what to do in cusco peru
Cusco is a compact, historic Andean city that’s perfect for slow wandering, food, and ruins-hopping before or after Machu Picchu.
Quick Scoop
- Altitude is high (about 3,400 m), so plan your first day light: short walks, markets, viewpoints, coca tea.
- The historic center (Plaza de Armas, San Blas) is where you’ll spend most time: churches, museums, cafés, bars, and tour agencies.
- Use Cusco as a base for Sacred Valley and other day trips (Sacsayhuamán, Tipón, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, etc.).
Classic City Highlights
1. Plaza de Armas
- Hang out in the main square, people‑watch, and get your bearings; it’s the city’s heart.
- Check out the colonial arcades, fountains, and frequent parades or festivals that often fill the square.
2. Cusco Cathedral & Churches
- Visit Cusco Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a famous Last Supper painting featuring guinea pig as the main dish.
- Pop into nearby churches like the Jesuit church (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús) for ornate baroque interiors and city history.
3. San Blas Neighborhood
- Wander uphill to bohemian San Blas for cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and quieter cafés.
- The square and its viewpoint give atmospheric sunset scenes over the rooftops of Cusco.
Markets, Food, and Local Flavors
4. San Pedro Market
- Explore San Pedro Market for fresh juices, local snacks, budget lunches, and souvenir stalls.
- It’s ideal for trying simple Andean dishes; go earlier in the day when it’s busiest and freshest.
5. Cafés, Pisco Sours, and Chocolate
- Have a pisco sour on a balcony bar around Plaza de Armas or San Blas while watching the sunset over the mountains.
- Visit the ChocoMuseo in the center for tastings and chocolate‑making workshops based on Peruvian cacao.
6. Coca & Culture
- Stop by the Coca Museum in San Blas to learn how coca leaf is used traditionally for medicine, rituals, and daily life, beyond its association with cocaine.
- You can buy coca candies or teas that locals use to ease altitude discomfort.
Inca History and Ruins Around Town
7. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
- Explore Qorikancha, once a gold‑covered Inca temple and the spiritual hub of the empire, later topped by a Spanish church.
- You’ll see flawless Inca stonework alongside colonial architecture, a visual story of conquest and blending cultures.
8. Sacsayhuamán and Nearby Ruins
- Take a taxi or hike up to Sacsayhuamán, a fortress‑like complex above Cusco built with massive stone blocks and sweeping city views.
- Combine it with nearby sites like Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, often included together on local tours.
9. Quirky Archaeology
- Look for famous Inca stonework like the 12‑sided stone on a busy street packed with vendors and travelers.
- Walk through smaller alleys like the Wall of the Seven Snakes (Muro de las Siete Culebras), where serpent carvings decorate an Inca wall.
Culture, Museums, and Evening Plans
10. Museums in the Center
- Visit museums like the Museo de Arte Precolombino and smaller Inca‑focused museums for pottery, textiles, and artifacts.
- Some museums and minor sites are covered by the “Boleto Turístico” (tourist ticket), which also includes several ruins.
11. Dance and Music
- In the evening, check out Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo for traditional dance and music shows that highlight Quechua culture.
- Performances usually run around an hour, making an easy after‑dinner activity if you’re not into late‑night bar hopping.
Day Trips and “Beyond Cusco”
12. Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Prep
- Use Cusco as a jump‑off to the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray are common day or overnight routes.
- Many travelers spend a day or two in the valley first to acclimatize at slightly lower altitude before tackling Machu Picchu or treks.
13. South Valley (Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas)
- Take a South Valley tour to see Tipón’s Inca terraces and water channels, the pre‑Inca city of Pikillaqta, and the richly decorated church at Andahuaylillas.
- This route feels less crowded than the main Sacred Valley, with a mix of ruins, countryside, and small towns.
14. Trekking & High‑Altitude Spots
- Book day trips or treks to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake if you’re properly acclimatized; both offer dramatic Andean scenery.
- Longer multi‑day options include the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and other treks, typically organized with Cusco as your logistics base.
Budget and Free Things To Do
15. Free or Low‑Cost Attractions
- Walk to city viewpoints such as San Cristóbal Church for sunrise or sunset over the valley.
- Stroll plazas, visit free small museums and viewpoints, and wander historic streets; many parts of Cusco are an open‑air museum.
16. Simple Walking Itinerary (1–2 Days)
- Day 1: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, San Pedro Market, San Blas, sunset balcony with pisco sour.
- Day 2: Qorikancha in the morning, Sacsayhuamán and nearby ruins in the afternoon, evening dance performance or museum.
Quick HTML Table of Top Activities
| Activity | Why Go | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas | Main square, architecture, people‑watching. | [4][10]1–2 hours (plus meals) |
| Cusco Cathedral | UNESCO‑listed church, famous Last Supper painting. | [4]1 hour |
| San Pedro Market | Cheap local food, fresh juices, souvenirs. | [2][10]1–2 hours |
| San Blas | Bohemian streets, crafts, cafés, views. | [8][2]2–3 hours |
| Qorikancha | Key Inca temple with colonial church. | [2][6]1–2 hours |
| Sacsayhuamán | Massive stone walls, panoramic city views. | [6][3]2–3 hours |
| Coca & Chocolate Museums | Cultural insight, tastings, fun workshops. | [10]1–2 hours each |
| Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo | Traditional dance and music show. | [6]1 hour (evening) |
| Sacred Valley / South Valley day trips | Ruins, villages, countryside, acclimatization. | [2][3]Full day |
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.