having a cozy but restless atmosphere, where you have the opportunity to eat homemade dishes as well as the possibility to talk to the people who have lunch there. facebook.com/elencuentrocusco/

Although it is difficult to find a good vegan or vegetarian restaurant in Cusco, many of the restaurants mentioned offer menus adapted to this type of food. For example, Le Soleil, La Morena, or MAP Café offer a menu made exclusively with local vegetables.

The salt mines found in Peru have been a scenario that has been exploited since even before the arrival of the Spanish, and dates that we can remember. One of these impressive salt mines is located in Maras and is known as the Salineras de Maras, whose name in Quechua is Kachi Raqay. This group of salt mines is located in the district of Maras, which belongs to the province of Urubamba in the region of Cusco.

The salt mines of Maras are not only an interesting resource on a commercial level but also on a historical level since they are mines that have been exploited for centuries, so through them, you can learn about the extractive procedures that this has had since pre-Hispanic times.

Physically, the Maras Salt Mines surprise the visitor with more than three thousand wells, which are still worked by more than 360 families. Regarding the work that is currently done in the Maras Salt Mines, it is important to say that the custom and extraction work in the mines is an inherited work so only the descendants of the previous families can work the land, although the work is handled equally in a communal and non-family way. The extraction of salt from the Maras mines is done only by hand and the commercialization of the salt that is extracted from these lands is in charge of the Maras Sal association, which has been looking after the interests of the community since the end of the 80s.

The salt mines of Maras, due to their impressive territory and wealth, are capable of producing an average of two thousand tons of salt per year. The more than three thousand wells that make up the salt mines, measure approximately 5 square meters each and in them water is filtered that flows from a stream. The pools are distributed in platforms on the slopes of a mountain.

According to local legends, the salt that is produced in Maras is the product of the tears of Ayar Kachi, one of the brothers of the Inca legend who would have been locked up by his relatives in a mountain near the salt mines. It is said that the tears of Ayar Kachi were such that they began to turn into crystals which are currently circulating in the course of the stream that supplies the wells of Maras allowing the process of solidification and harvesting of the salt of this district.

In order to reach the Maras salt pans, the visitor must go to Ramal, which is located 48 kilometers from Cusco, and which can be reached in a private or tourist vehicle. Once in Ramal, you must take the detour that leads to the Salt Mines, which can only be followed on foot and has an extension of 6 kilometers, so it can be completed in less than an hour. It is recommended that the visits to the salt mines take place between the months of April and October, and in the morning hours. To access it, you must pay the modest cost of S/5.00.

Amazing history of Maras

The first shallow salt ponds in Maras were probably built by the Wari civilization between 500 and 1100 AD. Most of these pools, built along the steep slope of the Qoripujio mountain, were no more than 15 square feet (5 square meters) and 30 centimeters deep.

During the 12th and mid-14th centuries, the Inca Empire took over the operation of Maras. The Incas seasoned and preserved their food with salt. They may also have used the ore for mummification and other religious ceremonies. Ownership and management of the individual salt pans was given to the families living in the nearby community of Maras. The same process of salt extraction used by these families during Inca times has been passed down from generation to generation and is still practiced today.

But where does the salt from Maras come from?

The salt comes from a subway flow of salt water that bubbles up from the source on the Qoripujio mountain near an upper section of the valley. Therefore, an intricate network of narrow channels was built to direct the flow of this salt water to each pond. When the water evaporates, the remaining crystallized salt is carefully removed with shovels and wooden rakes.

Maras Salt Mines Health Benefits

Many experts recommend Maras pink salt for people suffering from hypertension because it has low levels of sodium chloride. Maras salt also contains calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium, making it a perfect medicinal option for skin conditions and to treat swelling.

For these effects to occur, it is important that you season your meals with Maras salt after you have finished cooking. This is because it loses its medicinal properties at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

The salt collected can be bought on site very cheaply. Once it is packaged and sold in the supermarkets, prices tend to triple.

The salt ponds of Maras are becoming a popular tourist attraction in Cusco because of their amazing landscape and historical value. By visiting Maras, you will also be contributing to the farming community who will gratefully show you the traditions they inherited from their ancestors.

How to get to Maras?
To visit the salt mines of Maras you must travel to Cusco. From Lima to Cusco, the bus ride takes about 21 hours and tickets cost approximately 80 to 100 soles.

The town of Maras is located on a high plateau northwest of Cusco, 60 km away. To get there, you must take the detour along the two-lane road that connects Cusco and the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. On the way you will see a green landscape of agricultural fields and snowy peaks in the distance. Halfway between the salt mines, in a rural region far from the main road, is the small town of Maras.

