Hotels near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport - CUZ, Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful, old city. Adjusting to the altitude was the most difficult part of the stay. Drink the coca tea daily. It really does help. People are friendly, restaurant options and value were outstanding. Easy to walk most everywhere and never felt threatened but we didn't walk much after dark. Police presence in most areas. Nuna Restaurant was near to our hotel and serves local, farm to table food. They offer gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and meat options. Amazing food, great vibe! We didn't expect this and it was a highlight for us. We went more than once. Street vendors are everywhere so just keep walking. We would definitely go back to Peru.

Cusco is a great place to visit so much to do, little streets, coffee shops restaurants, total tourist designation, lots of fun going thru all the little shops the best part is getting up to the Inca ruins its spectacular and amazing, its a great place i loved it

To enjoy Cusco takes some planning to maximize your time there. I didn't enjoy my visit to the city for 3 reasons. (1) I got Altitude Sickness followed by flu like symptoms which I'm still not completely recovered from (returned home today). Travelers to Cusco need to be prepared for this and have tablets available. It started with headache and nausea, followed by fever, sore throat, loose bowels, shortness of breath etc. (2) I did not get to visit Machu Picchu which was my main reason for visiting Peru, because the tickets were sold out. My advice is to buy your tickets for this site as far in advance as possible. Do NOT wait until you get to Peru. (3) The elevation in Cusco is much higher than Lima and it takes a couple days to get acclimated. Unless you are right in the square, you will be walking either downhill or uphill. I didn't consider this an issue since I am relatively fit but the oxygen is thin at that elevation and it doesn't require much activity to leave you winded. Maybe my experience was exacerbated by the altitude sickness but there were times when my heart was racing and I was gasping for air. There are lots of interesting places to visit in Cusco and I will return at some point but next time I will be prepared so I won't spend most of my trip in bed.

The people were very friendly and helpful. The food was very good and reasonably priced. Enjoyed the architecture and cultural history of Cusco. Most places were walkable depending on where you stayed.

Cusco is a wonderful, historic city, the ancient capital of the Inka Empire. You can find great architecture from the colonial and Inka periods, wonderful museums, shops, tours, and the most delicious food and of course the cutest alpacas and llamas. The Cusco is located at 13,000ft, and we felt very weak for the first 2 days due to the high elevation. We did the 5-day Inka trail from Cusco, and the Rainbow Mountains after, and I am glad we arrived 2 days before the hike. The Inka trail is designed for very fit people, you have to be able to walk for 8-9 hours a day with a backpack to the elevations of 4700-5000ft. It was tough, even for the athletes, but the experience was absolutely magic, the Andean mountains are breathtaking and our guide Edison, was extremely good. We loved the Peruvian people, so kind and caring. Overall awesome experience. We hope to come here again.

Cusco is huge. Please just don't plan trips and use this as a base, you need to see Cusco itself. We had 4 nights here but 3 of them were taken up with trips elsewhere, this is why we know you need longer. There are so many beautiful restaurants to eat in, plenty of plaza's to view, as well as the many museums and cathedrals / churches. So much to see and do in Cusco.