Ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city steeped in history. At almost 3400 metres above sea level and located in the southern Andean part of Peru, Cusco still preserves the most important vestiges of the Incas. Discover all things to do in Cusco, declared a World Heritage Site in 1983, and be amazed by the beauty of its landscapes and the charm of its streets and squares full of history.
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What things to do in Cusco Peru
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is the tourist centre of the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Hundreds of tourists of different nationalities gather there. Just in front stand the monumental architecture of the church of the Society of Jesus and the Cathedral. All around are handicraft shops, restaurants, bars and lodgings.
In ancient times, this square was a swamp. The Incas dried it up to make it the centre of administration for the whole empire. However, later the Spanish numerous buildings and churches were built around the square, on top of the Inca temples and palaces.
San Pedro Central Market
The market of San Pedro is one of the most picturesque places in the city of Cusco. Hundreds of Cusco citizens and foreign tourists congregate there to buy various food products as well as handicrafts of all kinds. It is a great opportunity to learn a little more about the culture of Cusco. It is located in the historic centre of the city, a few steps from the Plaza de Armas.
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most important destinations in South America. It is home to beautiful traditional villages that have been settled since colonial times, such as the community of Maras. Here the Incas built ancient citadels such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. They also cultivated a great diversity of agricultural products in terraces such as Moray.
So called because it was the main supplier of food for the Inca empire, the Sacred Valley sits on the banks of the Urubamba River. The Incas built archaeological centres along its banks that replicated the constellations they knew from the Andean sky, which further contributes to the valley’s undoubted beauty.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is one of the most amazing buildings in the world. It is thought to have begun construction during the rule of the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. It is believed that more than 20,000 men quarried the stones from the surrounding quarries and moved it 20 kilometres up the hill to the city of Cusco.
Today, it is estimated that Sacsayhuaman retains only 40 percent of its ancient structure. Even so, the site possesses structures weighing up to 125 tonnes.
San Blas neighbourhood
The neighbourhood of San Blas is the heart of the city of Cusco. People who have been to this neighbourhood say that there is a mysterious energy in its streets. There are many restaurants and bars where you can eat, drink and enjoy great music and the company of people from all parts and cultures of the world. There are also workshops of artists and craftsmen famous for their work.
The neighbourhood of San Blas is famous for its concentration of handicraft shops as well as workshops of the most famous artisans of Cusco. It is also called the ‘Balcony of Cusco’, because it is located on the Plaza de Armas of the city. Its streets are narrow and cobbled. Its colonial houses are home to many of the best workshops and art shops. It has restaurants serving local and foreign cuisine.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to do in and around Cusco Peru?
Machu Picchu
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive blocks of stone joined together without any amalgamation make up one of the most important religious, political and cultural centres of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Discovered in 1,911 by Hiram Bingham, the Inca City is divided into two main sectors: the agricultural, with a vast network of terraces or artificial terraces, and the urban, with beautiful buildings such as the Temple of the Sun.
Its terraces of an intense green and the imposing mountain range that surround it make up a beautiful landscape that exceeds any expectation.
Huayna Picchu
To reach the summit of the Huayna Picchu is a must for any self-respecting citizen of the world. From its summit, one witnesses a breathtaking landscape for its beauty and majesty. Many accomplish the goal of climbing the Montaña Vieja after an arduous and intense journey that involves a demanding physical test. But above all, a great passion for adventure.
With a maximum height of 2,720 metres, the Huayna Picchu looks imposing in the classic and famous postcard of the citadel of Machu Picchu. The mountain is composed mostly of rocks on which the Incas carved their steps and paths to the summit, so there is a single path both up and down.
Vinicunca
There is a place in the south of Peru where a mountain attracts the eye, not so much for its imposing presence, but rather for its attractiveness. We are talking about Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, which has become one of the major tourist attractions in the land of the Incas.
Located in the Cordillera of Vilcanota – southeast of the city of Cusco – Vinicunca offers a wonderful spectacle, from the same road that leads to it. It is a journey of approximately five hours by car and on foot. Although physically demanding, it culminates in a picture postcard image that will remain forever etched in the traveller’s memory.
