Most people would describe Cusco as the gateway to Machu Pichuu. It would be unfair to see it in this way only. Cusco itself has a lot of history behind it. From the time of the Inca to the invasion by the Spanish, Cusco continues to be one of the greatest Latin American cities one could ever enjoy.
Today, Cusco has a population of approximately 400,000. It's a thriving city that blends the old traditions along with a more modern way of living. La Plaza De Armas is the old town center that has been the meeting point for commerce, political, and religious ideology for centuries. Residents of Cusco take pride in their city as you'll rarely see any trash on the streets.
What to do
There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and restaurants available throughout the city. If traveling on a budget, hostels are reasonably priced and are typically located within walking distance to La Plaza De Armas. You will find numerous dining options including Andes, Italian, and Chinese food to name a few.
If you haven't booked a trek by this point, it would be a good idea to visit the town center and talk to a few tour agencies. They typically offer the same services for around the same price. There are plenty of free walking tours that only ask for tips or you can self guide by getting map from your hotel. There are tours available as well that will take you to the Sacred Valley and to cities close to Cusco. Most of these are all day tours so plan accordingly.
Mercado de San Pedro is a large indoor swap meet of sorts. Here you can find just about any souvenir at reasonable prices. This is also a place that locals shop for meats, veggies and grains, flowers, and household items. Don't be surprised to see pig heads, frog legs, and live grubs in the meat section. There is also a large food court where you can try local treats such as ceviche, fried chicken, cuy and chiche morado.
Money
Many places will take US dollars for payment. There are also plenty of ATMs around to take cash out. If you do pay with USD, make sure to have bills that are not worn out or torn as many vendors may decide to not accept them.
