Tripadvisor Awards, discover the most recommended destinations by travelers

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In this 2025, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best celebrate the most valued destinations by millions of travelers worldwide, based on genuine reviews of experience, lodging, gastronomy, and activities. In this edition, London was crowned as the No. 1 global destination.

In that context, Cusco, the historic capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, was recognized as one of the 25 most outstanding destinations of the year, occupying the 13th position. This recognition underlines the destination's magnetism: its colonial architecture, its Andean energy, its closeness to Machu Picchu, in addition to its traditional markets, its varied gastronomy, and its rich cultural, scenic, and adventure offerings.

Cusco: center of the Inca universe and navel of the world

Cusco was not only the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, it is also today the starting point for every great adventure to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and many other destinations. This city, considered by the Incas as the "navel of the world", holds history, culture, and landscapes that invite you to discover every corner.

Those who arrive in Cusco find a vibrant destination: cobblestone streets that preserve the colonial legacy, communities that keep their ancestral traditions present, colorful markets, and ruins that recall the greatness of an empire that still inspires admiration. From here, every visitor can take routes to mountains, salt flats, temples, and ceremonial centers, making Cusco the gateway to history and adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Also, the tours Cusco 2025 offer renewed experiences that combine traditional routes with new proposals for those who seek to live this destination to the fullest.

Cusco Attractions - tripadvisor:

Main Square: was the zero kilometer of the Inca Empire, from here the roads to the four suyoso regions of the Empire. It was the site of the martyrdom of Tupac Amaru.
Cathedra lof Cusco: you can see a local version of the Last Supper in which Jesus Christ is facing a tremendous dish of guinea pig. Its foundations are Incas and belonged to the ancient temple of Viracocha. To see the interior of the churches, the ideal is to visit them on Sundays until 9 in the morning, since they are in mass and do not charge entrance.
Qoricancha: the most venerable of the temples of the Inca sun. Its hybrid architecture - a Christian example on foundations of a pre-existing Inca temple - summarizes the history of Peru. The inner enclosure of the temple, dedicated to the adoration of Inti, solar deity, shone with golden figures of animals and characteristic plants like the vicuña and the corn in real size. Much of that treasure was transported in caravans of llamas to Cajamarca, as payment for the ransom of Atahualpa demanded by Pizarro, and the rest was the victim of looting. When the Convent of Santo Domingo was built on it in 1530, numerous elements of the original Inca temple were left exposed, such as a sixty-meter wall outside.
San Blas neighborhood: colonial and steep, with many traditional craft shops. It is very known because here life the most ancient families that traditionally are cusquenian artisans generation per generation.
Sacred Valley Inca Ruins: When traveling to Cusco and then touring the Sacred Valley, you will have the impression that you are in the real Inca Empire. This corridor of gorges and pampas furrowed by mighty rivers, organically intertwines with archaeological ruins among which vicuñas and llamas graze. Its peasantry is part of the heritage, as the scattered communities pay homage to farming techniques that once supplied the largest empire in South America. Attention: it is necessary to buy the tourist ticket to access many of the archaeological sites.

When is the best time to travel to Cusco?

The best time to travel to Cusco is from April to November (dry season). It refreshes a lot at night (so take a coat) But the days are sunny and clear, and the thermometer can climb up to 22 degrees. To take into account: June to August is high season and prices go up a bit.

The most important festivals are: Inti Raymi "the Sun Feast" (June 24) and Qoylluriti (May to June, variable). From December to March it rains a lot and there are usually , which can close for that reason. A couple of times that has ended badly, with tents carried by the current.

Did you know that the city of Cusco has received several honorary titles and international awards? Here some of them!!!:

Cusco, first city and first vote of all the cities and towns of Nueva Castilla: Awarded in Madrid by Real Cédula de Carlos V, on April 24, 1540
The very distinguished, very noble, loyal and faithful city of Cusco, the most important and head the kingdoms of Peru: Awarded in Madrid by Real Cédula de Carlos V on July 19, 1540.
Cusco, Archaeological Capital of America: Awarded at the XXV International Congress of Americanists held in La Plata, Argentina in 1933. This title was endorsed by the Congress of the Republic of Peru through Law No. 7688 of January 23, 1933.
Cusco, cultural heritage of the world: Awarded by the Seventh Convention of Mayors of the Great Cities of the World, meeting in Milan, Italy on April 19, 1978.
Cusco, Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity: Awarded by UNESCO in Paris, France on December 9, 1983.
Cusco, Cultural Patrimony of the Nation: Granted by Law No. 23765 of December 30, 1983. This same Law denominates in its 3rd article the City of Cusco as Tourist Capital of Peru.
Cusco, Historical capital of Peru: Awarded by Article 49 of the Political Constitution of Peru of 1993.
Cusco, Historical Capital of Latin America: Awarded by the Latin American Congress of Aldermen and Councilors, in the city of Cusco, in the month of November 2001.
Cusco, American Capital of Culture: Awarded by the American Capital Organization of Culture in 2007.
Cusco, Wonder of the World: Awarded on July 7, 2007 in ceremony held in Lisbon - Portugal.

Know more of the magical city of Cusco:

What currency is used?

The official currency in Cusco and throughout Peru is the Peruvian sol (S/). Although the US dollar is accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops, it is best to change it to soles for your daily expenses.

The exchange rate this year is on average between 3.70 and 3.80 soles per dollar, although it may vary slightly depending on the exchange house or bank. In Cusco, you will find multiple safe exchange houses in the Plaza de Armas, along Avenida El Sol, and on the main streets of the historic center. Also, there are 24-hour ATMs that allow you to withdraw soles or dollars with international cards.

For greater comfort and security, avoid changing money on the street and use authorized exchange houses or banks. This way you will ensure that your trip through the imperial city is peaceful and without financial problems.

Cusco Hotels:

There are plenty of hostels and inns of all categories. The majority of Hotels are located on the center of the city.

A cheap hostel in Cusco is the Intro Hostel. It operates in an old house 300 years old, and offers breakfast, free Wi-Fi and even have their own bar with pool tables. It has very good comments for your attention and kindness. Prices are around 9 USD
Another highly recommended is the Ecopackers (Santa Teresa 375, 150 meters from the Main Square) with a huge colonial garden full of tables, where a restaurant with vegetarian options, and where you can stay all night drinking beer, if you paint, because it has its own bar. It has free wifi, and very good atmosphere. Prices are around 10-18 USD per night depending on how many people are sharing the room.
If what you are looking for is a party, the best party-hostel in Cusco is the Kokopelli Hostel (San Andrés 260), with its own Pisco-bar and disco. They usually organize events and live music almost every day, so it is the place to meet people in that climate, and the female audience highlights that among the ammenities there is a hair dryer. The common areas of the hostel are decorated with works by local artists. Prices idem up.
Explicitly prescribed for digital nomads, the Milhouse Hostel (Quera 270) has many quiet nooks and crannies in its two central courtyards, with sofas and hammocks, as well as a bar where the vice comes to life when you close the computer (the digital nomads also do after office, which conste). The dorms are around 18-20 dollars, there are rooms with private bath for approx 50 'USD.

Other experiences near Cusco

Beyond the majesty of Machu Picchu, the surroundings of Cusco offer a variety of experiences that allow you to get to know the culture, history, and landscapes of Andean Peru up close. From traditional towns to little-explored natural wonders, there is a lot to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. If you are looking for new adventures outside the usual, here we present the places you can't miss: