Cusco Map: Locating Cusco in Peru and Finding Your Way Around the City

Where Is Cusco on a Map of Peru?

Cusco sits in the southeastern Andes of Peru, in a high valley of the Huatanay River, about 350 miles southeast of Lima and roughly 13.5 degrees south of the equator. It is the capital of the Cusco Region and the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu to the northwest.

On a wider map, Lake Titicaca and Puno lie about 240 miles southeast, Arequipa about 200 miles southwest, and the Amazon lowlands begin to the north and east. Our Machu Picchu map guide shows how Cusco connects to the citadel.

Distances are approximate and road distances are longer than straight-line figures. Flight options are covered in our Lima to Cusco guide.

How Is Cusco's Historic Center Laid Out?

Cusco's historic center is laid out around the Plaza de Armas, with the Plaza Regocijo just west and Avenida El Sol running southeast toward Qorikancha. San Blas climbs the hill to the northeast, San Cristóbal and Sacsayhuamán rise to the north, and San Pedro Market lies to the southwest. Streets follow parts of the original Inca grid.

Where Are Cusco's Airport, Bus Terminal and Train Stations?

Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete airport is about 3 miles southeast of the Plaza de Armas, around 15 to 25 minutes by taxi. The main long-distance bus terminal is near the airport on the south side. Trains toward Machu Picchu leave from Poroy, about 20 minutes away, or from San Pedro station near the market in some seasons.

Wanchaq station, on Avenida El Sol near the center, serves trains to Puno. Many travelers skip Cusco's rail stations and board Machu Picchu trains at Ollantaytambo instead; compare options in our Machu Picchu train guide.

What Ruins and Viewpoints Appear on a Cusco Map Above the City?

Above the city, a Cusco map shows Sacsayhuamán directly north of the center, then Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay strung along the road toward Pisac. Cristo Blanco, the white statue, stands near Sacsayhuamán and offers the classic viewpoint. The four ruins sit between about 12,100 and 12,800 feet.

1. Walk or taxi north to Sacsayhuamán from the Plaza de Armas.
2. Continue a short distance to Cristo Blanco for views.
3. Take a taxi about 10 minutes to Qenqo.
4. Continue to Puka Pukara and Tambomachay along the Pisac road.
5. Return to the center by taxi or walk back downhill.

Read more in our Sacsayhuamán fortress guide and our guide to things to do in Cusco.

How Do You Find Your Way Around Cusco?

Find your way around Cusco by using the Plaza de Armas as your anchor, downloading an offline map before you arrive, and noting that streets often change name block by block. Many streets carry both a Spanish and a Quechua name. Taxis are cheap for longer distances, especially uphill and after dark.

The bigger context is explained in our Cusco, Peru guide.

Prefer to have it all arranged? Alongside this Cusco Map guide, our Machu Picchu vacation packages covers transport, tickets and a licensed guide.

Many travelers read our Cusco food guide next.

• Download offline maps, since signal can drop in narrow lanes.
• Use the cathedral and the plaza fountain as landmarks.
• Expect steep climbs to the north and northeast.
• Agree on taxi fares before getting in, or use an app.
• Ask your hotel for a free printed city map.

Walking uphill at this height is tiring; read our Cusco altitude guide before planning long walks.

Wear layers when walking the hills on this map, as Cusco's weather by month shows, and keep cash handy using our Peru currency tips.