Cusco, Peru - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: April 21, 2026
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ABOUT CUSCO | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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The Historic Centre of Peru
Cusco is a splendid small city based in the Andes, to the southeast of Lima. The city has its own small but perfectly good airport in the base of the valley, meaning it is very accessible from several major cities including Lima and La Paz. It is a little strange weaving through the mountaintops and landing in what feels like in the middle of the city.
The city itself used to be the capital of the Inca empire, and it is impossible to miss the old architecture still on display. Still today the city showcases some of the best Inca remains outside of Machu Picchu.
The main train line to Machu Picchu also starts here, stopping a couple of times on the way to the ruins. It can nonetheless still take nearly 5 hours if this was something you had planned during your trip.
Cusco Came Calling
We had a few days in the city and it was incredible, the whole place had an atmosphere of excitement, and you never knew what was around the next corner. We saw things here that were beyond jaw-dropping, including ladies walking their pet alpaca around the streets, or carrying their baby sheep in their arms whilst shopping. We managed to experience most of what was on offer, including the extremely smelly but impressive market which sold everything from cow’s noses to some of the most colourful hand-stitched rugs we had ever seen.
Parts of the city wowed us with their ancient architecture such as Plaza De Armas and the Qorikancha, and some of the funniest memories had to be during the nights out. After a few drinks, we decided it was time to learn the old South American/Spanish dancing. Let me tell you the locals were stunned into silence, and I don’t think it was for all the right reasons. We gave it all we could, shook all we could shake and gave it our all, but I can only apologise to my amazing dance partner after standing on her feet more times than I care to remember.
The city had flair, it had style, and it had history and now its had Far Out Travel up on the stage floor. It’s a great place.
Should I Go There?
Of course, you should.
It has all the usual requirements: easily accessible once in Peru, lots of great places to stay, delicious foods, great nightlife, the atmosphere, and the daytime activities and sights. That should sell it on its own.
There are certain places around the world that, when you're nearby, you have to see. An example of this is the Harbour Bridge in Sydney and Uluru whilst in Australia, or the Colosseum whilst in Rome. Peru is full of these places; Cusco, like Machu Picchu, Islands of Uros and the Amazon Rainforest are just some of Peru’s must-visit locations. The city has a charm that I cannot explain or pinpoint.
The mix between the old and new is seamless, and I think it is a lot to do with that as to why the city is so charming. The buildings and the architecture from many hundreds of years ago mould into the newer modern buildings without ruining the feel or the look of the wonderful city. The same can be said for the activities and vibrant lifestyle of the people. Within a block, you have the old historical centre of the city built by the Incas, and modern-day nightclubs that open until the early hours. You will also find the biggest bungee jump in Latin America only a short ride up the road. It’s a remarkable place.
The people, much like the city, are the same, in that everyone creates that community feel no matter the age, the old and young are as one. They are friendly, fun and all-around helpful people, no matter their background.
What to do when Backpacking Cusco
Whilst we can rave about how wonderful this small city is there isn’t loads to be doing, you could easily see the major city sights in 3 days. You can, however, make of it what you will, you will always find a new experience in or around the city should you want. We think that this is more about sightseeing and taking in the culture rather than activity based. There are nonetheless things to keep you occupied.
Bungee
Let’s start with something that will divide opinion, and honestly is something I couldn’t do, and that is the Bungee Jump.
As mentioned above, the bungee jump located 15 minutes to the north of the city is the largest in Latin America. The leap of faith will take you on one of the quickest 125-meter journeys of your life. You can book the jump in advance, but you can also book whilst in the city, if you are lucky enough (or unlucky, as some might say) you could get a slot that day. The company is called Action Valley and can be found on Sta Teresa, just of Plaza De Armas.
Coca Museum
The Coca Museum is a very small building located on Plaza San Blas. The museum explains to rise of the coca within Peru and how the plant is grown. You will also learn about how it can be used for a number of different purposes. One of the funniest parts of the short tour is towards the beginning when the guide pulls out a number of bags full of white powder. The looks on people’s faces are priceless. It eventually turns out not to be cocaine but still, you could have fooled me. There is a chance at the end to purchase some of the goods made there too, just avoid the white powder if you’re about to get on a plane out of the country, just in case.
San Pedro Market
This crazy market opens daily between 9 A.M and 6 P.M and is a short walk (under 10 minutes) west of Plaza De Armas, selling such a vast number of items, from all types of food imaginable to dolls, kids toys, animals and tablecloths, as well as clothing.
Whilst the colours on display can be mesmerising the smells can be terrifying, especially within the meat section of the market. If you are someone who is either bad with smells, squeamish or vegetarian then this may not be the place for you. If you think you can stomach the smell, we highly recommend you have a look around, partly because it is a fantastic place, great for gifts but we think it is important to go in and experience the culture. Make sure you barter for your goods and check what others are paying prior to doing any deal. You may well be charged according to how rich you look.
Day Tours Galore
Cusco, being the old Inca capital, is surrounded by multiple Inca sites, including the world-famous Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, amongst many others. Cusco is, therefore, Peru’s king of the day trips, with many different tours to each of these locations. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are the main attractions within these tours from Cusco. I will not go on too much about them now as I cover Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo within separate blogs. These trips are a great way to see the main highlights if time is not on your side. However, if you have time, which we hope you do when coming to this amazing country, then do them separately. Don’t try and include them into the Cusco leg of the journey.
