Peru Travel Guide: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Essential Tips
Explore Peru's ancient Inca heartland with our complete guide to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley — from altitude tips to must-try dishes and trekking routes.
Peru Travel Guide: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley
Peru is one of South America's most captivating destinations, a country where ancient Inca civilisation meets colonial architecture, high-altitude adventure, and extraordinary cuisine. From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the cloud-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu and the fertile terraces of the Sacred Valley, Peru rewards travellers with experiences that are genuinely unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Cusco: The Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire
Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,400 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, and its altitude is the first thing most visitors notice. Allow yourself at least two days to acclimatise before attempting any strenuous activity — altitude sickness is real and can affect even fit travellers.
Arriving and Acclimatising
Exploring Cusco's Historic Centre
Cusco's Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful main squares in South America, flanked by the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. Both are built on Inca foundations, and the Cathedral incorporates stones from the nearby Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
Use our [currency converter](/currency) to plan your budget — Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN), and cash is essential in markets and smaller towns.
The Sacred Valley: Inca Terraces and Living Culture
The Sacred Valley of the Incas stretches between Cusco and Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River, dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and some of the most dramatic agricultural terracing ever constructed.
Pisac: Market Town and Inca Citadel
Pisac is famous for its Sunday market, one of the largest and most authentic in the Andes, where local communities sell textiles, ceramics, and produce. Above the town, the Pisac Archaeological Park contains impressive Inca terraces, temples, and a vast cemetery carved into the cliff face.
Ollantaytambo: Gateway to Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo is the best-preserved Inca town in Peru, where the original street grid and water channels still function. The Ollantaytambo fortress, built to defend the Sacred Valley, features massive terraces and a partially completed sun temple with enormous pink granite blocks.
Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Two unusual sites near Maras are worth combining into a half-day excursion:
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu needs no introduction — it is one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century and abandoned during the Spanish conquest, it was largely unknown to the outside world until 1911.
Getting There
Visiting the Citadel
What to See Inside
Browse more articles on our [blog](/blog) for detailed trekking guides and tips on visiting Peru's other remarkable archaeological sites.
Peruvian Cuisine: A World-Class Food Destination
Peru has emerged as one of the world's great culinary destinations, with Lima regularly featuring multiple restaurants in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Even outside the capital, the food is exceptional.
Must-Try Dishes
Where to Eat in Cusco
Practical Travel Tips for Peru
Check live weather on our [city dashboard](/) for current conditions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before your trip.
Peru is a destination that rewards curiosity and patience. The more time you spend exploring beyond the main sites, the richer your experience becomes — from remote Andean villages to cloud forest hikes and the extraordinary flavours of one of the world's great food cultures.
