Cusco, or Cuzco (Spanish) and Qosqo (Quechua), was once the capital of the Incan empire and is today the capital of the Cusco Region and Province. Cusco is the centre of the Quechua culture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historical Capital of Peru, and one of the most visited cities in the country.
Cusco receives over 2 million visitors per year, many of which use the city as a base from which to embark upon a trip to Machu Picchu, which lies to the northwest.
In this article I have set out the ultimate line-up of things to do in Cusco city and the Sacred Valley.
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Things To Do In Cusco
Probably the first thing about Cusco that strikes a newly arrived visitor is the air.
At 3,400m (11,155 feet) above sea level, the air is thin and altitude sickness (soroche) – can be problematic.
Please Note: Upon arrival in Cusco, it is prudent to spend a day relaxing as you acclimatise – and a further two days if serious trekking is on the itinerary. You can read detailed information on acclimatisation and altitude sickness here.
Alternatively, if you have the time, I recommend going straight from Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley, which at 2,800m (9,186 ft) above sea level is significantly lower than Cusco city. The quaint Quechua towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo offer a wide variety of hotels and hostels and make for a great base to explore the Valley for a day or two before returning to Cusco, properly acclimatised.
To enjoy numerous things to do in Cusco, you need two key items:
- A Cusco Boleto Turistico (or Cusco Tourist Ticket).
- A good Cusco guidebook.
Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico)
A Cusco Tourist Ticket or Boleto Turistico is a permit that you can buy to get free access to a number of sites in and around Cusco. The Boleto Turistico can be bought at the Oficina Ejecutiva del Comité (OFEC), which costs about 103 soles in Cusco. Here are the business hours for the OFEC:
- Mon-Fri - 8:00am to 5:30pm
- Sat - 8:30am to 12:30pm
Tickets cost 130 Soles for a 10-day pass or 70 Soles if you have a valid ISIC student card.
A valid Cusco tourist ticket gives you access to the following sites:
- Monastery of Saint Catherine of Cusco,
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museo Historico Regional
- Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha
- Museo de Arte Popular
- Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo Danzas Folklórico
- Monumento Pachacuteq
- Sacsayhuamán
- Qénqo
- Pukapukara
- Tambomachay
- Chinchero
- The ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Tipón and Pikillacta
A good guidebook
I highly recommend getting a good guidebook which will undoubtedly heighten your visiting experience in Cusco. There is nothing worse than walking around a city, local market or ancient ruin, and not having the faintest clue about the history or significance of the thing you are looking at.
For a really good general guidebook on Peru, you cannot beat the Lonely Planet Peru (Travel Guide), which offers a brilliant section on the entire Cusco region (including Machu Picchu). Alternatively, I would also recommend the Trailblazer Edition of The Inca Trail: Cusco & Machu Picchu guidebook.
Cusco Visitor Sights
Cusco city is steeped in rich history. The Killke civilisation occupied the region from 900AD to 1,200AD. The Incas took control in the 13th Century and made Cusco the capital of their Empire. When the Spanish arrived in 1533, they destroyed many of the Inca temples and buildings, using the foundations instead for some of the buildings you can see in the city today.
Here are the main historic sites that I recommend visiting in Cusco.
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the main square or historic centre in Cusco. It is the tourist hub of the city and a great starting point for visiting the main sites and other things to do in Cusco.
The Plaza is surrounded by a number of hotels, restaurants and shops which give it a very lively atmosphere, as well as some noteworthy cathedrals. Another interesting square is the Plaza de San Francisco, which is southwest of the historic centre.
Cusco Cathedral
Cusco Cathedral, aka Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco. It is located in the Plaza de Armas and was built in the early 1600s, with construction completed in 1654.
It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco. It is exceedingly pretty by night (see pic below). The architecture is Renaissance-styled, while the interior has baroque influences. There are elaborately carved wooden altars that are covered with gold leaves within the cathedral.
There is a lot of engraved silverworks in addition to an exquisite collection of paintings of which a number were originally done by masters. In contrast to most cathedrals, photography is not permitted in Cusco Cathedral, which is all-too proud of their art.
Top Tip: The Iglesia del Triunfo (Church of Triumph) and Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus) are adjacent to Cusco Cathedral and also worth visiting.
Qurikancha (aka Qorikancha)
Qurikancha (which means ‘enclosed place’ in Quechua) used to be the most important temple in the Incan Empire. The temple was dedicated to the Sun God (Inti) and was very ornately decorated with gold walls, floors and statues. When the Spanish discovered it, they were amazed by its opulence. Unfortunately, most of the temple gold was used to ‘pay’ the Spanish, who had placed a ransom on the life of the Incan Emperor, Atahualpa.
