Spend a few days in Cusco, Peru’s historic capital and the entry point to Machu Picchu. Set in the Andes Mountains, Cusco mixes a long history with a lively cultural scene, pairing ancient sites with the colonial old town.

Walk the cobblestone streets of Cusco’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with churches, colonial facades, and markets busy with local life. Each corner has a story, and the cobblestones carry the city’s Inca and colonial past at once.

Head out of the city into the Sacred Valley, where trails lead to Inca ruins, Andean villages, and wide views across the countryside. A hike through the mountains or a stop in a local community, the Sacred Valley has plenty to pick from.

Beyond the sites, Cusco has a character of its own, where the past sits alongside the present and most encounters leave a mark on the trip. Warm smiles from locals, bright colors in the markets, Cusco has the kind of welcome that keeps visitors coming back.

Take the trip to Cusco, where old and new meet at every turn. History readers, hikers, or curious first-timers, Cusco gives you a trip that stays with you and pulls you back for a second visit.