Commonly known as the “archaeological capital of the Americas,” Cusco is a high-altitude Andean city where influences from the modern Western world collide with Andean indigenous traditions. It’s this world of contrasts that makes the small city so unique. Visitors can catch a city tour bus at the Plaza de Armas, which is the best way to get an overview of the city. Must-see attractions include gorgeous La Catedral, Incan Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and Museo de Arte Precolombino. Considered the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco itself is often overlooked as simply a way station for those trekking the Inca Trail, but deserves its own exploration. The charming mountain villages of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes between Cusco and Machu Picchu are other must-visit sites. Map

Machu Picchu Galapagos Islands Buenos Aires Aruba Banos Bariloche Bogota Cartagena Cusco Easter Island Iguazu Falls La Paz Lake Titicaca Medellin Montevideo Nazca Lines Arequipa Perito Moreno Glacier Quito Rio de Janeiro Santiago Sao Paulo Tayrona National Park Torres del Paine National Park Ushuaia

Explore more: South America > Places to Visit in South America

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.