Last Updated on May 26, 2021 by Nellie Huang
If you are planning a trip to Peru, Cusco will most definitely be on your itinerary. Get to know the Inca capital with this list of things to do in Cusco, Peru.
As the capital of the Inca empire, Cusco was known as the “navel of the world”. A visit to this ancient city and its nearby ruins will transport you back to the mystical Andean civilization. Many of the city’s finest Inca architectural treasures were so masterfully constructed out of local stone that they are still in great shape today.
Beyond the city lies the Sacred Valley in the Andes Mountains, dotted with hundreds of ancient villages, high-altitude hamlets and of course, Peru’s biggest draw – the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. There are so much historical treasures in and around Cusco that it’ll take a lifetime to experience them all.
With this Cusco travel guide, we hope you get to dig deep beneath the surface of Cusco and explore the natural beauty beyond the city. Here’s a list of best things to do in Cusco, the best restaurants to sample Peruvian cuisine, and the best places to stay in Cusco.
Things To Do In Cusco, Peru
1. Start at Plaza De Armas
The main square of the city is Plaza de Armas, which literally translates to Weapons Square. In fact, every major city in South America has a Plaza De Arma, a hangover of the Spanish colonization days. Historically, the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by the city’s most significant structures such as government buildings and the Cathedral. The two iconic buildings surrounding Plaza De Armas are the Cusco Cathedral and Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus.
The Plaza De Armas of Cusco is also a bustling gathering spot, perfect for visitors to catch a glimpse of the local’s lives. Take a seat on one of its benches, soak in the fresh mountainous air, people watch or admire the glorious remnants of the Incan civilization.
2. Visit Museo Inka
Located in the center of Cusco, the Inca Museum is the best spot to learn about the Inca empire. Run by Cusco’s San Antonio Abad University, the museum has a huge collection of artifacts housed in the equally impressive colonial home of a Spanish admiral.
There are 24 exhibition rooms, filled with information dating from pre-Inca societies to the height of the Inca Empire to Spanish conquest. The museum’s mummified bodies are a highlight, as well as the courtyard where indigenous artisans weave textiles. Information is provided in both English and Spanish. Book your tickets here.
Don’t Underestimate the Altitude!
Tucked high in the Andean mountains, Cusco is located at a dizzying altitude of 3,400m above sea level — which is no joke if you’re arriving from sea level.
Chances of getting altitude sickness in Cusco are high, especially if you’re flying in. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, irregardless of your age or fitness level. Take your first day in Cusco to acclimatize: don’t plan anything! Drink plenty of water, rest if you feel tired, and limit yourself to a short stroll around the historic old city.
I’ve never suffered badly from altitude sickness as I traveled South America slowly, overland. But many of my friends have had to cut their trips short or get treatment in hospitals because of it. So take it seriously and make sure you have at least 24-36 hours to acclimatise before exploring.
3. See the Qorikancha Sun Temple
Qorikancha, sometimes also spelled as Coricancha, is one of the best places to visit in Cusco. Historically, it was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The temple was dedicated to Inti, the ancient Inca sun god.
Once upon a time, the walls and floors of the Qorikancha were covered in gold, but the 16th-century war with the Spanish conquistadors destroyed most of the temple and stripped off its gold.
With most of the temple demolished, the Spanish decided to build its own church in place of the temple. Using the original foundation of the Qorikancha, the Spanish built the present-day Convent of Santo Domingo. Nowadays, visitors can visit inside the church and see the old Incan foundations. There is also a massive garden in the front for guests to relax in. Book the entrance ticket here.
4. Learn about Coca at Museo de la Coca
Within your first few days in Peru, you will notice that coca leaves are extremely popular among locals. Everywhere you go, you’ll find indigenous people chewing on them (which apparently give you energy).
For those suffering from altitude sickness, coca tea will be the most offered antidote! Although most of us know these as the key ingredient in cocaine and Coca-Cola’s original recipe, these leaves have been used for centuries in Andean cultures for medicinal purpose. The Coca Museum explains the plant’s significance in Peru’s past and present. Here you’ll also get to buy some coca leaves or coca tea, chapstick and candy to try.
