The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Cusco

Cusco, the historic Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu, is one of the central stops on the Israeli backpacker trail through South America. Chabad House of Cusco, near Procuradores Street, known as 'Israeli Town,' offers four kosher kitchens of its own and hosts a Passover Seder for 1,200 travelers every year. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.

Chabad House of Cusco — four kosher kitchens

Chabad House of Cusco, near Procuradores Street by Plaza de Armas, is one of the best-known Chabad houses on the Israeli backpacker trail. It runs four kosher kitchens of its own - dairy, meat, pizza, and a late-night kitchen - and holds one of the largest traveler Passover Seders in the world each year.

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Plaza de Armas — 'Israeli Town' is the launchpad

Plaza de Armas, at the heart of Cusco, is ringed by Spanish colonial-era cathedrals built on Inca foundations. Practical tip: Procuradores Street, off the plaza's northwest corner, is full of reliable tour agencies for arranging the train and entry to Machu Picchu.

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Sacsayhuamán — an acclimatization day before the climb

Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Inca fortress above Cusco, is built from massive interlocking stone blocks without mortar. Practical tip: plan an easy acclimatization day before the climb - the roughly 3,700-meter elevation is felt quickly, even by fit travelers.

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Machu Picchu — book tickets weeks ahead

Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel on the mountain ridge, one of the world's most famous heritage sites, is reachable on a day trip from Cusco. Practical tip: the daily ticket quota is limited and sells out weeks ahead in peak season - book the train and entry together and early.

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Between Chabad House of Cusco and its four kosher kitchens, Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán, and Machu Picchu, Cusco offers a rare combination of a vibrant, well-known Jewish travel infrastructure alongside one of the most spectacular heritage sites on earth.