Overview
Take a trip to Cusco on your Peru Vacation
The continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Cusco is located in southeastern Peru near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes Mountain Range. Ever popular with tourists on a Peru vacation, Cusco serves as the gateway to the world-famous Machu Picchu.
Before the arrival of the Incas, Cusco was inhabited by the Killke people from 900-1200 AD. The city grew to become the capital of the Inca Empire and was the centre of its political, military and cultural dealings. While Spaniards originally came to Cusco in November 1533, the city was not officially founded until Francisco Pizarro arrived in March 1534. Just as Cusco was important to the Incas, it became the centre for Spanish colonization as well as a base for the spread of Christianity. The city’s importance began to wane until the discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911 brought Cusco worldwide attention.
Today Cusco has been designated as the Historical Capital of Peru and remains increasingly popular with tourists on Peru vacation packages. Bingham used the city as a base to explore Machu Picchu more than one hundred years ago, and visitors continue to use Cusco as a starting point to explore the many Incan ruins available. Cusco’s centre retains many pre-Columbian and colonial buildings and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Despite being a busy destination on Peru tours, Cusco maintains a unique charm and character that continues to enchant visitors from around the world.
At a Glance
Languages
Peruvian Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, AsháninkaCurrency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.22 Trips Found
Showper page
9
22 Trips Found
Essential Peru: Lima, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaExperience the culture of Lima and the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu on this unforgettable small group adventure through Peru. Discover the legacy of the Incas as you explore the Sacred Valley and beyond.
9 days
From US$2,435/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaCook like a Limeño, explore the Sacred Valley, stand twice in awe at Machu Picchu, and lose yourself in Cusco's markets and nightlife. Peru awaits.
10 days
From US$3,536/p.p.
Request a Quote
Adventure in the Andes: Trekking the Salkantay
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaConquer Salkantay, paddleboard in the Sacred Valley, explore Barranco and the Larco Museum in Lima, and discover Machu Picchu with your private guide.
10 days
From US$5,419/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Peru: Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise
Lima, The Amazon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Sacred ValleyCruise the Amazon in luxury, ride the Hiram Bingham train from Machu Picchu, and explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley; this is Peru's very finest.
14 days
From US$16,000/p.p.
Request a Quote
Peru for Families: Lima, Machu Picchu & Cusco
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaCulinary fun in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco with an engaging local guide - this is Peru for families.
8 days
From US$3,302/p.p.
Request a Quote
The Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and QuitoImmerse yourself in Ecuador's lush landscapes and Peru's rich heritage. This multi-country vacation weaves through colonial Quito, the Galapagos, and Machu Picchu's wonders.
14 days
From US$7,778/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Peru & Ecuador: Machu Picchu & the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands, Quito, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaExperience two of South America’s greatest icons as you see the wildlife of the Galapagos, explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, and tour these nations’ world-class capitals.
17 days
From US$8,779/p.p.
Request a Quote
A Taste of Peru: Gastronomy & Culture
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaDiscover Peru through its legendary flavors. Enjoy private tastings, a Pachamanca feast, a hands-on cooking class, and visit the indomitable Machu Picchu.
10 days
From US$6,385/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Essential Peru: Lima, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaExperience the culture of Lima and the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu on this unforgettable small group adventure through Peru. Discover the legacy of the Incas as you explore the Sacred Valley and beyond.
9 days
From US$2,435/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaCook like a Limeño, explore the Sacred Valley, stand twice in awe at Machu Picchu, and lose yourself in Cusco's markets and nightlife. Peru awaits.
10 days
From US$3,536/p.p.
Request a Quote
Adventure in the Andes: Trekking the Salkantay
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaConquer Salkantay, paddleboard in the Sacred Valley, explore Barranco and the Larco Museum in Lima, and discover Machu Picchu with your private guide.
10 days
From US$5,419/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Peru: Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise
Lima, The Amazon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Sacred ValleyCruise the Amazon in luxury, ride the Hiram Bingham train from Machu Picchu, and explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley; this is Peru's very finest.
14 days
From US$16,000/p.p.
Request a Quote
Peru for Families: Lima, Machu Picchu & Cusco
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaCulinary fun in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco with an engaging local guide - this is Peru for families.
8 days
From US$3,302/p.p.
Request a Quote
The Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and QuitoImmerse yourself in Ecuador's lush landscapes and Peru's rich heritage. This multi-country vacation weaves through colonial Quito, the Galapagos, and Machu Picchu's wonders.
14 days
From US$7,778/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Peru & Ecuador: Machu Picchu & the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands, Quito, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaExperience two of South America’s greatest icons as you see the wildlife of the Galapagos, explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, and tour these nations’ world-class capitals.
17 days
From US$8,779/p.p.
