Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is a city where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and deep rooted culture come together in an unforgettable way. There are many things to do in Cusco that you could easily spend a couple weeks in this Andean City and not get bored.
Once the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and remnants of its pre-Columbian past.
From exploring Machu Picchu, wandering through the San Blas, hiking to rainbow mountain, or uncovering the secrets of Sacsayhuman, this city offers something for every traveler. I spent three weeks exploring its wanders and Cusco did not disappoint.
In this guide, we’ll go over the best things to do in Cusco, including many awesome day trips. Then at the end of the post, I’ll add any useful travel guides and tips to help you with your travels to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and beyond.
For full transparency, this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I genuinely use, trust, or believe will add value to your travels. Your support helps me continue creating free travel guides for you to enjoy.
Things to do in Cusco Quick List
- Plaza de Armas
- Free Walking Tour
- Wander the San Blas
- San Pedro Market
- Take a Cooking Class
- Sacsayhuaman
- Admire the Twelve-angled Stone
- Shop for Baby Alpaca
- Eat Cuy
- Get a Inka Massage
- Eat a Tasty Meal
- Go on a Chocolate Tour
- Hike to Cristo Blanco
- Get a Picture with the Locals
- Sample Trout Ceviche
- Stargaze at the Planetarium
- Sample Pisco Sours
- Eat Alpaca
Best Day Trips from Cusco Quick List
- Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain
- Humantay Lake
- Pisac
- Moray & Maras Salt Mines
- Ollantaytambo
About Cusco, Peru
Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas and one of South America’s most iconic travel destinations. Today Cusco is the cultural capital of Peru and one of the most popular places to visit in Peru.
Why Visit Cusco?
- ⛬ Rich History & Architecture – Walk through cobblestone streets lined with Inca walls, visit the Sacsayhuman fortress, and explore Spanish colonial landmarks like Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Blas.
- 🦙 Gateway to Machu Picchu – Most travelers use Cusco as the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu, whether by train or trekking the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trail.
- ⛰️ Stunning Natural Landscapes – Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Cusco offers access to hikes like Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.
- 🌽 Lively Markets & Local Cuisine – Explore the colorful San Pedro Market, try Peruvian specialities like alpaca steak, loco saltado, and choclo con queso.
- 🧶 Indigenous Culture & Traditions – Experience authentic Quechua culture, visit nearby villages, and see traditional weaving techniques in action.
Best Time to Visit Cusco
- 🌞 Dry Season (May to September) – Dry season = peak season, which gives the best weather for trekking and outdoor activities.
- 🌧️ Wet Season (November to March) – Rainy season offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, but frequent rain.
Best Things to do in Cusco, Peru
Plaza De Armas
Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco that marks the center of the city. You can’t explore Cusco without running into this busy, historic center of Cusco. Inside the main plaza are two of Cusco’s most iconic buildings the Cusco Cathedral and the Church La Compania de Jesus.
The square is lined with tasty restaurants, clothing soups, massage parlors, and tour operators. The fountain on the inside of the square is surrounded by beautiful kept gardens and has several benches relax at and take in the sights.
Free Walking Tour
Taking a free walking tour in Cusco is one of the best ways to get oriented with a new city, learn about its history, and discover hidden gems with the help of a local guide.
A free walking tour in Cusco usually starts in Plaza de Armas and take you through Cusco’s cobblestone streets, colonial landmarks, and lesser-known Incan sites. The guides will share fascinating stories about the Incan Empire, Spanish conquest, and modern day Cusco.
While the tour is technically “free”, tipping your guide is always encouraged as a way to support their work. It’s a fun budget friendly and informative way to explore Cusco, especially on your first day.
Wander the San Blas
You can’t visit Cusco without wandering around the historic San Blas neighborhood. As you wander the narrow streets, you’ll see dozens of cute cafes, coffee shops, art workshops, and restaurants. It’s often referred to as Cusco’s Bohemian neighborhood.