5. Admire Art at the Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino (MAP)
You don’t have to be art lover to visit this impressive internationally-recognized museum. MAP is one of the best museums in Cusco in terms of curation — we were bowled over by the quality of exhibits.
It houses and exhibits objects created by women and men of the Andes, more than three thousand years ago (before the Spanish invasion). The 400 pieces exhibited here are part of the collection of the Larco Museum, considered one of the best 20 museums in the world. Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Cusco!
6. Wander through San Pedro Market
One of the best things to do in Cusco is to visit the Mercado Central de San Pedro. Just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas, the traditional market is lively and vibrant, a cacophony of colors and smells. You’ll find everything from fresh juices to alpaca products and colorful local textiles.
San Pedro isn’t a tourist market where you go to get refrigerator magnets — it is an actual working market that many locals frequent daily. It’s a great spot to get a glimpse into local lives.
7. Explore the Sacsayhuaman Ruins
Located in the northern outskirts of Cusco, the Sacsayhuaman Ruins are an ancient site worth the trek for both the impressive stonework and spectacular views of Cusco. Perched over a hill, Sacsayhuaman was a religious site as well as the scene of a bloody battle between Inca forces and the Spanish conquistadors.
Most of the ruins have been removed, but the parts that are deemed too difficult to remove have stayed. Visitors will find the remnants of an almighty Inca citadel. A walk to Sacsayhuaman (around 45 minutes from the center) also includes a glimpse of Cristo Blanco – the massive statue of Christ that stands above the city. Book your ticket in advance here.
8. Visit the Cusco Planetarium
Located near Sacsayhuaman, the Cusco Planetarium gives a fascinating look into the world of Incan astronomy. Astronomy played a huge role in day-to-day life for the Incas. It influenced the planting and harvesting of crops, religious ceremonies and architecture.
Stargazing is an incredible experience at the Planetarium (thanks to Cusco’s high elevation). Your guide at the Planetarium will reveal the secrets of why their ancestors observed the skies to understand the world. You’ll also get to enjoy an incredible projection of the southern skies, the stars, and the Inca constellations with a professional telescope.
You can buy your ticket and transport to the Cusco Planetarium or join the Cusco Night Tour which includes a guided walk around Cusco, the planetarium visit, plus dinner.
9. Hang Out in San Blas
One of the coolest areas in Cusco, San Blas is a bohemian district tucked away from the main tourist area. It’s beautiful, less crowded and laid back. The cobblestoned walkways and white-washed buildings are chocked full of indie boutiques, jewelry shops and awesome coffee shops and bars. It is definitely worth the steep walk up the hill!
I could easily spend days just wandering around San Blas, drinking Pisco Sour in a bar, and watching the world go by. L’Atelier in San Blas was one of our favorite spots, where we spent long hours chilling on a little balcony overlooking old Cusco. Another great spot is the Laggart Club Cafe, a colorful hippie haven that’s really chilled out.
10. Try Pisco Sour
That brings me to my next point! You can’t visit Cusco without trying the national drink, Pisco Sour. The alcoholic cocktail is mainly made up of the liquor, Pisco, and sour citrus juice. And there are some fantastic bars in Cusco that serve the perfect Pisco Sour.
I highly recommend trying it in Limbus Restobar, that has fantastic views of the city through floors-to-ceiling glass walls. View House, just a little further up the hill offers a more casual rooftop setting as well as excellent views and strong cocktails.
11. Sip Coffee to a View
One of my favorite things to do in Cusco is hang out at the many coffee shops in Cusco. Peru is after all one of the world’s top coffee producers. Overlooking the glorious Plaza de Armas is a slew of coffee shops and cafes that sell some of the best coffee I’ve had. Many of them have balconies overlooking the square.
Cappuccino Cafe is one of our favorite spots on Plaza De Armas — coffee here is excellent and views are amazing. Plaza Cafe also has great views, though the food is overpriced. A few blocks away from the square, Three Monkeys Coffee Company is a local’s favorite, with amazing brew and a colorful setting.
12. Do a Chocolate Workshop
It comes as a surprise to many that Peru is known for its quality cacao beans and chocolate. Here in Cusco, you’ll get to try some of it and the many chocolate houses dotted around the city. These shops only offer chocolates made by local producers.
