Choses à faire à  Cusco

Cusco is known as the longest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and as the former capital of the Inca Empire. The city is a blend of Inca ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, and the entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also a jumping-off point for Machu Picchu.

Aim to spend two or three days in Cusco before exploring more of the Sacred Valley. If you fly in, you’ll need time to adjust to the altitude. You’ll also want to explore attractions including the Cathedral and Coricancha in the historic center and ruins of Sacsayhuaman on the outskirts.

Yes. Machu Picchu is near Cusco, but it will take you around five hours to get there. The easiest way is to take a bus or shuttle to the Poroy train station, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, it is a short bus journey to Machu Picchu.

Yes. Although Cusco is a sprawling city, most of the attractions of interest to travelers are within walking distance. You’ll likely want to spend most of your time in the walkable historic center. For attractions such as Sacsayhuaman, you can take a quick ride on a bus.

Visitors to Cusco should stroll around the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and peek into the Cathedral to see its vast art collection. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo de Arte Precolombino) is another must-visit, as is the sacred Inca-built temple of Qorikancha (Coricancha).

One day in Cusco gives you enough time to wander around the Plaza de Armas; visit Cusco Cathedral and Corichancha; and shop for souvenirs at San Pedro Market. You can also see the ruins of Sacsayhuaman just outside the city and enjoy an Andean-style dinner at a local restaurant.