Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and one of the world's most visited New Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu. If you're travelling to Machu Picchu, you'll without a doubt be going via Cusco and may be asking yourself, what else is there to do in this ancient city? Well, you're in luck because Cusco has so much more on offer than just a stopgap on your way to the Lost City of the Incas.
Aside from having an endless list of archaeological remains of Incan stonework and colonial architecture, it is also the perfect place to set a base to visit multiple historical and beautiful sites throughout the Sacred Valley.
We spent eight weeks in Cusco, exploring the city and surrounding regions to learn all the things you must do in Cusco City and the Sacred Valley.
In this travel guide, we'll take you through the best things to do in Cusco, as well as the best day trips from Cusco, where to stay in Cusco, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time in one of Peru’s most beautiful cities.
People Watch in Plaza De Armas
At the heart of Cusco lies Plaza de Armas, a large colonial square surrounded by street vendors, bars, restaurants and shops, with the historical centre appearing to stem from here.
Plaza de Armas was once the site of important religious and military ceremonies, including the execution of the rebel leader Tupac Amaru II in 1781. Today, it is a more pleasant place to hang out, where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city on a busy weekend or sit back and watch the world go by over a morning coffee from one of the many second-floor cafes.
Book a 6-Hour City Highlights Tour to learn about the history and secrets of Plaza De Armas from a local expert.
You will likely pass through the Plaza multiple times during your stay. However, it's worth visiting in the evening when the Cusco Cathedral and surrounding buildings illuminate the square to create a dramatic atmosphere.
Speaking of Cusco Cathedral, this is also where you’ll find this magnificent church, along with the stunningly beautiful La Compañía de Jesús Church.
Location | Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000
Wander Cusco’s Historical Center (Centro Histórico)
Practically every city we have visited throughout the world has its own historical centre, but not many have lived up to Cusco. The historic centre is so stunning it is not only a must do in Cusco, but you could argue it is a must do in Peru.
This ancient city has managed to preserve its rich cultural and architectural heritage from both the Inca and colonial periods, trapping hundreds of years of history in its immaculately maintained streets and laneways. So much so that in 1983, the entire historic centre was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We spent hours wandering through the streets, discovering squares and corners of Cusco city not listed in many travel guides. But to get the most out of your time here, we highly recommend joining a walking tour; this way, you’ll learn the more intricate details of the city that you would otherwise miss.
This Historical Walking Tour and Market Visit offers English and Spanish tours and has fantastic reviews.
Note: If you want to explore independently and need help figuring out where to start, head to Plaza De Armas and work your way out.
Coricancha: Temple of the Sun
Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun”, was the most revered and sacred site at the centre of the Inca Empire. It held unparalleled importance in Inca religious and ceremonial practices, dedicated to honouring the sun god Inti.
Unfortunately, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the temple was all but destroyed, with most of it being torn apart for materials that were used to build churches and residences. The remaining stonework became the foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent, built directly on top of it.
Today, you can walk around the site and see the blend of Spanish and Inca architecture that remains, a harmonious juxtaposition that tells the tale of Coricancha's rich history.
With such a complex history, we recommend joining a tour with a local expert to explain everything to you. These kinds of sites really do come alive when someone is there to explain what everything means and ready to answer your questions.
Location | Santo Domingo, Cusco 08000
Entry Fee | Not included in the Boleto Turístico 🙁 But only S/15 ($4.00) Adult and S/7 ($1.90) Child.
Opening Hours | Admission times to the Temple are 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon-Sat) & 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Sun).
Top Tip: Seek out the bell tower entrance, and climb the VERY narrow staircase to the top for a unique view of the Coricancha courtyard and the surrounding streets—extra S/5 ($1.35).
Museo de Sitio Coricancha
While entry to the Coricancha Temple is not included in the Boleto Turístico, entry to the small museum at the base of the gardens is. The museum only consists of five small rooms. Still, it exhibits a collection of archaeological objects found on the Coricancha esplanade, such as ceramics, tools, jewellery, and mummies.
One of my favourite things in the museum was the skulls showing cranial trepanations. These skulls, with surgical holes in them, showed how cranial procedures were done on people (whilst still alive) for medical and cultural reasons (Pretty weird and gruesome but very interesting).