To visit the salt mines of Maras, you must pay a fee of 5 soles to the local community. This way you can walk the narrow trails that cross the hillside to observe this man-made wonder up close. The best way to appreciate this site to the fullest is to hire the services of a tourist guide who will explain the salt making process and answer your questions.

Also, to access the salt mines of Maras, you can take a full day tour to the Sacred Valley. It often includes a visit to Moray, an amazing Inca agricultural laboratory; Ollantaytambo, the stronghold where a bloody battle was fought against the Spanish; and Chinchero, a city of expert weavers. You can book your visit to the Sacred Valley at agencies located near the center of Cusco. The most economical tours cost between 60 and 70 soles per person and include a guide and transportation.

When is the best time to visit the salt mines?

The high season of the region is during the dry season (April to October), when sunny blue skies are the norm. This is a very pleasant time to go on a bicycle or horseback tour. The dry season is a good time to visit the pools because the constant sunlight (which evaporates the water and therefore produces more salt) increases the likelihood that the locals will tend to their salt pans.

On the other hand, the rainy season (November to March) is a beautiful time to visit the Sacred Valley. During these dates, the landscape, including the grass-covered terraces of Moray, presents a bright and colorful green shade.

Other tourist attractions

The city of Maras

Located 4 km from the salt mines, it is also worth visiting. This city was founded in 1556 by the Spanish who also made great use of the ponds. It has a baroque church from the 17th century. Its houses have preserved the stone portals and lintels characteristic of the colony

Moray Archaeological Site

Moray’s concentric terraces were probably used as a crop research center. Local farmers used them for agricultural purposes until well into the 20th century. Today, it exists as an archaeological site thanks to the visit of many travelers. They are visited together with Maras.

Built in a natural concave formation, the circular terraces are unlike any other agricultural site in the Sacred Valley. Their enigmatic shape seems almost otherworldly.

The panoramic view over the largest set of terraces descends 150 meters to its circular bottom and visitors look like ants down below.

Activities to do in the surroundings

Mountain biking

The trails that cross the Sacred Valley are the dream of any outdoor lover. One of the most exciting routes is that of Maras and Moray. Mountain biking is a great activity for all ages. It is advisable to practice it in good physical condition.

Horseback riding

If you like horses, you will love a horse ride in Maras, Moray and other outstanding places in the surroundings. It is an easy trail so that riders with little or no experience will not have to worry. There are tours starting from the Andean community of Picsuyo, in the Sacred Valley. Some agencies can take you from your hotel. There you will meet your horse and start the 1 hour climb to the highest point of the route. You will enjoy the views of snowy peaks as you ride along the mountain plateau towards Maras.

Salt Spa Treatments

Taking a sightseeing tour is not the only way to enjoy the Maras salt pans. There is a spa that includes an exfoliation with the Maras salt. Visit the Aranwa Sacred Valley Spa and Wellness Center, one of the most recommended hotels in the area.

The hill of colors or Vinicunca is one of the mountains in the Vilcanota range and from this place you can see the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Visitors are attracted to this place by the very colorful natural landscape due to the presence of stones and minerals sedimented by wind and water erosion. Below we provide you with some useful information about the things you should carry in your backpack and just enjoy this impressive attraction.

What you should take to enjoy the adventure to the fullest

The first thing to keep in mind is that the Seven Colors Mountain tour is only one day long and therefore it is NOT necessary to carry too many belongings and/or too much luggage since backpacks or large luggage stays at your hotel.

Bring a daypack with the following items:

Warm clothes: The tour to the Colors Mountain is NOT so cold; especially if we are on a sunny day; however, remember that the cold is felt at the top of the mountain and for that, you should bring: a light but warm jacket, a sweater or sweatshirt, a scarf, a cap and the wool gloves that will help protect you when you are taking your best pictures or simply enjoying the landscape of the Vinicunca Mountain.

• Food: bring mineral water to stay hydrated, some snacks such as nuts, chocolates, sweets, cookies, etc. These will help you recover the energy that the walk demands.
• Other personal items: rain poncho, sunglasses or sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking shoes, additional shoes, and/or sandals to rest your feet on the bus.
• Money: Don’t forget to bring some extra money in soles for your personal expenses of snacks, mineral water, soda or sodas, horse service, and tips.

IMPORTANT: Remember that many of these products are also available on site, so if you prefer to support the locals, you can purchase them from them on-site and avoid carrying them from Cusco.

Get ready for the rainy season!

