Cusco is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Latin America. It has been internationally recognized for its historical, cultural, and natural value, and has received multiple awards such as Best Tourist Destination in South America in contests like the World Travel Awards and in rankings by magazines such as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The city preserves a mixed infrastructure: Andean, Incan, and colonial. Some of the most important sites are: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and the Plaza de Armas with its colonial cathedral.
Cusco is the main gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From the city of Cusco, you can reach it by: train (from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes), or through treks such as the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Jungle, or the Lares Trek.
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Cusco has been awarded multiple times as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its cultural richness, ancient history, and natural heritage. In recent years, it has been recognized by highly prestigious international institutions.
One of the most notable recognitions comes from the World Travel Awards, known as the “Oscars of Tourism,” which annually reward the most outstanding tourist destinations on the planet. In several editions, Cusco has been chosen as the "Leading Cultural Destination of South America." This award not only acknowledges its historical value but also the quality of its tourism services and the authentic experience it offers to visitors.
In addition, international travel magazines such as Travel + Leisure have ranked Cusco as the “Best City in Central and South America” in their renowned World’s Best Awards, where readers from around the world vote for their favorite experiences. Cusco has taken the top spot thanks to its hospitality, colonial and Inca architecture, gastronomy, and access to wonders such as Machu Picchu.
Similarly, Condé Nast Traveler magazine, one of the most influential publications in luxury and cultural tourism, has included Cusco among the most beautiful cities in the world to visit.
Among the tourist attractions is the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.
For trekking, top destinations include the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): located over 5,000 meters above sea level, famous for its natural colors; Choquequirao: a remote Inca citadel similar to Machu Picchu; and Humantay Lake.
Machu Picchu: Inca citadel considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Accessible by train or by trekking routes such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.
Inti Raymi (in Quechua: Festival of the Sun) is one of the most important celebrations on the Andean calendar. It takes place every June 24 in the city of Cusco, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This ceremony has ancestral roots in the Inca Empire and paid tribute to the god Inti, the sun, considered the main protector of the Tahuantinsuyo.
It was established by Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century as a religious and political ceremony. It was an act of gratitude to the Sun for the harvests received and a petition for a fertile new year. It took place on the esplanade of Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and gathered all the Inca nobility and delegations from the four regions of the Tahuantinsuyo.
This festivity was introduced in the 16th century, replacing ancient Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi. However, over time, the celebration acquired unique characteristics in Cusco, combining elements of Christianity with Andean symbols. Today, Corpus Christi represents not only a religious manifestation but also a reflection of the cultural blending of the Andes.
The celebration begins on Wednesday with the entrance of the saints into Cusco Cathedral. On Thursday, the main day, the images parade around the Plaza de Armas in a long and solemn procession that lasts the entire day. Eight days later, the Octave of Corpus is celebrated, when the images return to their temples amidst music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere.
Cusco offers a rich gastronomy based on Andean ingredients: potatoes, corn, quinoa, guinea pig, alpaca, local herbs, and native peppers. The city is home to fine dining restaurants and fusion cuisine proposals. Among the most representative dishes are:
