Cusco is considered the navel of the world and for good reason, as it holds the title of being the capital of the Inca Empire! If you are planning your next vacation to Peru or Latin America, you have probably already heard about Cusco, home to the world wonder Machu Picchu as well as the Inca Trail, one of the best trekking routes in all of America. But there are so many things you can do in Cusco that it may seem impossible to decide what to do. Don’t worry! In this guide we have selected the 20 things you must do in Cusco.
From short hiking routes to embarking on mountain adventures for several days, everything is possible in Cusco. At Travel Peru Agency we have designed this guide and included the best tour packages in the region, 100% personalized.
The heart of the Inca Empire: the city where everything begins
The best trip of your life begins with your arrival in the imperial city, where the stone walls from the Inca era withstand the passage of time and contrast with the modernity of the Andean city. And as they say, the best adventures begin by walking the streets like a local, so upon your arrival in Cusco you can:
1.- Marvel at the Plaza de Armas of Cusco: this is the starting point for many adventures. In the Plaza de Armas of Cusco you will find the Cathedral or Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. This is the main temple of the imperial city and during celebrations such as Corpus Christi, statues of Saints and Virgins temporarily gather inside the cathedral.
2.- Explore the Inka Palace of Kusicancha: less than 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas is the Inca Palace of Kusicancha. This place saw the birth of Inca Cusi Yupanqui, who was one of the most important Incas of the empire. Admission to this site is free from Monday to Friday. In addition, you will be able to admire archaeological remains on display.
3.- Explore the Qorikancha Temple: in front of the Kusicancha Palace is Qorikancha, a sacred temple during the Inca era where the stone walls are perfectly polished and were once covered in gold during Inca times. Admission to this temple has different prices, according to Mincetur the entrance fees are as follows:
- National or foreign adults: 20 soles
- Students: 10 soles
- Residents of Cusco: free admission upon presentation of ID.
4.- Walk through the streets of San Blas: San Blas is considered an artisan neighborhood and is one of the most beautiful areas in the Historic Center of Cusco. On every street you can find small art galleries as well as visit the 12-Angled Stone.
5.- Visit Sacsayhuamán: just a few minutes from the city center lies one of the most important archaeological complexes, where the Inti Raymi festival is currently reenacted.
6.- Embark on the labyrinths of Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay: each of these archaeological centers houses ceremonial temples, military bases from the Inca period, and tells the story of the Inca worldview and their strong connection with the gods.
Exploring each of these places is essential to understand a little about what the great Inca civilization was like. Save time and money and secure your entrance tickets and transportation with our exclusive City Tour Cusco.
The imperial city of Cusco has a lot to offer, and even more so the Cusco region. To continue experiencing the culture near the city, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see!
7.- Walk the Inca trails in the Sacred Valley: picturesque towns such as Pisac, Urubamba, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo await you on a route full of art, culture, and ancestral energy.
8.- Delight your palate with Pachamanca in Huilloc (Ollantaytambo): in the last Inca town, the last descendants of the Incas share their culture through gastronomy and experiential tourism. Pachamanca is a traditional dish with a complex preparation and unmatched flavor because fresh and local ingredients are used in its preparation.
After being amazed by the culture in Cusco, many travelers feel it is time to challenge their own limits by taking one-day hiking routes or longer routes lasting four or five days. If you love hiking and adventure, in Cusco you can do it too!
9.- Conquer Humantay Lake: hidden among the mountains is a turquoise jewel surrounded by imposing snow-capped peaks. This is a full-day route perfect for hiking lovers.
10.- Venture into the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): among red valleys, Vinicunca amazes travelers because of its fascinating colors, which are the result of a combination of various minerals.
11.- Challenge the canyons at Waqrapukara: surrounded by impressive canyons and near the Apurímac River lies the fortress of Waqrapukara, a “horn-shaped fortress.” You will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes every step of the way!
If you are looking for more relaxing and cultural activities, hot springs await you in Santa Teresa, as well as cultural experiences in various traditional villages!
12.- Relax in the hot springs of Cocalmayo: the Cusco region is characterized by having medicinal hot springs in the middle of the Andes. The waters of Cocalmayo are turquoise in color and are rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
13.- Visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines: impressive salt ponds are located beneath the Qaqawiñay mountain in the community of Maras. On sunny days these salt pools shine with beautiful natural light. Many travelers are fascinated by the unique flavor of this salt. The extraction method dates back to Inca times and you can even find the famous “natural pink salt.”
14.- Cross the Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka: the Q’eswachaka Bridge is one of the last remaining Inca bridges. Located in the district of Quehue, this bridge is built with ichu grass and several communities participate in its maintenance and reconstruction process. A true example of living culture!
15.- Discover new cultures in the South Valley: places such as Raqchi, Pikillaqta, Tipón, and the Chapel of Andahuaylillas are hidden gems that few travelers get to know despite their rich history!
For much more experienced travelers who are used to pushing their own limits, Cusco offers a variety of trekking routes to Machu Picchu that few dare to take. If you are one of these travelers, in Cusco you can:
16.- Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail is one of the most exciting routes in the world. Despite its popularity, entrance availability is quite limited because the archaeological sites visited along the route need to be preserved and the trails have different levels of difficulty, so this route can only be done with authorized operators.
17.- Experience the adventure of the Inca Jungle Trek: rafting, mountain biking, ziplining, and hiking combine in this unique route where adventure and adrenaline are experienced at every turn, in addition to including unique coffee experiences!
18.- Push your limits on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: this is one of the hiking routes for those who love walking through the mountains, visiting turquoise lakes such as Inkachiriasqa and Humantay, and experiencing the transition from the highlands to the jungle. On this route you can walk near sacred snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay!
19.- Embark into the unknown at Choquequirao: surrounded by biodiversity, the city of Choquequirao is considered the last Inca refuge and its size is considerably larger than Machu Picchu.
Without a doubt, you cannot miss visiting the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
20.- Let the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu conquer your spirit: visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From sacred temples to secrets that few get to discover, Machu Picchu continues to be a wonder worth exploring.
Cusco is living culture, tradition, customs, history, unique trekking routes, and much more! Contact one of our advisors and receive a personalized itinerary for your next adventure.
What is the best itinerary in Cusco?
Travelers from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu and hike the best trekking routes. Thinking about our travelers who stay one week in Cusco, we recommend combining history, adventure, and hiking.
- Start your adventure with an acclimatization route by taking a City Tour around the city of Cusco on the first day.
- On the second day, dare to discover the Sacred Valley, including Maras and Moray.
- On the third day, visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- On the fourth day, discover the Rainbow Mountain.
- And to finish the week, explore Humantay Lake.
Cusco is a region that amazes thousands of travelers. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Cusco! Book your next Cusco tour package now.