Request a Quote
A Taste of Peru: Gastronomy & Culture
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and LimaDiscover Peru through its legendary flavors. Enjoy private tastings, a Pachamanca feast, a hands-on cooking class, and visit the indomitable Machu Picchu.
10 days
From US$6,385/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
For a unique experience visit an indigenous village high in the Andes for a Pachamama ceremony. I was fortunate to participate in one and the warmth of the people and how simple they lived, really touched my heart.
Dress for all weather types, climate can range from very warm and humid in Lima to cool and rainy in Machu Picchu and very hot and dry in the Sacred Valley
May to October is the best time to visit as it is the dry season with sunny days, clear skies, ideal for trekking and enjoy the landscape. However like in all Latin countries, the weather is unpredictable, so be ready if any rain show up during a sunny day
Everyone should make sure they try a Pisco sour - It's Peru’s national cocktail—a smooth, citrusy, and slightly foamy drink made with pisco, a type of grape brandy. It’s both refreshing and strong, with a sweet-tart balance and a signature foamy top from egg white.
It is astonishing how much incredible diversity of experiences can be packed into one country, Peru is full of deep cultural roots, a wide range of landscape, adventure and its delicious cuisine.
Cusco Tours
Cusco is typically the starting point of all Pe...
Explore Cusco Culture
Plaza do Armas, Cusco is a must inclusion on al...
Enjoy your vacations at Cusco
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CuscoOccasional Showers
22°C / 72°F
45mm / 1.8"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Peru
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,276 ReviewsMichael at Goway Travel was great to work with. We were planning a pre-trip with him prior to a group tour. He worked with us to hit the special places we wanted to visit and things we wanted to do. The accommodations arranged exceeded our expectations. Local guides were all amazing. This was the third trip we booked through Goway, and we will definitely book with them again in the future David PickaGoway Travel has South Pacific travel Consultant and they are all very experienced. ALICE was the agent who took care of my travel to Australia and she suggested best hotel accommodations excursions and worked within my budget. I had wonderful trip without any problems. Alice was very helpful and we are planning another trip will contact her.SaralAlice Teramoto Put together a perfect trip to Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The tours she included added to the experience. She was the glue to combine the complete package and would highly recommend her services.Valued CustomerWe just came back from a wonderful trip to Portugal. From the time I contacted Goway until now, I have been more than satisfied with our experience. Our agent Michael put together a 8 day package with all the requirements we had asked for. The 8 day trip went so seamless & took all the stress off us travelling in Portugal. Michael not only listened to what we wanted, but he was so quick to respond to all of our calls, emails & concerns. The transfers, hotels & tours he arranged were the best. We would highly recommend Goway. I can hardly wait to book our next adventure with Goway. CathyMichael Keon from Goway Travel made our family trip to Greece memorable. Michael was a call or email away when planning our Greece trip and worked with us on our tight budget. Every detail was worked out for us before we got on the plane.
Shout out to Nico, one of our drivers in Mykonos and all the great expeditions we went on.
I highly recommend Goway Travel to plan your next vacation adventures.
Jacqueline G. Jacqueline GarrettI just returned from a wonderful trip to Sweden and Norway. I had the good fortune of working with Michael Keon who helped me plan and customize an interesting and balanced itinerary.
All of the logistics went well, flights, transfers, hotels in great locations, travel between destinations, fjord safaris, cruises and guided tours with knowledgeable guides to inform and make the experience even more memorable.
Michael was responsive to all of my questions and made it so easy to both prepare for and ultimately enjoy the trip.
Looking forward to planning the next one!GailJust got back from a fabulous safari holiday in Tanzania. The trip was amazing! Exceeded my expectations. The people, the local team at Sense of Africa, the food, the accommodations (Karibu camps: Elephant Springs+Lion’s Paw and Sametu), the safari from the sky (hot air balloon)… I can keep going. Perfect way to celebrate my 50th bday.
Thanks again to Alice Teramoto and Goway for making this happen! Truly a trip of a lifetimeKARISSA CARRASQUILLOI have had Melissa Moses plan our trips for us for quite a few years. She always finds interesting sights for us to see, the hotels are always beautiful and everything runs perfectly. Can't wait to get started on the next adventure. Andrea JonesJust returned from a two week trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest booked by Michael Keon at Goway
This was our second trip booked with Michael
Hotels were all excellent, in great locations, transfers to and from airports went without a hitch and train travel was exactly as planned.
As we worked through all the details of planning the trip, he responded to lib questions promptly, making finalizing the trip very easy
I would highly recommend him as a travel agent, and we will be using him again
Kevin BourkeKatie's knowledge and support were the primary reason the trip worked so well.
Everything went smoothly, and the vacation could not have been any better. The hotels were wonderful, the two tours we took went well, and there were no issues with flights or transfers.
GERAR
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified