Digital Nomad’s Guide to Cusco
Cusco is an enchanting city serving as the ‘gateway’ to the Sacred Valley. Though quite tourist-y, it remains a fascinating destination surrounded by remarkable archaeological sites and breathtaking natural landscapes. The food also happens to be spectacular.
(Want to know what Peru sounds like? Here’s a playlist of great Peruvian bands and artists.)
Coffee Shops
Solara Cafe
C. Tandapata 174, Cusco 08002, Peru
A fantastic café with quality coffee, friendly staff, and dependable wifi. The balcony view provides an excellent backdrop for both work and social gatherings.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Cappuccino Cafe
Plaza de Armas, Portal de Comercio 141, Cusco 08002, Peru
Another great café with a relaxed vibe and charming balcony.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Qura
Ca. Arequipa 250, Cusco 08002, Peru
A vibrant, colourful, and inviting cafe offering a wide variety of healthy, vegan-friendly food options.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Restaurants
El Jardin
Plaza de Armas, Portal de Panes 151, Cusco 08000, Peru
Classy vegetarian restaurant right by the town’s bustling central square.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
The Vegan Temple
Choqechaka 425, Cusco 08002, Peru
A very hippie, low-key spot with excellent vibes and solid food.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Green Point
Carmen Bajo 235, Cusco 08003, Peru
Top notch vegan spot serving large plates with beautiful presentation.
(Photo: Green Point)
Parks and Recreation
Machu Picchu
The legendary Incan ruins site is a couple hours’ train ride from Cusco, but easily the best thing to see in proximity to the city. Just book tickets something like 4+ months in advance.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Rainbow Mountain
Admittedly, a bit of shlep from Cusco, so I wasn’t able to visit Rainbow Mountain. However, I heard great things, and it was a common subject of artwork around town.
(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol: Legal drinking age in Peru is 18.
Cannabis: Possession for personal use is decriminalized, and medical use was legalized in 2017. Recreational sale is not permitted, though this does not appear to be strictly enforced in certain parts of the country.
Psychedelics: Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Wachuma) are legal and readily available in specific locations. Coca leaves and their derivatives are legal and widely accessible. Most other psychedelics are illegal, although psilocybin is openly sold in some areas.