Travel guide · Peru
Cusco & Machu Picchu: what to see and when to go
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, a city of fitted stone walls and colonial churches 3,400 m up in the Andes. It is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel on a mountain ridge.
What to see and do in Cusco
Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel above the Urubamba river, visited on timed tickets and set routes.
The Inca Trail
The classic four-day trek to Machu Picchu; permits sell out months ahead.
The Sacred Valley
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the circular terraces of Moray.
Cusco
The Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha temple and the artists' quarter of San Blas.
Rainbow Mountain
A striped mountain at over 5,000 m, a demanding day trip.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – Sep.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 13 hr, 15 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
| New York | 8 hr, 15 min | ≈ €490 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 9 hr, 45 min | ≈ €530 · See flights |
| Dubai | 19 hr | ≈ €740 · See flights |
| Singapore | 24 hr, 30 min | ≈ €870 · See flights |
| Sydney | 17 hr, 15 min | ≈ €700 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €800 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Peru
- Currency
- Peruvian Sol
- Good for
- mountains · culture · nature · wild · food
- How long to stay
- 4–6 days
- Where to stay
- Cusco for the city; the Sacred Valley, lower down, to acclimatise.Find a place to stay in Cusco
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Cusco & Machu Picchu, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €610 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Cusco (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Apr 2 – Tue, Apr 6, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Cusco and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – Sep. Average highs range from 16° in March to 19° in July.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
4 to 6 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Cusco cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €800 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 13 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in Cusco?
Cusco for the city; the Sacred Valley, lower down, to acclimatise.
