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Home  /  Peru  /  Cusco
Andean hub · Peru

Cusco

The ancient Inca capital high in the Andes — the hub for the cloud forest, Manu, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Getting there
By flight from Lima; the base for the Andes, Manu and the Sacred Valley
Best for
The Inca capital, Andean culture, the gateway to Manu and the cloud forest, acclimatising
The land
A historic Andean city at 3,400 m, the old Inca capital
Good to know
The road from Cusco descends into Manu through every Andean habitat
What it is
Cusco is the ancient Inca capital high in the Andes — the hub for the cloud forest, Manu, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
At 3,400 m, Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca world, a city of stone walls, colonial churches and Andean life. For wildlife travellers it is the launch point: the road descends from here into Manu and the cloud forest through habitat after habitat, and the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu lie close by.
PhotoCusco — andean hub.
The reason to come

The Inca capital

Cusco blends Inca history with the gateway to the wild.

Inca heritage

Stone walls, temples and the old Inca capital.

Gateway to Manu

The descent road into the cloud forest and Amazon.

Sacred Valley access

The valley and Machu Picchu close by.

Worth knowing

The heart of the Inca world

Cusco's Inca and colonial heritage makes it a destination in itself, as well as the gateway to the wild.
PhotoThe Andean city of Cusco.
When to come — honestly

When to go

May – October
Best
The dry season — the best Andes and cloud-forest travel.
Year-round
Good
A year-round Andean hub.
November – April
Good
The green, wetter season in the highlands.
At 3,400 m, acclimatise in Cusco before exertion or descending to the Amazon.
Context

The Andean hub

Cusco is the highland hub and gateway to Manu, the cloud forest and the Sacred Valley.

It anchors most Peru wildlife itineraries.

We use Cusco as the Andean hub, with the descent road into Manu and the Sacred Valley nearby.

Beyond the obvious

More to Cusco.

PhotoInca heritage

Inca heritage

The old capital.

PhotoGateway to Manu

Gateway to Manu

The descent road.

PhotoSacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Close by.

Why Wild Voyager

We pair the Andes and Amazon without the rush.

Peru's wildlife — Manu, Tambopata, the cloud forest — sits beyond its famous ruins. We build the route so the wildlife leads, with Machu Picchu and the Andes woven in at the right pace.

Handpicked stays

We choose the lodge and guides that fit your goals, not whatever is left.

We time it right

We build your visit around the season and the wildlife that delivers.

Journeys

Trips through Cusco

7 Days · 6 Nights

Manu Bird Photography
8 Days · 7 Nights

Peru Birding Highlights
8 Days · 7 Nights

Cock-of-the-Rock Photography
10 Days · 9 Nights

Spectacled Bear Expedition
10 Days · 9 Nights

Andes & Amazon
12 Days · 11 Nights

Machu Picchu & Manu
Where to stay

Where you’ll stay in Cusco

Signature Collection
PhotoPalacio del Inka
Signature

Palacio del Inka

A restored colonial palace facing the Qorikancha, Cusco's finest heritage hotel.
Luxury Collection
PhotoBelmond Monasterio
Luxury

Belmond Monasterio

A converted 16th-century monastery in the heart of old Cusco.
Classic Collection
PhotoCasa Andina Premium
Classic

Casa Andina Premium

A comfortable, reliable hotel near the Plaza de Armas.

Plan your Cusco trip.

Base in the Inca capital before the wild. Tell us your dates and we will build the route around it.

Plan a trip

Field notes, now and then.

Where to go · When to go · Wildlife in season

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