For the rainy season: November, December, January, February and March it is recommended to include an additional pair of sneakers, shoes or sandals to the ones you will use for the hike; these can be left in the transportation vehicle (Van, Bus or Car), until your return after the wet hike; also bring an additional sweater, sweatshirt or polo shirt to avoid the possibility of catching a cold or similar.

Although there are two times of the year that are the most recommended to visit Machu Picchu, every month has its pros and cons. In this article we will review in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each period based on climate and influx of tourists, and then tell you what in our opinion is the best period to visit the citadel.

Machu Picchu is located between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle, having a warm and temperate climate. In the citadel you will never be too cold or too hot, with an average minimum temperature of 12 °C and an average maximum temperature of 24 °C. As it is a subtropical zone, every day of the year there is the possibility of rain, however, from April to September is the dry season and from October to March is the rainy season. Generally, the dry season is the preferred time of year. Below we group 5 periods of the year with their own statistics related to the amount of rain, temperature and number of tourists (the latter based on 2016 data obtained from the INEI).

Machu Picchu in January, February and March

If you don’t mind the rain and prefer to tour the citadel without encountering too many tourists, these three months could work for you. Even though it is cloudy most of the time, during these months there is not much fog so visibility is good. As it is the low season, prices of accommodation and tours can be much cheaper than in other months. Please note that if you want to do the Inca Trail, it is not available during February due to maintenance.

• Season: Low
• Average number of tourists per month: 97 thousand
• Rainy days per month: 20 days on average
• Amount of water fall per month: 150mm on average
• Maximum temperature: 20ºC
• Minimum temperature: 8ºC

Machu Picchu in April and May

Notoriously less humid, visiting Machu Picchu in April and May are the best months to get to know the citadel. During April the number of tourists begins to increase, but it is already in May when it increases considerably, since it coincides with the beginning of the vacations in the northern hemisphere. The rains are more frequent in April (9 days on average per month versus 3 days on average during May), but if you don’t mind the rain and are bothered by the lines of tourists, it is recommended that you go to Machu Picchu closer to April than to May.

• Season: High
• Average number of tourists per day: 103 thousand
• Rainy days per month: 6 days on average
• Amount of water fall per month: 25mm on average
• Maximum temperature: 21ºC
• Minimum temperature: 5ºC

Machu Picchu in June, July and August

The driest months of the year. The weather in Machu Picchu during this period presents sunny days during the day and an important cold in the morning. Due to the fact that it is high season, the prices of lodging are the highest during the year and services such as the Inca Trail or train tickets are sold out well in advance and we recommend booking them before arriving in Cusco.

• Season: High
• Average number of tourists per day: 132 thousand
• Rainy days per month: 3 days on average
• Amount of water fall per month: 12mm on average
• Maximum temperature: 20ºC
• Minimum temperature: 2ºC

Machu Picchu in September and October

As in April and May, September and October have some important differences. Although the number of tourists remains very high in both months, September is considerably drier than October, when the transition to the rainy season is most noticeable. Around the end of October the high season begins to decline, as do the costs of various services.

• Season: High
• Average number of tourists per day: 134 thousand
• Rainy days per month: 9 days on average
• Amount of water fall per month: 31mm on average
• Maximum temperature: 21.5ºC
• Minimum temperature: 6ºC

Machu Picchu in November and December

These are the months with the least saturation of visitors. The rains are already beginning to be felt quite intensely and the tourist services are beginning to have more offers. These are the best months for those who wish to tour Machu Picchu with the least amount of tourists possible and who do not mind the constant rain.

• Season: Low
• Average number of tourists per day: 92 thousand
• Rainy days per month: 17 days on average
• Amount of water fall per month: 94mm on average
• Maximum temperature: 21.5ºC
• Minimum temperature: 7.5ºC

The best time to visit Machu Picchu

In our opinion, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is in late April/early May and late September/early October. During these dates the number of tourists is lower in the citadel and the trails, and the weather conditions present mostly rain-free days. In Denomades we have several tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu, among which is a tour that includes the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days, as well as a Full Day Machu Picchu.

SAN PEDRO MARKET

The San Pedro Market is the place chosen by locals and tourists to buy vegetables, fruits and all kinds of food in the city of Cusco.
Originally the San Pedro Market was exclusive for the sale of food and raw materials, due to the growth of tourism today you can find apart from organic products such as fruits, vegetables, coca leaves, delicious country cheeses and the unforgettable chuta bread; clothing, jewelry, crafts, textiles, handmade musical instruments and much more.

Even though the inhabitants of Cusco are the ones who attend the most, we recommend travelers to visit the San Pedro Market, to approach and learn about the culture of Cusco.
There they will be able to taste delicious natural juices elaborated in the moment and with mixtures of fruits that depending on the origin of the visitor can be exotic and unknown. The fruits most consumed are strawberry, kiwi, mango, custard apple, lapapaya, lucuma and custard apple.

