Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cusco is a historic city in southeastern Peru, known for its rich indigenous history and as the gateway to Machu Picchu. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 430,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 35 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PEN ≈ 0.28 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro offer good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs available throughout the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to luxury hotels; Airbnb also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Qorichaska is a well-rated budget option starting at around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center near Plaza de Armas is recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | San Blas is favored by digital nomads for its cafes and art scene. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Coworking Cusco offers flexible workspaces and great internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe D'Arte is known for its coffee and great work atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by local expat groups on platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Cusco Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is a reliable option for on-demand rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is in Pisco, approximately 4 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines offers flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 3S connects Cusco to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Tren Cusco is the main transit hub for trains to Machu Picchu. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and combis are the main transport methods; no specific passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Arequipa and Puno. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Antonio Lorena is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kundalini Yoga Cusco offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit offers a range of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Ecologica offers convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular in Cusco. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche is a must-try when in Cusco. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Point offers excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | ChocoMuseo for chocolate creations. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Inca Market offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Linio Peru provides a range of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may have delivery options; check with them individually. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Calle de los Reyes is a popular nightlife street. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería del Altiplano offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cleta has a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try anticuchos from local street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Gusto for Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sacsayhuamán and Plaza de Armas are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Inka exhibits indigenous culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qorikancha - the Temple of the Sun is notable. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Cusco showcases colonial history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Inti Raymi in June is a major festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | San Blas for its artistic vibe and historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | San Pedro Market for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host traditional and modern performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in San Blas neighborhood are worth exploring. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Aromas Peruanas offers classes for traditional Peruvian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Arte Popular showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Church of Santo Domingo is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, with a rich heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sacred Valley offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Inca Trail offers both walking and biking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cristo Blanco provides stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Huacarpay is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated camping areas in the Sacred Valley. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Serpost offers reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops on Avenida de la Cultura can fix devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at Centro de Idiomas. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional has great resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural La Casa de la Sagrada Tierra offers space for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | N/A - Few specific gaming lounges are available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Luckia provides entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates apply. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% transfer tax on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for digital nomads. |