Is Cusco Worth Visiting?

Is Cusco worth visiting? If you’re travelling to Machu Picchu, chances are you’ll pass through Cusco whether you plan to or not. But what many travellers don’t realise is that Cusco isn’t just a gateway city, it’s a destination in its own right.

When I first visited Cusco in 2017 with Dave, I didn’t give much thought about Cusco beforehand. I was more focused on avoiding getting altitude sickness and mentally preparing for the Inca Trail. But once we arrived, Cusco completely surprised us.

The beautiful cobblestone streets, the smell of the coca tea drifting from cafes and the layers of history everywhere you look made it impossible not to fall in love. At the time, it still felt a little under the radar. These days it’s all over Instagram, but don’t let that put you off. Cusco is still incredibly special!

Since then, I’ve returned to Cusco a second time, this time knowing what to expect and making a real effort to slow down and soak it all in. If anything, I loved it even more the second time around, which says a lot about a place that so many people rush through.

So is Cusco worth it? For me, absolutely But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. In this guide I’ll share what I love about Cusco, what I don’t, and who I think will enjoy it the most, so you can decide whether Cusco deserves a place on your itinerary.

Is Cusco, Peru Worth it?

My honest opinion after visiting twice

Yes, Cusco is absolutely worth visiting, but I didn’t fully realise that on my first trip.

When I first went to Cusco with Dave, I planned almost nothing in advance and quickly panicked once we arrived. I hadn’t realised that Cusco isn’t just a city. It’s the base for some of Peru’s most incredible experiences. Between the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding ruins, there’s far more to do than I expected.

My main goal on that first visit was simply to relax and acclimatise, but once we started looking into day trips, we realised how much we’d underestimated the area. Because we hadn’t planned ahead or allowed enough time to adjust to the altitude, we had to skip Rainbow Mountain and just stick to a Sacred Valley tour. With elevations reaching over 5,000 metres, it’s not something you can rush.

That experience alone showed me why Cusco is worth visiting. Even without ticking off every major excursion, the city itself is special. The food, cafés, history, and atmosphere make it feel completely different from anywhere else. Whether you’re using Cusco as an adventure base or slowing down to explore the city, it never feels like just another stop on the way to Machu Picchu.

In a nutshell, YES, I think Cusco is 1,000% worth visiting!

4 Things I love about Cusco

I could go on and on about all the things I love about Cusco, but for the sake of time and your sanity I have picked my top 4.

#1 The people

The Peruvian people are honestly some of the nicest people I have ever met! This wasn’t limited to just Cusco either but I do love the people in Cusco! They go above and beyond to make sure you are having a great time in their city and their country.

#2 The atmosphere

Cusco has an old timey, colourful feel to it which isn’t surprising because of how much history there is there. It is also a very colourful city, with some of the locals wearing colourful clothing and the artwork outside of cafes and shops and colourful buildings. Now I’m realising that it’s actually quite hard to explain Cusco’s atmosphere in words but just believe me, it’s there and it’s awesome!

#3 It’s the gateway to unforgettable adventures

One of the best things about Cusco is that there are SO many other adventures waiting for you outside of the city. Whether you are looking to do a once in a lifetime trek like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trail or explore the traditional towns, salt mines and ruins of the Sacred Valley, there is something for everyone!

#4 Strong sense of culture and tradition

Another of the things I love most about Cusco is how alive the culture feels everywhere you go. It’s not tucked away in museums or staged for tourists. Walking through the streets, you’ll see locals in vibrant clothing, hear Andean music drifting from plazas, and stumble across markets selling handwoven textiles, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts.

Even small experiences, like sharing a meal at a local café or chatting with a shop owner, feel rooted in centuries of tradition. It’s this authenticity that makes Cusco feel so special.

4 Things I don’t like about Cusco

Personally I think the good things about Cusco highly outweigh the bad, but if you are interested in seeing some of the main cons of Cusco, here they are.

#1 The cost of food

Visiting Cusco the second time around, the cost of food really shocked me. I don’t remember it being so expensive back in 2017! At first, I was ordering food like I was in South East Asia, assuming it was all really cheap, but then when I actually converted the prices, I realised that I had been paying on average USD20 for a dinner, which is pretty much the same price that I would be paying in Vancouver!

After I realised that, I started being a bit more careful because there were certain places you could go to find cheaper meals. I think because Cusco is so perfectly catered for tourists these days, the food prices are high to match. I’m sure/I hope there must be some sort of discount for the locals because I can’t imagine any of the locals paying these prices!