As you walk around the Bohemian District of San Blas you can watch artists paint, finish ceramics, weave, and knit. This is one of the best places to buy locally made art and crafts. After you’ve checked out the local art scene, pop into a cafe, eat a healthy meal or just keep roaming the steep streets.
If you wish to experience a beautiful sunset, I mean who doesn’t, with a panoramic view of the city of Cusco, then be sure to check out the San Blas viewpoint, located a few minutes away from Plazoleta de San Blas.
This is one of the best free things to do in Cusco. The San Blas have a way of making you feel right at home.
San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is a large, colorful indoor market full of vendors selling a variety of different goods. From local souvenirs to meat and cheese, you can probably buy it here.
The outside rows of the market is where you’ll find hand woven sweaters, artifacts, crafts, flowers, jewelry, you name it. The inside of the local market is where you’ll find the food.
Here you can buy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, nuts, dried fruit and other Peruvian delicacies. Keep in mind that it’s an open style market so don’t be surprised if you see parts of animals that you’re not used to seeing.
If you are looking for an inexpensive place to eat in Cusco, the Mercado Central de San Pedro is a great for both breakfast and lunch. The little restaurants offer an array of items like sandwiches, ceviches, other traditional Peruvian meat dishes, fresh juices and much more.
The San Pedro Market is a great place to stock up on cheap souvenirs and watch locals do their weekly grocery shopping. Don’t miss out on this popular thing to do in Cusco.
Take a Cooking Class
If you love cooking and want to get a hands-on experience with some of Peru’s most iconic dishes than opt for a Cusco Cooking Class.
First you’ll go shopping at the San Pedro market for your ingredients and then head to the kitchen to prepare some traditional Peruvian dishes.
Popular dishes include lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and ceviche. Many cooking classes include a Pisco Sours. Talk about a tasty thing to do in Cusco, Peru.
Explore Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)
Sacsayhuaman is an Incan ruin that you can find in the immediate area of Cusco. You need to the boleto turistico to enter the sight. The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a ticket you must purchase that gives you to entry many ruins, popular attractions in Cusco and the surrounding area.
Located on a steep hill that overlooks the city, the fortified complex has a wide view of the valley to the southeast. The site is composed of three different areas, where the most striking zone of Sacsayhuamán includes its great plaza and its adjacent three massive terrace walls.
The construction of this site displays classic Incan construction of precision and fitting of the stones.The stones are so closely spaced that a single piece of paper will not fit between many of them.
The careful accuracy combined with the rounded corners of the blocks, the variety of interlocking shapes, and the way the walls lean inward, is thought to have helped the ruins survive devastating earthquakes in Cusco.
This blows my mind because when I was in Cusco, I felt my first earthquake! The Incan stone work is truly fascinating which I will talk about in our next thing to do in Cusco.
Admire the Twelve Angled Stone
The twelve-angled stone is a exactly as it sounds – a twelve-angled stone fit perfectly together with surrounding stones like legos without the use of mortar or any other kind of binding material. This is a classic example of the Incas’ advanced stonework.
This famous stone is a popular Cusco attraction and archeological artifact. The stone is part of the Lienzo Pétreo wall which can be viewed by walking down Calle (street) Hatunrumiyoc, by the now-destroyed Palace of Hatunrumiyoc.
It’s marvelous and unfathomable to think how much detail, precision, accuracy went into constructing the stone walls, that hundreds of years after it was first constructed, not even a single piece of paper can fit between any of the wall’s blocks. And it still stands.
Go Shopping for Baby Alpaca
If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home from Cusco get a scarf or sweater made from baby alpaca. Baby alpaca is much softer than ‘adult’ alpaca – it’s as soft as cashmere.
Plus a sweater or scarf made from alpaca will keep you warm as Cusco nights get pretty cold in the mountains. I wear mine often during winter at home in Bend, Oregon.
Try the Peruvian Delicacy Cuy
One of the most adventurous things to do in Cusco is to try cuy. You may of heard whispers that Peruvians eat guinea pig and I hate to break it to you, but it’s true. The guinea pig called cuy in Peru is a traditional food in this South American country.
