Uncover Peru’s history in the former Incan capital
Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the gateway to Peru’s Incan history, including the lost city of Machu Picchu.
There is an undoubtedly spiritual feel to Cusco’s narrow alleyways and historic buildings, and you’ll often be greeted by the scent of Andean herbs or the practices of shamans. The influence of the city’s Spanish conquistadors may be evident in its architecture, such as the imposing central cathedral, but Incan history still rules these lands.
You’ll encounter the colourful clothes of indigenous women at every turn, decorated llamas trailing after them, and numerous Incan ruins serve as a constant reminder of Cusco’s cultural significance. Customise your trip with personalised cultural tours to truly immerse yourself in the city’s spirit.
Luxury travel to Cusco is an essential part of any Peruvian tour, setting the scene perfectly for onward travel to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our guides will unlock the experience of Cusco for you, not only explaining the history, but also the hidden secrets of today’s city, from interesting restaurants to local artisans’ workshops. It’s also an ideal base for hiking – nearby Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of Peru’s visual highlights.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The city of Cusco exudes magic from every corner, and visitors can’t help but be captivated by its cultural charm and spiritual atmosphere.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Accommodation in Cusco
There are many incredible places to stay in Cusco. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Peru example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Ancient Peru
20-Day Trip
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13-Day Trip
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Discover more of Peru
Colca Canyon
Deeper than the Grand Canyon and home to the mighty Andean Condor. The region is steeped in ancient culture and peppered with traditional villages.
Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake, where azure waters seem to touch the cloudless sky. Meet locals who live on reed islands and birdwatch as evening sets in, before retiring to your lakeside hotel.
Lima
Cosmopolitan Lima is the place to be for gourmet food, energetic markets, great hotels and captivating sightseeing. Pay a visit to the Larco Museum for an oasis of calm within charming, colourful gardens.
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Peru’s fleet of stylish trains are the perfect way to explore the country; from Machu Picchu and Cusco, across to the vast waters of Lake Titicaca and then onto the high Andes for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
Machu Picchu
Ancient Incan ruins, perched high in the cloud forest and only accessible by train or on foot. These impressive ruins give visitors a fascinating insight into the Incan Empire.
Northern Peru Amazon Cruises
Cruise down the rivers and waterways of the mighty Peruvian Amazon. Keep a lookout for pink dolphins and flocks of rawkus scarlet macaws.
Paracas and Nazca
Delve into the mystery of the Nazca lines before soaking up the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands. Adventure on speed boat from Paracas and uncover Peru's answer to the Galapagos Islands.
Southern Peruvian Amazon
Home to the pristine Tambopata National Reserve, this is a wildlife lover's dream. Uncover nocturnal creatures on night time walks and visit tree top lookouts and canopy walkways.
The Inca Trail
A beautiful trail across the Andes ending at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate, before the site has opened to the public and just as the sun rises. The mists clear and reveal the wondrous ancient ruins.
Arequipa
With its glowing white architecture, captivating Incan history and the mighty El Misti volcano looming on the Andean horizon, the Peruvian city of Arequipa is steeped in a mystical beauty that’s impossible to ignore.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit
The best time to visit Cusco is from May to October, during the dry winter season which brings clear and sunny days. During this period, you can expect clear blue skies with very little rain, making perfect conditions for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding areas.
July and August are the most popular months to visit Cusco, with average daily temperatures of around 20°C (68°F).
Dry season
May–October
Rainy season
November–April
Plan your trip to Cusco
Whatever you want from your adventure in Cusco, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
