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Cusco Peru Travel Guide: Altitude Tips & Attractions 2025

Complete Cusco travel guide with altitude preparation tips. Learn about safe neighborhoods, attractions, Machu Picchu access, and helpful information.

Cusco was the old capital of the Inca Empire and is one of Peru's most important places to visit. It's located at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) high in the Andes mountains, and it's where you start your trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. This guide tells you about safe neighborhoods, how to prepare for the high altitude, top places to see, and helpful information for first-time visitors.

Important: How to Prepare for Cusco's High Altitude

Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Many visitors get altitude sickness (called soroche) with symptoms like headache, feeling sick, tired, and hard to breathe.

Rest when you arrive (don't do hard activities the first day)
Drink coca tea and drink lots of water
Don't drink alcohol or eat big meals at first
Think about altitude medicine (talk to a doctor first)
Take things slow and listen to how your body feels

CDC Travel Health: Peru | WHO: Altitude Sickness Info

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods to Stay in Cusco?

Historic Center: Best Area for First-Time Visitors

The historic center, around Plaza de Armas, is the safest and easiest area for tourists. This area has lots of restaurants, tour companies, and main attractions nearby. It has good security and the most tourist services.

Centered around Plaza de Armas
Lots of restaurants, cafes, and tour companies
Close to main attractions and churches
Safe to walk around during the day and evening
Most places to stay are here

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San Blas: Artistic Neighborhood with Great Views

San Blas is a quieter, creative neighborhood up the hill from the historic center. It has artisan shops, galleries, and a bohemian feeling. It's a bit harder to get to (you have to walk uphill), but it's a peaceful alternative to the busy center.

Quiet, creative atmosphere
Artisan shops and galleries
Great views of the city
Fewer tourists than the center
Steep walk from Plaza de Armas (remember the altitude makes it harder)

What Are the Top Attractions to Visit in Cusco?

Plaza de Armas

Cusco's main square, surrounded by old colonial churches, restaurants, and shops. The plaza is the heart of the city and a great place to start exploring.

Sacsayhuamán

Amazing Inca fortress above Cusco. The huge stone walls show incredible Inca building skills. You need a Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) to enter.

Cusco Tourist Ticket Official Site

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

The most important temple in the Inca Empire, now partly covered by the Santo Domingo church. Shows how Inca and Spanish colonial buildings were mixed together.

San Pedro Market

Big local market with food, souvenirs, and everyday items. Great for seeing local culture and finding cheap meals.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

Cusco is the main starting point for Machu Picchu. There are several ways to get there:

Train to Aguas Calientes: Most popular way. Take the train from Poroy (near Cusco) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then take a bus up to Machu Picchu.
Inca Trail: 4-day hike to Machu Picchu (you need to book ahead and have a guide).
Other hiking routes: Salkantay, Lares, or other trekking paths.
Day trip: You can do it in one day, but it's very rushed. It's better to spend a night in Aguas Calientes.

Important: Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets should be booked ahead of time, especially during busy season (June to August).

Book your tickets:

Machu Picchu: Official Machu Picchu Tickets
Trains: PeruRail | Inca Rail
Inca Trail: SERNANP (National Parks)

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Is Cusco Safe for Tourists?

Prepare for altitude: Give yourself time to get used to the height, rest when you arrive, and take altitude seriously.
Stay in safe areas: Pick places to stay in the historic center or San Blas.
Be careful at night: Stay in well-lit, busy areas, especially in the historic center.
Keep your things safe: Use hotel safes for valuable items and watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.
Use good tour companies: Book tours with well-known companies that have good reviews.
Watch out for scams: Be careful of people who are too friendly and offers that seem too good to be true.

U.S. State Department: Peru Travel Advisory

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the altitude of Cusco and how does it affect visitors?

Cusco is at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Many visitors get altitude sickness (called soroche) with symptoms like headache, feeling sick, and tired. It's best to rest when you arrive, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, don't drink alcohol, and think about altitude medicine if needed.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Cusco?

The safest neighborhoods in Cusco are the historic center (Centro Histórico) near Plaza de Armas, and San Blas. These areas have good security, lots of tourists, and are safe. Avoid empty areas, especially at night.

How long should I stay in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu?

It's best to stay 2 to 3 days in Cusco to get used to the altitude before visiting Machu Picchu. This lets your body adjust and lowers the chance of altitude sickness. Many travelers use Cusco as a base to explore the Sacred Valley and get ready for Machu Picchu.

What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season (May to September), which has clear skies and perfect weather for hiking. However, this is also the busiest tourist season. The months just before and after (April, October, November) have good weather with fewer people.

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