Things to Do in Cusco: 18 Experiences You Can’t Miss

There is a great variety of things to do in Cusco, Peru! You can discover ancient Incan ruins or delve into the local culture and cuisine. Being the cultural capital of Peru, Cusco blends Spanish rich history with an amazing natural landscape. Just make sure to give yourself a day to adjust to the high altitude (3,400m / 11,150ft) and you are ready to go!

In this guide, we will discuss the things you can do in Cusco and the most important parts to explore. We will also offer some practical tips to make your experience smoother and what to pack to ensure you are properly prepared.

Let’s get into it!

Cusco presents a tight blend of history, architecture, and culture that is very convenient to get around on foot. The city exposes its different levels through each street, ranging from majestic colonial buildings to meticulous Incan stonework. These highlights are geared towards the most fulfilling experiences within the historic center, mixing famous attractions with places that provide you with a greater insight into the past and present of Cusco.

Plaza de Armas is the beating heart of Cusco. Beautiful arcaded buildings surround it, along with restaurants and churches. This is the place to orient yourself and take in Cusco’s air. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Cusco Cathedral. Its detailed interiors, colonial-era art and woodwork and religious paintings truly make it stand out.

The Qorikancha temple was the most significant place of worship in the Inca Empire, particularly devoted to Inti, the sun god. However nowadays its accurately carved stone walls are the base of the Santo Domingo convent constructed by the Spaniards. Strolling around you can see the contrast between Incan precision and colonial architecture, making it a key cultural & historical experience in Peru.

San Blas is the arts district and residential core of Cusco. It is famous for its winding lanes, white walls and calm way of life. There are numerous small art galleries, artisan workshops and stores for handicrafts of the highest quality. You can also have a coffee or a peaceful meal here as there are several excellent cafes and courtyards that give the impression of being far away from the busy parts of the city.

The 12-angle stone is undeniably one of Cusco's most iconic Inca masonry pieces. Showing off how the Incas were capable of advanced engineering, it was skillfully placed into a wall without any mortar. Situated on Hatunrumiyoc Street, it is a brief visit but it is definitely worthwhile to get a good look at the craftsmanship that enabled these buildings to endure even centuries of earthquakes.

Not far from the city, a few major Incan sites throw light on why Cusco was the capital of the empire. You can get to these ruins quite easily and you can see them all in one visit, either with a guide or on their own. There is a combination of religious places, military structures and irrigation systems. All this is packaged with spectacular views of the Andes.

Sacsayhuaman stands as one of the most astonishing Incan sites, not only for its gigantic stone walls, but also for the fact they were built without mortar. For the non-handicrafters out there, that takes a particular skill. The size of the stones, some of which weigh more than 100 tons, makes it a unique feature. Besides being situated on a hill above Cusco, it also affords breathtaking views of the city.

Most people visit these places as a combination and they are all covered by the Boleto Turstico. Qenqo features figures carved on rocks that were connected to sacred ceremonies. Puka Pukara was a military outpost, and Tambomachay is an excellent example of the Incas' highly developed water engineering. All of them give a glimpse of Incan life, their beliefs and traditions.

Cristo Blanco is a giant white statue looking down on Cusco, styled in a similar way to the Christ the Redeemer of Rio. The short ascent from Sacsayhuaman is quite doable and provides you with expansive views of the city. If possible, plan your trip for the sunset, as that is when the light is mellow and Cusco's roofs and nearby mountains look their best.

Cusco has a lot to offer besides just its main attractions and represents some of the most memorable things to do in Peru. You can experience activities that really bring you in contact with local culture and traditions in a very authentic way. These events are much more than just sightseeing as they let you explore local cuisine, history, and culture. If you desire a more interactive experience, these things are perfect!

The Cusco Planetarium presents a unique angle and a different way of looking into Incan culture through the lens of astronomy. The Inca people had a great interest in the night sky and carefully observed it to identify constellations they could associate not only with their agricultural cycle but also myths and legends. The attraction largely revolves around a presentation of these beliefs and the main part of the program is a stargazing session using telescopes. Situated just near the city, it offers a serene, highly-focused experience.

Taking a cooking class in Cusco is one of the best food & wine experiences in Peru to discover authentic local cuisine. Usually, a lot of the time you start out with a tour of the market, then get down to making those delicious dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, or pisco sour. Small classes and well-organized sessions together make the whole experience refined and personal, rather than just some touristy demo. An especially fun activity to do in Peru with kids!

Cusco's chocolate workshops take you through the entire journey of chocolate making using Peruvian cacao. One of the things you will do is enjoy the process of cacao raw beans harvesting, drying, and roasting before you make your own chocolate. The experience is original and educational without being too long, making it a great family activity in Peru.

