Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, is where nearly every Choquequirao journey begins and ends. At about 3,400 m it is higher than any point on the classic trek, which makes it the ideal place to acclimatise: two days of gentle sightseeing here are the best preparation you can do.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with colonial churches and mansions built directly on Inca walls, the Qorikancha sun temple, and the colossal fortress-temple of Sacsayhuamán on the hill above. It is also where you will find the trek operators, gear-rental shops, the bus terminal for Cachora and the trains to Machu Picchu.
Top things to do at Cusco
Walk the Inca walls
Streets such as Hatun Rumiyoc, with its famous twelve-angled stone, and the lanes of San Blas show Inca masonry at its finest. The Plaza de Armas and the cathedral are the heart of the colonial city.
Visit Sacsayhuamán
Above the city, giant zigzag walls of perfectly fitted stones — some weighing many tonnes. A half-day city tour combines it with Q’enco and Tambomachay.
Acclimatise with a day trip
Spend a day in the lower Sacred Valley or test yourself at Humantay Lake before the trek. See the best Cusco day trips.
Prepare your trek
Rent a sleeping bag or poles, buy snacks and water treatment, and draw enough cash in soles for the whole trek.
How to get to Cusco
- By air: flights from Lima take about 1 h 20 min; the airport is a short taxi ride from the centre.
- By bus: long-distance buses connect Cusco with Lima, Arequipa and Puno.
- To Choquequirao: about four hours by road to Cachora — see Cusco to Choquequirao.
Insider tips
- Take it easy on day one: walk slowly, drink water and coca tea, and skip alcohol.
- Nights are cold from June to August — choose a hotel with heating.
- Leave your spare luggage at your hotel during the trek.
- See where to stay in Cusco for our hotel picks.
Best treks & tours for Cusco
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Cusco:
City tour from US$14 Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuamán and Q’enco
The essential introduction to Cusco: the colonial centre built on Inca foundations, then the hilltop sites above the city — Sacsayhuamán’s colossal walls, the carved shrine of Q’enco and the fountains of Tambomachay.
- Cusco’s historic centre and Qorikancha area
- The giant walls of Sacsayhuamán
- Q’enco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
Half-day tour from US$15 From Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Tour
A compact, inexpensive trip to three of the region’s most photogenic sights: the weavers of Chinchero, the concentric terraces of Moray and the terraced salt pans of Maras, back in Cusco by late afternoon.
- Chinchero weaving demonstration
- Circular Inca terraces of Moray
- Thousands of salt pans at Maras
Day trip from US$26 Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Salt Mines & Moray
The Sacred Valley’s greatest hits in one day: the terraces of Pisac, the fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo, the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt pans of Maras. A gentle day while you acclimatise.
- Pisac terraces and Ollantaytambo fortress
- Moray’s circular terraces and the Maras salt pans
- Lower altitude than Cusco — easy on arrival
