San Blas charms visitors with its steep cobblestone streets and colonial buildings nestled in Cusco's artisan quarter. Local artists display handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and silverwork in workshops where you can watch them create. The iconic San Blas Church stands as a cultural landmark with its ornate baroque pulpit. The area blends Spanish architecture with strong Quechua influences throughout its hidden plazas and colourful markets. Intimate restaurants serve fusion Andean cuisine while traditional music drifts from doorways after sunset. Walking from Plaza de Armas takes just 15 minutes uphill.
Cusco's Historic Centre captivates visitors with its extraordinary blend of Incan precision and Spanish colonial grandeur. Massive stone walls support ornate baroque churches while cobblestone streets wind past the magnificent Cathedral and golden Qorikancha temple ruins. Quechua traditions thrive alongside Catholic ceremonies in this living museum. The area invites exploration with artisan workshops tucked into San Blas' narrow alleys. San Pedro Market bustles with vendors selling colourful textiles and exotic fruits. At 11,200 feet elevation, the thin air creates a distinctive sensation that reminds travellers they're walking through centuries of remarkable Peruvian history.
Perched on a hillside above Cusco, San Cristóbal offers breathtaking views and a peek into Peru's layered history. The iconic white Cristo Blanco statue stands tall against the sky, while ancient Incan walls blend with colonial architecture below. Cobblestone streets wind between weathered stone facades and traditional homes where local life unfolds. Visitors can explore the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and Plaza de las Nazarenas away from city centre crowds. Family-run restaurants serve authentic Peruvian dishes at reasonable prices. The neighborhood's strong Quechua influence provides a genuine cultural experience rarely found in tourist districts.
While Santa Monica may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
9.6/10 (4,258 reviews)
This ancient Inca gathering space now showcases colonial architecture with grand cathedrals and wooden balconies. Enjoy Andean cuisine at plaza-side cafés while watching local performers against mountain-backed skies.
San Pedro Market
9.2/10 (2,843 reviews)
Immerse yourself in Cusco's vibrant culture at San Pedro Market, where colourful stalls overflow with Andean textiles and local delicacies. Sample traditional Peruvian dishes while engaging with friendly vendors.
Photo by The Wandercat
Open Photo by The Wandercat
Coricancha
9.4/10 (1,802 reviews)
At Coricancha, marvel at the precision stonework of the Inca Empire's most sacred temple to sun god Inti. Explore where ancient walls meet colonial architecture, now supporting the Church of Santo Domingo.
Cusco Cathedral
9.4/10 (3,211 reviews)
Cusco Cathedral melds Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles on an Inca palace site. Admire its ornate altars, intricate woodwork, and remarkable Cusco School paintings that display colonial-indigenous artistic fusion.
Sacsayhuaman
9.6/10 (2,010 reviews)
This ancient Inca fortress amazes with massive stone walls fitting perfectly without mortar. Explore its expansive terraces while enjoying panoramic views of Cusco from 3,700 metres above sea level.
San Blas Church
9.2/10 (317 reviews)
San Blas Church houses an extraordinary baroque pulpit carved from a single cedar piece, a masterpiece of colonial woodwork. Admire the intricate religious motifs in this artistic treasure in Cusco's artisan district.
Twelve Angled Stone
9.0/10 (172 reviews)
Find out about the history of Cusco with a stop at Twelve Angled Stone. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.
National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco
8.6/10 (206 reviews)
Founded in 1692, UNSAAC is one of Peru's oldest universities with striking colonial architecture blending Spanish and Inca influences. Wander through its historic campus to experience Peruvian educational heritage.
What to do in Cusco
Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley
"Incredible complimentary breakfast. Comfortable rooms and an easy 20 minute walk to the historic district. We will definitely stay there again when in Cusco."
"I'm so glad I chose this hotel; everything was incredibly good. The staff were very helpful, the location is perfect, the room was spotless, and the breakfast was full of options with a lot of fruits, veggies, and the most delicious bread I have ever eaten..."
