Set high in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is a city with cultural depth and historical weight. From its origins as the capital of the Inca Empire to its current standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco invites travelers to explore its traditions, crafts, and festivals.
Start your cultural tour in central Cusco, where remnants of ancient Inca ruins sit beside the architectural grandeur of Spanish colonial buildings. Walk cobblestone streets lined with busy markets, where local artisans show off their intricately crafted textiles, pottery, and ornate jewelry.
Cusco also delivers for food lovers, with a wide range of flavors to try. Try traditional Andean dishes like rocoto relleno and pachamanca, or sample modern plates that blend indigenous ingredients with global influences.
Across the year, Cusco hosts a long list of festivals and events that bring its culture to the surface. The processions of Semana Santa and the dances of Corpus Christi each give you a view into the character of the city.
The people of Cusco are a core part of its cultural richness — warm, hospitable, and proud of their heritage. Talking with locals as you walk the city’s winding streets reveals a strong sense of community.
In Cusco, culture isn’t just observed — it’s part of daily life at every turn. Visiting ancient ruins, picking up traditional crafts, or sampling Peruvian food, you’ll find the city makes room for its cultural legacy at every turn.
