Cusco is located over 3,350 masl (11,500 feet) approx.  with a populations over 435,000 approx. ,the Official Language is Spanish and Quechua And it is considered the cultural and tourist center of Peru and The ‘Archaeological Capital of the Americas’, is the largest tourist attraction in Peru and the most visited . Cusco was the largest city and capital of the Inca Empire ” Tahuantinsuyo ” (covering much of Ecuador , Colombia , Bolivia , Peru , Argentina and Chile) which was then taken by the Spanish conquerors ; today it has an architecture that fuses the Inca and Spanish style . Their town conserves with pride their customs and traditions.

Cusco is an exciting and colorful city, with colonial architecture and built  on the solid remains of Inka temples and palaces. Most visitors are eager to get to Machu Picchu, either by trekking along the Inca Trail, or by 4 hours on the train or decide stay longer than first planned in Cusco to visit more intereting places of the surrounding city.

The first day in particular should be spent quietly relaxing and taking things easy as you gently acclimatize. Plan to spend at least 2 days in and around Cusco before starting any trekking such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , Salkantay trekking to Machupicchu ,etc.

CLIMATE:

It has a semi-dry and cold climate. with two defined seasons  The dry season lasts from May to August, with abundant sunshine and occasional nighttime freezes The rainy season starts in November  to March at the start of the season the rain is light; as the season progresses, between January and March, the rain becomes heavier and the mountains turn green .The average maximum temperature annually is 19.6 °C and the minimum 4.2 °C. During the day it is warm but at night temperatures are low. The coldest months are June to September .. We recommend that tourists bring a waterproof coat and suitable clothing for the rainy season

AIRPORT CUSCO

Cusco Airport, Peru –  Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, is Cusco’s only airport.

Av. Velasco Astete s/n. (Hall Principal) Tel/fax: 084- 237364

 The airport is located 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from the Plaza de Armas in the historic centre of Cusco. The approximate journey time is 20 minutes by taxi.

CUSCO TRANSPORTATION:

the city of Cusco, the visitor may choose the public transportation, which uses buses and minibuses with a fixed route and which fare is quite economic. Regarding taxis, fares are agreed before getting on the vehicle,

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE

Currency in Peru is the “Nuevo Sol”. Bills are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10 Nuevos Soles, with coins in 5, 2 and 1 denominations as well as “centimos” of 0.50, 0.20, 0.10 , hotels and shops easily accept US Dollars, but changing currencies other than US Dollars can be difficult.

The best places to change money are at “Casas de Cambio” (Money Exchange), which are recommended for their good rates, speed and security. If you only need some cash, you can pay with dollars in a restaurant and you will get the change in soles, but note to pay entrances fees or tourist ticket to visit archeological sites you will need peruvian soles , they don’t  accept  dollars

** The rates change all the time, everyday has a different rate.

** Exchange Rate Indicators – Approx. US$1 = S. 3.20

RESTAURANTS IN CUSCO

Limo

www.cuscorestaurants.com/limo/ (Nouveau Andino)

Portal de Carnes 236, 2nd floor, Plaza de Armas, Cusco open 11am-11pm Mon-Sat

Cicciolina

www.cicciolinacuzco.com/ (Mediterranean / Tapas)

Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd floor, Cusco

MAP Cafe

www.cuscorestaurants.com/map-cafe-por-coque-ossio/ (International/Criollo/Nouveau-Andino)

Casa Cabrera, Plaza Nazarenas 231, Cusco.

Le Soleil

www.restaurantelesoleilcusco.com

Restaurant Illariy

www.belmond.com/hotel-monasterio-cusco/restaurants-in-cusco (Monasterio Hotel) Monasterio del Cusco Hotel (Andean/International)

Calle Palacios 136, Plazoleta Nazarenas, Cusco.

Inca Grill

www.cuscorestaurants.com/inkagrill/ (International/Criollo/Nouveau-Andino)

Portal de Panes 115, Plaza de Armas, Cusco.

Chicha

www.chicha.com.pe/en/cusco (Nouveau Andino)

Plaza Regocijo 261, 2nd floor, Cusco.

Divina Comedia

www.restaurantcusco.com (International/Nouveau-Andino)

Pumacurco 406, Cusco. (Up the hill from Plaza Nazarenas)

Pacha Papa

www.cuscorestaurants.com/pachapapa/ (Andean/International)

 Plazoleta San Blas 120, Cusco.

Greens Organic

www.cuscorestaurants.com/greens-organics/

 Santa Catalina Angosta 165, 2nd floor (corner of the Plaza de armas

Incanto

www.cuscorestaurants.com/incanto/

 (Italian) Santa Catalina Angosta 165 (corner of the Plaza de Armas), Cusco tel 084 254753

A Mi Manera

www.cuscorestaurant-amimanera.com/en/ (International/Criollo/Nouveau-Andino)

Calle Triunfo 393, 2nd floor,

Tunupa

(International/Criollo/Nouveau-Andino)

Portal Confituria 233, Plaza de Armas

Kintaro

(Japanese)

Calle Plateros 326, 2nd Floor, Cusco. Open midday-3.30pm & 6.30-10pm Mon-Sat. Serving Sushi & Saki but plenty more besides.

La Quinta Eulalia

(Andean) Tel: 224951 Choquechaka 384, If you want to experience a real Cusquenan restaurant pay a visit to La Quinta Eulalia. It has outdoor tented seating, local dishes including guinea pig, traditional music and home brewed chicha. An experience you’ll remember. Open only for lunch 11am-5pm