Unlike Americans, Peruvians don’t keep guinea pigs as pets. Guinea pigs are a delicacy that is usually served with potatoes and a fresh bean, onion and tomato salad.
Cuy has been apart of the Peruvian diet since Inca times, being served whole for special occasions. I wouldn’t just opt to try cuy anywhere though as many restaurants that have guinea pig on the menu will serve cuy that is previously frozen.
If you’re going to eat guinea pig, eat it fresh at a restaurant such as Kusy Kay where you can pre-order the cuy as it takes an hour and a half to prepare first.
🐹 Read Next: Eating Guinea Pig in Arequipa
Eat a Tasty Meal
One of the best things I loved about Cusco was all delicious food. There were so many restaurants in Cusco serving fresh and organic dishes, I promise your taste buds will not be disappointed.
Eating a tasty meal should absolutely be one of the Cusco things to do on a daily basis. A few of my favorite restaurants include Pacha papa, Organika, Morena and Kusy Kay.
🍜 Read Next: The Best Restaurants in Cusco
Go on a Chocolate Tour
If you love chocolate then you’ll love this activity. Go on a chocolate tour where you can get hands on and learn how to make chocolate from bean to bar.
Peru is home to some of the finest cacao in the world, particularly the aromatic Criollo and Trinitario varieties. Taste different artisanal chocolates and cacao-based drinks, including the ancient “chocolate drink” of the Incas.
Get an Inka Massage
One of the best things to do in Cusco or anywhere for that matter is to get a massage. There are tons of places throughout the city offering massages for around 20-40 soles.
But if you want a traditional Inka massage you’re going to have to spring another 40-60 soles and here’s why you should do it. The Inka massage is more of a deep tissue massage that uses a special combination of Andean and Oriental massage techniques.
Both techniques apply pressure from the hands and it usually ends with a hot stone massage. It’s worth the extra few bucks. This is also one of the best things to do in Cusco while acclimating.
Hike to Cristo Blanco Statue
Cristo Blanco is a giant statue of Jesus Christ that is perched on top of Pukamoq hill that overlooks the city of Cusco. The statue is over 26 feet tall and has its arms open as a sign to protect the city.
Located next the Sacsayhuaman fortress, a popular thing to do in Cusco is to hike up to the statue. It’s a steep hike up a series of stairs but I promise the views are worth it.
There’s no one specific route, just head to the east of the city and start heading up, there are multiple stairs you can take. If you head up the normal route towards Sacsayhuaman you’ll have to pay.
If you’re not up for hiking, there’s a bus that can take you up to Cristo Blanco. Make sure you acclimatize first to avoid altitude sickness.
Get a Picture with the Locals
One of the neatest things about Cusco is all the alpacas you’ll see as you wander the streets. Yes even baby alpacas! Okay so these alpacas aren’t wild and they are definitely a Cusco tourist attraction but they’re still really adorable and fun to see walking around.
The alpacas are accompanied with women dressed in traditional clothing, Quechuan attire where you can get a picture with them. Better yet, get a picture of you holding a baby alpaca. It will cost you though.
Sample Trout Ceviche
Ceviche is one of Peru’s most celebrated dishes. It consists of fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, spicy peppers and cilantro.
In the Cusco and surrounding mountains, a popular way to make this dish is with trout.
Trying the fresh trout ceviche is not only a tasty appetizer but it’s a Peruvian staple. I tried the dish at ChiCha, one of the best restaurants in Cusco, Peru.
Stargaze at the Planetarium
Astronomy was an important part of the Incan culture and what better way to get a better understanding of Incan culture than at the Cusco Planetarium. Learn interesting facts about why the Incan’s observed the skies and their relationship between the universe and practical day to day life.
Being in the high altitudes of the Andes gives you a great projection of the official constellations as well as the southern skies constellations, and the Incas´ constellation, which you’ll learn when you are here.
