Cusco
"The Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire"
Private tours of Inca temples, colonial cloisters, and living highland culture - the heart of every great Peru journey.
Discover Cusco: Where the Inca Empire Meets Colonial Peru
Cusco is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world - a living UNESCO World Heritage Site at 3,400 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, where the precisely fitted stone walls of the Inca Empire form the foundations of Spanish colonial churches and mansions built by the conquistadors over them. For more than a century, Cusco was the capital of Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire - the largest empire in pre-Columbian America - and its streets, temples, and palaces still radiate the power and sophistication of that civilization.
Today, Cusco is Peru's most visited city and the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Inca Trail. But it is also a fully rewarding destination in its own right: a vibrant, sophisticated city of approximately 450,000 people with a booming culinary scene, world-class museums, extraordinary archaeological sites within walking distance of its center, and some of the finest boutique hotels in South America.
At Epic Andean, our private Cusco tours are designed to reveal the city's extraordinary layers: the Inca masonry beneath every colonial building, the living Q'ero and highland traditions still practiced in nearby communities, the surprisingly sophisticated restaurant scene, and the quiet streets of San Blas in the early morning before the city wakes. We design Cusco experiences that go far beyond the standard archaeological checklist.
Location
Elevation
Climate
Best Season
UNESCO
How to get
Gateway to
Airport
Neighborhood
Southern Andes · 1,100 km southeast of Lima
3,400 m above sea level - acclimatization required
Dry (May-Oct) sunny & cool · Wet (Nov-Apr) green & mild
May–Sep (dry season) · Jun–Jul: Inti Raymi festival
Historic Centre declared World Heritage Site in 1983
1.5h domestic flight from Lima · or 21h road from Lima
Machu Picchu · Sacred Valley · Inca Trail
Alejandro Velasco Astete · 20 min to Main Square
Historic Centre · San Blas · San Pedro Market
Top Attractions in Cusco
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Perched on the hills above Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is one of the most impressive Inca military and ceremonial complexes in Peru. Its massive limestone and andesite blocks - some weighing over 100 tons - were assembled with extraordinary precision without mortar, using a fitting technique so perfect that a sheet of paper cannot be inserted between the stones. A private guided visit at sunrise, before the crowds arrive, offers the full dramatic impact of this engineering marvel alongside panoramic views across Cusco.
Qorikancha - Temple of the Sun
Once the most sacred site in the Inca Empire, Qorikancha was dedicated to Inti, the sun god, and its walls were reportedly covered in gold sheeting. The Spanish dismantled the gold lining and built the Convent of Santo Domingo directly over and around the Inca structure - creating one of the most striking layered buildings in the Americas, where baroque colonial architecture rises directly from Inca stonework of extraordinary quality. A private guided visit reveals both layers in depth.
Plaza de Armas & the Historic Centre
Cusco's main square is one of the most architecturally harmonious in South America - flanked by the Cathedral (built 1560–1654 using stones from Sacsayhuaman), the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, and colonial arcades housing restaurants and shops. Walking the streets of the historic centre with a knowledgeable guide reveals Inca foundations beneath virtually every colonial building and connects the city's layers into a coherent historical narrative.
San Blas Neighborhood & Artisan Quarter
The San Blas neighborhood is Cusco's artisan quarter - a maze of narrow cobblestone streets climbing the hillside above the Plaza de Armas, lined with workshops and galleries where local artists practice traditional Andean crafts: ceramics, woodcarving, silverwork, and textile weaving. San Blas is home to several of Cusco's finest boutique hotels and most creative restaurants. An early morning walk through San Blas before the day tour groups arrive reveals the neighborhood's authentic character.
Altitude Acclimatization in Cusco
At 3,400 meters above sea level, altitude acclimatization is an essential part of any Cusco visit. Most travelers experience some mild symptoms on arrival - headache, fatigue, breathlessness - which typically subside after 24–48 hours. Epic Andean designs all itineraries with acclimatization built in: we never schedule strenuous activities on the first day in Cusco, and we always recommend arriving from Lima (sea level) rather than directly from another high-altitude destination.
Our team provides a full acclimatization briefing to all clients before arrival in Cusco, covering hydration, diet, medication options (including acetazolamide and supplemental oxygen, both available through our partners), and local remedies including coca tea - a mild traditional beverage that has been used in the Andes for altitude symptoms for thousands of years.
Luxury Hotels in Cusco: Our Recommended Properties
Lima's luxury hotel scene is sophisticated and varied, with a strong concentration of exceptional properties in the Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro districts. Epic Andean partners with Lima's finest hotels, selecting properties based on location, service quality, culinary excellence, and the authentic character they bring to a Lima stay.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection
Palacio del Inka occupies a privileged location in the heart of Cusco, directly across from the Koricancha Temple, blending centuries of history with refined modern luxury. The hotel is celebrated for its exceptional service, its acclaimed Inti Raymi restaurant showcasing Andean flavors, and its immersive design that integrates Inca walls and colonial architecture. With its spa inspired by ancestral traditions and proximity to Cusco’s vibrant historic center, Palacio del Inka consistently ranks among Peru’s most iconic heritage hotels.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel occupies a restored 16th‑century colonial mansion just steps from the city’s main square, blending historic grandeur with refined modern comfort. The property is noted for its exceptional service, its elegant rooms adorned with colonial art and contemporary amenities, and its intimate atmosphere that immerses guests in Cusco’s cultural legacy. With its privileged location and curated details, Aranwa Cusco consistently ranks among Peru’s most distinctive heritage hotels.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Housed within a restored 16th‑century convent, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco blends historic grandeur with contemporary luxury in the heart of the city. The hotel is noted for its exceptional service, elegant rooms with oxygen enrichment systems, and its seamless integration of colonial architecture and modern design. Guests can savor refined Andean and international cuisine at Qespi Restaurant, relax in the spa inspired by ancestral traditions, and enjoy proximity to Cusco’s vibrant historic center.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Hotel Monasterio rises from the foundations of an ancient Inca palace, transformed into a 16th‑century seminary and today one of South America’s most celebrated heritage hotels. Its walls echo centuries of history, blending colonial architecture with refined modern comfort. Guests enjoy exceptional service, elegant rooms with unique character, and views over Cusco’s rooftops or serene courtyards. With its acclaimed dining, curated amenities, and cultural resonance, Hotel Monasterio offers more than lodging - it is a destination where luxury meets soul.
Private Journeys in Cusco
Discover Cusco with Epic Andean: An ancient Andean capital blending Inca heritage, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. From cobblestone streets and baroque churches to lively plazas and local markets, Cusco offers travelers a timeless immersion into Peru’s living history.
Desert & Andes Honeymoon Journey
Amazon & Andes Wellness Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cusco
Begin Your Private Luxury Journey Through Peru
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a remarkable city where ancient stone walls meet elegant colonial architecture. The city also serves as the gateway to extraordinary landscapes and archaeological sites across the Andes.
Our specialists will design a journey that reveals the cultural and historical richness of Cusco.