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Guide
Cusco, Peru π΅πͺ
#196
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Cusco is a historic city in southeastern Peru, known for its rich indigenous history and as the gateway to Machu Picchu. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 430,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 35 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 PEN β 0.28 USD |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 60Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Movistar and Claro offer good coverage and data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs available throughout the city. |
π Accommodation | Options range from hostels to luxury hotels; Airbnb also available. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is preferred. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are popular for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Qorichaska is a well-rated budget option starting at around $10 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center near Plaza de Armas is recommended for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | San Blas is favored by digital nomads for its cafes and art scene. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Selina Coworking Cusco offers flexible workspaces and great internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe D'Arte is known for its coffee and great work atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events hosted by local expat groups on platforms like Meetup. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Cusco Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is a reliable option for on-demand rides. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals starting at $10 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is in Pisco, approximately 4 hours away by bus. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines offers flights to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Avianca provides international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Route 3S connects Cusco to other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | EstaciΓ³n de Tren Cusco is the main transit hub for trains to Machu Picchu. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses and combis are the main transport methods; no specific passes available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Arequipa and Puno. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Antonio Lorena is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kundalini Yoga Cusco offers various classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit offers a range of equipment and classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lavanderia Ecologica offers convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular in Cusco. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche is a must-try when in Cusco. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Point offers excellent vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | ChocoMuseo for chocolate creations. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Inca Market offers local produce and crafts. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Linio Peru provides a range of products online. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may have delivery options; check with them individually. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | La Calle de los Reyes is a popular nightlife street. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa del Altiplano offers local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | La Cleta has a nice selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try anticuchos from local street vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Gusto for Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | SacsayhuamΓ‘n and Plaza de Armas are must-visit sites. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Inka exhibits indigenous culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Qorikancha - the Temple of the Sun is notable. |
π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Cusco showcases colonial history. |
π Annual Events | Inti Raymi in June is a major festival. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | San Blas for its artistic vibe and historical architecture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | San Pedro Market for local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local venues host traditional and modern performances. |
π¨ Street Art | Murals in San Blas neighborhood are worth exploring. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Aromas Peruanas offers classes for traditional Peruvian cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa Arte Popular showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Church of Santo Domingo is an architectural highlight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, with a rich heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sacred Valley offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Inca Trail offers both walking and biking routes. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Cristo Blanco provides stunning views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lake Huacarpay is great for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated camping areas in the Sacred Valley. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Serpost offers reliable shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops on Avenida de la Cultura can fix devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have ping pong tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at Centro de Idiomas. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional has great resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural La Casa de la Sagrada Tierra offers space for events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | N/A - Few specific gaming lounges are available. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Luckia provides entertainment options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $132,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $224,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $160,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax rates apply. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard rate is 18% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% transfer tax on property sales. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for digital nomads. |