Pisco Sours
Would this be a best things to do in Cusco list if I didn’t include Pisco Sours? The Pisco Sour is a South American classic which originated in Peru.
Now I’m sure there are many bars and places in Cusco that serve awesome Pisco Sours but if you’re looking to sample a Pisco Sour that will blow your socks off, head to Republica Del Pisco and order the maracuya sour.
If you like the hands-on approach, then take a Pisco sour tour where you can taste and prepare your own Pisco Sour.
🍃 Travel Tip: There are other flavors to try with your Pisco such as Maracuya (passion fruit), Borgona Grape, Tangerine and the Coca Leaf.
Eat Alpaca
Alpaca meat is a lean, tender meat that can be found on almost every menu in Cusco.
Joe tried alpaca several times as we traveled around Peru and he enjoyed it in every dish. His favorite alpaca in Cusco was the alpaca risotto at Morena.
Best Day Trips from Cusco
In this section, I’ll go over the best day trips from Cusco. These day trips are full days and can be visited on a guided tour or sometimes independently.
Machu Picchu
Of course the absolute best day trip from Cusco is Machu Picchu. The journey typically starts early in the morning with a scenic train ride from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
From there, a short bus ride takes you up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you’ll explore the breathtaking ruins and truly grasp the mystery that surrounds this archeological wonder.
If time allows, you can hike to the Sun Gate (Into Punku) or Huayna Picchu for even more stunning perspectives. I absolutely recommend hiking Huayna Picchu as it was one of my favorite experiences.
📌 Read Next: Machu Picchu Travel Guide
🥾 Read Full Guide: Hiking Huayna Picchu
Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is another one of the best day trips from Cusco. Located at 17,066 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, this multicolored mountain is famous for its striking layers of red, yellow, green, and purple, created by mineral deposits over millions of years.
It’s about a 3 hour drive from Cusco, followed by a challenging but rewarding 3-4 mile hike, where you’ll pass through remote Andean villages, herds of alpacas, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Due to the altitude, acclimatization for a couple of days before hiking is essential, and many visitors opt for horse rentals to assist with the ascent. Once at the summit, the panoramic views of the surrounding snow capped peaks, including Ausangate Mountain, are absolutely beautiful.
🥾 Read Next: 16 Epic Hikes & Treks in Peru
Humantay Lake
nother popular day trip from Cusco is Lake Humantay, one of Peru’s most gorgeous high-altitude lakes. Sitting at about 14,000 feet, this glacial lake is known for its brilliant turquoise waters set against the dramatic backdrop of Humantay Mounatain.
About 3 hours drive from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the challenging 1.5 hour hike to the lake. Along the way, you’ll pass through rugged Andean landscapes, herds of llamas, and stunning valley views before reaching Humantay Lake.
I promise the effort is well worth it, as the sight of the lake, fed by glacial meltwater, is nothing short of magical. Lake Humantay is also a side hike/excursion if you are trekking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
🥾 Read Full Post: How to Hike Humanity Lake
Pisac
Pisac is a charming town in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Just a 45 minute drive from Cusco, Pisac is best known for its impressive archaeological site, perched high above the valley.
The ruins feature agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and an ancient burial site, with epic views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss out on Pisa’s famous artisan market, where you can shop for handwoven textiles, alpaca clothing, jewelry, and ceramics.
Moray & Maras Salt Mines
Moray and Maras Salt Mines are two day trips from Cusco that are often paired together since they are located so close to each other. Both located in the Sacred Valley about 1.5 hours from Cusco, these two sites make for an unforgettable day trip.
Moray is an impressive archaeological site, featuring circular terraced depressions that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops at different altitudes and microclimates.
Just a short drive away, the Maras Salt Mines consist of shimmering salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountainside. These pools have been used for salt extraction sine pre-Inca times, and local families still harvest salt by hand today.