Places like Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo present traditional dancing and musical performances from all over Peru. The shoes are well-organized and educational as each one portrays a specific cultural tradition. If you are only going to Cusco and not traveling to other parts of the country, then this will be a great way to get a taste of Andean culture in one evening.

Peruvian cuisine is widely renowned and Cusco is a great place to appreciate it, although exploring what to do in Lima will give you an even deeper appreciation of the country’s food scene. Cusco is a lively city and so too, its food too is evolving, mixing traditional recipes with modern elements. You can taste both sides and get a more complete picture of the Peruvian culture and way of life. In Cusco you will find everything, from small, family-owned restaurants to more refined and luxurious establishments.

San Pedro Market is the most significant market in Cusco and it is also an excellent spot for observing day-to-day life. There is fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, street food, and long lines of stalls offering fresh juices. Besides, it is a very convenient place to find beautiful textiles and souvenirs. Visit the market early in the morning if you want to catch a livelier mood and have a greater choice of food.

Cusco features an expanding fine dining scene showcasing some of the modern Peruvian gastronomy with Andean ingredients. Dishes typically include alpaca, trout, quinoa, and local herbs prepared with modern culinary techniques. Besides, a lot of eateries are housed in charming restored colonial buildings which further enhance your experience. If you want to eat at popular places, especially those located in the historic center and San Blas areas, it is better to make a reservation in advance.

Cusco is very easy to wander around, and in fact, some of the most memorable moments will arise from simply walking and stepping into smaller cultural spaces. Besides the main sights, the town also has beautiful streets for pictures and well-organized museums that do not attract crowds. Great if you want to take things slowly.

The best way to discover the historic center of Cusco is on foot. As you walk, you will find very narrow streets that display Incan stone foundations with colonial buildings on top. The neighborhoods near San Blas and Hatunrumiyoc are definitely some of the most beautiful places for taking photos. If you walk around freely without a plan, it becomes a rewarding solo travel experience in Peru, discovering hidden plazas and quiet corners of Cusco.

Cusco's many museums offer a deeper understanding of the Incan and pre-Incan cultures in a more formal setting. The Inka Museum traces the empire's expansion and everyday life. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, on the other hand, exhibits artifacts in a visually-appealing, gallery-type setting. Both are small enough not to exhaust and provide a quiet environment as opposed to open-air sites.

Cusco acts as a hub to some of the best places to visit in Peru, including stunning landscapes and archaeological sites.. Many top-notch day trips can be arranged in Per's Sacred Valley and the mountains around. Such activities, from cultural tours to high-altitude hikes, reveal the history and nature of the area in a much wider perspective.

The Sacred Valley features several major Incan archaeological sites as well as picturesque rural landscapes and traditional villages. Pisac is famous for its terraces and market, whereas Ollantaytambo is home to one of the best preserved Incan towns. The salt mines of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray diversify the area. With private guided tours, you can visit several places efficiently while learning about Incan agriculture and engineering.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is famous for its colorful mineral layers. Its altitude reaches more than 5,000m (16,400ft), so acclimatization is a must. Mostly, people get there early in the morning, and they either walk or opt for a horse ride. The Red Valley next to the mountain has just as beautiful views and can make the entire trip that much more satisfying. Although it is a challenging hike, it stands out as one of the top adventure travel experiences in Peru.

Humantay Lake is a stunning nature & wildlife destination in Peru, with clear turquoise water set high in the Andes. It is set against the background of snow-capped mountains, creating a perfect setting for scenic honeymoons in Peru. Getting there entails an uphill walk, however, the path is short enough for a day trip. Fully organized tours that include transportation and meals are quite common, so you won't have to worry about the details. It is an excellent choice if nature-centric trips are what you are after.

Three to four days are enough to get a good look of Cusco without rushing, making it ideal for relaxed senior travel in Peru. Wander around the historical center on your first day while getting used to the altitude. Proceed with day two to archaeological sites close to Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Then, depending on how much time you have, you can go one or two day trips to the Sacred Valley or nearby mountains to really get to know the region.

The altitude in Cusco will require a little bit of adjustment, so make sure to plan ahead with that in mind. Let’s see some more tips:

Machu Picchu has strict entry rules and changing weather conditions. Packing correctly ensures a smoother visit.

As we saw, there are plenty of things to do in Cusco! Enough for a 3-4 day trip. With proper planning, you will not only see what this vibrant city has to offer, but also surrounding archaeological sights, ancient ruins and monuments and breathtaking landscapes. Just make sure to pack properly and give yourself some time to acclimate to the altitude.

Rich history, beautiful nature and a lively city. What more reasons could you want to start planning your trip to Cusco or Peru in general? Especially when you can share your thoughts and ideas with Tailored by Locals and have a local expert design an itinerary that matches your vision of a dream vacation to Peru!