Go Shopping in San Pedro Market
Many markets are found throughout Cusco, but by far, San Pedro Market is the most famous of all and must do in Cusco. It is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas and an easy stop when wandering the city. You’ll find everything from fresh food to handicrafts to clothing and food stalls that cover every meal of the day.
Whilst you can still pick up all your tourist souvenirs here, it is unapologetically a local market with an authentic vibe and charm. If you want to get the freshest produce and get a sense of the local buzz that comes alive here, visit first thing in the morning.
Grab a fresh juice from one of the many stalls down Juice Alley. We were constantly entertained as we turned the corner, and all the vendors instantly started shouting at us to come to them until we opted for our favourites. I always tend to go for the sweet old ladies that don’t say anything at all.
Location | On the corner of Calle Santa Clara and Cascaparo. See here on Google Maps.
Opening Hours | The market is open from 9 am to 6 pm, seven days a week. But it is best to visit in the morning.
Many walking tours will include visiting San Pedro Market, such as this Historical Walking Tour and Market Visit.
Explore the Streets of San Blas
San Blas is the bohemian, artsy part of town; honestly, we loved it! Old, narrow, cobbled streets lined with boutique shops, specialty cafes and some of the best restaurants we found in Cusco. It’s a step away from the busyness of the main tourist areas found around Plaza de Armas but still holds all of the charm found around the historical centre.
If you plan to spend some extended time in Cusco, you’ll most likely gravitate towards this area just as many before you have. With everything you need as a tourist but without someone trying to sell you a massage every ten steps, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the allure of Cusco but at a slower pace.
Some places that you’ll want to check out for great food are Green Point Cafe, Mardu Bistro, and L’atelier Cafe Concept.
If you are staying in San Blas, seek out San Blas Market. It’s a mini version of San Pedro, much closer, with lower prices & a great place for a quick, cheap lunch.
Join a Historical Walking Tour and learn more about the streets of San Blass.
Wonder at the 12-Angle Stone
Those walking by might just see a pretty wall. But little would they know that this wall holds a stone considered a National Heritage Object and a symbol of architectural mastery from the great Inca civilisation, which still mystifies archaeologists today.
The 12 Angle Stone is one of the most sophisticated examples of Inca Masonry. It is astonishing how precisely this six-foot-deep, six-ton stone has been cut and fit together. This stone and the adjoining ones around it have been cut so perfectly that you cannot slide a piece of paper between them.
What amazes me is that the techniques used by the Incas to cut this stone, as well as all of the other stones around Cusco, were done around 700 years ago. Archaeologists are still baffled about how they achieved such precision in such a primitive time.
Knowing this, you might find more of an appreciation for this area beyond a selfy with a big rock and a middle-aged man in an Inca fancy dress.
Location | You can find the actual stone on a narrow pedestrian street called Calle Hatunruminyoc. Just look for the guy dressed like he’s in the wrong century.
Consider joining a city tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide to get the most out of your visit. This tour will definitely stop by and give you the history.
Learn To Cook Peruvian Food
From the moment you land in Peru, it doesn’t take long to realise that there is something exquisite about Peruvian cuisine. The food is always fresh, the flavours are complex, and you can tell that Peruvians take great pride in their cooking.
We have travelled all over the world, and Peruvian cuisine, although relatively unknown to us until we arrived, has become one of our all-time favourites! I’ll bet my last dollar that Peruvian food will find its way into your stomach heart as quickly as it did ours.
To take home more than just photos of our food and the memory of how it tastes, we joined a cooking class to learn some Peruvian recipes from Jésus, a local chef.
Before heading to his studio kitchen, we met Jésus at San Pedro Market, where we had a tour of Peruvian food, tried some local cheese and chocolate, and picked up all the ingredients for our class.
We then spent the evening making fantastic food, sipping on local cocktails and learning the secrets of Peruvian cooking.
Cost | $60 per person.
Recommended | Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco and Local Market Tour
Book the exact Peruvian Cooking Class we took on GetYourGuide, we couldn’t recommend it enough.