All this makes the San Pedro Market an ideal place for tourists to eat a variety of regional foods at a lower cost.

Schedule: Monday to Saturday from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm. Sundays until noon.

History:

Until the beginning of the 20th century and from the colony the merchants who later would occupy the new market of San Pedro of Cusco were located in the esplanade of what today is the small square of San Francisco and the same square of arms of Cusco, in this time, the space that today occupies the present market in mention was occupied by an old slaughterhouse and orchards belonging to the Beaterio of Santa Clara.

In 1925 it is founded and built during the period of Mayor Manuel Silvestre and Frisancho, the current Market of San Pedro, thus constituting the oldest in the city, this was built by the same architect who built the famous Eiffel Tower in the city of Paris, Gustave Eiffel.

In 1950 the market was expanded due to the population growth of the place, finally achieving the structure that we can appreciate until today.

Architecture:

Its architecture is simple and functional and is classified as neo-classical; To overcome the problem of the unevenness, due to the slope has leveled the ground with a lower structure that houses the public bathrooms and some stores, has been provided with a total of 7 entries that give access to a large rectangular space surrounded by cement structure and metal bars that give enough light to the place, inside have been distributed the full variety of stores under a high roof of metal structure that has three levels, these are supported by pillars of simple finish, which gives it a very wide and ventilation necessary.

Experience

The central market of San Pedro was and is to this day the most important supply center of the city of Cusco, even today with the aim of finding some products that do not exist or are difficult to get in the other markets, people from all over the valley necessarily come to this place, just imagine all that you will see, we tell you a little of what you can find:

Craftsmanship:

The growing flow of tourism has made many of the traders change their line of business and start selling handicrafts. Some tourists call it the San Pedro handicraft market and in fact you can get a great variety of handicrafts at the best prices, so the place is flooded with a variety of languages ranging from native Quechua to English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish that are negotiating smiles and incomparable memories.

Varied food and stews:

There are important sections of food, potajes of the most diverse that satisfy the demanding palates Cusqueños, among them they emphasize the diverse broths of lamb, the guinea pig to the furnace, the calls extras that are delicious and gigantic plates apparently of many visitors, the famous rice with egg in their different varieties, finally deserve special mention also the section of fresh fruit juices of the most varied, and the classic breakfasts cusqueños that are accompanied of fresh milk, the best chocolate, the gigantic bread chuta, and the unavoidable tea of coca.

Keep in mind the type of diet you are used to if you want to venture into the delights we have just described.

Millenarian herbalist:

You will surely find stalls selling all kinds of herbs, where connoisseurs turn to traditional medicine to cure their ills and ailments by resorting to ancestral knowledge in the use of traditional medicine.

The magical Sacred Valley of the Incas, located 15 kilometers from Cusco, is one of the most impressive places to visit in Peru. In this valley of the Andes that is crossed by several rivers, you will find archaeological sites of the ancient Incas, indigenous and colonial peoples and landscapes that will leave you speechless.

This valley was very appreciated by the Incas for its good conditions for agriculture in which taking advantage of the geography, they created a system of terraces to grow their so precious corn.

Among the essential places to see in the Sacred Valley are

• Pisac: The impressive Inca ruins located on a hill, the cultivation terraces and the handicraft market, are enough reasons to visit Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo: This is one of the masterpieces of Inca architecture in which an enormous complex of several floors built on two mountains that had defensive, religious and administrative functions stands out.
• Moray: In this place you can see perfect circular terraces that would have been used by the Incas to experiment with different crops.
• Maras Salt Mines: Thousands of small pools full of water form this ancient salt mine that will leave you a postcard image in your retina.
• Chinchero: This indigenous village is one of the most beautiful in the Sacred Valley. Don’t miss the plaza that sits on top of what was once an Inca palace and the stalls to buy handicrafts that are set up in the surrounding area.
• All these places can be visited with day trips from Cusco being the two most common ones the trip to Pisac and Ollantaytambo and the one that goes through the Salt mines of Maras and
• Moray. In both of them you will have a guide in Spanish and will be picked up from your hotel.
  Another option is to use the combi for the longer trips and to get to the entrance of the deposits take a cab.
  To save money, we recommend booking the specific tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley area.

