Perched at a lofty 11,000 feet, Cusco is known as the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. Legend has it that Manco Capac, the founder of the Empire and first Inca, and his sister Mama Ocllo were brought from the depths of Lake Titicaca by the sun god Inti, who instructed them to create the Temple of the Sun wherever Manco Capac’s staff sank into the sand. This place was found in Cusco, a Quechua word meaning ‘the earth’s navel’, which became the center of the Empire or Tahuantinsuyo. Cusco thus became a Holy City to the Incas, a place where all would attempt to make a pilgrimage once in their lives. More...

Cusco’s location and altitude result in only two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season typically lasts from October to March, with the heaviest rains arriving in January and February. The best time to visit Cusco and the surrounding area is during April-May, just after the rainy season but before the peak season picks up, or September-October before the rainy season sets in. Peak season for travelers is June-August, when prices are at their highest and accommodations and tours book up well in advance. The rainy season tends to be quieter with scattered showers throughout the days.  Note that around July 28, Peru’s independence day, Cusco is a very popular destination among local tourists.  It is best to avoid visiting around this date if you don’t want to be caught in large crowds. Check out monthly temperatures and precipitation in Peru