Welcome to Cusco, Peru: High Altitude, Cold Air, and Guinea Pig for Dinner
Welcome to Cusco, Peru — a city that sits so high in the Andes it changes how you breathe, let alone how you travel.
Life at 11,000 feet
At roughly 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco has a climate all its own. The weather barely shifts throughout the year, the air stays cool and thin, and it takes a day or two to adjust to the altitude before you really feel like yourself again. It’s worth it, though — the light up here has a clarity you don’t find at sea level.
Good beer, good wine, and yes — guinea pig
Cusco isn’t short on ways to warm up once the sun goes down. The beer and wine are plentiful, and if you’re feeling adventurous, guinea pig (cuy) is a local specialty that shows up on plenty of dinner menus around the city.
Between the altitude, the history, and the food, Cusco is one of those places that gets under your skin fast. If you’re planning your own trip through Peru, it’s absolutely worth the extra layers and the adjustment period.
Frequently asked questions
How high above sea level is Cusco, Peru?
Cusco sits at roughly 11,000 feet (about 3,400 meters), so most travelers need a day or two to adjust to the altitude.
What food is Cusco known for?
Cusco is known for hearty Andean fare, plenty of local beer and wine, and cuy (guinea pig), a traditional Peruvian dish.
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