Even though it’s more expensive than I would have liked, the food in Cusco is DELICIOUS! The below photos are a couple of meals that I had from Kusy Kay and Yaku Restuarant.

#2 The high altitude

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level which can be challenging, especially when exploring the steep streets and climbing the stairs in the city. During both of my trips to Cusco, I felt very breathless when walking around Cusco.

The key is to take it easy and don’t push yourself in those first few days. Oh also drink lots of Coca Tea! I don’t know if it’s placebo or what but I feel like it does actually help! If you want to do Rainbow Mountain, you’re going to want to book it for your 3rd or 4th day in Cusco so that you have enough time to adjust.

#3 It’s more touristy than it looks online

Don’t get me wrong, Cusco is beautiful. But being the gateway to Machu Picchu, it’s no surprise that it has become a little touristy. There are loads of tour vendors and street markets trying to sell you things but personally I don’t find them as pushing as some of the other places I have travelled.

Even with this, I find that the majority of Cusco still remains authentic and charming.

#4 Scams and pressure tactics exist

Although I think Cusco is relatively safe, you are still in South America and you do still need to be aware that scams can happen. Common scams to watch out for are:

• Unofficial tour sellers – the best way to avoid this is to book ahead of time online through GetYourGuide),
• Inflated taxi prices – Use Uber or get a shuttle from your hotel from the airport. From the airport it should only be 15 Soles (USD 5) max. Dave and I accidently paid a taxi USD 50 from the airport to Cusco the first time. 😐
• People offering “help” at train stations or attractions for a fee.

Who Cusco is for

If you are into adventure travel, hiking and exploring places that feel rich in history and culture, then Cusco is 1,000% for you! With ancient ruins scattered throughout the city and dramatic landscapes just outside it, Cusco easily appeals to travellers who enjoy being active and outside.

That said, you don’t need to be a big hiker to enjoy Cusco. Many of the most popular experiences, like visiting the Sacred Valley are focused on sightseeing rather than physical effort. You can explore impressive ruins, cute traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints without needing to engage in long hikes or steep climbs.

Cusco is also ideal for travellers who enjoy wandering through beautiful old cities at a slower pace. Between the cobblestone streets, local markets, cosy cafés, and historical buildings, there is plenty to do.

If you are like me and you enjoy destinations with strong sense of culture, amazing food and easy access to adventure, Cusco is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Who Cusco isn’t for

As much as I love Cusco, it’s not a destination that suits every type of traveller and that’s okay. If you are someone who prefers fast paced trips with minimal physical challenges, Cusco may feel a little depending. The high altitude can make even simple walks feel harder than expected, especially in your first few days there.

If you are short on time and hoping for a quick, relaxed city break, Cusco will still be enjoyable if you just chill out in the city, but you will be missing out on all of the adventure and places surrounding Cusco so I’m not sure it would be worth it. Most of the experiences around the city require acclimatisation, early mornings or full day trips which means you need as much time as possible.

Cusco is not the sort of place you go for a polished resort-style experience. There are beautiful hotels there (don’t get me wrong), but to make the most of the area, you need to get out into the mountains and perhaps get a little dirty. So if you are looking for a luxury city stay, Cusco might not be for you.

Top things to do in Cusco, Peru

I could go on and on about all the great things there are to do in and around Cusco, but I have a blog post for that! The absolute top thing that you should do in Cusco however, is wander the streets, enjoy the café and restaurant scene and speak to people. The people in Cusco (and Peru in general) are some of the nicest in the world.

My thoughts on whether or not Cusco is worth a visit

If you are visiting Machu Picchu, seriously, just book 3 or 4 days in Cusco and explore the city, do a Sacred Valley Tour and a Rainbow Mountain Tour. You will not regret it. But you will probably regret it if you don’t!

Don’t plan your trip to Peru without reading these:

• How to Spend a Magical 3 Days in Cusco
• Best Day Trips From Cusco, Peru
• Things to do in Cusco for First-Timers
• Unique Places to Stay in Cusco
• An Incredible Lima 1 Day Itinerary
• Best Things to do in Lima Peru
• Where to Stay in Lima (I found the best place ever)!
• Is Lima Worth Visiting: My Honest Review
• The Best Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco & Why I Think it is Worth it
• Bucket List Things to Do in Peru
• Huacachina Peru: Is the Desert Oasis Worth It?
• Is Rainbow Mountain Worth It? What I’d Do Differently After Visiting
• Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek (From someone who’s done both)
• Are the Nazca Lines Worth Visiting?

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