Wonderguide by
Vanessa Escobar
Cusco - Day & Night Life
I have lived in Cusco for almost 2 years and I see it as my second home. It is better known for Machu Picchu but there is so much to see and do that you might feel as overwhelmed as I did when I first arrived so I have created this guide to help you enjoy your time here as much as possible.
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The Must-See places
Cusco's most amazing places you cannot miss.
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Vanessa:My favorite place in Cusco. I usually come here just to relax and take the sun while enjoying the beautiful view. It will wow you every time you see it no matter how many times that is.
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Vanessa:Climbing this mountain is an amazing experience. It takes 2 to 3 hours to get to the top and the height makes it much harder(5000 m.a.s.l). It was one of the hardest in my life but for me it was completely worth it.
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Vanessa:This lake is 4200 m.a.s.l. After an approximately 1.5 hours trek, you will get wonderful views of the turquoise waters at the base of Humantay Glacier. I always thought picture weren't real until I saw it myself.
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Vanessa:Qorikancha was an Inca religious center and it is the most splendid architectural monument in all of Cusco. Inside there are also dozens of impressive paintings. I have never seen such an incredible piece of history.
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Vanessa:The coolest and more bohemian place in Cusco. Full of bars, cafes, art galleries and crasfmen selling their creative work. I love to visit its square and view point, excellent spots for reading and recharge after a long day of walking.
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Vanessa:The most colorful and varied market in Cusco. Here you can find from fruit and vegetables to handcraft, and ginean pigs. I come here more than anything to get a smootie, they best in the city.
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Vanessa:A very magical small town with inca ruins and one of the best open markets in Cusco. A visit guarantees a very relaxing day. I come here when I want to get away from the city.
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Vanessa:A small town with one of the biggest Inca ruins in Cusco and a cute main square surrounded by craft shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Probably my favorite Inca ruins after Machu Picchu.
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Vanessa:One of the 7 wonders of the world and main attraction in the city. You won't see such a majestic place as this anywhere else. I was completely speechless when I saw it from above, absolutely astonishing.
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The Most Famous Multi-Days Treks
The main reason to come to Cusco is its natural beauty and the challenges to discover them make it much more interesting. Here are a few of them.
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Vanessa:The hardest trek I have faced but also the most beautiful. The worst part was the second day which we reach more than 5000 m.a.s.l. This hike is either 4 or 5 days long and the final destination is Machu Picchu.
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Vanessa:This place is even bigger than Machu Picchu but also much harder to get. I almost didn't make it but I am so glad I did. You have the option to do a 5 day trek to this site or extended 3 more days and get to Machu Picchu as well.
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Vanessa:A beautiful 4 day hike that gives you the opportunity to be in contact with local people. My favorite thing was the hundreds of Alpacas and vicuñas that I saw on the way.
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Vanessa:The most popular of all and because of that it has to be booked in advance (you need a permit to do it and they are very limited). There exist 2 versions, long 4D/3N and short 2D/1N, both are amazing but I did the long version and if you have the time and find the permits, I recommend you to do as well.
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Coffee, Tea & Pisco
On this section I describe the best places to go for a nice chat with friends while enjoying delicious and afforable brevages
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Vanessa:A cozy place where you will get the best and biggest mojitos in the city, definitely my favorites. They also have "a happy hour" that lasts all day long and the rest of the drinks are very afforable. They also have breakfast all day and Coffee they grew themselves.
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Vanessa:A cute little half cafe/half clothing and jewelry store with the best tea in town. They also have very nice coffee and desserts.I usually go on sundays and spend a couple of hours enjoying the tea and the peaceful environment.
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Vanessa:This place have all the kinds of Pisco that exist and they make the most delicious coctels with them. I particulary enjoy the live bands they have every night. They play music of all genres.
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Vanessa:Right at the top of San Blas, it has one of the best views of the city, with great music, excellent service and very good food. I really like to have a beer or two here while contempleting Cusco.
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Vanessa:If you want to know the story behind Peru's most famous drink, this is the place for you. And also, like me, you can have amazing drinks and tapas while you do.
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The Best Food in Town
Peru is well known for its delicious food and here are the best restaurants you should not miss.
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Vanessa:My favorite restaurant in the world. The food is mouth-watering (They have Peruvian and International food), the service is the best I have ever had and if you go for dinner, they go to your table and make their "Coctel of the night" right there in a few minutes. Veggie options also available. Price $$
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Vanessa:If you have already tried enough traditional food and you are craving for some junk food, this is the place for you. The best burgers can be found here and also the best Ice or hot tea, which is refillable. I am never disappointed when I go there. Price $$
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Vanessa:Gaston Acurio has been recognized as one of the best chefs in the world and Chicha is one of his many restaurants in Peru so saying the food is amazing would be an understatement. I tried the Lomo Saltado and even thought it is quite pricey, I will never regret it. Price $$$
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Vanessa:If you love waffles, there is no place to go that this. They have different options to make them even more yummy and coffee of all styles as well. I go there once a week to get a waffle, coffee and juice for just 10 soles. Price $
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Vanessa:Special for vegans with a very diverse, afforable menu and a great service. I am not a vegan but I still enjoy their food very much. Price $$
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Partying & Unwinding
Night life in Cusco is as exciting as its treks and this section will give you a list of the most fun places to dance all night long.
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Vanessa:Great music, 2x1 specials and people all over the world dancing from Despacito to YMCA all night long! This is one of my starters for an awesome night out.
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Vanessa:No matter were you start your night, you have got to end it in here or don't go out at all. It gets really good after 1 am and you just won't get out until the sun comes out! and believe me you will leave the place tired but feeling like you had a great night.
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Vanessa:A famous hostel with a cool bar to play beerpong and pool. If you are not really into that, you can always dance and meet very interesting people from all over the world. I am still in contact with friends I met there!
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Vanessa:The bar is small but size really doesnt matter here. Music you can dance and sing along to and very friendly bartender that will offer free shots every hour are the best features of the place. I am never bored when I go.
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Wonderguide map
- Plaza De Armas
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
- Humantay Lake
- Qorikancha
- Cuesta de San Blas
- San Pedro Market
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek
- Choquequirao Archaeological Park
- Lares Trek
- Inca Trail Trek
- BarOne
- L'atelier Café Concept
- Republica Del Pisco
- Indigo Bar Restaurant
- LIMBUS RESTOBAR
- MUSEO DEL PISCO - CUSCO
- Morena Peruvian Kitchen
- Ruphas Diner - Av Tullumayo
- Chicha por Gaston Acurio
- Eusebio & Manolo
- Green Point Restaurants
- Mama Africa
- Chango Club Cusco
- loki Cusco
- Wild Rover Hostel Cusco
