23 Things To Do in Cusco, Peru (Full Guide!)

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, sits high in the Andes mountains in Peru. When we traveled to Peru, Cusco was one of my favorite cities. There’s so much history and there are so many exciting places to see within reach! We spent several days in Cusco in order to adjust to the high altitude before we headed off to Machu Picchu.

We especially enjoyed the cobblestone streets and the bustling plazas. There were so many things to see: museums, cathedrals, ruins, restaurants, shops, and bars. We had the best time in Cusco, and we recommend that you spend several days there in order to see all that there is to see. In this post, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in Cusco!

About Cusco

The city of Cusco is over 3,000 years old. It’s the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. It was first built by the Inca, and the city served as their capital for a number of years. When the Spanish arrived, they built many of their colonial-style buildings directly on top of the stone foundations laid by the Inca. When you walk down the streets today, you can still see see the bottom layer of stones that were built by the Inca. For this reason, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Cusco goes by many spellings, including Cuzco and Qosqo. The Inca name for the city was Qusqu, which is believed to have been derived from the Aymara language.

In terms of history, the city was first inhabited by the Killke people. Scholars believe that the Killke established the fortress Sacsayhuamán, which is one of the most popular things to see in Cusco. The Inca then inhabited the city from the 13th century to the 16th century. It’s believed that they Inca designed the city originally to be in the shape of a puma. After the Inca Civil War, the Spanish occupied Cusco. 

23 Things to Do in Cusco, Peru

1. Visit the Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is located in the heart of Cusco. This plaza was built by the Spanish to replace the Great Inca Square, which was twice the size of the current plaza. The great square was divided into portions. One side of the square was called the Huacaypata, which means “place of sadness”, because Inca nobility would often meditate and cry at the site. The other side was called Cusipata, which means “place of happiness.” We especially liked the happiness side! 

In the center of the square is a statue of Tupac Amaru II, who led an uprising against the Spanish.

There are currently two churches in the square. The first is the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, and the second is the Church La Compañía de Jesús. (More on those below.)

2. Enter the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin

Known simply as “The Cathedral”, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin is a Gothic Renaissance-style church and is the primary cathedral in Cusco. The cathedral was built on top of a sacred Inca site called Santurhuasi. Construction began in 1559, and it took over 100 years to complete the project. (It was finished in 1654.) Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During its construction, the Spanish ordered the Inca to help build the cathedral on top of the site of their temple in an effort to destroy the Inca’s religion and replace it with Catholicism. However, the Inca added their own touches to the cathedral. For example, the doors of the cathedral depict the head of a jaguar. 

One of the most famous works of art within the cathedral is “The Last Supper” by Marcos Zapata. The painting depicts the usual Last Supper scene, except Jesus and his disciples are eating traditional Peruvian dishes. Other famous aspects of the cathedral include the Maria Angola Bell and the black crucifix called The Señor de los Temblores (“Lord of the Earthquakes”).

There are two smaller churches on either side of the cathedral: Iglesia del Triunfo and the Sagrada Familia.

There is a small fee to enter the cathedral. We actually didn’t enter the cathedral because we were trying to budget and figured we had already seen a lot of churches. Don’t be like us. We definitely regret that we didn’t pay the super small fee to enter the church!

3. Visit the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

Also located in the Plaza de Armas is the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, which was built on top of an Inca palace. Construction for the church began in 1571 by Jesuits, but due to an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1668. The Bishop of Cusco wanted construction on the church to halt, because he thought it took attention away from Cusco’s cathedral located in the same plaza. By the time the Pope was notified of the request to stop construction and then sent his notice to halt, the church was already completed. That’s definitely a much slower speed of communication than we are used to today!

This church is an excellent example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Visitors are allowed to climb up the left bell tower for a view of the Plaza de Armas. The inside of the church is filled with paintings and gilded relics. 

There’s a small fee to enter this church. We were impressed with the decor and we were glad we checked it out.

3. See the Inca Ruins at Sacsayhuamán

One of our best memories from our trip to Cusco was our visit to Sacsayhuamán, which is a citadel located within the city of Cusco that was built by the Inca. The fortress is located a couple of kilometers north of Cusco’s central square. You can reach Sacsayhuamán by foot or by taxi. We walked there after visiting the Plaza de Armas, and it took us less than 45 minutes. The walk is fairly steep, though, because the fortress is located high on a hill that overlooks the city. We enjoyed the walk, though, because we got to see lots of neighborhoods on the way up that were outside the more touristy areas. 

The name Sacsayhuamán means “the place where the hawk was satiated” in the Quechua language. Scholars estimate that it took 20,000 people to carve the huge stones and bring them to the citadel. Although the Spanish characterized Sacsayhuamán as a fortress, it was so much more than that. It also contained residences, towers, shrines, and aqueducts.

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When we visited Sacsayhuamán, we were impressed by the colossal stones and we marveled at its construction. It was a great preview to what it would be like to experience Machu Picchu. If you visit, expect to walk a lot! The citadel is huge and you could easily spend several hours there. We didn’t have a guide when we visited, but in hindsight, I think it would definitely be worth it. There’s so much to learn about this site! 

4. Hike to Cristo Blanco

The Cristo Blanco statue is much like Rio de Janeiro’s famed Christ the Redeemer statue. The statue of Cristo Blanco is located high on a hill overlooking the city, and it depicts the outstretched arms of Jesus. This statue, however, is only 26 feet tall. The statue was a gift from Palestinians who sought refuge in the city after World War II. It’s located on Pukamoqo Hill, which was a spiritual site of the Inca. 

After we visited Sacsayhuamán, we walked 10 minutes to reach the statue. The view of the city below was excellent from this spot!

We wrote all about our hike to Cristo Blanco if you’d like to learn more. We think it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re at Sacsayhuaman.

5. Walk Down Hatun Rumiyoc Street

This narrow cobblestone street was one of the Inca’s original roads. It’s located near the Plaza de Armas, so be sure to check it out while you are visiting. The road is a pedestrian street and cars are not permitted on it. 

As you walk down the street, you’ll see large stones that were once part of the Palacio Inka Roca. 

When you visit, be on the lookout for the 12-Angled Stone. (You can find it in about the middle of the street, and there’s often tourists by it.) The 12-Angled Stone is famous because it was perfectly cut into 12 different angles and fits so well into the wall that you cannot fit a piece of paper between the seams. (Please note that you shouldn’t touch this stone.)

I loved walking down this street, but I didn’t know the significance of it until after we left. I wish I could go back and pay closer attention!

6. Visit Qoricancha Temple

Qoricancha, also spelled as Coricancha, is the Inca’s Temple of the Sun and was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. It was constructed in about the year 1200 and was the most important religious site in the city. The name Qoricancha means “Walls of Gold.” The temple walls were lined with gold, and many gold statues and artifacts filled the temple. 

Next to the Temple of the Sun was the Temple of the Moon, which was lined with silver. Qoricancha also contained the Temple of Venus and the Stars, the Rainbow Temple, the Solar Garden, and 5 fountains.

The temple was almost entirely destroyed by the Spanish. In its place, the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.

You can easily walk from the Plaza de Armas to Qoricancha. It’s about a 10-minute walk (less than 1 kilometer away).

7. Have a Pisco Sour at the Museo del Pisco

The Pisco Sour is Peru’s signature cocktail. The base of the drink is pisco, which is a liquor made from distilled grapes that is very popular in Peru. Pisco is technically an unaged brandy, but it’s difficult to compare it to other liquors because it has its own flavor profile. To make a Pisco Sour, a bartender will dry shake pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. Once the liquids are combined, the bartender will again shake the mixture with ice, pour it into a glass, and top with Angostura bitters. The result is a frothy drink that is sweet and sour.

