2026 Cusco Region Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Cusco is a must-visit city on your way to Machu Picchu. It is a city full of history and charm. While Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient city of Cusco should not be overlooked! 🗓️ Itinerary: 🌞 The Temple of the Sun is one of the main attractions in Cusco, where you can learn about the transition of the Inca people from worshiping the Sun God to adopting Catholicism. The old town of Cusco is centered around Plaza de Armas, an incredibly beautiful square! The churches here have a unique style compared to those in other South American countries, with red bricks as the main feature. Around the square, you can easily spot traces of Inca civilization, the most famous being the Twelve-Angled Stone, which perfectly showcases the precision of ancient Inca architecture.

Peru is an amazing destination! I spent most of my time in the Cusco region, along with some days around Lake Titicaca. There’s so much to explore and do that I’ll definitely need to return for more adventures. Romina did an exceptional job coordinating my trip, even stepping in when I had a hospital visit the day before my Inca trail trek. She quickly adjusted my plans, allowing me to travel through the Sacred Valley and join my group at Machu Picchu on the same day. Throughout the trip, she ensured everything ran smoothly, answered my questions promptly, and tailored bookings to fit my budget. I highly recommend this company, and with Romina managing your trip, you’re sure to be in great hands.

We had an amazing experience on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour with Fredy Zapata Condori. The entire day was exceptionally well-organized from start to finish, with everything proceeding smoothly and on schedule. Fredy proved to be an exceptional guide. His extensive knowledge about the area, its history, geology, culture, and local traditions was remarkable, and he shared information in an engaging and insightful manner throughout the tour. He was always willing to answer questions and ensured that everyone felt comfortable and well cared for. A special mention also goes to Sam Travel Peru for their excellent planning and timing. The early departure and well-designed schedule allowed us to visit Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ahead of the large crowds, making the experience far more enjoyable and enabling us to fully absorb the stunning scenery. The landscapes were absolutely awe-inspiring, and the combination of a knowledgeable guide, flawless logistics, and perfect timing made this one of the most memorable highlights of our trip to Peru. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour, Fredy Zapata Condori, and Sam Travel Peru to anyone visiting the Cusco region.

It is a very beautiful experience as the place offers a majestic landscape with lots of greenery and a very peaceful atmosphere, perfect for visiting with the whole family. The guide was very attentive, and there were no issues during the trip.

We had a great experience with our guide Enzare (Enzo). He took care of the whole group and ensured everyone could understand the history of the site. He gave us plenty of time to take photos and answered all our questions.

I highly recommend this tour as it was an incredible experience. The driver was very kind, and the guide was cheerful, friendly, and respectful. They provided all the necessary instructions to ensure a smooth hike and were always attentive to everyone in the group. Both breakfast and lunch were delicious and varied.

The Queshuachaca bridge tour was such a beautiful and immersive experience into the roots of Inca culture, its traditions, and legends. The place itself is absolutely stunning. We got to witness how the bridge is constructed and learned about the deep seriousness of traditions passed down through generations. Having Enzo as our guide and Homero as our driver added even more value to the experience. It’s not a well-known tour, but I highly recommend it—it’s definitely worth it.

The route is good, everything was calm, though the only challenge was the walking due to the distance. However, our guide Enzo was constantly with us, very attentive, and explained everything along with giving recommendations. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Waqrapukara is a stunning destination, far grander than one might imagine. Throughout the journey, you can marvel at breathtaking landscapes and witness an incredible geographical transition that makes the hike a truly unique experience. The service from Qeswachaka Perú Tours was excellent, offering organized transportation, great guidance from Enzo, and both a buffet breakfast and lunch that were quite good. Everything was well-coordinated. Additionally, as it's not a highly crowded location, it allows for more tranquility and a deeper connection with nature. Highly recommended.

I joined the Waqrapukara tour with Enzo as our guide and Elías driving, both of whom were very kind and attentive to the group. It was truly an amazing experience, with the exclusivity of the site and the stunning landscapes along the way making the early wake-up completely worth it. The hike is 2 km, mostly flat with beautiful canyon views. The final stretch to the fortress is uphill but manageable at a relaxed pace. Breakfast and lunch are included and served buffet-style. Highly recommend this tour!

Hilda was very attentive from our pickup to our return to Cusco, taking care of every detail along the way and ensuring the group kept a good walking pace so that everyone arrived safely. I especially appreciated her excellent time management at each stop during our journey to Waqra Pukara.

This tour provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn about the biodiversity and diverse microclimates of Cuzco. Our guide Rolland offered educational insights into the flora, fauna, climate, geography, and the cultures that have lived and still live in the area. The pre-Columbian bridge is a fascinating example of ancient engineering, explained beautifully by Victoriano, its caretaker and maintenance overseer. You can even navigate the Vilcanota River beneath the bridge with Óscar, which is an absolute delight. Though the journey is lengthy, it’s truly worth it to reach such serene and pristine places.

