Machu Picchu Day Trip
Train through the valley to the lost city of the Incas.
Cusco
The Inca capital sits at 3,400 metres, its Spanish churches built on earthquake-proof Inca walls — and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
- Metro population
- 450,000
- Country
- Peru
- Region
- South America
Overview
Why visit Cusco
Cusco was the navel of the Inca Empire — its name means 'centre' in Quechua. When the Spanish conquered it in 1533 they built their churches and palaces directly on Inca foundations, so today colonial arcades rise over walls of perfectly fitted stone.
The city itself is a wonder: the Plaza de Armas ringed by arcades, the cathedral holding the famous painting of a Last Supper with guinea pig, and the Qorikancha, once the Incas' richest temple of the sun. Above town, the zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán fit stones weighing over 100 tonnes.
Almost everyone is passing through — to Machu Picchu by train or the Inca Trail, to the Sacred Valley's markets and ruins, to Rainbow Mountain's striped slopes or Humantay's turquoise lake. At 3,400 metres, take the first day easy and drink the coca tea.
Things to do
Top things to book in Cusco
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Sacred Valley Tour
Pisac's market, Ollantaytambo's fortress and the salt terraces.
Rainbow Mountain
Hike to the famous striped peak at 5,000 metres.
City & Ruins Tour
Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and the cathedral in one day.
Plan your trip
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Cusco
- 01
The Incas' Capital
Cusco was the capital of Tawantinsuyu, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.
- 02
Earthquake-Proof Stones
Inca walls fitted without mortar have survived earthquakes that toppled the Spanish buildings on top.
- 03
A Temple Under A Church
The Convent of Santo Domingo stands on Qorikancha, the Incas' gold-covered Temple of the Sun.
- 04
Guinea Pig For Supper
The cathedral holds a famous painting of the Last Supper where Jesus and the disciples eat cuy — guinea pig.
- 05
A City Shaped Like A Puma
The Incas supposedly laid out Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuamán as the head.
- 06
Higher Than The City
At 3,400 metres, Cusco is higher than most of the Inca sites visitors use it to reach.
- 07
The Inca Trail
The 4-day trail to Machu Picchu is so popular that permits sell out months ahead.
- 08
A Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca's stripes of mineral colour became world-famous after snow melt revealed them around 2015.
- 09
Stone Of Twelve Angles
A famous street stone fits into its wall with twelve angles, without mortar.
- 10
World Heritage Twice
The historic centre is UNESCO-listed, and the surrounding valley holds dozens of Inca sites.
Random Cusco fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Cusco
Where is Cusco located?
Cusco is in Peru, in South America.
What is the population of Cusco?
The greater Cusco area is home to about 450,000 people.
What is Cusco famous for?
The Inca capital sits at 3,400 metres, its Spanish churches built on earthquake-proof Inca walls — and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Cusco?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Cusco and Machu Picchu during his 2025 South America tour. See his full world tour map.
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