This list of the best places to visit in Cusco will help you prepare a route through one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Latin America, which we are sure will not disappoint you.
Located on a slope of the Andes, Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities in the Spanish colonial era. Declared a World Heritage Site, it still preserves the remains of Inca temples and constructions in the foundations of numerous colonial buildings where this mixture of two cultures can be observed while walking through its streets and cobblestone squares, visiting the most important temples and churches as well as when you taste its delicious cuisine accompanied by a pisco sour.In addition the city is perfect as a base to visit some of the

great jewels of Peru like the Sacred Valley, the Mountain of the 7 colors and the Machu Picchu.

Based on the experience of the days we spent in the city during our trip to Peru on our own, we have made this list of what we believe are the 10 must-see places in Cusco. Let’s get started!

1. Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the historical center and one of the most important places to visit in Cusco. Formerly this square was a swamp that the Incas dried up to make it the administration center of the entire Empire but with the arrival of the Spanish numerous buildings and churches were built around the square, on top of the Inca temples and palaces.
Nowadays the square is full of tourist restaurants and big chains like McDonald’s or Starbucks, travel agencies and souvenir stores, which for us have taken away a little bit of the charm of past times, although it is still a must in the city.

Two of the most interesting places you can visit in the square are the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Company of Jesus. The Cathedral with a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Plateresque styles has several wonders inside such as the chapels, the main altar and the sacristy.

Next to the Cathedral, you can find the Church of the Company of Jesus, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Peru. Besides observing its impressive facade, it is worth entering to see the main altar, the 4 cedar altars and the golden pulpit.

An interesting option to learn about the history of the city and not miss anything is to book this private tour with an English speaking guide or this free tour of Cusco, considered one of the best free tours in Cusco.

Schedule of the Cathedral: every day from 10am to 6pm

Church visiting hours: every day from 8h to 11h and from 13h to 17h

2. San Blas Neighborhood

San Blas, located in the historic center, is the most beautiful and charming neighborhood to see in Cusco. Strolling through the narrow, steep cobblestone streets, seeing the old colonial houses or looking for some original souvenirs in one of the stores and craft workshops are some of the best things to do in Cusco.

Among its most interesting places is the Church of San Blas, the oldest in the city built on top of an Inca temple, which is worth entering to see its fantastic carved wooden pulpit.

3. Qorikancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

Qorikancha was a temple built by the Incas dedicated to the Sun God that with the passage of time was expanded and embellished to become the most important place of worship of the Inca Empire. One of the most outstanding elements that are preserved from the temple are the great blocks of solid rock that were joined without any type of mortar, until forming great walls. These walls, covered with gold sheets, delimited various temples within Qorikancha, such as the Sun, Moon and Star temples.

4. Sacsayhuamán, one of the places to visit in Cusco

Located about 40 minutes walk north of the historic center, are the ruins of the fortress Sacsayhuaman, another place to visit in Cusco essential. This complex was started in the 15th century by order of Pachacutec, one of the most important Incas that the Empire had. And even though only a part of the ancient Sacsayhuamán remains today, you can still see the incredible walls of large stone blocks forming 3 superimposed platforms.

5. Loreto Street and the Stone of the 12 angles

Loreto Street, located in the historical center, is the most interesting street in the city as the contrast between the Inca and colonial buildings can be seen more clearly. The Inca walls located in the lower part of the Spanish buildings are an authentic work of art where the large blocks of stone fit perfectly as in a puzzle.

The most famous point of the Inca walls and located among the places to see in Cusco essential, is located a few meters from the Calle Loreto, on the street Hatun Rumiyoc, where is the Stone of the 12 angles, famous for its great finish and bordered by its twelve angles.

6. San Pedro Market

Another place to see in Cuzco is the Mercado de San Pedro, the oldest and best known market in the city. This market also called the Central Market, was built by the famous Gustav Eiffel, author of the Eiffel Tower and inside you can see stalls of all kinds of typical products of Peru such as passion fruit, pineapple, corn, cassava, Andean potatoes and other more common in all markets.
It is also a good place to buy handicrafts and try typical local dishes in one of the food stalls.

A good way to tour this market and try some of the Peruvian delicacies with the recommendations of an expert is to book this gastronomic tour with a Spanish speaking guide.

Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. On Sundays it closes at noon.

7. Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenqo and the White Christ

In addition to Sacsayhuaman, there are three other Inca archaeological sites that deserve to be among the must-see places in Cusco. The first is Tambomachay, dedicated to the cult of water and located 8 kilometers from Cusco in which a beautiful natural environment stands out where there was an Inca hydraulic system formed by fountains, channels and aqueducts.
At 5 minutes walking from Tambomachay is Pukapukara, known as the Red Fortress. In these ruins you can appreciate the different rooms and walls of the old fortress, which could be used as a hunting shelter, a guard post or a stop for the royal entourage.