Choco Museo is probably the best spot to learn about the cocoa secrets of Peru and taste the best artisanal chocolate. You can even do two-hour ‘bean to bar’ Chocolate Workshop, where you make your very own creations. Book your spot at the workshop here.
13. Explore the Ancient City of Machu Picchu
It’s time to visit what most people come to Cusco for: the world famous Machu Picchu. What makes Machu Picchu so unique compared to the other Incan sites is that Machu Picchu was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu was perched over a hill and the Spaniards just missed it. It was only in 1911 that Hiram Bingham, an American explorer from Hawaii, “discovered” it.
Cusco is the launch pad for Machu Picchu, but getting there is a complicated process. Check out my detailed article on how to get to Machu Picchu. We booked this 2-day budget tour to get there by car, spend one night at Aguas Calientes (the nearest town) before visiting Machu Picchu the next morning for sunrise views. I won’t recommend trying to do it one day as it takes too long to get there.
Many visitors also choose to hike one of trails to reach Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is known as one of the best treks in the world, and definitely a must-do for adventure travelers interested in exploring Peru’s backcountry.
14. Climb Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain (or Montana de Siete Colores in Spanish) is one of the best day trips from Cusco. The mountain is home to an incredible natural phenomena where different mineral deposits create a rainbow-like marbling effect on the surface of the mountains. Thanks to social media, the site has really become extremely popular among travelers in recent years.
However, seeing the Rainbow Mountain is no easy task. To get there, you have to hike for 3.5 hours at around 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level. At that altitude, there is less than half the amount of oxygen than at sea level. It’s not possible to visit Rainbow Mountain on your own — book a guided trek in advance to make sure you have a spot.
15. Visit the Sacred Valley
Along with Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Because of the fertile soil in the Sacred Valley, many Inca settlements were built here. Visitors can still the remaining of some of the settlements today.
There are many attractions in the Sacred Valley of Peru, but none is as interesting as the Moray archaeological ruins. Featuring many multi-level circular depressions, Moray is very distinctive from all the other sites discovered in the region. Scientists and archaeologists have their own hypotheses but no one knows for sure.
The best way to visit Moray is by booking a day tour from Cusco. The tour is usually combined with a visit to the nearby Maras Salt Mines, one of the few places in the world that produces pink salts.
16. Explore Ollantaytambo
Also located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a small ancient village, often overlooked by travelers making their way to Machu Picchu. I recommend booking this day trip and combine Ollantaytambo with Moray and other parts of the Sacred Valley.
The town is home to two vast and imposing ruins that are worth more than a few hours of exploration – particularly once the early morning tourist masses have boarded that aforementioned train. Get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets, hike upwards for a spectacular viewpoint and absolutely explore some of the Sacred Valley’s most impressive Incan ruins.
17. Admire the Humantay Lake
Another great day trip from Cusco is the Laguna Humantay, Located 13,779 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, Humantay Lake is a glacial lake with sparkling spearmint waters and backdropped by craggy snow-capped peaks.
However, good things don’t come easy. In the case of the Humantay Lake, you’ll need to hike 1.5 hours at high altitude to get a glimpse of the lake. Surprisingly, it is one of the easier hikes in Peru, but can be difficult if you haven’t acclimatized enough in Cusco. Book your day tour here.
18. Shop For Alpaca Products
Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains and their fleece is a priced item that many love. Cusco is one of the best places in the world to purchase these alpaca products such as hats, sweaters and scarves. There are plenty of alpaca souvenirs stores dotted throughout Cusco.
Visit the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco where you can learn more about the history of weaving in Peru, watch daily weaving demonstrations and bag a stunning piece of 100% alpaca-wool clothing in the museum shop. This non-profit organization promotes the sustainable practice of ancient weaving whilst supporting local craftsmen and women.
Cusco Travel Guide
How To Get To Cusco
The easiest way to get to Cusco is by air. Cusco International Airport is a small airport and mainly serves other airports in Peru. It used to be very expensive to fly into Cusco airport, but now you can get cheap flights from Lima for just $30 each way.
For slow travelers, long distance buses in Cusco are very common, affordable, and actually not too bad in terms of quality. Just be aware that the bus journey from Lima to Cusco takes 24 hours!