Overindulge in Peruvian Chocolate
I won’t tell you that Peruvian Chocolate is the taste sensation that will change your life. That title goes to Ecuador! But there is still some fantastic chocolate to be found in Peru, and luckily for you, we’ve tried enough to find the best of the best.
ChocoMuseo is one of my favourite chocolate brands in Peru, not only because of their delicious chocolate but also because of the experience and education they offer when you visit their store.
Three minutes walk from Plaza de Armas, you’ll find them nestled away in the corner of Plaza Regocijo. No reservation or prior booking is required; you can just wander in and ask for a tour and tasting. We did this, and I am not kidding you; we walked out an hour later feeling sick from how many tastings we tried.
They also offer cooking and chocolate-making classes that guide you through the journey of taking raw cocoa beans and turning them into bars of chocolate for you to take home. These “bean-to-bar” workshops are a great way to spend the afternoon, and what makes a better gift than a bar of chocolate that you’ve handcrafted yourself?
Location | Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 08000. Google Maps.
Entry Fee | Museum Tours are FREE and run throughout the day. Bean-to-Bar workshops are $20 USD for children (< 12 years old), with adults costing $25 USD.
Opening Hours | The museum and shop are open 9 am - 7:30 pm (Mon-Sat) and 9 am - 9 pm (Sun). Bean-to-bar Workshops are run daily at 8:30 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm.
Celebrate Christmas In Cusco (incl. Santurantikuy)
If you are lucky enough to visit during Christmas, there is a massive Christmas Fair leading up to Christmas Day called Santurantikuy. During this time, Plaza de Armas is taken over by hundreds of stalls and artisanal artists selling Andean handicrafts and various weird and wonderful nativity scene figurines.
People flood from all over Peru to participate in the country's largest and most important Christmas Fair, which shows this is a must do in Cusco at Christmas.
You’ll find many resources online saying that Santurantikuy only takes place on the 24th of December, but these are outdated resources. Due to the rise in visitors to the city, Santurantikuy now starts several days earlier than Christmas Eve. In 2023, the festivities actually started on Friday, 22nd December (trust us, we were there).
As midnight rolls around on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the square turns into what we can only describe as a warzone, with people celebrating in the streets by letting off fireworks, easily bought from street vendors. Whilst it is something to be experienced, if you usually air on the side of caution, I would watch from a distance.
When | 22nd - 25th December
Location | Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000
Enjoy The Best Views Of Cusco
Being surrounded by mountains, it’s no surprise that Cusco has a few (if not a lot) incredible viewpoints where you can get a sweeping picture of the whole of Cusco. But instead of listing all of them, here are my favourites.
El Cristo Blanco del Cusco
From practically anywhere in Cusco, you can see the 26-foot Christ statue on top of Pukamuqu Hill. This is El Cristo Blanco, a gift to the city in 1945 from the Palestinian Arab Community residing in Cusco. It’s a healthy 5km walk from the historic centre of Cusco but is worth it for the picturesque view over the city.
Plaza San Cristobal Viewpoint (Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal)
It is probably considered the best viewpoint of Cusco. Plaza San Cristobal Viewpoint is a 20-minute walk from Plaza de Armas and conveniently located en route to Saqsayhuaman.
San Blas Viewpoint (Mirador de San Blas)
The walk to Mirador de San Blas (San Blas Lookout) takes you through the cobblestone streets of San Blas Neighbourhood, with its plethora of craft shops and hip eateries. So, whilst there are many steps for you to navigate to get there, you can take your time and enjoy yourself on the way.
Top Tip: A few doors down from the San Blas viewpoint is a local restaurant & bar called View House. They offer affordable food, cold beer and comfy chairs with unmatched views of the entire city.
Use It As A Base for Day Trips
Whilst there are plenty of must do things in Cusco City to keep you busy, there is lots to see and do around Cusco, which are easily visited on a day trip. For this reason, many people come to Cusco and use it as a base to explore different hikes and attractions throughout the Sacred Valley.
Day Trip Transportation (Collectivos)
Before I jump into the best day trips from Cusco, it’s worth mentioning transportation. All of the following day trips can be booked through travel agents or online booking providers (some of which we recommend below). Most are easily accessible by public transport if you prefer to go alone.
