Exploring Cusco during the day is one of the best cultural experiences in the world. But at night, its streets are bathed in a soft yellow light that illuminates the ancient colonial and Inca buildings. On the outskirts of Cusco, the lights fade, giving way to a black sky that gives you the opportunity to lose yourself in the stars, framed by some mountains that surround a city at 3,300 meters above sea level. While the Main Square offers one of the most amazing nighttime views of the city, there are options that immerse us even further in the Cusco sky, a city whose streets were built in the shape of the constellations of stars above it.

If you’ve already booked your tickets to Machu Picchu and are on your way to Cusco, we highly recommend taking the time to visit the Planetarium Cusco so you don’t miss a single detail of the incredible sky this city offers.

• The Cusco Planetarium
• The Incas and the sky
• Experience at the Cusco Planetarium
• The incredible sky of Cusco
• Best places to see the Cusco sky
• Recommendations
• Frequently asked questions

Observing the constellations – Planetarium Cusco

The Cusco Planetarium

The Cusco Planetarium is a window to the universe, combining the fascination of astronomy with the cultural richness of the Inca civilization. This unique space offers an educational and entertaining experience, ideal for all lovers of the skies and history. With projections in a 360° dome, high-quality telescopes, and expert bilingual guides, visitors can explore the constellations, planets, and nebulas while discovering how the Incas interpreted the universe. Furthermore, the planetarium’s tranquil setting allows for a relaxing experience. Perfect for families, students, and the curious, the Cusco Planetarium promises an evening filled with learning and wonder under the city’s magical sky.

The Planetarium Cusco is possibly the most unique planetarium in the world, located just fifteen minutes from Cusco’s Historic Center . But it’s not just an astronomical observatory; it’s also an interpretive center for Inca astronomy, dedicated to the southern skies and surrounded by nature.

Discover the Starry Sky of Machu Picchu
On your trip to the Inca citadel, you can also enjoy an incredible panorama of stars, whether from the town of Aguas Calientes, its hot springs, or some corner of the surrounding nature. You will have the opportunity to find a moment of fascination, where you will feel ever closer to the cosmos in a place where magic is present. Remember to spend at least one night in Machu Picchu so you don’t miss this great opportunity to see the Cusco stars.

The Incas and the sky

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. Nearly 10 million people lived there during the Tahuantinsuyu (Inca Empire) era. Maintaining a city of that size is difficult even today, and the Incas did so in the middle of the Andes Mountains, almost 3,500 meters above sea level, in one of the most rugged geographies on the planet. To achieve this success, they became deeply connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth), in a way that could be compared to the natives of Pandora in the movie Avatar.

They never had a writing system, but they were able to determine exactly how to cope with one of the most volatile climates on the planet. To this end, they built buildings dedicated to their highest deities—the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars—honoring them and asking for blessings for their people. Some of these buildings not only served as places of worship for their deities but could also accurately determine their movements, allowing them to predict weather patterns, know the time, the weather, and the seasons. And as we know today, this is only possible by monitoring the position of the Earth in relation to the stars of our solar system.

Inca Constellations

Experience at the Cusco Planetarium

Ending your visit to Machu Picchu in Cusco with the starry sky can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your trip. You can go alone or join an organized group and take a tour to the Cusco Planetarium. In most cases, visits to the Planetarium begin at Plaza Regocijo, where the same company will pick you up. After a short 20-minute ride, you’ll arrive at the planetarium.

The experience at the Cusco Planetarium begins with an introduction to Inca astronomy, where we learn about this culture’s unique connection to the cosmos. Through historical data and stories, we explore how the Incas observed and interpreted the skies, integrating this knowledge into their daily lives and cultural practices. We then visit the 360° dome, which reveals both modern constellations and those recognized by the ancient Incas. The adventure culminates with the actual observation of stars, planets, and nebulae through telescopes, offering a direct connection with the heavens. This experience is guided by experts who not only educate but also inspire you, allowing you to understand the profound relationship between the sky and their culture in a magical setting.

Visits to the Cusco Planetarium end around 8:00 p.m., so you’ll still have time for another adventure; the Cusco nights are something not to be missed. You can add a visit to the Cusco Planetarium to your trip to Machu Picchu. Learn how to purchase admission tickets to Machu Picchu .