Getting Around Cusco
By Taxi
If you are staying in the historic center of Cusco, everything that is of interest should be within walking distance. Taxis in Cusco are usually very safe, even for solo travelers. If you prefer the extra level of security, Ubers are the safest and easiest way to get around.
By Public Transportation
Unless you are exploring outside of the historic centre or visiting a town outside of Cusco, you won’t have to take any public transportation. Public transportation comes in two forms in Cusco: buses and colectivos (shared vans) which can be flagged down on the street. These buses and shared vans are usually crammed to the brink, and pickpockets are fairly common.
Where to Stay in Cusco
The best area to stay in Cusco is the historic centre. You’ll be able to walk everywhere, and museums/sights are within easy reach.
Budget: Dragonfly Hostels Cusco
The hostel boasts a colorful and lively decor, an outdoor garden for guests to soak in the sun, and a fully-equipped shared kitchen. When you are not out exploring Cusco, come hang out in the on-site bar and meet other travelers from around the world. Check the rates here.
Mid Range: Loreto Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for a simple and affordable hotel, then consider Loreto Boutique Hotel. Loreto Boutique Hotel is located inside a historic Incan building, and visitors can still see some of its original (though refurbished) walls inside the rooms. Check rates here.
Luxury: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking to splurge, one of the best luxury hotels in Cusco is the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel. This luxurious hotel offers 5-star amenities in a refurbished 16th-century mansion, that was declared a National Monument in 1980. Check rates here.
Ultra Luxury: Palacio del Inka
Arguably the best hotel in Cusco, this heritage hotel is housed in a historical complex right in front of Qoricancha. It has a lavish and tastefully designed interior as well as an indoor swimming pool and restaurant. Check rates here.
Where To Eat In Cusco
Because Cusco is such a popular tourism destination in Peru, there are plenty of restaurants in Cusco showcasing some of the best traditional dishes of Peru. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cusco
Pachapapa
One of the most traditional Peruvian restaurants in town, Pachapapa is known as the best place in Cusco to try cuy (guinea pig), a local delicacy amongst the indigenous population. Its drinks, deserts, and other dishes are also excellent. Read TripAdvisor reviews.
Ceviche Seafood Kitchen
Ceviche Seafood Kitchen is an excellent place to try the national food of Peru, ceviche. As a dish made from raw fish cooked in powerful Peruvian limes, it offers unique flavors that will have you addicted. Besides ceviche, this restaurant also serves yummy seafood dishes such as arroz con mariscos (seafood with rice) and trucha (trout). Read reviews here.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
An excellent value-for-money restaurant in Cusco that serves delicious Peruvian cuisine. With a delightful decor and a friendly staff, guests will immediately feel cozy in this beautiful restaurant. One of their best dishes is the lomo saltado, which translates to stir-fried beef in English. However, their other dishes certainly won’t disappoint either. Read reviews here.
Cost of Travel In Cusco
Cusco is generally more expensive than other parts of Peru, but it is still generally quite affordable for travelers from abroad. A room in a budget hotel costs around $15-20 per night, while an upscale hotel costs upwards of $50 per night.
When in Cusco, you’ll most likely book a day tour or two to explore places like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. Day tours generally affordable, at around $50 for full-day trips.
Food can also be very cheap in Cusco. Many restaurants offer set meals called “menu del dia”, that usually includes a drink and a main dish. A set menu costs around $3-5. If you want exotic dishes like cuy or alpaca steak, then you have to pay a premium price for it, though they usually still don’t cost more than $15 to 20.
Further Reading on Peru
There’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Cusco — just make sure you spend at least one week here in order to see and experience everything on this list. If you’re looking to read more on Peru and other parts of South America, check out these articles:
- How to Get to Machu Picchu
- Two Weeks in Argentina Itinerary
- A 2-Week Chile and Easter Island Itinerary
- How to Visit the Galapagos Islands
We hope our Cusco travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Cusco! Let us know if you have any questions about Cusco below.
About the Author: Sean Lau
In 2018, Sean left the comfort of his home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires him. Since then, he has trekked through the Andes, tested his lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the world’s deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, and explored the world’s most catastrophic nuclear disaster. On his travel blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips.
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