Cusco

Start at Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the working reference point for central Cusco. The cathedral and Church of La Compañía de Jesús frame the square; narrow streets lead from here to most major sights. It is also the simplest place to orient yourself before tackling the hills.

Walk east via Hatun Rumiyoc to see the Twelve-Angled Stone, an intact example of tightly fitted Inca masonry. Continue uphill to San Blas, the former artisan quarter, for workshops, small galleries and views over the tiled roofs.

Read the city in its walls

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and its historic centre is defined by the overlap of Inca and colonial construction. Look at street-level walls rather than just church façades: large, irregular stones form the foundations and lower courses of many later buildings.

Qorikancha is the clearest architectural lesson. The Inca Temple of the Sun survives within the complex later occupied by the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. It is a compact stop south of Plaza de Armas and pairs well with a circuit through the centre.

Useful city stops

• Cusco Cathedral: dominant landmark on Plaza de Armas; interior access is separate from the public square.
• San Blas: steep lanes, craft shops and a hillside position above the centre.
• Mercado San Pedro: a food market for produce, juices and prepared dishes; bring cash for small purchases.
• Sacsayhuamán: the major Inca complex on the hill north of the centre. It is not a casual flat walk; use a taxi or allow for the uphill route.

Cusco is also the practical urban base for travel onward to the Sacred Valley and Machupicchu, but give the city time before using it only as a transfer point.

Altitude and pace

The historic centre sits at about 3,399 metres. Arriving by air can bring headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath. Keep the first day deliberately light: walk slowly, drink water, eat simply and avoid strenuous climbs, alcohol and tobacco while you adjust.

Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. Sun can be strong at this altitude even when the air feels cool; use sun protection and carry a warm layer for evenings.

Getting around

Most sights in the historic centre are walkable, but streets are often cobbled, narrow and stepped. Wear shoes with grip. Taxis make sense for Sacsayhuamán, the airport and any route that saves a steep ascent.

Flights from Lima take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. From the airport, the historic centre is about 20 minutes by road in normal conditions.