In July 2025, Travel + Leisure and its prestigious World’s Best Awards survey once again selected Cusco as the best travel destination in South and Central America for the seventh consecutive time. Despite what some recent headlines may suggest, nothing has dethroned the imperial city. Cusco remains the epitome of cultural tourism on a global scale and Cusco as the best travel destination in the world.
Why will Cusco never stop being the world’s best travel destination? and why Cusco as the best travel destination
1. Cradle of the Inca legacy
As the former capital of the most powerful empire in South America, Cusco stands as a constant testament to Incan engineering, architecture, and wisdom. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is a mosaic of ancient stone walls and colonial buildings that coexist in harmony with vibrant living traditions.
2. Machu Picchu and the legendary Inka Trail
Cusco is the gateway to the Inka Trail, the ancestral route to Machu Picchu, recently chosen for the sixth time as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards. Every step along this path offers breathtaking scenery and an intimate journey into the heart of the Inca Empire.
3. The magical Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located very close to Cusco, is one of the most impressive archaeological, cultural, and natural destinations on the planet. Communities such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Chinchero, and Moray offer living history, ancestral agriculture, and top-tier rural tourism. Its mild climate provides the perfect setting to enjoy authentic experiences among mountains, rivers, and ancient terraces.
4. Comprehensive experiences in the imperial city
Cusco offers a cultural and urban experience few destinations can match: the bohemian San Blas neighborhood, the Plaza de Armas, the Coricancha and its museums, and a diverse gastronomy that blends baked guinea pig, chiriuchu, and modern fusion cuisine. In addition, its people, festivities like Inti Raymi, its living culture, and its commitment to sustainability elevate the experience for any traveler.
5. Consistent international recognition
From Travel + Leisure’s surveys to the votes of millions of travelers on TripAdvisor (Traveller’s Choice), Cusco consistently ranks year after year as a leading cultural destination and a global favorite. This title is not fleeting—it reflects sustained excellence.
🌟 Conclusion for Cusco as the best travel destination
Although some articles may have claimed that “this city beat Cusco and was chosen as the best tourist destination in the world”, the facts show otherwise: Cusco retains its throne as the world’s best tourist destination, topping global rankings thanks to its cultural, historical, culinary, and natural richness.
On your site inkatrailperutreks.com, you can inspire your visitors to embark on an unforgettable adventure:
- Walk the mythical Inka Trail and feel the ancient magic on the way to Machu Picchu.
- Explore the Sacred Valley, with its traditional towns, agricultural terraces, and fascinating ruins.
- Immerse yourself in the historic capital—just walking through Cusco is a travel experience in itself.
With these keywords integrated, your blog will show why Cusco will always be the world’s best travel destination, a place where history comes alive, adventure awaits on every trail, and every traveler connects with the deep essence of Peru.
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