Following the highway towards Sacsayhuamán, you will arrive, in one hour walking, at Qenqo, a religious complex where you can see the remains of various Inca constructions such as an amphitheater, two columns with astronomical functions, a channel and a subway room.

Qenqo is located one kilometer from Sacsayhuaman and also very close to the White Christ, an 8 meter statue from which you can take the road down to the city, with fantastic views of the city of Cusco.

To save money we advise you to book the specific tourist ticket for the area of Cusco that includes all these ruins and the tourist attractions of the city.

Keep in mind that although it is advisable to take this tour on foot through the landscapes, you can take a combi that brings you closer to this site.

8. The Sacred Valley

The magical Sacred Valley of the Incas, located 15 kilometers from Cusco, is one of the most impressive places to visit in Peru. In this valley of the Andes that is crossed by several rivers, you will find archaeological sites of the ancient Incas, indigenous and colonial peoples and landscapes that will leave you speechless.
This valley was very appreciated by the Incas for its good conditions for agriculture in which taking advantage of the geography, they created a system of terraces to grow their so precious corn.

9. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, located a little more than 100 kilometers from Cusco, is considered one of the seven wonders of the world as well as one of the most important places to visit in Cusco.

This ancient Inca city, which remained hidden among the mountains and vegetation until it was discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, stands out for its 15th century ruins such as the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Condor and the Hall of the Three Windows.

10. The Rainbow Mountain

Another of the best excursions and places to visit in Cusco is the Rainbow Mountain also called the Mountain of the Seven Colors. Located at more than 5000 meters high in the Andes, it presents one of the most incredible geological phenomena of the earth, which has made it one of the best known places in the area in a few years.

This explosion of colors is the product of the combination of different minerals that give the sensation that a rainbow fell from the sky onto the mountain, when viewed from afar. Keep in mind that the best time to see the colors clearly is in July and August, the dry season.

The best and most comfortable way to get to Rainbow Mountain is to book this tour from Cusco with an English speaking guide or this 4 day tour that includes Machu Picchu, both of which will take you to one of the most impressive places to visit in Cusco.

Did you know that one of the most beautiful Inca archaeological centers is located only 37 minutes from the city of Cusco? Tipon is an archaeological park where water was worshipped. It contains enclosures, terraces, terraces, irrigation works and more. You can visit this site through the ‘South Valley Tour’ or on your own.

What is it?

Tipón was an Inca citadel and enclosure destined to the cult of water.
Terraces, platforms, stone and adobe rooms and majestically worked water pipes were built there.
Due to the perfection with which the Incas conducted the water in Tipon; this site is considered ‘Wonder of Civil Engineering’.
Among its structures, its altar to the sun (Intihuatana), the wall that protected the site and the Cruzmoqo viewpoint stand out, from where the city of Cuzco and its royal sites can be seen.

Where is it located?

Tipón is the first tourist destination in the South Valley of Cusco. It is located in the community of Choquepata, in the district of Oropesa, province of Quispicanchi; only 23 kilometers southeast of the Imperial City.

By the paved road Cusco-Oropesa can be reached in just 37 minutes with any car. The altitude is 3316 meters above sea level. In the highest area of the compound, the altitude can reach 3850 meters.

Why visit Tipon?

The Archaeological Park of Tipon has 240 hectares. It is part of the Qhapac Ñan route (network of Inca roads).It is attractive for the visitor because it is composed by thirteen terraces built in the

masonry or Inca style.

Among its greatest attractions are its royal enclosures, the Intiwatana (altar of the sun), the mirador or Cruzmoqo (summit where there is a cross), the smaller enclosures and the wall.
According to chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, it was built by Inca Huiracocha as the residence of his father Huaqaj, after he was overthrown for escaping from a Chanca rebellion.

History

Like many important Inca sites, Tipón was inhabited by human groups and cultures that were predecessors of the Incas, such as the Ayamarcas and the Waris.
The chronicles indicate that Tipon was the place of residence of the ruler Yahuar Huacac. His son and successor on the throne Huiracocha was the one who built the main channels and walls of the enclosure during the 15th century.

During the Spanish invasion in the 16th century, Tipón’s buildings were not destroyed so it currently retains much of its original appearance.
After more than 600 years, Tipón’s canals are still flowing water in a precise and constant manner. Because of this the North American engineer Kenneth Wright called it “the wonder of civil engineering”.

Currently, Tipon is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Cusco. It is part of the so-called ‘South Valley’ tour which also includes Piquillacta and the church of Andahuaylillas.

What to see?

The royal enclosures – These are the most important constructions of the enclosure. It is presumed that it was the enclosure that Huiracocha ordered to be built for his father. It has water gutters, fountains and gardens.

