Cusco, Peru 🇵🇪
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cusco is a city in southern Peru, known as the historical capital of the Incas and a gateway to Machu Picchu. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 430,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.55 PEN. ATMs widely available, but check for fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type C and L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the primary providers, with good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted widely, with options like Banco de Credito. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Plenty of hostels, Airbnb options, and hotels available throughout the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, especially in tourism areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites offer varied options, starting around $15/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Sauce offers beds from $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Coworking Space, offers daily rates starting at $10. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Jack's Cafe, known for fast wifi and a great atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various events, including digital nomad gatherings every month. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cusco Expats Facebook Group, great for networking and socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Beat and Uber are both available in Cusco. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental available at Huascarán bike tour company. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is in Pisco, around a 4-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca, LATAM, and Sky Airline for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Interoceanic Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Tren de Cusco (train station to Machu Picchu). |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited options; buses are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to surrounding areas, e.g., Sacred Valley. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Antonio Lorena for general health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Sivananda offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit is a popular option with monthly plans. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Plana, a reliable laundry service in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi operates in Cusco for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cuy chactado (fried guinea pig) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Point is a popular spot for plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocoteja, famous for its chocolate-covered treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado San Pedro for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local platforms like Linio for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jungle Studio offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle del Medio, known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Cusqueña for local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Museo del Pisco for pisco wine tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try anticuchos from street vendors around San Blas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Meeting Place offers a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sacsayhuamán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Inka showcases Incan artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qorikancha Temple, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cusco Cathedral, a magnificent example of baroque architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Inti Raymi festival in late June celebrates the Incan sun god. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | San Blas, known for its traditional arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal for local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de San Pedro for authentic Peruvian food experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues featuring folk music and Andean performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Seek out murals in neighborhoods like San Blas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | A culinary class at the Centro de Cocina Peruana. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Centro de Arte Popular features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | La Compañía de Jesús, an example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The vibrant Quechua culture remains prevalent in daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sacred Valley offers stunning landscapes and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manu National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, is a must-visit. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Inca Trail and other trekking paths are available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hill above San Blas offers panoramic views of Cusco. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Near Sacred Valley and Manu National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Few areas permit bonfires; check with local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Serpost provides reliable local and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Ciber Peru for computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Cusco Sports Club has ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cusco Spanish School offers immersive language programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de la Ciudad provides a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Machu Picchu for art and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nerd Burgers has gaming setups available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royal offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $57,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax; however, a notary fee applies. |