If you plan to visit the Cusco Planetarium, try to do so on a clear day (check the weather pages). You can get amazing views of Jupiter, its four moons, and its binary system (a group of stars orbiting it).

Tourists at the Cusco Planetarium

The incredible sky of Cusco

The city of Cusco offers us not only dreamy archaeological sites, but its privileged location allows us to contemplate a clear sky, perfect for losing ourselves in a state of relaxation and calm. It’s rare to find such clear skies where every blink of an eye can make you miss a unique moment.

Since pre-Hispanic times, the Incas understood the value of this panorama, which is why their worldview was largely based on the study of the cosmos, and they were practically the ones who dictated most of their actions. Temples, monuments, and even cities were dedicated to everything included in the sky. Reflecting this are: the Temple of the Moon (located in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and the Temple of the Sun (located in Machu Picchu and also in Qoricancha).

To appreciate it in all its splendor, the Cusco Planetarium is one of the best options, but there are also other places near the city where you can marvel at the navel of the world:

• White Christ: This monumental statue comprises a perfect viewpoint to discover all the mysteries of the sky, apart from also offering you the opportunity to see Cusco almost completely, making your visit more than valuable, memorable.
• Qenqo Forest: The Qenqo Forest is another unique spot in the city. This space offers a peaceful setting amidst nature, with low light density so you can observe every star in the sky in detail.
• Picol Lookout: Picol Hill offers you the opportunity to have more direct contact with the constellations, offering you the chance to have a space to lie down and lose yourself in each ray of light that dazzles the Cusco sky.
• San Blas Viewpoint: Although the San Blas neighborhood is one of the busiest places in Cusco at night, it still offers one of the most impressive views of the city, as well as being illuminated by a starry sky.

Observing the sky from the outskirts of Cusco

Best places to see the Cusco sky

Recommendations

• Stay warm at all times during your trip to Cusco, as the weather is very variable.
• You can also visit the Yanahuara Planetarium (1.5 hours from Cusco) to discover another angle of the sky.
• Enjoy the company of friends or guides on more remote tours to ensure safety on your nighttime hikes.
• Bring a book or headphones to make your experience exploring the skies of Cusco even more rewarding.
• Bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration and some snacks for the journey.
• Remember to leave the place as you found it so as not to damage or dirty such wonderful places.
• Any time of year is ideal for viewing the Cusco sky, but during the dry season, which runs from April to October, the weather is more favorable without sudden rains.
• Don’t forget to take photographs of the stars and constellations to keep the memory forever.

Frequently asked questions

• 1) What are the opening hours of the Cusco Planetarium?

  The experience starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m., with a total duration of approximately 2 hours.

• 2) What does the visit to the Cusco Planetarium include?

  The visit includes an introduction to Inca astronomy, a 360° dome projection, telescope observation (weather permitting), and a guide who will provide constant guidance.

• 3) Is it necessary to book in advance?

  Yes, we recommend booking in advance because the maximum group size is 22 people.

• 4) What should I bring to the visit?

  Bring warm clothing as the nights in Cusco can be cold, and bring some snacks for the trip.

• 5) Is the visit suitable for children?

  Yes, the experience is educational and entertaining, ideal for families and children interested in astronomy and Inca culture.

• 6) What is the weather like in Cusco?

  The weather is sometimes unpredictable regardless of the season, so you should always dress warmly and be prepared for rain.

• 7) At what altitude is the city of Cusco?

  Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level.

• 8) What places can I visit at night in the city of Cusco?

  Cusco’s historic center is a good place to start, then you can enjoy the surrounding festivals or sip a coffee on a balcony in the city.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Santiago N.

“Wonderful Explanation of Inca Astronomy“

“We participated in a tour of the Planetarium. The people who belong to this place infected us with their passion with their pleasant way of explaining the cosmology of the Incas and how they are directly related to the archaeological sites that we had seen; but if you have not yet made your visit, they invite you to look for these characteristics in the places to visit. Completely recommendable; it must be reserved in advance because the tours are on established dates and schedules.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 12, 2025