The platforms and canals – The whole archaeological site is a sample of the improvement of the Incas in hydraulic works. The different ecological floors of the platforms would have served as an agricultural experimentation center. The site is in good condition despite the passage of time.

Questions and Answers

a) When is the best time to visit Tipón?

Any time is ideal to visit Tipón. Due to the pleasant climate and the lower probability of rain, the dry season (April to October) is perfect for the tour.

b) Can I hire a tour guide in Tipon?

The tours to the South Valley include the guided service in Tipon. If you wish to visit this archaeological site on your own, there are tour guides at the entrance door offering their services.

c) Is it allowed to buy the entrance ticket to Tipón at the entrance gate?

The entrance to the Tipon archaeological site is included in the tours to the South Valley of Cusco. However, it is also possible to buy the entrance ticket at the door of the site.

d) Is there a small zoo near Tipon?

A few meters from the Tipon archaeological site there is a small zoo. The entrance ticket is sold at the door of the establishment at only 10 Peruvian soles (3 US dollars).

e) How much is the entrance fee to Tipon?

The entrance to Tipon is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. If you wish to visit on your own, the price of the adult ticket is 20 soles (6U$D).

What to take on a tour to the Mountain of 7 Colors?

The climate at the Mountain of 7 Colors is cold. Temperatures can reach 0℃ at night. During the day, the sun can wear out the visitor. At the top of the summit, the wind is strong.

It is recommended to take:

Sun block.
Poncho in case of rain.
Cap, hat, gloves, sunglasses.
Water bottle.
Windbreaker, trekking pants.
Ideal shoes for trekking.
Snacks, camera, documents, extra money.
Recommendations to buy a ticket to the 7 Colors Mountain
If you plan to buy the ticket on your own at Cerro Colorado, start the trip very early in the city of Cusco (3 or 4 a.m.).
If you plan to visit the Mountain of the 7 Colors with a tour, verify that you have the services you want: food, entrance fees, bilingual guide, horseback riding, etc.
The services on horseback to ascend the Mountain of 7 Colors have an average cost of 100 S/. per person. The payment is to the villagers who offer this service in the place.
Check the weather at the Mountain of 7 Colors before starting the trip either on your own or with a tour.

What to do in the Mountain of 7 Colors?

The Mountain of 7 Colors offers one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. These are some of the things to do in this magical place:

Enjoy the characteristic fauna of the high Andean landscapes such as llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, vizcachas, condors and more.
Live one of the most memorable extreme adventures. Cerro Colorado is above 5,000 meters above sea level.
Learn about the lifestyle of the communities that live in the most extreme places in the Peruvian Andes.
Take a picture at Vinincunca, one of the 100 places you should visit before you die according to National Geographic.

Practical tips to get to Machu Picchu in Peru

TIPS TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU

1. PLANNING THE TRIP TO MACHU PICCHU

The first advice to travel to Machu Picchu, to begin with is to plan in which season you will visit Cusco and Machupicchu, in this region of Peru there are 2 very marked times of the year: Rainy season (November to March) and dry season (April to October). The influx of visitors in the dry season is much more than in the rainy season.
Machupicchu is a very popular destination for people from all over the world. About 4000 people visit the sanctuary every day.

You should buy your entrance tickets for Machupicchu, Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu months in advance, as these tend to run out quickly, especially those on the Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu . To be sure you should buy them at least 6 months in advance.
Above all remember to carry your valid passport or identity card.

2. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the dry season between April and October, because the days are hotter and the nights are somewhat cold. You can visit Machupicchu by trekking (Inca Trail, Salkantay, etc), and you can also enjoy 100% of the wonders that this beautiful land has to offer. This is the season with more affluence of visitors.

Between November and March is the rainy season, the climate becomes temperate and the rains are abundant especially in the month of February. If you are scheduled to travel in this season. To visit Machupicchu the traditional programs are the most recommended, because you will enjoy the greenness of the inter-Andean landscapes typical of this season. But because it is the season with the least amount of visitors, you will have more space to enjoy this beautiful land.

3. TICKETS FOR MACHU PICCHU

HOW TO BUY THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET
There are 3 types of tickets: Machu Picchu Solo, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu + Mountain, luckily each of them has different schedules available. The entrance to the sanctuary has limited availability of 800 tickets per shift.

BY INTERNET: To enter the Web Tickets MachuPicchu, in the section of availability it will have to choose one of the 3 types of ticket, the wished schedule and to verify availability. Once verified, you must fill out a form with all your data. After completing the form you will have the option to pay in person at the bank of the nation of Peru or by credit or debit card. Follow the process according to the chosen method of payment. Once the payment is made within 24 to 48 hours, you will receive by e-mail your ticket, which you will have to present the day of your visit to MachuPicchu. Finally you must send your identity card, passport or valid University ID to the Boleto Machu Picchu mailbox.

