What to Do in Cusco: Tourist Attractions, Tours, and Itineraries
Cusco brings together a historic city, archaeological sites, valleys, mountains, and cultural experiences in one destination. To make the most of your visit, it is best to organize your trip by areas and by days, starting with the historic center before pushing yourself with high-altitude hikes or long excursions.
What to do in Cusco city
Cusco, the former capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, sits at 11,152 feet above sea level, so your first day should be dedicated to walking slowly, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy physical effort while your body adjusts to the altitude. The historic center brings together most of the main attractions and can be comfortably explored on foot in a single day, leaving the more demanding excursions for when you are already acclimated.
Plaza de Armas
This is the starting point for any tour of Cusco and the place where the most important streets of the city center come together. It is flanked by the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, another colonial church built on Inca foundations and known for its Baroque façade. From the plaza, Loreto Street leads toward Qorikancha, famous for its perfectly fitted Inca stone walls and considered one of the most photographed streets in the city. Around the plaza, you will find colonial balconies, restaurants, travel agencies, and handicraft shops.
Cusco Cathedral
Also called the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, it was built on the foundations of the Inca temple Suntur Wasi and houses an important collection of paintings from the Cusco School, as well as colonial silverwork pieces. The usual visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with admission by ticket. Check the current conditions in advance, as they may change due to religious ceremonies or maintenance.
Qorikancha and the Santo Domingo Convent
It was the most important temple dedicated to sun worship during the Inca Empire, and its original walls were once covered in gold. In 1534, the church and convent of Santo Domingo were built over its structure, so today Inca stonework and colonial architecture coexist in the same building, along with an art gallery from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located in Plazoleta Santo Domingo, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
San Blas Neighborhood
Perfect for walking slowly through cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, small galleries, and charming cafés. It is also one of the best places to see the historic center from above, especially at sunset. There are several steep uphill streets, so if you have just arrived in Cusco, walk calmly and avoid carrying extra weight while you feel the effects of the altitude.
The 12-Angled Stone
It is located on Hatunrumiyoc Street, on the section that connects the Plaza de Armas with San Blas, and is one of the most cited examples of the precision with which Inca stonemasons carved and fitted stone without mortar. The visit is short, but it is worth adding to the same walking route through the city center.
San Pedro Market
A good place to discover local food, juices, fruits, cheeses, breads, and handicrafts, as well as a more everyday side of the city away from the tourist circuits. It is also useful for buying something light before heading out on an excursion. Watch your belongings and ask for prices before buying, as you would in any busy market.
Viewpoints and historic streets
The San Cristóbal viewpoint is one of the best spots to see Cusco from above, especially at sunset, when the city begins to light up. Add the Sapantiana aqueduct and the streets with Inca walls in the center to create a gentle afternoon of acclimatization without needing to book a tour.
Archaeological sites near the city and the Tourist Ticket
A short distance from the center, you can visit a complete half-day circuit known as Circuit I of the Cusco Tourist Ticket:
Sacsayhuamán: it is located at approximately 11,663–11,729 feet above sea level, about a 30-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas or just a few minutes by taxi. Its cyclopean walls include blocks weighing several tons fitted together with enormous precision, and from the main esplanade, the setting of Inti Raymi every June 24, you get wide views of the city.
Qenqo: a little over one kilometer from Sacsayhuamán, it is a ceremonial space carved directly into rock, with a sector known as the amphitheater. The visit is brief, but it is recommended to go with a guide because much of its ritual function is not obvious at first glance.
Puka Pukara: known as the “red fortress” because of the tone its stones take on at sunset, it is believed to have functioned as a control post and resting place for troops connected to the surveillance of Tambomachay and Sacsayhuamán.
Tambomachay: about 400 meters from Puka Pukara, it is a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of water, whose channels and waterfalls still function centuries later. Since it is at a higher elevation than the city center, bring a light jacket.
| Ticket | Foreign visitor price | Validity | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Ticket | S/130 (~$38 USD) | 10 days | 16 attractions: city archaeological sites, museums, and the Sacred Valley |
| Partial Ticket Circuit I | S/70 (~$20 USD) | 1 day | Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay |
Tours and excursions outside the city
The most sought-after excursions in southern Peru depart from Cusco. Always check the physical level required, transfer time, and what is included in the service before booking.
Machu Picchu
The most important excursion for most travelers. It requires coordinating entrance tickets, circuit, train, bus, guide, and schedules in advance, because availability changes depending on the season. The Machu Picchu Viajes Peru team can help you with the complete logistics: routes, trains, entrance tickets, and real connection times.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
It brings together several towns and archaeological sites that can be combined depending on your plan: returning to Cusco the same day, sleeping in the valley, or continuing on to Machu Picchu.
Pisac: a good first stop because of its archaeological site in the upper area and its market in the town below.
Ollantaytambo: a key town because of its archaeological site, Inca streets, and train station to Aguas Calientes. It is one of the best places to spend the night in the valley if your plan continues to Machu Picchu, because it avoids leaving from Cusco before dawn.
