Cusco, Peru

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and also a city of merit on its own. The Inca ruins scattered throughout the city are free to wander. The colonial architecture is beautiful. The restaurants and markets are excellent. And the prices are among South America's lowest — meals cost $2–5, accommodation $10–25, and you can hike to nearby Inca ruins without paying entrance fees.

Machu Picchu is expensive to enter ($80 for a basic entry), but the surrounding region is not. You can hike the Inca Trail (a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu) for $500–800 through a tour operator, or do alternative treks and approaches for less. Many travelers visit Cusco, skip Machu Picchu, and don't regret it — the city and surrounding ruins are themselves world-class.

The food is excellent — ceviche, alpaca steak, fresh fruits, street food. A full meal with drink costs $3–5. Coca tea (made from coca leaves) is legal, cheap, and allegedly helps with altitude sickness. The city sits at 3,400 meters elevation, so acclimatization is necessary; allow 2–3 days of rest and coca tea.

Machu Picchu visit: Historic train from Cusco (expensive at $50–100+ round-trip) or hike Inca Trail (4 days, $500–800 through operators). Day trip from Cusco or 1–2 night stay in Aguas Calientes nearby.

Sacred Valley towns (Ollantaytambo, Pisac): Smaller Inca ruins and indigenous markets, less crowded than Machu Picchu. $5–10 entry per site. Half-day or full-day trips from Cusco.

Cusco city walking tour: Sacsayhuamán ruins (free to explore), colonial architecture, markets. Free to walk, $3–5 entry to specific sites.

Inca Trail alternative hikes: Other trekking routes to Machu Picchu or through the region. $300–500 with tour operators.

Budget:: Hostels in Cusco. Dorms $8–12, privates $20–30.

Mid-Range:: Guesthouses and small hotels. $40–70/night.

Splurge:: Luxury hotels (Sanctuary Lodge near Machu Picchu). $150–250/night.

Ceviche: Raw fish cured in lime juice, served with sweet potato, corn, and vegetables. Peruvian specialty. $4–7.

Alpaca steak: Lean, tender meat, grilled or stewed. Andean specialty. $5–8.

Causa limeña: A layered potato dish with avocado and seafood. Rich, creamy, Peruvian. $3–5.

Pisco sour: A cocktail made with pisco (grape brandy), lime, egg white, and bitters. The national drink. $3–5 in a bar.

Fresh fruit juice: Mango, passion fruit, papaya — freshly squeezed at juice stalls. $0.75–1.50.