Plaza De Armas and Cusco Cathedral
Plaza De Armas is the cultural and historic centre of the city and is still the main square for all the major gatherings and festivals within Cusco. It was also the Incas main meeting place within the capital prior to the Spanish taking over the city and erecting a number of buildings that still stand today.
Cusco Cathedral, along with Iglesia De La Compañia De Jesús (the church of Jesus), is two of the prominent buildings that tower over the square. The architecture is stunning from the outside, but venture inside and you will find some incredible craftsmanship, showcasing the skills of many Peruvian and Spanish builders of the past.
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Cusco
Cusco is brimming with accommodation all over the city. The one place I can recommend and found to be really nice is called Antawasi Hotel on Calle Inticcahuarina, just around the corner from the Qorikancha. This place is super friendly, great rooms, very comfy beds and has an excellent breakfast. We found the location was ideal, as mentioned only around the corner from one of the major attractions in the city, a short 15-minute walk to San Pedro Market, 10-minute walk from Plaza De Armas, and even less to the Coca Museum. All the employees were more than helpful and offered to carry bags up to rooms and much more. Highly recommend you check this place out.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Cusco
Cusco is so alive with great food that it’s hard to choose the best. There are a few places that I did want to mention but honestly couldn’t remember them all. Cusco is full of narrow streets, all of which look the same so we got a little lost from time to time. What I can say is that the local restaurants away from the main squares were incredible. I didn’t have a bad meal in any of them. Below are a couple of restaurants our guide took us to that I remember and highly recommend.
Fallen Angel was not only one of the best places we ate at in Cusco but Peru as a whole. This is something very unusual and surprising. We almost don’t want to tell you what to expect or put a link on here. We want you to just go and experience it as we did. So if you are up for it, don’t read the rest of this section, and just pop in for dinner one evening (You may need to book). As you enter you are greeted by crazy amounts of colour on the walls, tables made from bathtubs, massive pots, and aquariums. It has to be one of the most random places we have ever eaten. The staff were all bizarre but in a good way. Each room had its own identity, loosely following a theme. The artwork, ceiling and everything about the place was so out there it was brilliant. If you are going for a birthday meal, let them know, they will have balloons, the lot waiting for you, unless things have changed. The food was so delicious and we would have been happy to eat their most nights working my way through the menu.
Jacks Café is somewhere else we just have to mention, this small but fabulous restaurant caters for all, in that there are western options as well as local delicacies. We were recommended the soup by our local guide and he was right. The soup and sheer mass of bread that came out was unbelievable. The taste was phenomenal and it would be hard for me to go back and pick something else. If soup isn't your thing, check out the menu. Everything about this attractive old restaurant was perfect. All we can say is enjoy.
Please don’t forget that the markets are a great place to pick up a cheap, but authentic Peruvian meal. We often found them to be fresher and tastier than the bigger restaurants. It is something you should try whilst in the city.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking Cusco
From looking at Cusco, wandering the streets, and all you hear about its beauty, history, architecture and people, the last thing you'd think they'd think of is drinking and partying. However, you would be wrong.
This crazy wonderful city is a hive of night activity with bars open past 3 A.M. The nightlife comes alive as the darkness falls, and it’s not just the booze, there is the old Latino dance scene. Where better than Peru to test the Tango, relish in the Rhumba and show off the Samba. Most of the bars are based around the Plaza De Armas so head up there and listen out for the best place to go that evening.
Of course, one other famous Peruvian place needs a mention first and can also be found on the ancient Plaza De Armas, and that is the proud Peruvian institution that is Paddy’s Irish Bar.
Whilst I joke, it is a lively part of the city day and night, I found it to be a good place to get a couple of pre-drinks and start the night as it is easy to find, everyone knows where it is and it's reasonably priced. I wouldn’t spend too long there as you will want to experience the real Cusco.
In the opposing corner of the square from Paddy’s is one of my all-time favourite bars/clubs, and it was awesome until about 2 A.M, maybe a bit later, when we called it a night on a mad Wednesday evening. Ukukus Bar is just epic. Once again the interior is just so different - it’s almost enough to trip you out after a few beers. Upon entering, the bar was a little quiet and there was no one on the stage but by the time we had a few cocktails the crowds had gathered, not only was there now a performance on the stage but we were up there too. Rhumba sessions were taking off, cocktails were flowing and it’s safe to say the night got messy. The drinks were a fair price from what I remember of the night (which isn't much). A really cool place, come and practice your dancing and enjoy a few very strong cocktails. Word of warning: It does get loud as the bar is small, but don’t let that put you off.
La Chupitería again is a small bar not far from the main square; however, it is more of a bar than a dance location or club. I don’t think it is big enough for more than 4 people if they started dancing. Like Paddy’s, it is not somewhere you will want to end the night but it’s a great place to get the cocktails flowing. It is very easy to get drunk here with strong cocktails and a shot mentality. Whilst very fun, and lovely staff, there are places with better atmosphere, but I feel it is worth a mention as it was a great place to be.
What You'll Need to Blend In
An Alpaca
A slim waist to manoeuvre through the narrow streets
Traditional clothing
Decent footwear for the cobbled streets
