Though it appears stuck in time, Cusco remains a city alive with energy. The Inca Empire's former capital served as the civilization's central hub throughout the Andes Mountains. The area's historical essence amazes as you walk its stone-paved paths and observe the massive old walls and ruins that surround you.
Cusco is known as a vibrant, Peruvian cultural center because of its well-known markets, delicious food, and exciting festivals. When traveling to Cusco, you'll have the chance to take part in thrilling adventures, explore cultural sites, and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime natural landmarks.
Join us as we explore some of the best things to do in Cusco that will make you love this historical Inca Empire!
6 Things to Do in Cusco
1. Wander Through Cusco’s Historic Center
During your visit, you can begin your exploration at the central Plaza de Armas square, an area that has hosted city activities since the Inca period. This spot is filled with colonial arcades, churches, restaurants, and cafes that offer the perfect place to experience Inca culture.
The collaboration of street performers, local vendors, and the majestic Andes forms a setting that looks like it belongs in a travel documentary. Right on the square, you'll find two iconic landmarks: Cusco Cathedral and La Compañía de Jesús.
Baroque art and gold leaf altars decorate this colonial architectural masterpiece that was built on former Inca palace foundations. It features religious paintings, including a Last Supper scene with a roasted guinea pig.
The nearby La Compañía de Jesús stands out with its elaborate exterior design and complex interior. This makes it one of Peru's most beautiful Jesuit churches.
As you make your way uphill, you'll walk towards San Blas, one of the most charming and oldest neighborhoods in Cusco. Tiny artisan shops, hip cafes, and local galleries can be found at the ends of their narrow cobbled streets. Lastly, explore San Blas and enjoy coffee at one of the neighborhood cafes, taking in the unforgettable view of the cityscape from above.
2. Explore Inca Ruins Within and Near the City
The foundation of Cusco lies upon ancient ruins. A brief walk or drive from Cusco's city center will lead you to ancient Inca Empire sites that hold unique tales. Standing high on a hillside that overlooks the city is Sacsayhuamán, a massive stone fortress.
Its massive limestone blocks weighing over 100 tons form the fortress walls, exhibiting unique carvings and mortar-free fitting. The Incas' advanced engineering techniques continue to fascinate researchers because they achieved this without modern technological tools. At Sacsayhuamán, you'll get to see views of Cusco that reach their peak beauty during sunset.
Once you return to the city center, you must visit Qorikancha, which serves as the Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Sun stood as the Inca Empire's main religious site until its golden walls were believed to radiate brightness when the sun shone on them.
3. Take Day Trips to the Sacred Valley
Exploring the Sacred Valley with its landscape and towering Andean mountains is a must when visiting Cusco. Only a brief drive from the city, it will lead you to a valley filled with ancient ruins, traditional villages, and natural scenery for miles. Every location will give you an exclusive insight into Inca engineering and Andean culture.
Next, continue your adventure at Pisac, which features a large archaeological site situated on a hilltop with views of the town beneath. The archaeological location features hillsides, temples, and ceremonial baths, all providing views of the valley below.
After exploring this area, make your descent into Pisac’s market that showcases textiles, handmade jewelry, pottery, and regional snacks. The market offers an excellent spot to purchase souvenirs, giving you direct exposure to local culture.
Lastly, you should plan to visit Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable destinations within the Sacred Valley. The town functions as a living Inca settlement because its homes, streets, and irrigation systems remain operational today in the same way as they did in ancient times.
A large fortress, temple, and steep terraces dominate the town skyline and serve as a defensive structure for this location. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to closely examine the fine stonework of the Inca.
4. Visit Museums and Cultural Centers
Cusco offers more than ruins and mountains, it's also a cultural capital that is filled with museums that are dedicated to telling the remarkable history of the Andes. If you're interested in Inca history, pre-Columbian art, and traditional music and dance, these places perfectly recreate the past in vivid detail.
The Museo Inka sits just behind the cathedral, inside a colonial mansion that sits on ancient Inca building foundations. If you're interested in pre-Columbian history, you will find this museum to be an excellent resource for learning about ancient civilizations with a particular focus on the Incas.
The collection showcases ancient tools, textiles, ceramics and extends to gold artifacts and mummies. Visiting this location before or after your ruins tour is recommended because it bridges the gap between the stone remains and their historical significance.
5. Sample Local Cuisine
If you're a huge foodie, you will find your paradise in Cusco when you're eager to sample fresh flavors. The local culinary traditions trace their origins to the Andes mountains, where they combine age-old ingredients with imaginative presentations. Eating here means immersing yourself in a cultural journey, rather than just satisfying your hunger.
The most well-known local dish features cuy, a term for guinea pig. Cuy remains a popular Andean dish served whole and cooked until crispy despite its strange appearance to foreigners. Alpaca also stands out as a popular protein source because it is lean and flavorful.
People typically cook Alpaca grilled as steak or use it in hearty stew dishes. You can also try Andean soups such as chupe de quinua or caldo de gallina for comforting warmth and nourishment.
If you're really wanting to experience some of the best food in Cusco, San Pedro Market offers fresh fruit juices, bread baked in wood-fired ovens, handmade cheeses, and food stalls. These food stalls have dishes such as lomo saltado and ají de gallina.
6. Plan Your Trip to Machu Picchu
You can't leave Cusco without making a trip to Machu Picchu, one of the world's top travel destinations. When traveling to Machu Picchu, you'll need to determine whether your interest lies in its historical culture or the hiking challenge it presents. If needed, guides are available to provide you with the necessary information to help organize your journey.
Machu Picchu can be accessed by several different routes that provide different experiences based on your preferences, physical capabilities, and availability.
The train is the easiest way to reach Machu Picchu if you want to be more comfortable while traveling.
The Inca Trail is the most popular trail if you want to discover Machu Picchu by diving into the region's historical roots. Due to strict trail regulations and limited permit availability, you should plan your visit by booking at least 4 to 6 months ahead of your desired hiking date. This demanding hike requires physical fitness, but offers some of the most rewarding experiences available in Peru.
Things to Do in Cusco: FAQs
1. What is the best way to travel through Cusco?
Walking around Cusco will give you the best access to its main attractions since they are all close together, with Plaza de Armas as a central point. Navigating Cusco requires preparation for uphill walking because of its high altitude and steep streets. Taxis and local buses are also available.
2. What measures should I take to acclimate to Cusco's high altitude?
The high elevation of Cusco (11,000 feet above sea level) leads many visitors to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. You should spend your first few days at rest so your body has enough time to get used to the high altitude. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and big meals can reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
3. What are the best day trips I can take starting in Cusco?
Cusco is the gateway to several day-trip destinations such as the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, Rainbow Mountain, and Chinchero.
4. When is the best time of year to travel to Cusco?
You should schedule your visit to Cusco within the dry season that extends from April through October. However, there will be fewer crowds from November to March, during the wet season.
5. Can I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Cusco is the primary departure point for visiting Machu Picchu. You can board trains at Poroy or Ollantaytambo stations to reach Machu Picchu, but also have the option to go on multi-day treks like the classic Inca Trail, the scenic Salkantay Trek, or the more cultural Lares Trek. You should always plan in advance, especially when traveling during peak season.
6. Which foods in Cusco are worth trying?
For adventurous eaters, consider cuy, a traditional Andean dish made from guinea pig. Next, try stir-fried beef and vegetables to create a delicious blend of Peruvian and Asian tastes in Lomo saltado. Lastly, make sure to try chicha morada, a sweet purple corn beverage that is refreshing and well-known in the region.