This was one of the most fantastic experiences I’ve ever had in Peru (and it’s already my second time visiting this beautiful country). Our guide Roland shared with the group his profound knowledge of Andean culture, architecture, archaeology, anthropology, and more. He’s much more than just a guide—he’s truly a teacher who inspires reflection, appreciation, and immersion into the ancestry of his people. We also had the chance to meet and converse with the remarkable engineer Mr. Valeriano, who shared his dedication and love for the last Inca bridge, Q’eswachaka. Additionally, we took a boat ride in a canyon that is the second deepest in the world. The journey also included breathtaking viewpoints, other Inca paths, and important lagoons of the region. It was a thoroughly enriching experience. Everyone should one day witness this incredible marvel of Inca engineering up close. ❤️

Truly grateful to Hilda for the tour! She was very friendly and positive! She speaks perfect Spanish, Quechua, and English! On May 24, we took the Waqrapukara tour, and from start to finish, everything was fascinating! Highly recommended without a doubt. We had breakfast and lunch with them, which helped minimize expenses! I highly recommend it.

The Waqrapukara religious ceremonial center offers an outstanding view, as the temple is shaped like a horn, making the hike worthwhile. I discovered it through social media, and it truly deserves more exposure to encourage visits. The path is well-defined, and you also get to see the Apurímac canyon. An exceptional spot overall.

This tour is 100% recommended. The place is beautiful and not crowded, which ensures you can fully enjoy the spaces and views without any issues. While the trekking isn't particularly difficult, the altitude makes it relatively challenging. It’s definitely recommended to spend a day or two in Cusco beforehand to acclimate. The scenery is stunning, and the views are incredible. Both breakfast and lunch are good, offering plenty of variety and great quality.

Exploring Waqrapukara was an incredible experience. The site is tucked away in the Andes, majestic, rich in history, and surrounded by stunning landscapes that make you say, "The trip was worth it." Admission is free, and every step feels rewarding—it truly deserves a visit. Led by our guide Enzare (Enzo), who was always attentive to the group and ensured everyone had the best experience. We also started with a full buffet breakfast, and the lunch exceeded all expectations, rounding out the visit perfectly.

I loved it; I think it's a very special experience if you're interested in topics like geography, territory, and Inca engineering, as these are the main themes covered during the tours. Overall, you get to explore incredible landscapes and, in the end, have the great privilege of crossing a heritage bridge.

The tour was very good and very interesting. Our guide, Miss Hilda, was incredibly patient and treated everyone kindly. Her demeanor was warm and friendly, making us feel at home and part of a family. Excellent tour 💯, outstanding guide 👍, and the food was top-notch 😋. Highly recommended 🙌.

In the heart of the Andes, an unforgettable journey unfolded. The Inka Bridge, a witness to millennia of history, captivated us with its charm. Our guide, brimming with passion, led us through paths of stone and legend. His warmth and expertise turned the excursion into a truly unique experience. It's a place that resonates deep in the soul, and an adventure worth repeating without hesitation. Thank you for making it unforgettable!

This was an unconventional tour that truly lets you connect with nature. The views were stunning, the transportation felt very safe, and the food was excellent. Highly recommended! Enzo's guidance was outstanding, and you learn so much along the way.

A very good experience. The guide Lizeth was very attentive. The hike is a bit challenging at the end since it's uphill, and the terrain becomes unstable when it rains, but it's absolutely worth it. The road during the rainy season has landslides, and getting there takes more than 4 and a half hours. However, the place is beautiful because it’s not very crowded, making it perfect for enjoying nature and taking lovely photos. I highly recommend it, especially because the tour includes pickup transportation, breakfast, lunch, a guide, and transport back to the main square.

Guia Rolland was very informative, providing a wealth of information and making the tour extremely engaging. We passed by the Inka Trail campsite, the volcano, and then the bridge. I highly recommend it. Greetings from Brazil!

An excellent experience, especially thanks to the guide Rolland, who is well-informed and made us feel lucky to have him on the journey. He also emphasized the significance of the farmers and community members who come together to build the Q'swachaca bridge from scratch. Thank you for allowing my husband and me to live one of the most wonderful experiences during our stay in Cusco.

I visited the ruins of Waqrapukara with guide Carlos. It’s a marvelous place, combining natural beauty with rich history. The access trail is gorgeous, offering breathtaking views! Carlos showed great confidence and extensive knowledge about the location, which made the visit even more fascinating.

It's a laid-back tour with significant altitude but little walking. The place is one of the most beautiful in Peru, and we had the chance to personally speak with the Quechua engineer recognized by UNESCO and responsible for the Inka bridge. Simply perfect.

We visited Waqrapukara and it was absolutely amazing. The place is breathtaking, full of energy, and surrounded by an incredible, unforgettable landscape. Highly recommended! Everything went as scheduled and exactly as expected, from the timely pick-up to the delicious breakfast and lunch, to the safe and attentive transportation with Elias, our driver. A special shoutout goes to our guide, Hilda. She was exceptionally kind, helpful, and knowledgeable, always considering the diverse needs of the group. She never left anyone alone during the tough moments. Thank you so much!

Excellent service, I loved this tour. The landscapes are unbeatable. It was a bit tiring, but nothing that can't be managed with some time. I'm not someone who usually exercises, and I managed it without any problem. Those views make it all worthwhile. The guide, Enzo, is extremely kind.