The Inca capital with a Spanish city built on top of it, at 3,400m. Everyone comes through for Machu Picchu; it's worth days of its own before you go.
Free things to do
Free
San Pedro market breakfast
Juice ladies upstairs, whole-meal soups for pocket change.
Free
Plaza de Armas and the Inca walls
Two churches, arcaded balconies and a square that was the centre of the Inca world. Walk Hatun Rumiyoc behind it for the twelve-angled stone — no ticket, just look up at the joints.
Free
San Blas artisan quarter climb
Steep lanes, workshops, the best plaza-view coffee in town.
Where to stay
from $11
Magicpacker Hostel
Dorm bed · per night
from $13
Wild Rover Cusco
Dorm bed · per night
from $26
KOSKO Casa Hotel
Private room · per night
from $33
Dragonfly Hostels Cusco
Private room · per night
Trips that take it in
South America · 11 days · loop · 5 nights in Cusco