"The room was clean and the bedding was enough - I didn't need heating. The staff were extremely helpful (we had an issue with a tour operator and they spent time helping to solve the issue - I'm very thankful for that, especially being in a foreign language country). The breakfast was so good and they also recommended great food spots and how to eat to combat any altitude sickness. Amazing."
"We hiked for 5 days before our stay. It was a wonderful place to rest and recharge. The restaurant was wonderful and so was the spa. Highly recommend!"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Cusco break. However, factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will influence how much your holiday to Cusco costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Cusco?
January, February and October are the best times to search for cheap Cusco holiday packages. Choosing to travel in less busy periods means you can generally find better prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Cusco?
To fully enjoy your Cusco holiday, we suggest staying for 3 days. Split your time between visiting Museo de Arte Popular, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo and other leading sights, in addition to exploring neighbourhoods like Santa Ana and Primavera. If you've got some spare time, add a day trip or tour to your Cusco holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Cusco?
It's easy to see why a Cusco holiday is on the to-do list of many travellers. Popular attractions like Plaza de Armas are just the beginning of things to see and do here.
How to find the best Cusco package deals?
Finding a cheap Cusco package deal is a cinch with Expedia. Once you've entered your travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply a few filters and browse what's available. You can personalise your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most affordable Cusco package deals. Want a simple trick to score even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Cusco holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Cusco retreat by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to see some great hotel prices and airfares. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Cusco?
Score amazing discounts by booking your flights ahead of time with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, snap up one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Cusco escape.
How to plan a trip to Cusco?
Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to visit Cusco.
Set a budget: Factor in costs such as food, flights and transportation when working out how much to set aside for your trip to Cusco. Then, pick a hotel that works with your budget, whether that's an economical stay or a more upscale getaway.
Determine how many days away: Start by making a list of all the attractions and activities you want to get to in Cusco. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
Combine your hotel and flights: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to pick a Cusco holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
Book with confidence
Things to do in and around Cusco
Shopping
For a vibrant shopping experience, visit San Pedro Market for local crafts and fresh produce. Real Plaza Cusco offers a mix of shopping and entertainment for families. If you're up for a drive, Centro de Textiles showcases exquisite textiles and traditional Peruvian designs.
Recreation
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo offers a vibrant cultural experience with captivating performances, perfect for families and couples alike. For sports enthusiasts, Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium provides an exhilarating atmosphere. Meanwhile, Orellana Pumaqchupan Park is a tranquil oasis, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.
Adventure
Explore Butterfly Park, located 37.0km from Cusco, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of butterflies amidst lush greenery. For a thrilling experience, hike the Musqa Pukyo Terraces, situated 43.5km away, offering stunning outdoor scenery and a taste of adventure in the Andes.
Nightlife
Cusco's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with bustling bars and clubs. Visit the popular Mama Africa for lively dancing and cocktails, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Paddy's Irish Bar, known for its friendly vibe and local brews. Don't miss the vibrant street performances in the Plaza de Armas.
Find the best attractions in Cusco
Cusco, a captivating city in Peru, is ideal for those seeking cultural, urban, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore its charming piazzas, historic churches, and fascinating archaeological sites. The region is particularly famous for the iconic Machu Picchu, making it a must-visit destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
Plaza de Armas: Immerse yourself in the heart of Cusco at Plaza de Armas, where vibrant culture meets stunning architecture. Surrounded by shops and cafés, it’s the perfect spot to relax and people-watch while appreciating the lively atmosphere.
Cusco Cathedral: Discover the historical and architectural beauty of Cusco Cathedral, a magnificent example of colonial architecture that houses impressive artwork. Its serene ambiance invites reflection on the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Sacsayhuaman: Explore the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an archaeological marvel that showcases the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Marvel at the massive stone walls and enjoy breathtaking views of Cusco from this ancient site.
Best time to go to Cusco
The best time to visit Cusco can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Cusco falls in November, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Cusco falls in June, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Cusco
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Cusco.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to Cusco.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.