Cusco for luxury travelers
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco: Full-service spa with mountain biking and horse riding excursions, plus a resident courtyard alpaca. Cusco has 6 luxury-tier hotels in the Trip.com pool from US$240 a night.
Cusco for luxury travelers, in numbers
- Picks on this page
- 6 places across 1 lists, led by Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Antigua Casona San Blas
- luxury-tier hotels
- 6 in the Trip.com poolfrom US$240 a night
Questions luxury travelers ask about Cusco
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Where to stay
Stay within 3 blocks of Plaza de Armas for a first visit. You'll walk to Cusco Cathedral, Coricancha, and every major restaurant without navigating steep cobblestone hills at 3,400 meters. Budget $55-90 for a mid-range hotel, $150-250 for a boutique with heated rooms. San Blas suits repeat visitors willing to climb.
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Must-see
Coricancha, the Inca sun temple beneath the Convent of Santo Domingo. Founded around 1201, its polished andesite walls fit so tightly a knife blade won't slide between the stones. The Spanish built their church directly on top, so you see both civilizations in one room. No reservation needed. The walk from Plaza de Armas takes about 10 minutes on flat ground.
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Food culture
Cusco's food runs on altitude and corn at 3,400 meters. Breakfast starts before 7am with pork adobo at Mercado Central de San Pedro. Cuy, guinea pig fried whole under a river stone, is the signature plate at picanterías in Wanchaq. Skip the Plaza de Armas restaurants. The best meals cost under 15 soles.
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Cultural etiquette
Cusco runs on two greetings. A single cheek kiss for women, a firm handshake for men. Say 'buenas' when entering any shop or restaurant. Coca tea is offered everywhere at 3,400 meters. Accept it. Refusing reads as rude. Pay 1-2 soles before photographing women in traditional dress near Plaza de Armas. Churches require covered knees and shoulders.
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Airport to city
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) sits 5 km south of Plaza de Armas. Pre-arrange your hotel's airport shuttle (most offer free pickup), or take the official taxi from the counter inside arrivals for 10-15 PEN ($3-4.50). The ride is 10-15 minutes. At 3,400 meters, you want a driver waiting, not a decision to make.
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