Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca and gateway to Machu Picchu, is one of South America’s most fascinating travel destinations. History simply oozes from every perfectly aligned Inca stone wall and ornately decorated Spanish colonial church that covers the central core of this ancient city. But Cusco is hardly a time-forgotten relic. The cobbled streets built by the Inca still resonate with a vibrant colourful parade of daily life that is matched by few other South American destinations.

Cusco is serviced by Velasco Astete International Airport, located five kilometres from the city centre. The small airport handles only a few daily flights, most of them from Lima, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and La Paz. All of Peru’s airlines service Cusco, though nearly every flight is domestic, so the majority of international travellers fly through Lima then make a connection.

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07:30 to 19:30, Monday to Saturday; 07:30 to 14:00, Sundays
Government Offices: 08:30 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:30 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 20:00, daily