Throughout the Sacred Valley, locals and travellers get from place to place by local minibuses called Collectivos. These are, in essence, on-demand minibuses that run throughout the Sacred Valley for as little as a few dollars.
In Cusco, there is a Collectivo Station a little bit east of San Blas that has buses that take people to Pisac and Urubamba. The Collectivos wait for passengers; when they are full, they leave immediately. Whilst this means you can go any time of day, as there are no set timetables, you may have to wait a little before your bus leaves. We used collectivos several times, and fortunately, the longest we waited was 10 minutes.
Prices as of Jan 2024
- Cusco - Pisac - s/5.00
- Cusco - Coya, Lamay, Calca - s/6.00
- Cusco - Puente Carolina - s/6.00
- Cusco - Urubamba s/7.00
Machu Picchu
You couldn’t come to Cusco without visiting Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of our trip to Cusco. If you have the time and the stamina, I would highly recommend doing the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail Hike rather than a single-day trip. But a day trip is possible if time isn’t on your side or you just want to catch the highlight reel.
This one-day tour from Peru Andes Top includes everything you need, including bus and train transportation and entry to Machu Picchu.
Rainbow Mountain
If you’ve been in Cusco for longer than 10 minutes, you’ve already seen more than five posters of Rainbow Mountain. Its iconic multi-coloured mountain range is unmistakable. This is a long day trip, with most tours starting around 4:30 am.
If you’re happy with the early rise and long bus, check out this Rainbow Mountain Day Trip, which has exceptional reviews from nearly 1,000 people.
Pisac Ruins
Pisac could be summarised as a mini Cusco and Machu Picchu rolled into one. This isn’t to say that if you’ve visited the previous two, you shouldn’t visit Pisac. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. The half-day hike to the Pisac Ruins was one of my favourite days in Cusco and easily one of my must do in Cusco. Stunning ancient ruins, set against magnificent views of the Sacred Valley, give you an awe-inspiring combination of history and natural beauty.
If you wish to do the half-day hike, you must make your own way to Pisac by collectivo or private taxi. (We have a guide for this coming soon). But for those wishing to see the main ruins, this is possible as part of a Sacred Valley tour, which will also include Moray and Maras (see below).
Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, & Salt Mines Tour have excellent reviews and are worth looking at.
Moray and Maras
The Inca experimental agricultural site of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines couldn’t be any different from one another if they tried. But due to their proximity, they tend to be visited together. Of all of the day trips listed here, this is the only one we wouldn’t recommend visiting independently. Public transport is non-existent, and a private car would be expensive. We joined a group tour, and whilst it was as touristy as expected, it seemed the best way to do it.
If you want to spice things up further, go on a Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour.
Ollantaytambo Village
For most, Ollantaytambo is just a transit hub to and from Machu Picchu, but it deserves more than that. Aside from the picturesque town, the main pull here is the Ollantaytambo Ruins. The beautiful agricultural terraces ascend high into the mountain, making for some spectacular views.
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is an Independent Wildlife rescue sanctuary. They rescue animals from all over Peru, aiming to educate people and rehabilitate animals back into the wild. The passion that the staff hold comes across instantly, and they give you a unique insight into the exotic animals in Peru. Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary can easily be visited on your way to Pisac as part of your Pisac Ruins day trip if you are making your own way there. Just advise your collectivo driver that you’ll like to get off at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary.
You can find out more about them on their website.
Best Coffee Shops in Cusco
One of my biggest challenges with travelling is finding a decent cup of coffee. More often than I’d like, I leave a destination without finding a single coffee shop that I like or would recommend. Cusco was not one of these places. Honestly, I struggled to shorten this list to only what I have here.
Green Point
This one may not be for everyone. It’s a vegan coffee shop, and they don’t actually have regular milk but stay with me. Being vegan, they use soy milk, almond milk, or whatever else you can milk that isn’t an animal. I didn’t know this when I ordered and ended up with a soy milk latte, and to my surprise, it was delicious! Some soy milk coffees can taste a bit… well, rank if you’re not used to it. But theirs was slightly sweet and super tasty! Well worth a try, and you might be returning as much as I did.
