Uncover the Magic: Top Things to do in Cusco, Peru for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Cusco, Peru is the gateway to unforgettable adventures in the Land of the Incas. Whether you want to explore the colonial city, go on a breathtaking hike, savor mouthwatering Peruvian cuisine, or take an epic multi-day trip into the mountains, Cusco is not short on activities. Check out the top things to do in Cusco during your next adventure to Peru.

1. Stroll Through Cusco’s Historic Center

Cusco’s historic center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is packed full of colonial architecture and cultural landmarks. Here you’ll find many different things to do in Cusco:

Plaza de Armas

The main square, Plaza de Armas, is the heart of the historic center. Here a beautiful square is surrounded by magnificent buildings that reflect Cusco’s history. Grab a spot in the center to relax take it all in.

Cusco Cathedral

The Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, dominates the Plaza de Armas on the north side. Stop inside where you can marvel at the religious paintings and intricate woodwork. Visiting hours are Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for 25 Soles (about $7 USD).

Qorikancha/Santa Domingo Monastery

Another must-visit see in the historic area is the Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This sacred temple was once the most important religious site in the Inca Empire and has a very interesting history. Today, you can learn about the history of Qorikancha by visiting the Santo Domingo Church (which was built atop the temple). Stop by Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Tickets are 10 Soles/PP (about $3 USD).

2. Explore the Sacred Valley

Nestled between Cusco and the Inca Trail you’ll find the Sacred Valley of Peru. The Sacred Valley has some of the best preserved Inca ruins and should be a must-visit for anyone looking for things to do in Cusco Peru. The easiest and most cost effective way to visit the Sacred Valley is to book a multi-day tour. If you only have one day for this area, plan for a full day tour to explore the Sacred Valley at a faster pace.

Ollyantatambo

Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca village with well-preserved ruins that overlook the town. When you visit you’ll be able to explore the ancient stone buildings and climb the steep terraces to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the valley below. Since Ollantaytambo holds the main train station toward Machu Picchu, it happens to be one of the most visited sites and quite busy. However, Ollyantatambo is a highlight of the Sacred Valley and should be on your list of stops for the Sacred Valley.

Maras Salt Mines

The Maras Salt Mines are known locally as Salineras de Maras and include thousands of terraced salt pools carved into the mountainside. These make a very unique stop best seen during dry season (May-September). Each pond is owned and maintained by a local family from the community of Maras. The salt is still harvested by hand so keep an eye out for workers scraping salt off while you visit.

Moray

Another must-see site in the Sacred Valley is Moray, an archaeological wonder that highlights the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture. The site consists of a series of concentric terraces carved into the earth, creating a visually striking and scientifically significant location. It is believed that the Incas used these terraces as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different crops and microclimates to improve their farming techniques. When you visit you can explore the terraces and learn about the Inca’s agricultural practices.

3. Venture Up to Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuamán (pronounced “Saq-say-wa-man”) is an impressive archaeological site located just above Cusco – a 30 minute uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas. If you aren’t in the best shape or are struggling with the altitude, consider taking a taxi to the entrance.

To enter Sacsayhuaman you will need to purchase a Cusco Tourist Ticket. A full access ticket costs 130 Soles (about $35 USD) and allows access to 15 other sites for a validity of 10 days. A partial access ticket costs 70 Soles (about $19 USD) and only allows access for one day. Sacsayhuaman is open Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (closed on Sundays).

4. Wander Through the San Blas District

San Blas is one of the most famous and picturesque neighborhoods in Cusco and is often referred to as the artist’s quarter. It is more removed from the main tourist area but that makes it much quieter and definitely worth exploring. Take some time to wander the streets, shop a market or artisan shop, visit San Blas Church (Templo de San Blas), and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Cusco.

5. See Sunrise or Sunset from the Best Views in the City

I don’t know about you, but I’ll do pretty much anything for an awesome sunrise or sunset. Cusco has some amazing viewpoints to check out. If sunrise or sunset aren’t your thing, don’t worry, they’re still worth a stop any time of day.

• Mirrador San Blas
• Plaza San Cristobal
• Desde el Cristo Blanco

6. Tour Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or Its Less Busy Sister (Palccoyo)

A trip to the famous Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca) is one of the top things to do in Cusco for many visitors. Vinicunca is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level making it a challenging hike (5-6 hours round trip) to reach the summit. To visit Rainbow Mountain you can choose to book a day tour from Cusco (easiest) or arrange your own transportation.