One of the best places to get a Pisco Sour is at the Museo del Pisco near the Plaza de Armas. This bar is set in one of the old colonial houses, and it contains over 50 different types of pisco. If you want to try different varieties of pisco, it’s the place to go!

We really enjoyed having a Pisco Sour after one of our many excursions. It’s a fun way to unwind after a busy day sight-seeing. 

8. Indulge at the ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum)

Located steps away from the Plaza del Armas, the ChocoMuseo is the place to go to learn about (and enjoy!) chocolate. The ChocoMuseo has a free museum in which you’ll learn all about the history of cacao and the process of making chocolate. You’ll even get to touch real cacao beans and pods. 

If you have a little bit more time, you can reserve a chocolate-making workshop (the Bean to Bar Workshop). During the course of two hours, you’ll prepare your own chocolates. After another hour, they’ll be ready for pick-up and you can take them home. They would make an excellent souvenir! (They also have a mini workshop available if you’re short on time.)

9. Walk to Mirador de San Cristobal

About half a kilometer north of the Plaza de Armas is the Mirador de San Cristobal. You’ll have one of the best views of the imperial city! It’s located along the walk up to Sacsayhuamán, so it’s easy to see both in the same day.

10. Explore Plaza San Francisco

Plaza San Francisco is located just a little to the west of the Plaza de Armas. It’s a little bit more quiet than Plaza de Armas, but it’s still filled with colonial architecture. In this square you’ll also be able to see Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asís. The church has a small museum which you can enter for a small fee. 

11. Go Shopping at the San Pedro Market

The San Pedro Market is less than a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. At the market, you’ll likely see Peruvians dressed in traditional clothing. There are tons of vendors at the market, and they sell everything from produce to souvenirs. There’s lots of fresh-made juices at the market, so be sure to try several different flavors. 

12. Visit the Museum of Religious Art (Museo de Arte Religioso)

The Museum of Religious Art is located on Hatun Rumiyoc street, and the 12-angled stone is embedded in one of its walls. The Museum of Religious Art contains a variety of colonial paintings. There’s also some beautiful stained glass and a patio inside its walls. The building itself is built on the site of the palace of Inca Roca, which was later converted to the archbishop’s palace.

13. Walk Around Plaza San Blas

The San Blas neighborhood is very quaint. Most of the shops and residences have blue doors and white walls. The plaza contains the Iglesia San Blas, which was built on top of an Inca temple dedicated to Illapa, the god of thunder and lightning. The San Blas neighborhood is known as the artisans’ quarters, so you’ll see lots of craft shops. The neighborhood also hosts the San Blas Market. Our hotel was located near this plaza, and it was a nice place to sit and rest.

14. Visit the Cusco Regional History Museum (Museo Histórico Regional de Cusco)

The Cusco Regional History Museum is one of the most popular museums in Cusco. The museum is filled with artifacts arranged in a chronological timeline, starting with pieces from pre-Inca times, to pieces from the Inca, to religious art from the Spanish.

15. Visit the Inka Museum (Museo Inka)

The Museo Inka is located in an old colonial house near the Plaza de Armas. It’s filled with artifacts from the Inca, including precious metals, jewelry, fabrics, and pottery. The inside of the museum has a courtyard that is often hosts traditional weavers demonstrating their craft. 

16. Visit the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art (Museo de Arte Precolombino)

The Museum of Pre-Colombian Art (also known as MAP Cusco) is focused on the art of the people that gave rise to the Inca empire. Some of the artifacts are up to 3,000 years old! Like many of the points of interest in Cusco, the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art is located in a colonial home, called the Casa Cabrera. (Which is also closely located to the Plaza de Armas.) Portions of the colonial home are more than 500 years old. The house is believed to sit upon what was previously a school (yachaywasi) for the children or Inca nobility. In 1906, the property became a school in Cusco. Today, it is stewarded by the MAP Cusco as a cultural center. The museum has 10 rooms, each focusing on a different material, region in Peru, or period in time. These are: Origins, Wood, Shell, Silver, Gold, South, North, Center, Before the Incas, and the Incas. Artifacts are represented by numerous cultural groups, including the Nasca, Paracas, Mochica, Huari, the Chancay, Chimu, and Inca.

