Tucked within the hills of Peru is the city of Cusco and beyond that lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The ruins in both the city and the nearby valley have resisted the wear and deterioration usually caused by time. Just a mile outside of Cusco, the valley is one of the most stunning sites in Peru.

When to Visit Cusco

The weather in Cusco, and all of Peru, is relatively stable throughout the year. The area is great for travel at any given time, but when you visit will depend on the type of atmosphere you like best.

The summer months last from December through March, but can be very rainy. In February, the Inca Trail is closed for regular annual maintenance. There are plenty of other things to see and do, but you should expect to encounter rain throughout your trip.

One of the most popular times of year in Cusco is between the months of June and August, so you might want to avoid those months if you aren’t a huge fan of crowds. The months of April, May, September, and October are very nice – just before and after the rains – and generally aren’t as crowded.

Transportation in Cusco

When you first arrive in Cusco, you’ll want to spend at least one full day relaxing and hanging around the areas near your hotel. You need to do this in order to give your lungs time to adjust to the higher elevation.

Once you’ve adjusted, you’ll find that you can visit most of Cusco by foot. You should carry plenty of water with you at all times, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of hills throughout the town.

If you don’t want to walk, consider taking a ride on the tranvia – an old streetcar looking vehicle pulled by mules. The tranvias run throughout the town and make stops at most of the popular tourist destinations in and around the city.

Health & Safety in Cusco

Cusco is known for being a relatively safe city, with very little violent crime. Visitors should use the same common sense tactics they would in other cities, by taking care of their personal belongings and not drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.

Be careful if you should decide to take a taxi while in Cusco. There is no regulation or licensure of taxi cabs and many are not safe. Hire the taxi you want to use at your hotel or search for a yellow cab. These are the only ones you can guarantee are safe. The others are simple car owners who have put a TAXI sign in the window, hoping to either make some money or take advantage of tourists.

Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas

One of the most exhilarating sights outside of Cusco is the valley known as Willkamayu, nicknamed the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley actually begins about 20 miles outside of Cusco, in the town of Pisac. As you progress, you’ll travel further away from Cusco, but deeper into the valley. After about an hour, you’ll reach the towns of Coya, Lamay, Calca, Yucay, and Huayllambamba. After another 20 miutes, you’ll reach Ollantaytambo.

On your way back towards Cusco, you’ll loop through different villages, including Chinchero and Maras. All of these towns are filled with historic ruins, archaeological complexes, and cultural attractions – not to mention the astounding scenery you’ll see along the way.

Visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is, of course, of particular interest to anyone visiting the Cusco area. Machu Picchu is only accessible to those who can walk the Inca Trail (note – something you cannot do during the month of February). To get there, you’ll have to take a train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (about 4 hours) and then take another mode of transportation to the entrance of the trail.

Machu Picchu is a very popular destination, especially during the months of June, July, and August. Make sure you purchase your train tickets as far in advance as possible to avoid the disappointment of not being able to get out to see these spectacular ruins.

The city of Cusco is gorgeous, as are the surrounding areas. Take the time to venture out of the city and see some of Peru’s Incan ruins with your own eyes. You’ll  be glad you made the trip.