The Spanish eventually demolished Qurikancha and built the Church of Santo Domingo on its foundations. Today, one can still see the original Incan walls within the Church. There is a small charge to enter the church, which is situated close to the Plaza de Armas.
See more info about Qurikancha and the Museum of Saint Dominic Priory.
San Blas
One of the most unmissable things to do in Cusco is visiting the district of San Blas, a funky place with unique cafés and some of the most interesting shops in all of Peru.
San Blas is the artisanal centre of Cusco, where shop owners can be observed executing their craft. A custom-made piece makes for a fantabulous gift for a loved one or yourself, in case you needed an excuse.
Please Note: There are many slopes and stairs in San Blas, which might be tiring on your first day. If the walk is too strenuous, you can always take a taxi through San Blas.
Other Worthy Sites
Monastery of Saint Catherine of Cusco
the Monastery of Saint Catherine can be found at Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 401 (401 Santa Catalina Angosta Street). This monastery is located half a block's distance from the main square and regarded as the Historic Center of Cusco. Entrance tickets to the Monastery of Saint Catherine cost about 8 Soles; if you purchase a Boleto Turistico, you can visit the monastery for free. Here are the opening times for the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Cusco:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For more info on bookings, you can contact the monastery directly on +51 984914922 or visit their website.
Monumento Pachacuteq
Located down Avenue Sol, you will find an impressive 22m (72 feet) high Monumento Pachacuteq. This is a statue or monument of Inca Emperor Pachacuteq. You can visit the famous Incan monument by purchasing a Boleto Turistico.
Museums and Galleries
There are a number of things you can do in Cusco, like visiting some great museums and galleries. Here are the ones I highly recommend:
Museo de Arte Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Art Museum)
The Museo de Arte Precolombino is a fascinating museum that is well worth the visit. It boasts a great collection of pre-Columbian art. If you're travelling with children, they will love playing with adorable llamas in the garden.
Address: Plaza de las Nazarenas 231, Cusco (located just off the Plaza de Armas)
Opening times: Mon – Sun: 9:00 am to 22:00 pm
Entrance to the Museo de Arte Precolombino costs about 20 Soles for adults or 10 Soles for Students. Entrance is free for anyone with a Boleto Turistico.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art has an interesting showcase of contemporary Peruvian art and is well worth a visit.
Address: Municipal Palace, Cusipata Square. The Museum is located in the Historical Center of the town of Cusco and one block from the Central Square.
Opening times: Mon – Sat: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.
There is free entrance for this museum, which is another reason to take a closer look.
Museum of Sacred, Magical and Medicinal Plants
The Museum of Sacred, Magical and Medicinal Plants is well worth the visit. The history of plants used for medicinal purposes in Peru is super interesting!
Address: Santa Teresa 351, Cusco
Opening times: Mon – Sat: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
ChocoMuseo
The ChocoMuseo is definitely worth a visit if you have kids. It's a chocolate museum and a factory, yum! The ChocoMuseo offers 2-hour tours and workshops on how to make their delicious chocolate.
Address: Entrance Garcilaso street 210, Cusco (located two blocks from Plaza de Armas)
Opening times: Mon – Sun: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco
The Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco is an interesting and free museum showcasing the colourful local textiles of the Cusco region.
Address: Av El Sol 603, Cusco
Opening times: Mon – Sat: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Fractal Dragon Art Gallery
The Fractal Dragon Art Gallery has a wonderful display of local and Peruvian art, some of which is on sale. Visitors can enter the gallery for free.
Address: Calle Arequipa / Q’hapchik’jllu 159 & 175 (159 & 175 Arequipa / Q’hapchik’jllu Street). It is just 2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas and located on the walkway between Maruri and Santa Catalina streets.
Opening times: Mon – Sat: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Markets and Food
San Pedro Market
If you only do one thing in Cusco, make sure you go to San Pedro Market. This will be one of the most colourful, vibrant and eye-opening experiences of your life.
The market is segmented into various sections ranging from fresh food and produce (fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads ect) to local textile stores, juice stores and pop-up restaurants. As one of many things to do in Cusco, this not to be missed.
Food You Should Try at San Pedro Market
Cuy
Food is one of Cusco’s main attractions, as the array of national cuisines is one of the best of any South American city. Wouldn't you like to try some guinea pig, which is a local delicacy in Cusco?