17. Go Stargazing at the Planetarium Cusco

The Planetarium Cusco takes advantage of the high altitude by beautifully capturing the night sky. To get to the planetarium, you’ll head a little bit more north past Sacsayhuamán. The planetarium offers group viewings which start at 6pm each evening. Roundtrip transportation is included from Regocijo’s Square at 5:40pm. The group viewings include an introduction to Inca astronomy, a virtual projection of the sky and Inca constellations, and stargazing through the telescope (weather dependent). We didn’t get the chance to visit the planetarium while we were in Cusco, but we would love to go back! (Especially after everything we have learned about Inca astronomy!)

18. Relax at the Andes Spirit Spa

The Andes Spirit Spa is located at the luxurious 5-star Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The spa has a beautiful indoor hydrotherapy pool surrounded by golden marble. The spa offers a Thermal Circuit, complete with a Dry Sauna, Turkish Bath, and Spanish showers. The Relaxation Room also offers a peaceful ambiance with a ceiling that resembles the night sky.

19. Take a Photo with an Alpaca

If you walk around Cusco, you’ll notice that there are often Peruvians in traditional dress holding alpacas in busy tourist areas. You can take a photo with the alpaca by paying a small fee. Just be sure to set the price before your take your photo, so you don’t get overcharged after-the-fact.

20. Go On a Food Tour of Cusco

Book a food tour and taste your way through Cusco! This walking food tour of Cusco offers a taste of many traditional Peruvian dishes, both savory and sweet. Your guide will introduce you to food vendors, and you’ll get to learn all about classic Peruvian cuisine. 

21. Take a Cooking Class

Another way to learn more about Peruvian cuisine is to learn how to make it yourself. When you book a reservation with this cooking class, you’ll explore a food market and then prepare your dishes. You’ll learn how to make a starter course, main course, and dessert course. 

22. Visit the Machu Picchu Museum at Casa Concha

The largest collection of Machu Picchu artifacts is housed at the Machu Picchu Museum in Cusco. When Hiram Bingham “discovered” Machu Picchu, the Peruvian government allowed him to take artifacts from the site back to Yale University for scientific study. However, the agreement reached between the two parties was that the artifacts would be returned whenever Peru asked for them. In 2011, many of the artifacts were returned after prolonged discussions. The Machu Picchu Museum now displays 366 of those returned artifacts. 

23. Celebrate Inti Raymi

If you’re in Cusco during the festival of Inti Raymi, you have the opportunity to celebrate the most important festival of the Inca Empire. The festival takes place every year on June 24th and celebrates the Sun God.

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Our Experience Adjusting to the Altitude

Cusco is perched high in the Andes mountains at 11,200 feet. It’s not uncommon for travelers to experience altitude sickness when they first arrive to Cusco because the air is so thin. Because the air is less dense at higher elevations, you’ll inhale less oxygen with each breath than you would at sea level. You might want to speak with your doctor in advance about altitude sickness and potential treatments. We’re not medical professionals, so we can’t advise you on that piece. 

When we got off the plane in Cusco, my husband noticed the thin air right away. I was feeling great and didn’t think it would be a big deal. The next morning, however, I definitely had altitude sickness. It’s not uncommon for people to experience altitude sickness the next day, because the breath is more shallow while sleeping. I woke up with nausea and a pounding headache. I thought I was in the clear but was wrong!

My hotel had some coca leaves at the breakfast buffet, so I chewed on some of those which did seem to help me. I was still able to explore later that day, but it definitely took me awhile to wake up. I was glad we didn’t have to immediately catch a train or embark on a long hike. For that reason, I’d suggest that you plan on spending at least 2 days in Cusco to adjust to the altitude. With 3 or 4 days in Cusco, you’ll be able to really take your time adjusting and still be able to see a lot of the main sights in the city.

