The Best Travel Guide for Cusco, Peru (South America)

I hope you can hear how loud and smiley I am when I say this is one of the best cities I have ever visited. A CITY LIKE NO OTHER! This is, without a doubt, the best guide to traveling (solo) in Cusco, Peru.

Bussing with culture, history, captivating sights, cuisine, and an infectious energy. I knew there was gold within the city before I got there, giving myself 3 whole weeks to dilly dally in the streets and mountains of Cuzco. As the former Inca capital, the iconic architectural marvels and the presence of the indigenous legacy still resonate through the vibrant streets.

For starters, for those who grapple with altitude sickness, chewing on coca leaves or sipping coca tea proves to be an effective remedy.

Every single day, you will find yourself with an activity to do whether that's staying for a few days, a week, or multiple weeks like me.

Recommended amount of time: One week or longer (excluding time on the Inca/Salkantay trail)

1. Place of stay

2. Activities

3. Restaurants x Cafes x Markets

4. Night Clubs x Bars

1. Place of stay: A home away from home AIRBNB

• This was an incredible AIRBNB with an incredible price and location! Supery homey, the host, Paty, was even more amazing! Paty is also a travel agent, and you can book tours directly through her at a discounted rate. Moving in for a few weeks, she sent me an 11-page document of where to go, what to see, and what to eat! Located right in San Blas and a few blocks away from the main square, I was able to escape the noise of the city in only a 10-minute walk.

2. Activities

• Sacred Valley Tour: A MUST! This tour shows you the key sites and secrets to Cusco's history, offering many stops in the region's wonders. While undeniably touristy, the experience is well worth it!

• Machu Picchu: An obvious must-do! Whether opting for the Inca or Salkantay trail or a full-day tour, Machu Picchu is an essential pilgrimage. I opted for a day tour, which was oh so holy and satisfying, with every detail expertly organized. Beyond spiritual as my guide would say to me, "Do you want to stop and meditate for a bit?"

• Humantay Lake Tour: A serene hike leading to the beauty of a vivid blue lagoon. Not overly demanding, it's an ideal excursion for nature lovers.

• Rainbow Valley Tour: An ocean of colors! This iconic hike, though a bit of a car ride from Cusco, rewards with colorful views, llamas to take pictures with, and is a definite tourist spot within the region.

• Free Walking Tour: A vital introduction to Cusco's rich history, led by knowledgeable local guides. Perfect for delving into the city's secrets and uncovering its hidden gems.

• Choco Museo: Okay seriously, a chocolate lover's paradise! Simply the finest chocolates, liquors, and teas I've ever had in my life. The Bean-to-bar Chocolate class is a 10/10 experience for chocolate enthusiasts, bringing home your own custom molded decorated chocolates!

• Qorikancha: A museum nestled in the heart of the city center with invigorating history!

• Piedras de los 12 ángulos: A symbol of Inca architecture, a stone with 12 angles, located near the Cathedral, everybody stops to see it at least once.

• Cristo Blanco (Saqsaywaman): Only a short hike, and free, from the main square for panoramic views of the city and a visit to a Christ overlooking Cusco. Saqsaywaman village offers further exploration of Inca heritage.

• Cusco Cathedral: A must-visit, offering multiple exhibitions within its grand halls. Opt for the pass granting entrance to four additional churches for an immersive experience and a fun museum day!

• Church of the Society of Jesus: Situated next to the Cathedral in the main square, this church is a simple stroll for church aficionados like me.

• Namaste Masajes Spa: Oh yes, I got a chocolate massage, beyond exfoliating before an hour-long massage.

• Paramatma Healing: For spiritual seekers, a visit to this healer who offers various healing modalities and massages will WOW you...Before he came to Cuzco, he was a practicing monk! A wicked experience for sure!

  • Note: as you walk the streets of Cuzco, people will offer an hour massage for a questionably cheap price...Do it once! I did it and it is totally safe and worth it! Fun experience too!

  
  

3. Restaurants x Cafes x Markets

Restaurants

• Mr. Cuy: Because located right in the main square the prices are what you would assume, but let me tell you, I came back here more than three times. The 2x20PEN cocktails are a STEAL plus a welcome drink! MUST TRY THE CUY (GUINEA PIG)

• Nuna Raymi: A very loving Valentine's Day it was for me...Food is crafted only with organic native products as they aspire to keep culture and community alive! Ambience, food, staff = fantastic.

• Garwhal Indian Comida: To me, you can never go wrong with some Indian food here and there. This spot was FIRE, both figuratively and literally. Great portions, great flavor, and chefs from India in the kitchen making it fresh!

• EL Bocca Pizza: Unexpectedly, pizza is quite pricey in some of the countries in South America. Luckily, I found this spot that was filled with locals and fair prices. Fluffy and crunchy crust, homemade sauces, and a cold beer...What is better?

Cafes

• Eco Bunno Inn Cafe: THE BEST BREAKFAST DEAL YOU WILL COME ACROSS DURING YOUR TIME IN CUZCO. Out of the main square and away from the tourist scene, for around 5 USD, you will get a coffee of choice, juice of choice, scrambled eggs to your liking, french toast, freshly made bread, jam, and butter...I went here every morning

• ImaginaTe: A relaxing and rejuvenating cafe located near the San Blas market...With all-natural and freshly made coffees, teas, and other specialties, this was a special spot for me. The cocoa latte was surely a heart opening as they said. This was my go-to spot for grounding, journaling, and vibing.

• Jack's Cafe: Be sure to arrive VERY hungry because these portions are no joke! With a menu filled from top to bottom, back to front, you won't regret anything you pick. Amazing fluffy pancakes and omelets.

Markets

• San Blas Market: A more favored market compared to San Pedro. In this low-key market, you will find some of the best prices in Cuzco. The stall "Green Falafel" never failed as well as the sandwich "Machupicchu" that any vendor against the wall sells.

• San Pedro Market: A must-see market, but not necessarily the cleanest, filled with everything you can imagine: food, tourist trinkets, spices, jewelry, candies, fruit, and more...

4. Night Clubs X Bars

I highly recommend doing a bar crawl...Being able to experience Cuzco and the bar scene with a local is a totally different ball game.

• Wild Rover: As a backpacker and solo traveler, this is always the go-to spot when looking for a party. Wild Rover never disappoints and is surely capable of getting the crowd rowdy! Oftentimes, a tattoo artist makes an appearance for an even wackier vibe. This hostel accepts volunteers for a minimum of a week.

• Changa Club Cuzco: Truly, the club of Cuzco. Later in the night, the better...

• Inka Team: A multi-leveled discoteca where each floor offers different genres

• Carveccería Del Valle Sagrado: Located in one of the two, Choco Museo! Taken here on our pub crawl, the craft and draft beer was rich!

Cuzco is in my heart as it guided me through lessons about making decisions based on abundance versus lack. When you are in the mindset of abundance, you can recognize that anything meant for you will never pass you by. The person, place, excursion, cafe, conversation, and much more, will never miss your eye when you are meant to discover something there. Without fear or lack, you will better integrate with the miracle and magic of the universe.

Next stop: Arequipa via night bus (bought in person at the Cuzco station but can be bought online)

Xoxo,

Chelsey