Ollantaytambo
Lastly, Ollantaytambo is a major gateway to Machu Picchu, as it’s the starting point for both the train journey & Inca Trail hike. Located about two hours from Cusco, this adorable town is home to one of the most impressive Inca ruins in Peru.
The Ollantaytambo ruins consist of a massive fortress with steep agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and strategic military structures, which played a crucial role in Incan resistance against the Spanish conquistadors.
Ollantaytambo is a must-visit destination in the Sacred Valley and worth visiting for a couple days.
💡 Travel Tip: Stay a night at the Vertical Sky Luxury Suites for the ultimate adventure as you sleep in a glass box on the side of a mountain.
Best Things to do in Cusco Tips
- 🏔️ Acclimate to the Altitude – Take it slow on your first day – rest, stay hydrated, & avoid alcohol. Drink coca tea to help with symptoms.
- 🎒 Pack Essentials – Bring layers, comfortable walking shoes, Sunscreen, sunglasses, and Rain Jacket.
- 🎟️ The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a great way to save a few bucks and have access to 16 different sites if you are trying to see all you can see.
- 🦙 Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly so secure tickets far in advance, especially during peak season.
- 🚂 Book your Transportation out of Aguas Calientes in advance too, Trains out of Aguas Calientes sell out quicker than trains coming.
- 💧 Tap Water is Not Safe to Drink. I travel with a Lifestraw Water Bottle to keep my drinking water safe at all times.
- 🥾 Organize Treks in advance due to limited permits and popularity.
📍 Read Full Post: 20 Things to Know Before you Travel to Cusco
More Cusco Travel Guides
I spent an extended period of time in Cusco and loved every minute of it. I went on one of the biggest adventures of my life here, as I trekked the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu and we did this without a guide, tent, or reservations.
The travel guides below will help you plan your travels around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Cusco Accommodation Guide – This is where to stay in Cusco including best hotels & areas.
- 12 Must Eat Restaurants in Cusco – You won’t regret trying any of these spots for lunch or dinner.
- 15 Tips to Know Before Trekking the Salkantay Trail – Tips & tricks you’ll want to know before you start an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
- How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu – Find out all the ways to get from Cusco to the border town of Machu Picchu.
- Best Things to do in Aguas Calientes – These are the best things to do in the border town of Machu Picchu.
- Best Places to Eat in Aguas Calientes – The best restaurants to check out after a day of exploring Machu Picchu.
- How to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes – All the ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Pick your best option – by foot, train, or tour.
- How to Get from Cusco to Puno – All the ways to get from Cusco to Puno, the gateway city to Lake Titicaca. Like Cruz del sur, Peru’s best bus company.
- Peru Travel Tips – 20 Essentials Tips to Know Before Traveling to Peru.
Cusco Travel Vlogs
Rather see what traveling to Cusco is like? Joe and I filmed a lot of travel vlogs as we explored Peru. Check out the video above or click below to watch the whole series.
And please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.
🎥 Watch our Peru Series on YouTube
Onward Travel from Cusco, Peru
- Arequipa & the Colca Canyon – Fly or take a night bus (10-12 hours) from Cusco.
- Hike in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and see condors.
- Take a direct bus (6-8 hours) or train (10+ hours) to Lake Titicaca & Puno.
- Stay in a Local Homestay on Lake Titicaca.
- Fly 1.5 hours to Lima – a foodie paradise where you can walk along the coastal cliffs of Miraflores & Barranco.
- Fly to Puerto Maldonado for luxury eco lodges.
- Fly to Lima, then take a 8 hour bus to Huaraz & the Cordillera Blanca for some of the best trekking in South America.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Cusco
Beyond its famous attractions, Cusco’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and welcoming locals create an atmosphere that is both magical and deeply enriching.
Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, Cusco will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you found this article about the best things to do in Cusco helpful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇 .
More Peru Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Peru? Check out the guides below for more inspiration in planning your travels to this amazing country in South America.
15 Incredible Places to Visit in Peru
14 Awesome Things to do in Peru
Enjoy this Post?!?! Pin in for Later ↓