Cuy (which is the sound a guineapig makes in the Quecha language) tastes like a cross between chicken and pork. It is a local delicacy that is usually the most expensive item on any menu.
Cuy is customarily served whole, so it will stare right back at you. You are expected to eat it with your hands – cutlery makes little impact. Cuy is the principal dish in the painting of the Last Supper found in the Cusco Cathedral.
Other notable foods include:
- Cuy Asado (Roast Guineapig)
- Pepián de Cuy (Guineapig stew)
- Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed hot peppers)
- Chiri Uchu (Cold chili)
- Choclo con Queso (Boiled fresh corn (maize) on the cob)
- Chicharrones (Fried Pork, Potatoes and Salad)
- Lechon (Roasted Pork)
- Cebiche (Shellfish and small pieces of raw fish, marinated in lemon juice and served with salad, potatoes or corn)
- K’apchi de zetas (A mushroom and green bean stew served with rice)
- Chairo (Lamb or beef soup)
Cuy Asado
Drinks You Should Try
Trying the local beverages should be at the top of your list of things to do in Cusco. One of my favourite drinks is Chicha morada – made from unfermented purple maize and boiled with pineapple and spices.
The Cusco region also offers a wide variety of local beverages.
Here are a few more you should definitely try:
Pisco Sour
“Pisco” is a Peruvian brandy made of white grapes. Cusco folk like to sour it up with some lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg whites.
Yellow Chicha
Yellow Chicha is an alcoholic drink inherited from Peru's Inca period. It’s made with dry yellow corn that is ground and boiled. Liquid from the boiling and grinding process is sifted in reed baskets of dry “ichu” (the local bunch grass) and then fermented for 3-days in ceramic jars
Frutillada
Frutillada is prepared similarly to Chicha above with the inclusion of strawberries which are added to give the drink a pink tinge and sweeter taste.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Chicha de Quinua or Kiwicha: An alcoholic drink prepared using quinua (aka quinoa) or kiwicha flowers.
- Chicha Morada: Another non-alcoholic refreshment made from boiling dry purple corn on the cob; lemon juice and sugar are added afterwards.
- Mate de Coca (Coca Tea): Coca leaves soaked in hot water to produce an infused tea. It is widely drunk by locals as a remedy for stomach pains, headaches, sleeplessness and altitude sickness.
Chicha morada - unfermented chicha made from purple maize and boiled with pineapple and spices
Nearby Inca Ruins
There are a number of notable Inca ruins within 30-60 minutes from Cusco. Here are a few below that I recommend you visit. You can easily rent a taxi to take you to these sites, which will cost you about US$5-20 to and from (depending on which site you visit). In fact, you can even walk to the first Inca ruin listed below.
Saqsaywaman
Saqsaywaman ruins, the image shows the classic Inca architectural style of rock on rock without mortar, known as ashlar
Saqsaywaman (aka Sasawaman, Saksawaman, Sasaywaman or Saksaq Waman), which means ‘satisfied falcon’ in Quechua, is an Incan complex situated just outside the northern end of Cusco city.
This is a great site to go have a picnic at, where you can enjoy a birds-eye view of Cusco while exploring the ruins. Saqsaywaman is situated higher than Cusco (3,700m / 12,139 feet) so make sure you are well acclimatised by then. Just behind the ruins are some rockslides and interesting tunnels that are great fun for kids!
You can walk to Saqsaywaman. From Plaza de Armas, it is straight up Plateros Street which soon becomes Saphi street. From here, it gets a little complicated, so ask locals to point you in the right direction.
Please Note: You should only walk to Saqsaywaman in a group. Also, don’t flash your expensive possessions around like cameras as muggings have been reported in this area.
There is a small charge to enter the ruins. Alternatively, you can enter the site for free if you present a Boleto Turistico at the entrance.
Pikillaqta
Pikillaqta, which literally means ‘flea place’ in Quechua (don’t worry, there are no fleas there), is a large Wari archeological site just 20km (12 miles) east of Cusco.
The Wari were a civilisation that once inhabited huge portions of South America, pre-dating the Incas by several centuries. The site is thought to have been used for ceremonies, like large feasts. Pikillaqta was founded in circa 500AD and abandoned in 1,200AD.
Tambomachy
Tambomachy (aka Tampu Mach’ay or Tampumach’ay), which means ‘guest house cave’, is an interesting ruin situated just north of Cusco on the route to Pisac. The exact purpose of the site is still unknown, but some think it may have been used as a spa given its extensive use of aqua-ducts and canals.