If you’re the type of traveler that likes to wander more off the beaten path, consider a trip to Palccoyo Mountain instead. Palccoyo Mountain is another rainbow mountain that is more accessible at 4,900 meters above sea level making it easier to hike (2-3 hours round trip) due to its lower altitude. Palccoyo is more remote and much less busy than its famous sister mountain Vinicunca and it’s a perfect day trip from Cusco.

7. Enjoy a Meal Overlooking Plaza de Armas

Who doesn’t love a meal with a great view? Plaza de Armas has some amazing spots with little balconies so you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee, glass of wine or cocktail with great people watching from above. My favorite way to spend an afternoon after a long day of sightseeing. Some of our favorite Plaza de Armas restaurants include:

8. Stroll Through a Local Market

There are a handful of markets throughout the city of Cusco. Some of the most well known include the San Pedro Market and Mercado San Blas. Wander the stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and hand made goods to see what you can find. We always love buying lunch from the market and finding somewhere like Plaza de Armas to sit and eat in a more relaxed environment.

Tip: Be sure to bring cash as many vendors will not accept credit cards

9. Experience the Local Cuisine

Calling all foodies to the Cusco food scene! Experiencing all the local dishes is one of my favorite things to do in Cusco (and really anywhere but Cusco has some amazing Peruvian gems). Don’t miss the Pisco sours, local seafood, Peruvian corn snacks and – if you’re brave enough – Cuy (guinea pig).

10. Take a Day Trip to Humantay Lake

All adventure seekers should take a day-trip from Cusco to Humantay Lake – a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. This steep 2-hour hike is another one of the best things to do in Cusco and will reward you with gorgeous views of the lake. This hike is challenging due to its altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level so only those with a good level of fitness should attempt. I would also suggest putting this adventure toward the end of your itinerary after you’re well adjusted to the altitude.

11. Machu Picchu

Obviously this is the main reason most people come to Peru. Whether you make Machu Picchu a day-trip or a multi-day adventure will of course depend on your fitness level and how much time you have to spend in Peru. If you can, I highly recommend making Machu Picchu a multi-night stop separate from your time in Cusco. But if you don’t have a ton of time to spend, you can also book a day-trip from Cusco. Either way, be sure you don’t skip this gorgeous ancient city in the middle of the Andes Mountains.

For anyone with a big sense of adventure and more time to spend in Peru, I HIGHLY recommend doing the Inca Trail 4-Day Hike. It is not for the faint of heart but hiking through the mountains all the way to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable, truly life changing experience. The Inca Trail was by far my favorite of all the things to do in Cusco. Read the full overview of our experience hiking the Inca Trail here.

Travel Tips

Adjusting to the Altitude (Acclimatization)

If you have not been to a high-altitude destination before, be aware that you will need to build an adjustment period of time into your trip. High elevations mean lower oxygen levels that can cause altitude sickness in some individuals.

During the first 1-2 days, you should plan to take it easy while your body gets used to the elevation of over 3,000 meters above sea level. Top tips for avoiding altitude sickness include avoiding large meals and alcohol, staying hydrated, and not overdoing it.

Tip: Drinking coca tea can help with symptoms of altitude sickness. You can find coca leaves for free at most hotels in Cusco.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season which runs from May to September. This will provide the best weather and temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. If possible, aim for shoulder season in May or September when the weather is great but crowds are smaller. 

Getting Around in Cusco

Cusco is a very walkable city if you’re staying close to the main area. If you’re staying further out or prefer to take transportation to some of the more removed sites like Sacsayhuaman, you can use a ride hailing app like Uber or grab a licensed taxi. If you’re exploring on your own, Cusco does link in to the regional bus network or you can rent a car and drive yourself.

Where to Stay in Cusco

The best area to stay in Cusco is in or near the central historic district so you are within walking distance to all the main sites. Our favorite neighborhood is the San Blas area which is very trendy and well located.

Here are our favorite hotels in Cusco:

• Terra Viva Cusco San Blas (where we stayed)
• Amaru Colonial
• Hostal & Apartments El Triunfo
• Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco

Other Reads

• Hiking the Inca Trail: 4-Epic Days in the Andes Mountains
• Top 8 Things to Do in Singapore
• Exploring Planet Mars: Ultimate Guide to the Wadi Rum

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