What things to do in Cusco Peru in one day
- Plaza de Armas
- San Pedro central market
- Sacsayhuaman
- San Blas neighborhood
What things to in Cusco Peru in two days
Day 1:
- Plaza de Armas
- San Pedro Central Market
- Sacsayhuaman
- San Blas Quarter
Day 2:
- Machu Picchu
- Huayna Picchu
- Vinicunca
How to get to Cusco Peru
International flights arriving in Peru arrive in the city of Lima (the only international airport in the Inca country). From there you can take a plane to Cusco (approximately 1 hour trip). The other option is to go by bus (approximately 20 hours travel time).
Where to eat in Cusco Peru
One of the attractions of Peru is to discover its incredible gastronomy, which stands out as one of the best in the world. Here we leave you with a list of some of the best restaurants in the city for you to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
- Chef Acurio’s Chicha Restaurant is located in the Plaza Regocijo, a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. The place pays tribute to and promotes the value of Cusco’s millenary gastronomic wisdom. In an old mansion, after going up to the first floor, you will enjoy a wonderful Peruvian gourmet cuisine, in a carefully decorated environment.
- The Tunupa Restaurant Museum is located in the heart of the city of Cusco, fusing art with gastronomy, where one can enjoy the true novoandina cuisine. Either with its à la carte dishes or with the buffet that it offers every night.
- Another place is Limbus Restobar. It offers the best panoramic view of the imperial capital. The restaurant for intimate events has marvellous rooms highlighting the panorama for guests to enjoy the pleasant view. And of course the exquisite food and typical drinks.
- Cicciolina is one of Cusco’s most famous restaurants and is located in a charming colonial house on Triunfo Street. The cuisine is contemporary, and the dishes are delicious and impeccably presented.
Where to stay in Cusco Peru
The best areas where to stay in Cusco are the Plaza de Armas and surroundings and the neighbourhood of San Blas. Both areas make up its historic centre. Staying here will put you within walking distance of the city’s tourist attractions and put you right where the action is.
- Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi, which belongs to the Tierra Viva Cusco hotel chain. It is located in the centre of Cusco, 3 blocks from Plaza de Armas and 500 metres from the church of Santa Teresa. Its rooms are well-equipped and decorated with various types of wood. The price is around €74 per night for two people.
- MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel is a three-star hotel, located 70 metres from the convent of Santa Catalina, 100 metres from the Museum of Religious Art and 300 metres from the central square of Cusco. The price per night is €70 for two people.
- Luna House Cusco is accommodation located 400 metres from the Inka Museum and 600 metres from Cusco Cathedral. The accommodation has a garden, terrace, fully equipped rooms and Wi-Fi throughout. It is priced at around €40 per night for two people.
- Tariq Hotel Boutique is 300 metres from San Blas Church and offers a bar, garden and garden views. It has a restaurant, bar and garden. The price is around €60 per night for two people.
Tips for your trip to Cusco Peru
- Bringing comfortable shoes in Peru is essential.
- It is advisable to bring cash that you can easily change there in exchange houses.
- Moreover, be well-informed before your trip about the so-called “altitude sickness” as Peru is one of the countries where you can easily suffer from it.
- In Peru, you shouldn’t drink tap water and the same goes for salads or ice, which are best not consumed.
- It is important to take the usual safety precautions and always keep an eye on your personal belongings.
- It is important to bear in mind that bargaining is a way of life in Peru.
How to organise what to do in Cusco Peru
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- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it
- Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
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- Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to visit the mountain is between April and October. During these months, the Cusco region goes through a dry season characterised by sunny days with temperatures ranging from 20 °C during the day to 10 °C at night.
It has a limited capacity. Only a maximum of 400 people can enter, divided into two groups of 200. Reservations must be made in advance on the website.
International flights arriving in Peru arrive in the city of Lima (the only international airport in the Inca country). From there, you can take a plane to Cusco (approximately 1 hour’s journey). The other option is to go by bus (approximately 20 hours travel time).
To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you can:
– Take a bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (the journey takes approximately 2 hours).
– You can also take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, known as Machu Picchu village (approximately 2 hours).
– There is also a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (30 minutes).
– The other option is to walk up to Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours walk).
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