Moray
Moray (aka Muray) is a super interesting Incan site situated a little further outside of Cusco than the first three Inca sites (50km / 31 miles away) and located near the village of Maras. It is however, well worth the visit (and breaking a sweat).
Moray consists of large circular terraces that may have been used by the Incans to study the effects of weather or climate changes. The depth, design and orientation of the terraces means that temperatures can differ by 5°C (41°F) from top to bottom. While at Moray, you should also take the time to visit Maras Salt Pans (see more on this below).
Huchuy Qosco
Huchuy Qosco, which means ‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua, is another fascinating Incan site. However, it is not a day trip and does requires hiking.
The easiest way to reach Huchuy Qosqo is by driving from Cusco to the town of Lamay (which is 2 hours away), then hiking 3-4 hours up to the site. Alternatively, many tour operators offer 2D/1N hikes to Huchuy Qosco, including stops at Tambomachy and sometimes Moray.
Looking for a day tour? Here are my 5 favourite day tours around Cusco:
- Rainbow Mountain day trip (with meals)
- Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
- Sacred Valley day tour
- Humantay Lake day tour
- Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entrance tickets
See more Cusco day trips.
Hiking Trails
There are a number of wonderful trekking trails throughout the Cusco region. If you are interested in trekking, I recommend that you check out our alternative hiking trails to Machu Picchu or our hiking guide to Machu Picchu.
Also see our guide on hiking around Humantay Lake from Cusco.
Non-hiking Adventure Activities
Whitewater rafting and canoeing
The Cusco region has many rivers and great whitewater rafting opportunities. Upstream rapids near the Chuqicahuana or Cusipata sections of the Rio Urubamba/Vilcanota provide the best ‘nearby’ opportunities to raft. Depending on the season (Nov-April), rapids can get as big as Class 5.
Please Note: Do not be duped into rafting in the Sacred Valley near the towns of Ollantaytambo or Urubamaba as the water is severely polluted here.
If you are looking for a less adrenaline-filled rafting experience, then the Piñi Pampa section of the Rio Urubamba provides calmer rapids (Class 1 and 2). You can even paddle your own canoe here!
The ultimate rafting experience in the Cusco region is undoubtedly that offered on the Rio Apurimac – a source river to the Amazon. Rafting trips here usually last 3-4 days and include Class 3-5 rapids, incredible mountain scenery and deep canyons.
Rent a motorcycle
If you know how to ride a motorcycle, then renting a bike is one of the best ways to see Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Motorcycles can be rented in a few places across Cusco city, but the best place to rent motorcycles is Calle Plateros, which is just north of Plaza de Armas.
Here, you will find a few shops that will rent you a bike for the whole day between US$40-$US50. This rental includes:
- two helmets (if you are travelling with a partner)
- gloves
- sometimes a jacket
Most rental office don't usually check your license. If they do check, a driver's license should suffice.
Recommended Route: Head North out of Cusco on the road to Pisac. You can stop at Tambomachy and the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary (see more info further down). Pisac has a great local market. From here, continue to Urubamaba or Ollantaytambo for lunch, there are Inca sites along the way. When you're done exploring, head back using the route via Chinchero.
Mountain Bike Tours
Mountain biking tours are currently the craze in Peru. There are two popular routes outside Cusco:
- A one-day cycle across the Chinchero Plains where you get to visit Moray and Maras Salineras.
- The Inca Jungle Trek (a 4D/3N mountain biking / trekking route to Machu Picchu), via the town of Santa Maria and Santa Teresa).
Make sure to book with a reliable operator as there are a number of sharks out there!
Paragliding
Paragliding across Cusco is another growing tourist activity. Tours fly over the Sacred Valley, and some go even further into the Andes. If you are interested in doing a paragliding tour this detailed article on paragliding in Cusco will help you find a reliable operator.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) which occurs on the 28th of July
Festivals and Events
Festivals in Cusco are virtually unending, and if you are lucky enough to visit during one of these colourful celebrations, then I highly recommend attending.
