The city, with your own guide
Your guide will help you connect the history of Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha and the Plaza de Armas, with the route and walking discussed during planning.
Cusco
Cusco deserves time beyond the journey to Machu Picchu. Explore its Inca stonework and historic center with a private guide, then spend time in San Blas, the markets and the restaurants that interest you. We’ll help you decide how the city fits into your trip.
Plan your journeyWhat to see
Your guide will help you connect the history of Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha and the Plaza de Armas, with the route and walking discussed during planning.
Leave time to browse workshops, stop for coffee and explore the streets around San Blas. A free afternoon can be as worthwhile as another scheduled visit.
Tell us about your food interests and we’ll recommend market visits, restaurants or an additional experience that suits your plans. Any extra guided activity is confirmed and priced separately.
Where we stay
Inkaterra La Casona is a favorite for its small scale and setting on Plaza Nazarenas; with only 11 suites, early planning matters. We can also discuss Belmond and JW Marriott properties, depending on the experience, room type and dates you have in mind.
Price on request
Explore Belmond Monasterio, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. We’ll explain the options and prices.
Best time to visit
May is our preferred starting point for planning a journey through the region. The Andean dry-season pattern generally falls between April and October, with cool evenings even when afternoons feel warm. Pack layers and leave room for weather changes.
Peru’s official tourism information.
Read our guide to timing your visitFor altitude preparation and warning signs, read Altitude in Cusco: how to prepare. CDC Yellow Book.
A few useful answers
It depends on your plans. Essential Peru includes one night in Cusco; Signature Peru two nights with a free day; Peru in Depth three nights with two free days. We’ll recommend the right number for the time you have.
On our featured itineraries we usually transfer to the Sacred Valley first and return to Cusco later. That gives a gentler start but does not remove the risk of altitude illness. Read our altitude guide and get individual advice from a travel clinician.
Yes. Essential Peru, Signature Peru and Peru in Depth include a private Cusco tour of Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha and the Plaza de Armas. We arrange the tour around your train arrival. If you add the Hiram Bingham, we adjust the timing to preserve the experience.
Journeys that bring you here
5 days / 4 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Peru’s essentials in five days: begin in the Sacred Valley, spend two nights beside Machu Picchu and finish with a night in Cusco. A focused private journey for travelers with four nights to spend.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $3,295 pp
Explore this journey
7 days / 6 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Our complete introduction to Peru: two nights in the Sacred Valley, two beside Machu Picchu and two in Cusco. Private cultural visits, Inkaterra throughout and an open day to make the city your own.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $4,395 pp
Explore this journey
9 days / 8 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Nine days to explore more deeply: three nights in the Sacred Valley, two beside Machu Picchu and three in Cusco. A slower valley stay, private cultural visits and two open days in the city.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $5,295 pp
Explore this journey
10 days / 9 nights
Lima · Amazon · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
From the Amazon canopy to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Ten days with three nights at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, two nights beside Machu Picchu and a final stay at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $5,495 pp
Explore this journeyYour Peru, privately designed
How much time would you like in Cusco? We’ll help you plan the visits, hotel and time between them.