Cusco

Located on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, Cusco sits at an altitude of 11,152 feet (3,399 meters). Its geography is marked by a rugged topography that combines snow-capped peaks above 19,000 feet with deep valleys and cloud forests, offering ideal settings for adventure tourism.

Climate and Andean Altitude

The Cusco climate is predominantly cold and dry, with two well-marked seasons that define the traveler's experience:

• Sunny Days (April–October): High solar radiation during the day, but temperatures that drop below freezing at night.
• Humidity and Rain (November–March): Constant rainfall that feeds the Vilcanota and Urubamba rivers.
• Oxygenation: Due to the altitude, consuming coca tea is recommended to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).

Orography and Natural Resources

The region is guarded by imposing Apus (sacred mountains) such as Ausangate and Salkantay. These glaciers are not only world-class trekking destinations but also the source of water for the agricultural valleys where the world's best giant white corn and a vast variety of native tubers are grown.

Ecosystems: From Puna to High Jungle

Cusco possesses a unique ecological transition. While the city is located in a highland sierra zone, the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest (high jungle), where humidity increases and vegetation becomes lush, being home to the Cock-of-the-Rock and various species of wild orchids.