Chinchero: combines archaeology, textiles, and agricultural terraces; it can be visited well in half a day together with Maras and Moray.
Maras and Moray: Moray stands out for its circular terraces used for Inca agricultural experimentation, and Maras is the closest town to the salt mines.
Maras Salt Mines: traditional salt ponds on the valley hillside, very photogenic and easy to combine with Moray due to their proximity.
Nature and adventure
These routes require more acclimatization and appropriate clothing because of the altitude they reach.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): known for its colorful stripes, which vary depending on the weather and the light of the day. The effort is moderate to high, so it is best to go after one or two days of acclimatization.
Palccoyo: an alternative to Vinicunca with a generally more moderate hike, although it is still a high-altitude excursion.
Red Valley: sometimes combined with Rainbow Mountain depending on the operator; not all tours include it, so ask before booking.
Humantay Lake: a high-altitude hike to a turquoise lake; it requires good acclimatization and a very early departure.
Ausangate: a high-mountain area for more demanding multi-day treks, recommended only with good prior acclimatization.
7 Lakes of Ausangate: a nature and high-altitude route with mountain landscapes, suitable for those who already have some adaptation to the altitude.
Q’eswachaka Bridge: a cultural excursion to the last Inca bridge made of vegetable fiber, maintained through community work. It is a long trip, so check the total tour duration.
ATVs and horseback riding
In addition to hikes, Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer ATV rides and horseback riding as alternatives for travelers with limited time or those looking for something different from the classic tours. Choose the activity according to your experience and the weather, and make sure the operator provides clear instructions and basic equipment if you do not have previous experience.
What to do in Cusco for free or on a low budget
If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can fill a full day without spending too much:
- Walk through the historic center: Plaza de Armas, colonial streets, small plazas, and churches from the outside.
- Explore San Blas on your own, enjoying its streets, viewpoints, and workshops.
- Visit San Pedro Market to observe, compare prices, and try something light.
- Go up to viewpoints such as San Cristóbal for a wide view of the city without going too far.
- Walk through historic streets and corners such as the 12-Angled Stone and the Sapantiana aqueduct.
Keep in mind that some specific visits, such as churches, museums, and archaeological sites, do require admission, even if the rest of the route is free.
Recommended 5-day itinerary in Cusco
Day 1 – Cusco city: Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and San Blas, walking calmly to acclimate. Avoid heavy physical effort on this first day.
Day 2 – Nearby archaeological sites: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay on a half-day circuit, complemented with viewpoints in the city center.
Day 3 – Sacred Valley: Pisac in the morning, then Ollantaytambo, where it is convenient to spend the night if you are taking the train to Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 4 – Machu Picchu: visit the sanctuary with the circuit and schedule you have coordinated in advance, taking advantage of the overnight stay in the valley so you do not have to leave Cusco before dawn.
Day 5 – Nature: a high-altitude excursion such as Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, or a gentler option such as Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines if you prefer to end the trip without too much physical effort.
This order reduces unnecessary transfers and takes you to the most demanding routes once you are better acclimated. Always check entrance availability and train schedules before confirming hotels or flights, and if you need help with the complete Machu Picchu logistics, the Machu Picchu Viajes Peru team can coordinate routes, trains, and entrance tickets with updated information.
Frequently asked questions about what to do in Cusco
These quick answers help resolve common questions before organizing your trip. Use them as an initial reference and adjust your plan according to your time, available entrance tickets, and acclimatization.
What places should you definitely visit in Cusco?
For a first visit, consider the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, San Blas, Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu if you have enough time and entrance availability. If you have more days, add Maras, Moray, Humantay, or Vinicunca.
What can you do for free in Cusco?
You can walk around the city center, visit San Blas, explore markets, go up to viewpoints, discover historic streets, and pass through some public spaces. Keep in mind that certain churches, museums, or archaeological sites may have an entrance fee.
What can you do in Cusco without a tour?
Without a tour, you can explore the historic center, San Blas, San Pedro Market, viewpoints, and some nearby areas on your own. For distant routes or places with complex schedules, organized transportation may be more convenient.
What can you do in Cusco in one day?
A simple route includes the historic center, Qorikancha, San Blas, and Sacsayhuamán if time allows. If you have just arrived in Cusco, avoid long excursions and prioritize proper acclimatization.
How many days are recommended in Cusco?
It depends on your plan. A few days may be enough for the city and Machu Picchu, but you will need more time if you want to include the Sacred Valley, mountains, lakes, and cultural experiences without moving too fast.
What can you do in Cusco if you already know Machu Picchu?
You can visit the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Palccoyo, Ausangate, markets, textile workshops, and cultural experiences. You can also spend more time exploring neighborhoods and less crowded routes.
What can you do in Cusco when it rains?
On rainy days, you can visit museums, Qorikancha, markets, cafés, cooking classes, and textile workshops. If the weather allows, take short walks through the center, but avoid mountain routes during heavy rain or low visibility.
