The Basics
City Name: Cuzco
Where is it located?: Cuzco is in southern Peru near the famous city of Machu Picchu.
Why do people go there?: Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. Hoards of tourist use Cuzco as a base for exploring the surrounding regions.
How do travelers get there?: Packaged travelers generally arrive in Cuzco’s airport. Overlanders arrive on bus from around the country.
Currency: Nuevo Sol/Soles; Vernacular Sol or Soles
City Code: 84
Population: 1.2 million
Languages: Spanish
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Gringo Alley, Av Sol, Plaza de Armas
Attractions: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail
Accommodations: Cuzco Hostels
Tourist Office: Peru Tourist Information
Off-the-beaten-path: Coricancha ruins
Health Issues: Altitude sickness, Cholera, hepatitis, malaria (Malaria exists in the lowlands), rabies, typhoid, yellow fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: High season for Machu Picchu is from June to August. June-Aug.: Dry season in the mountains.
Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta? = Where is?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo = My name is Chuta! = Shoot!
City Specific Events: Festival of the Sun: June 24
How to get around?: Cuzco is not too big and taxis and buses, and tour buses can take you throughout the city.
Good to know: Cuzco is South America’s oldest inhabited city.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The nearest airport that you can take to get to Cuzco is the Lima Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Cuzco travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