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Cusco Tourist Ticket

In advance of your trip, you might want to consider booking the Cusco Tourist Ticket. This ticket includes admission to 16 different sites in Cusco, and will save you money if you’re planning on visiting several of the sites mentioned here. There are several different tickets available, including a ticket for day trips around Cusco. There’s also a ticket for the religious sites. Look up the different options ahead of your trip, as the combined ticket could save you money.

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Hotel Recommendations for Cusco, Peru

Here’s our recommendations for the best places to stay in Cusco at different price-points.

Luxury | Inkaterra La Casona

Address: Next to the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art, Plaza, Nazarenas 211, Cusco 08002, Peru

Reservations: To make reservations for Inkaterra La Casona on Booking.com, click here.

The Inkaterra La Casona is conveniently located adjacent to the Plaza de Armas. It was the first boutique hotel in Cusco, and it’s located within a colonial house from the 16th century. The 11 suites are located around a courtyard and have chimneys, heated floors, and extra-large bathtubs. Many of the rooms also have balconettes overlooking the courtyard. The Inkaterra La Casona has been rated as one of the top 21 Most Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic. 

Upscale | Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection

Address: Santo Domingo 259, Cusco 08002, Peru

Reservations: To make reservations for Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection on Booking.com, click here.

The Palacio del Inka is a 5-star hotel located steps away from Qoricancha. The hotel is located in a mansion that is over 500 years old. The hotel is home to an on-site restaurant called Inti Raymi, as well as the Andes Spirit Spa mentioned earlier in this post. This hotel is a Marriott property.

Moderate | Apu Huascaran Hostal

Address: Carmen Bajo 257, Cusco 00800, Peru

Reservations: To make reservations for Apu Huascaran Hostal on Booking.com, click here.

This 3-star hotel is located in the San Blas neighborhood. It’s a quick walk to the Plaza de Armas, but you’ll also be in a more quiet neighborhood filled with artisan shops. This is the hotel we stayed at when we visited Cusco. Breakfast is included, and all of the rooms face an inner patio. We would recommend this hotel to others. 

Budget | Dragonfly Hostels Cusco

Address: Siete Cuartones 245, Cusco 08002, Peru

Reservations: To make reservations for Dragonfly Hostels Cusco on Booking.com, click here.

The Dragonfly Hostels Cusco is located only 5 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas. The hostel has a mix of rooming arrangements. You can reserve a bunk in a mixed-sex dorm room, or you can book a private room with a double bed. 

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Best Restaurants in Cusco

While you’re in Cusco, you’ll want to try ceviche (seafood marinated in citrus juices), pisco (liquor), and papas (potatoes). There are over 4,000 different types of potatoes in Peru, many of which originated in Cusco. The Inca were agricultural experts when it came to growing potatoes, and many Peruvian dishes feature them. When you think of potatoes you might think of Ireland, but really you should be thinking of Peru!

Some restaurants to check out include:

• Yaku Restaurant: Serves Peruvian dishes that are beautifully plated (perfect for Instagram photos!)
• Rucula: Organic fusion restaurant with excellent views of the plaza. Also has a vegetarian and vegan menu.
• Chicha: This upscale restaurant is a great place to try local delicacies, like cuy (guinea pig). It’s one of the nicer restaurants in Cusco, so feel free to explore the menu!
• Ceviche Seafood Kitchen: Located in the Plaza de Armas, this is a great place to try ceviche.
• Inkazuela Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a colonial home with beautiful views.
• Museo del Pisco: As mentioned earlier, this bar has dozens of different types of pisco. Head there if you want to try a pisco sour or another unique pisco creation!
• PERUK: This restaurant has Peruvian fusion dishes that are beautifully plated. 
• Republica del Pisco: This is an excellent bar with good food, drinks, and often live music. 
• Cappuccino Cusco Cafe: This cafe has beautiful views of the Plaza de Armas. Be sure to take photos of you drinking a coffee with the picturesque background!

• La Cusqueñita: A lot of local dishes are served here. 

