Three steps. That’s all it took.
I was three steps up a modest flight of stone stairs on our first evening in Cusco when my lungs completely slammed the brakes. My chest heaved, my heart hammered against my ribs, and I was forced to lean heavily against a wall just to catch my breath.
Welcome to 11,152 feet above sea level.
Ninety minutes later, after nursing two local beers that hit my bloodstream with the force of six, I looked out over the glowing cobblestone streets of the Plaza de Armas well past midnight. That’s when the real realization set in: not only is this ancient mountain fortress absurdly gorgeous, but it is also one of the safest, most vibrant, and astonishingly affordable places you will ever visit.
If you want towering peaks, world-class trekking, and centuries of rich history without burning through your savings or looking over your shoulder, Cusco is the ultimate South American escape…
Planning a trip to South America from my hometown in Louisville usually involves two major hurdles: navigating a massive budget and figuring out how to stay secure.
People tend to think that going off-grid in the high Andes is either going to be a sketchy logistical nightmare or a wildly expensive guided expedition.
But the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent completely shatters both of those stereotypes.
When my Dad, a few of our friends, and I made the trek down there, it was hands-down an absolute banger of a trip. From exploring ancient stone fortresses to eating some of the most unique food on the planet, it was so much fun. We loved every single second we were there.
Here is exactly why this ancient Incan capital needs to be at the very top of your travel radar.
The Security Profile: Walking The Historic Center
The first thing that hits you about Cusco isn’t just the architecture; it is the overwhelming sense of security.
I have been to a lot of South American cities where you definitely do not want to take a wrong turn after dark (hello Guayaquil), but Cusco is entirely different.
We stayed right in the heart of the historic center, and the environment was incredibly welcoming. I walked around carrying my camera gear at all hours—from early in the morning when the sun was just cresting over the mountains, to super late at night after the bars cleared out.
I felt unbelievably safe the entire time. The local tourism police are highly visible, and the city thrives on international foot traffic, making it one of the most secure urban environments in South America.
The Altitude Check: Respect The Elevation
Before you can start sprinting up ancient ruins, you have to deal with the geography. Cusco sits at a staggering 11,152 feet above sea level. You absolutely need to prepare for the elevation.
The first night we were there, we decided to walk from our hotel to a local restaurant for dinner. Just walking up the handful of stone steps to get into the building completely winded me.
You have to take it slow.
Insider Tip: Be incredibly careful with drinking your first night in the city. Because there is so much less oxygen in the air, the alcohol hits you completely differently. I had two local beers with my dinner, and it legitimately felt like I had downed six. Drink a massive amount of water, chew on some local coca leaves (a traditional remedy for altitude sickness), and let your body acclimatize before you start the heavy partying.
The Culinary Scene: Local Brews and Unexpected Steaks
The food scene in Cusco is ridiculously good and phenomenally cheap.
When you sit down for dinner, you have to order a Cusqueña. It is the iconic local beer of the region, and after a long day of walking around the cobblestone streets, a freezing cold Cusqueña is pretty much the perfect reset button.
If you are an adventurous eater, you have to try the local delicacy: Alpaca steak. I know what you are thinking. I was heavily hesitant at first because they are just so insanely cute, but from a purely culinary standpoint, it is incredibly delicious.
It is a super lean, tender cut of meat that rivals any high-end beef steak you would get back in the States, and it will cost you a fraction of the price.
Shopping and Haggling: The San Pedro Market
If you want to feel the raw, bustling energy of the city, you should spend a morning at the San Pedro Market.
It is a massive, chaotic, and totally vibrant indoor market packed with locals buying produce, textiles, and massive wheels of cheese.
Despite how busy and active it is, the market felt super safe, and we found all kinds of great buys, from thick wool sweaters to beautifully woven blankets.
I came home with half a checked bag worth of souvenirs and didn’t spend over $100.
Insider Tip: There are literally tons of booths selling the exact same handcrafted items. Do not just buy a sweater from the very first stall you see. Walk around and ask for prices at a few different booths before you settle on what you want. A little friendly negotiation is expected and goes a long way here.
The Gear and The Ruins: Prepping For The Inca Trail
Cusco acts as the ultimate basecamp for some of the best hiking in the world.
As someone who loves serious outdoor trekking and lead climbing, I used the city as a staging ground before we tackled the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
If you are planning to do any heavy adventuring during your trip, do not stress about packing every single piece of gear from home.
There are tons of high-quality outdoor stores lining the streets around the Plaza de Armas where you can buy or rent trekking poles, sleeping bags, and waterproof layers if you need them.
I actually realized I had forgotten to pack my rain pants the night before we were heading off to the Inca Trail and was able to run out at like 8 pm and find a pair pretty easily.
If you aren’t planning to go too far away from the city itself, my absolute favorite ruins to check out were the Saqsaywaman ruins.
They sit just on the northern outskirts of the city and feature massive, intricately carved limestone boulders that weigh over 100 tons each.
The way the Incas managed to fit these massive stones together without a single drop of mortar is absolutely mind-blowing.
The Final Warning: The Baby Alpaca Hustle
As you walk through the beautiful, narrow alleyways of the historic center, you will inevitably see local women dressed in stunning traditional vibrant clothing, walking around holding absolutely adorable baby alpacas.
It is the ultimate photo trap.
Do not casually snap photos of them on your phone unless you are fully prepared to tip.
If they catch you taking a picture, they will immediately demand that you pay them for it. If you want the photo, just agree on a price beforehand, hand over a few soles, and get a great shot.
Cusco is the ultimate South American cheat code.
You get world-class history, incredible safety, and a wildly affordable economy all rolled into one ancient city.
Book the flight, take a few days to adjust to the air, and go explore the Andes.
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