Location | Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003
L'atelier Café Concept
Sitting right at the end of the artisanal street of Calle Carmen Alto in San Blas. This place is exactly as you’d expect, considering its location. Small, trendy, and always full of people setting the latest fashion trends. But all we care about is the coffee, and I can certify that it is one of the best in the city. On top of that, if you can get a seat on the balcony, the view is stunning.
Location | Atoqsayk'uchi 605 A, Cusco 08003
ImaginaTé
This cute little cafe sits on the outskirts of San Blas, so it might not be in reach of everyone, but if you are near it, it’s worth stopping by. The cafe is warm and welcoming, with a chilled, relaxed atmosphere. They also have a Reiki and Therapy Centre attached as part of the cafe, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Location | Urb. Lucrepata F-16, Cusco 08003
Best Places To Eat In Cusco
Give yourself a few days in Peru, and you will fall in love with Peruvian cuisine. Everywhere you go, the food is fresh, abundant and delicious. Lima may be the food capital of Peru, but Cusco gives it a real run for its money. No matter your tastes, you’ll find an eatery that will meet your flavour. But just in case you need a helping hand, here are a few of my top spots that I think you should hit up.
Qura (Best for breakfast & lunch)
If there was one place that I ate at more than any other, it was Qura Bowl Bar. Chilled vibe, good atmosphere and great fresh food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They’ve also got plenty of room in the restaurant, so it’s a good place if you need somewhere to finish off that article on Best Places To Eat In Cusco whilst tucking into your third Poke Bowl of the week 🙂
Location | Ca. Arequipa 250, Cusco 08002
Avocado, toast & more (Best for lunch)
You know that feeling when you cut open an avocado, and it’s just perfectly green, creamy and…, no? Me neither. Even though the perfect ripeness window for an avocado is about 3 mins, Avocado, toast & more have somehow nailed the process. And better yet, they opened a restaurant to share them with the world. My favourite is the Smoked Trout Toast, but there’s a solid argument for the Avocado Fries or even the Avocado Ice Cream!
Location | They have two locations, but the first is the original, Carmen Bajo 226, Cusco 08000 & Sta. Catalina Ancha 366, Cusco 08000
Green Point Vegan Restaurant (Best for dinner)
Yes, I already have Green Point listed above in top coffee joints, but it will also hit the list of top food places. Again, it’s 100% vegan, but I can promise you it’ll even hit the spot with the most die-hard meat eaters. I’ve had lunch and dinner here (several times), and it hasn’t disappointed me once. If you’re heading in for brunch, the pancakes are 🤤
Location | Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003
Mauka (Best for a special occasion)
This one is a little special and not your everyday eatery, but we can’t have a list of the best places to eat without actually including the best place we ate at, period. Mauka is a fine dining restaurant that is part of the 5-star hotel Palacio Nazarenas, so it’s a special occasion type of place. We ate here on Christmas Day, and it was such a great experience. The food is more of a journey through Peruvian cuisine than anything else, with every mouthful a moment. If you’re looking to impress someone and notch up a few brownie points, then Mauka has you covered.
Location | Nazarenas 223, Cusco 08002
Where To Stay In Cusco
There are only three main areas you should be looking to stay in as a tourist when visiting Cusco: Centro Histórico, Plaza de Armas and San Blas. To avoid confusion, Centro Histórico encompasses Plaza de Armas and San Blas, but they are singled out for specific reasons.
Plaza de Armas
Right at the heart of the historic centre (Centro Histórico) is Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, shops, coffee spots and tourist offices. You might pay a little extra to stay in this area, but you’ll be close to everything and where all the action is. If you’re only here for a few days, this is where you’ll want to stay.
San Blas
San Blas is typically known as the artisans' neighbourhood. It’s where you’ll find all the boutique stores and trendy shops. It's only around a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas but about a million miles away from the crowds. Everything seems to slow down and become more manageable here, which is probably why people staying in Cusco for a little longer than usual seem to gravitate to these quieter, cobblestoned streets. Just be warned that San Blas is positioned on a hill, so the further north you are from Plaza de Armas, the more steps you’ll need to climb to get home.
Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico is the broader area that encapsulates both Plaza de Armas and San Blas. Everything within this area is a fairly manageable walk from A to B, but the closer to Plaza de Armas you are, the better off you’ll be. The southern area is leading towards the more residential parts of the city and will be a lot busier with local activity.
Hostels In Cusco
There are plenty of hostels to choose from in Cusco. But choosing a party hostel when you need to get some down time to do some work might be a bit frustrating. We have searched through all the hostels in Cusco and have listed the best options for you.
Selina Plaza De Armas Cusco
Selina offers a quieter choice for those who want somewhere close to the action but a bit of a sanctuary to return to when needed. They’re only two blocks from Plaza de Armas but have loads of quiet breakout spots back on-site at the hostel. Their Wellness Center is great for yoga and meditation, whilst the o-Work area is specifically designed for those who need a place to focus and get some work done.
See here for prices & availability.
Wild Rover Cusco
If you want somewhere that's social, lively, and the epicentre of the party, then Wild Rover is it. Come on, it’s in the name! This is THE party hostel in Cusco. It has one of the best hostel bar atmospheres at night, which will lead through to the early hours of the morning.
See here for prices & availability.
Viajero Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
Constantly commended for its social aspect, Viajero Kokopelli is the perfect place for solo travellers. There are endless common areas where people always hang out, making it easy to meet new people. The hostel always has a great atmosphere, and the best thing is that it’s only a 2-minute walk from Plaza de Armas, Cusco's Main Plaza.
See here for prices & availability.
Pariwana Hostel Cusco
Ask anyone about their favourite hostel in Cusco, and they’ll probably mention Pariwana more than once. The location is about as good as it gets, they have a great social vibe, and it’s as affordable as they come for what you get. Common areas include classic games such as ping-pong and foosball, and they offer free infused tea all day long. It’s the perfect place for socialising and meeting new people.
See here for prices & availability.
Hotels In Cusco
Antigua Casona San Blas
Antigua Casona just seems to be perfect on every level. The architectural design is astonishing and leaves you feeling like you are in a fairytale, and the service matches the environment, leaving you feeling like royalty. It’s not your regular long-term accommodation unless you are actually a king, but if you’re looking for something extra. Antigua Casona has everything you’ll need and more.
Check for prices & availability.
LP Los Portales Hotel Cusco
Right in front of Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, you’ll find LP Los Portales Hotel. This is definitely one of the more modern feeling hotels in Cusco, preferring to leave behind the colonial architecture for a more comfortable and cozy feel. What stands out is the exceptional staff, which always seems to stand front and centre when people mention LP Los Portales Hotel.
Check for prices & availability.
Hotel Marqueses
Set in a Colonial-style building, Hotel Marqueses is a laid-back retreat right in the heart of the historic centre. San Pedro market and the main plaza are within 500 meters, so you’ll always be close to everything. The whole property is charming, with historic accents throughout. Having dinner in the outdoor courtyard is reason enough to stay here.
Check for prices & availability.
How To Get Around Cusco
The historic centre of Cusco is most likely where you’ll spend most of your time. It is fairly walkable, and you get from where you are to where you want to be in about 15 to 20 minutes.
But make sure to give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude before strolling around town too much. Cusco sits at 3,400 metres above sea level, meaning the air is much thicker and more challenging to breathe. But give yourself a couple of days, and you’ll adjust.
In the meantime, there are plenty of taxis, and there’s always an Uber waiting just around the corner. They are pretty cheap but come with their challenges. The most beautiful thing about Cusco is the old narrow streets and closely approximating buildings, but these don’t fare well with modern-day traffic. You’ll usually find a 10-minute taxi ride could be walked in about the same time.
For reference, our last Uber was 10 minutes and cost S/6 ($1.60).
We tend to stick to Ubers where available; they’re usually slightly more expensive than taxis, but we feel a bit safer and can avoid the whole money thing and not knowing if we’re being ripped off. That being said, we got a couple of taxis and were charged S/5 ($1.35) each time. This seemed to be the flat rate for getting around town and fell in line with what Uber would have charged.
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