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Day Trips from Cusco, Peru

One of the best things about Cusco is the fact that there are so many incredible places to visit within arm’s reach. We recommend that you stay in Cusco for at least several days and use it as a base camp to explore as many of the following sights as you can see!

Moray

Moray is an Inca archaeological site located about 28 miles to the northwest of Cusco. (About a 1.5 hour drive.) The circular terraces were used for agricultural experiments. The Inca would plant seeds at different levels and see which provided ideal conditions. The wide temperature differences between the terraces created distinct micro climates. We visited Moray and thought it was a worthwhile visit! 

Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines of Maras)

We visited the Salineras de Maras the same day we visited Moray. (They’re located just 30 minutes east of Moray.) There are over 4,500 salt ponds there! The method that they use to cultivate salt is the same as was used during pre-Inca times. Each family tends to a plot, and there is a communal system for directing the water through the many salt ponds. Once the water evaporates, workers cultivate the salt that was left behind. Note that tourists are no longer allowed to walk around the salt ponds due to contamination.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

This colorful mountain in Peru is located about 87 miles to the southeast of Cusco. The drive to Rainbow Mountain is several hours long, and then the hike up the mountain is about 3 hours long. Plan to make this a full day trip! 

Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is located about 94 miles west of Cusco. Travelers hike to Humantay Lake to see the bright colors of the water in this high-altitude lake. The hike is relatively short (2.6 miles roundtrip), but fairly steep (over 1,300 feet of elevation gain). 

Tambomachay

About 15 minutes north of Sacsayhuamán are the ruins of Tambomachay. It’s known as the “Bath of the Inca.” The ruins contain aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls. The purpose of the site is unknown. 

Pisac

One of our favorite day trips from Cusco was Pisac, which is a small town located less than an hour from Cusco. We took a taxi to Pisac and enjoyed the farmers’ market and the hike to the ruins. The market happens every Sunday, so if you’re free on a Sunday, we recommend that you head to Pisac! The people of the town maintain many Peruvian traditions and are often traditionally dressed. There are also Inca ruins high up on the hill. We chose to hike up to see them, and the views of the Sacred Valley from the top were incredible. 

Ollantaytambo

The town of Ollantaytambo is located about an hour and a half to the northwest of Cusco. For those who seek to visit Machu Picchu, going to Ollantaytambo is a must because the train to Machu Picchu is stationed there. We recommend that you spend a day in Ollantaytambo to see the Inca ruins there. The Inca had a sophisticated military fortress that was meant to protect Inca nobility.

Machu Picchu

If you’re short on time, you can see the ruins of Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco. (Although ideally we recommend that you stay in Aguas Calientes and spend at least two days seeing Machu Picchu.) Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive sights we have ever seen. We have a full post on our experience at Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should you spend in Cusco?

We recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Cusco. That will give you at least one day to adjust to the altitude and two more to see the sights. We especially recommend visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the 12-Angled Stone, Sacsayhuamán, and Qoricancha. If you can spend more time in the city, we think adding another day or two to see Pisac, Moray and Maras, and Rainbow Mountain would be ideal.

Is Cusco Peru worth visiting?

Cusco is absolutely worth visiting. It has been one of our favorite travel destinations of all time. Rich in culture, there are dozens of archaeological sites, hikes, and quaint towns nearby. When you visit Cusco, you can learn all about the Inca empire and still see the stone building foundations from that time. The city is also a stepping stone to see the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu, so you will definitely not be disappointed!

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Summary

Cusco was the capital of the Inca empire, and it’s one of the most famous destinations in Peru. Located high in the Andes mountains, it takes most travelers a day or two to get accustomed to the altitude. The city is filled with Inca ruins and Spanish colonial homes. Although it’s necessary to fly into Cusco to see Machu Picchu, it’s worthwhile to spend at least several days exploring the city of Cusco itself. We spent several days in Cusco, and we could have easily spent more! We hope this guide was helpful in planning your own trip!

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