Let me guide you through the 5 must-do things to do in Cusco. From exploring the city’s ancient cobblestone streets to marveling at the mysterious Inca ruins and indulging in the local cuisine, Cusco has something for everyone. Prepare to discover the grandeur of Machu Picchu, tour the enchanting Sacred Valley, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and enjoy exciting outdoor activities.
Explore the City of Cusco
The historic center of Cusco is a cultural treasure recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your tour at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where you can admire the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus. Don’t miss Qorikancha, the ancient temple dedicated to the Sun that showcases the perfect fusion between Inca and colonial architecture.
Stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops and art galleries. Here you’ll find the famous Stone of Twelve Angles, an impressive example of Inca engineering. To complete your day, visit the San Pedro Market, where you can immerse yourself in local life and discover traditional products.
Visit Machu Picchu
No trip to Cusco is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. This Inca city built in the 15th century is located about 4 hours from Cusco, accessible by train from Ollantaytambo or via the famous Inca Trail for the more adventurous.
Marvel at its impressive temples, plazas, and agricultural terraces, all built with amazing precision and in perfect harmony with the natural environment. We recommend hiring a guide to better understand the history and secrets of this sacred place. Book your tickets in advance, especially during the high season (May to September).
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located about 15 km from Cusco, is a region of extraordinary beauty and historical importance. This valley, formed by the Urubamba River, was highly valued by the Incas due to its favorable climate and fertile lands for agriculture.
The main sites in the Sacred Valley include the towns of Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. In Pisac, besides its impressive Inca ruins, you can visit its famous artisan market that operates every day but is especially lively on Sundays. Ollantaytambo, an extraordinarily preserved Inca fortress, also serves as the departure point for trains to Machu Picchu.
The agricultural terraces of Moray, with their concentric circles that functioned as an agricultural laboratory, and the Maras salt mines, with thousands of salt pools arranged on a mountainside, are also must-see visits. You can tour the Sacred Valley on an organized one-day tour, although ideally, you should dedicate at least two days to appreciate it in depth.
Engage in Outdoor Activities
The Cusco region offers countless opportunities for nature and adventure lovers. You can hike lesser-known Inca trails such as Huchuy Qosqo or Lares, go mountain biking descending from the heights to the valley, try level 2 to 4 rafting on the Urubamba River, or even paraglide from the heights near Chinchero to contemplate the entire valley from the air.
A highly recommended excursion is the hike to the seven-colored mountain, Vinicunca (also known as Rainbow Mountain), where you can contemplate a unique landscape of colorful mineral strata. This hike, located 3 hours from Cusco, requires prior acclimatization as it is at more than 5,000 meters above sea level. For the brave, the hiking route to Humantay Lake offers spectacular views of turquoise waters with a glacier backdrop, a natural jewel at 3,800 meters of altitude on the route to the Salkantay snow peak.
Immerse Yourself in Local Gastronomy
Cusco cuisine is a delicious reflection of the region’s history and cultural diversity. Don’t miss traditional dishes such as baked guinea pig, trout, chiri uchu (a festive Cusco dish), or lomo saltado (stir-fried beef).
Visit local markets to taste exotic fruits like cherimoya or lucuma. Try typical drinks such as chicha de jora (fermented corn drink) or coca tea, perfect for combating altitude sickness. For a more refined gastronomic experience, Cusco has several restaurants offering Novo-Andean cuisine, a fusion of modern techniques with ancestral ingredients.
Discover Nearby Archaeological Sites
Besides Machu Picchu, the Cusco region is home to numerous Inca archaeological sites worth visiting. Sacsayhuamán, an impressive fortress located on the outskirts of the city, will amaze you with its enormous perfectly assembled stone blocks.
Other notable archaeological sites include Pisac, with its agricultural terraces and a colorful artisan market; Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces; and the Maras salt mines, thousands of salt pools creating a surreal landscape. Most of these places can be visited as part of a Sacred Valley tour or independently.