PRESENTIALLY IN CUSCO: You must go to the offices of the Ministry of Culture in Cusco, with your passport plus your valid university card in case you are a student to obtain a discount. Either in cash or with a credit or debit card. We suggest you take some time to wait in line, especially in high season, because you run the risk of not finding tickets available for entry to Machu Picchu.

BY A TRAVEL AGENT: You must send to your travel agent by email a copy of your passport or identity card and also the university card in case of student for a discount, your agent will take care of the purchase and choose the best schedule for your visit.

the Regional Direction of Culture of Cusco administers the sale of entrance tickets.

4. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MACHU PICCHU?

The most important thing is to bring your passport or valid identity card that contains the same number with which you made the reservation.
Extra emergency money: in Aguas Calientes there are exchange offices and banks so you can also use credit and debit cards.
Personal medication (asthma inhalers, diabetes medication, etc.), and it will also be helpful to bring basic medication for altitude sickness and some antibiotics.
Water bottle.
Snacks.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Zippered plastic bags.
Regarding clothing, it will depend on the time of year you visit:

Trekking shoes, especially if you plan to visit any of the mountains of Machu Picchu.
Medium backpack
Bathing clothes (in case you are going to visit the hot springs).
In dry season: The days are hot.

Sunglasses.
Hat or cap.
Solar protector.
Long sleeve cotton polo shirts.
Light pants or shorts (In Machu Picchu there are many mosquitoes, if you are going to go in shorts or in a skirt it will be very necessary to take repellent)
Warm clothes: The nights are somewhat cold.
In the rainy season:

6. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In Cusco it is known as soroche, because of the altitude at which Cusco is located, it is a recurrent problem among visitors in different degrees.
At over 2400 m.a.s.l., the air is thinner, that is, there is less pressure, so when we breathe, we inhale less oxygen than we are used to. The body counteracts this in order to obtain more oxygen than usual, usually manifested by various symptoms. Regardless of your place of origin, it is possible that you can get sick from altitude sickness.

The most common symptoms are: dizziness, daze, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, headache, difficult breathing and diarrhea.

Keep these recommendations in mind:

Keep calm.
Breathe deeply.
Avoid alcohol.
Drink plenty of water.
Drink Sorojchi Pills. You can buy it without a prescription.
Take chlorophyll drops.
Drink mate de coca.
If your symptoms are critical go to the medical center.

7. HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING TO VISIT MACHUPICCHU?

In general the amount of money you should take on your visit to MachuPicchu varies according to your preferences. In MachuPicchu town there are restaurants and lodgings of different prices and standards, due to the costs you should take between 200 USD to 300 USD.
The expenses that you will have there will be: lodging, food and recurrent expenses like drinks, snacks. Also the entrance to the hot springs if you want to visit them.
The most used currencies are the American dollar and above all the Peruvian sun. Being a tourist area despite being a very small town, Aguas Calientes has exchange houses and banks.

8. WHAT ARE THE ENTRANCE HOURS TO MACHUPICCHU?

Since 2019, the schedules for entering Machu Picchu have changed with respect to other years. In short, you are only allowed to enter Machu Picchu once, there is no re-entry.
There are 3 types of entry to MachuPicchu and their respective schedules:

a) Machu Picchu Solo: Any of these schedules allows you to stay in the citadel up to 4 hours after entry:
– 06:00 am
– 07:00 am
– 08:00 am
– 09:00 a.m.
– 10:00 am
– 11:00 am
– 12:00 pm
– 01:00 pm
– 02:00 p.m.
b)Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: Allows you to stay in the citadel and the mountain 6 hours after entrance.
– 06:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 07:00
– 07:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 07:00
– 08:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 10:30
c)Machu Picchu + Mountain: It allows to stay in the citadel and the mountain 6 hours after the entrance.
– 06:00 am Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain 07:00
– 07:00 am Entrance to Mountain Machu Picchu 07:00
– 08:00 am Mountain entrance to Machu Picchu 09:00

9. WHERE CAN YOU STAY OVERNIGHT?

Aguas Calientes (MachuPicchu town) is one of the most touristic towns of the Sacred Valley, as a consequence there are many hotels with a variety of styles, prices and categories. There is also a Municipal Campsite if you like to be surrounded by nature.
Due to the enormous amount of visitors, these tend to be unavailable, which is why it is advisable to book a few months in advance.
You can book through a travel agent or directly with the hotels.