Below is a handy calendar of Cusco festivals and events:
Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
El Señor de los Temblores | Late March / Early April | A colourful procession held on the Monday before Easter Friday. The festival is run in remembrance of the devastating Peruvian earthquake of 1650. |
Crucix Vigil | 2-3 May | A religious festival that is celebrated on the hillsides around the city. |
Cruz Velacuy / Fiesta de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses) | Early May | A Catholic event which entails the carrying of crosses around Cusco city and its nearby communities. |
Festival de la Cerveza Cusquena | May / June | An unmissable opportunity to see some top local Peruvian musicians perform at one of the leading music festivals in South America. |
Q’oyoriti | May / June | A festival which takes place near Ausangate and is a traditional Andean celebration. |
Corpus Christi | May / June | A series of religious events and processions inside Cusco’s cathedral, on the 9th Thursday following Easter. |
Qoyllor Ritt | Early June | Another festival at Ausangate, but an Inca / Christian combo event where participants carry blocks of ice over many miles. |
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) | 24 June | A re-enactment of Saqsaywaman’s Inca winter solstice festival. If you are lucky enough to be in Cusco on June 24th, then then prepare for the ultimate Cusco festival. The whole city and region celebrate the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) with street dancing and pageantry around the Koricancha Temple and the Plaza de Armas. |
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul | 29 June | A series of Catholic religious events celebrated across Peru. |
Virgin del Carmen | Mid-July | A dance and music festival held at Paucartambo town, which is 3-4 hours from Cusco. |
National Independence Days | 28-29 July | Another two big days to celebrate Peruvian independence from Spain. These events are held in Cusco and throughout Peru. |
Cusco Touristic Month | October | A month to celebrate tourism, so expect to see many events and small festivals in Cusco. |
Todos Santos (All Saints Day) | 1 November | A Catholic religious event and national Peruvian holiday. |
Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day) | 2 November | A day to celebrate family, living and dead. |
Fiesta de la Purisima Concepción (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) | 8 December | A lively Catholic festival in honour of the Virgin Mary. |
Santuranticuy Artisan Crafts Fair | 24 December | A wonderful arts and crafts fair held at the Plaza de Armas. |
Visit Machu Picchu
Most people come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu. The famous Inca city can be accessed either by train or by trekking. Booking well in advance for both train tickets and trekking tours is important.
Our article – How to get to Machu Picchu – shows you all the travel options you have at your disposal from Cusco.
Other Cool Things to Do in Cusco
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is an amazing rehabilitation centre for injured and abused animals. If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting this animal sanctuary. It has pumas, condors and vicunas.
Address: Located at Km 22 of the Cusco Route.
The impressive Salt Pans near Maras
Maras Salienes
Maras is a town in the Sacred Valley and 40km (25 miles) from Cusco. It is the location of the Maras salt pans which are well worth a visit. The town is located near Moray, so I recommend combining these visits.
Get a massage
There are a number of ladies in and around Plaza de Armas who hand out fliers for massages. These are generally legit and cost about US$5-6 for 1 hour!
Play Sapo and Drink Chicha
Sapo is a traditional bar game which involves throwing frichas (small coins) with a bronze toad attached (the sapo) into holes in a table. Points are scored by getting the coins into the holes. Chicha (a local beer, see drinks section above) is usually served while playing and I recommend befriending locals to help you get started on the game.
Watch a Football Match
Soccer fans should not overlook the football matches at the Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega stadium. It's a great chance to support Cusco’s home team, Cienciano.
Organika
Board and Lodging
Restaurants
There are hundreds of restaurants in Cusco.
For cheap and cheerful meals, I recommend checking out the following four restaurants:
- Creperia La Bo’M
- Organika
- Qucharitas
- Green Point (an all-vegan restaurant)
More expensive, but super good restaurants include:
- Le Soleil
- Qespi
- MAP Cafe
- Cicciolina
Where to stay? Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Cusco:
- Sonesta Hotel (great 4 star hotel)
- Antigua Casona San Blas
- El Mariscal Cusco (very good value)
- Hotel Paradis (good 3 star hotel)
- Quechua Hostal Recoleta (cheap and cheerful)
See more Cusco accommodation options.
Hotels and Hostels
Accommodation options in Cusco range from budget hostels all the way through to luxury 5-star hotels. Have a look at our Cusco Hotel and Hostel Guide to get a sense on where you would like to stay during your visit.
You might also want to check out our hotel and hostel guide for Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, and some of these luxury hotels in Cusco.
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Conclusion
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Tags: Things to do in Cusco, Things to do in Cusco Peru, What to see in Cusco, Best things to do in Cusco, Things to see in Cusco, Top things to do in Cusco
References: (1) Personal experience, (2) Trailblazer Guide, (3) TripAdvisor, (4) Lonely Planet, (5) Wikipedia