Ready to discover the best things to do in Cusco? Whether you want to see ancient ruins, adventurous hikes, or enjoy local culture, Cusco has something for you.
It can be hard to decide what to do first, but don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many travelers feel the same.
We are here to help! I know Cusco well and will guide you to the best spots. I’ll also give you tips to make the most of your trip.
Here’s your easy plan:
- Visit cool places like Plaza de Armas, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu
- Experience local culture in the San Blas neighborhood
- Relax and enjoy the views and fun activities
Start now by reading on. You’ll soon be ready to make your trip unforgettable!
- 1. Must-See in Cusco: Plaza de Armas
- 2. Must-See in Cusco: Bohemian San Blas Neighborhood
- 3. Must-See in Cusco: The Qoricancha Temple
- 4. Must-See in Cusco: The Rainbow Mountain
- 5. Must-See in Cusco: The Cathedral of Cusco
- 6. Must-See in Cusco: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- 7. Must-See in Cusco: Machu Picchu
- Best Things To Do in Cusco: A Recap
- FAQ
1. Must-See in Cusco: Plaza de Armas
About the Place: The Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco. It is located in the old part of the city and has been an important place since before the Spanish arrived in 1534.
A long time ago, the area was a swamp crossed by the Saphy River. The Inca Empire drained the swamp and made it the main gathering space for their people. Important ceremonies and celebrations took place there.
Since 1972, the Plaza has been protected as a Historic Monument of Peru. In 1983, UNESCO made it part of a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Reasons to Visit: The Plaza de Armas is full of history and life. One of the best things to do in Cusco is to visit the statue of Pachacuti, a famous leader of the Inca Empire, standing at the center of the square.
Today, it is still the center of life in Cusco. You can find restaurants, shops, travel agencies, and beautiful old churches like the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
The square is busy every day. It is one of the best places to enjoy the lively spirit of the city. A great idea is to plan a day trip to the Plaza. Sit at a restaurant with a balcony, sip a pisco sour, and watch the sunset over the historic buildings.
2. Must-See in Cusco: Bohemian San Blas Neighborhood
About the Place: San Blas is a neighborhood just east of the Plaza de Armas, located on the valley wall. If you walk east from the plaza, you’ll first find a tourist area with lots of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
But as soon as the streets start climbing steeply uphill, you’ll know you’ve entered San Blas.
The neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere. Here, you’ll find many artisan shops, cozy cafés, unique restaurants, and bars. The streets are peaceful, filled with street art, and the views only get better as you climb higher.
Reasons to Visit: Exploring San Blas is one of the best activities in Cusco. The area has a relaxed vibe and is loved by both locals and visitors. You’ll discover many vegetarian restaurants, art workshops, souvenir shops, and bars. The small square in the center is a great place to sit and enjoy a fresh beer.
The Church of San Blas is a must-see. From the outside, it seems simple, but inside, you’ll find an intricately designed Baroque wooden pulpit. There are many myths about its creation, and you can learn more with an audio guide.
For amazing views of the city, head to the San Blas viewpoint. You’ll get a great view of Cusco’s historic center, perfect for photos.
If you’re planning a day trip in Cusco, don’t miss San Blas. The charming neighborhood, art, and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit place in Peru.
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3. Must-See in Cusco: The Qoricancha Temple
About the Place: Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. This round stone temple was once covered in gold plates and featured large statues of corn and animals, as well as a huge Sun Disk.
The temple was dedicated to Inti, the Sun god, and was one of the most sacred places in the Inca world.
Reasons to Visit: Qoricancha is an important site to visit in Cusco because it was the center of religious life for the Incas. Even though the Spanish removed much of the gold and built their convent on top, the Inca foundations remain.
Some parts of the original Inca structures are still almost fully intact, including the altar dedicated to the Sun god.
To visit, walk along Av. Sol in a north-to-south direction from the Plaza de Armas. You will arrive at the Qoricancha complex, also known as the Convent of Santo Domingo. The combination of Inca and Spanish architecture makes this a unique and interesting place to explore.
4. Must-See in Cusco: The Rainbow Mountain
About the Place: Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a colorful mountain located in the Peruvian Andes. It became famous after the snow that covered it melted in the mid-2010s, revealing vibrant colors in the mountain’s mineral layers.
These colors range from red, pink, and orange to green and yellow. The mountain is in the district of Pitumarca, which is part of the Canchis province in Cusco, Peru.
Reasons to Visit: Rainbow Mountain is one of the top day trips from Cusco. While the colors may not be as bright as some pictures show, the views are still stunning. The trip to Rainbow Mountain takes a full day to reach the top. It’s a popular spot, so expect to see many other visitors.
Rainbow Mountain is very high at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), so it’s important to make sure you’re properly acclimatized before visiting to avoid altitude sickness.
To get there, you’ll need to take a 3-hour bus ride from Cusco to Pitumarca. From there, you’ll begin a 3-hour hike to the summit, where you can take in the amazing views of the colorful mountain.
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5. Must-See in Cusco: The Cathedral of Cusco
About the Place: The Cathedral of Cusco is one of the top attractions to visit in the city. The Spanish built it on the palace of Inca Wiracocha, using stones from Sacsayhuaman.
The Cathedral is located on the eastern side of Plaza de Armas. It has three parts: Iglesia de Triunfo, the main Cathedral, and Sagrada Familia chapel.
Reasons to Visit: The Cathedral has two styles. The outside is in Renaissance style, and the inside is Baroque. There are 24 large arches and over 400 paintings from the Cusco School. One famous painting shows Jesus and his disciples eating guinea pig during the Last Supper.
Another important painting shows locals carrying a statue of Jesus after a big earthquake in 1650. This is the oldest painting in Cusco.
The Cathedral took over 100 years to build, from 1559 to 1669. It was built over an old Inca temple to replace the old religion with Catholicism. Today, it’s also an art museum, showing the history of Cusco during colonial times.
6. Must-See in Cusco: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
About the Place: The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the best historic places to visit, located just outside of Cusco, about 73 kilometers away. It’s famous for its fertile land, warm weather, and the clear Vilcanota River.
The Incas called it “Sacred” because of its rich soil, making it perfect for farming. Today, it’s one of the top tourist spots.
Reasons to Visit: The Sacred Valley is rich in history. Before the Incas, ancient civilizations like the Chanapata, Qotacalla, and Killke lived there. It later became part of the Inca Empire. The valley stretches from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and is watered by the Urubamba River.
One of the biggest attractions in the valley is Machu Picchu, which draws millions of visitors each year. The Sacred Valley also has other important historical sites, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Inca history and culture.
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7. Must-See in Cusco: Machu Picchu
About the Place: Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is an old Inca city located in Cusco, Peru. The Inca people built it a long time ago, and the Spanish never found it. This allowed the city to stay safe and unchanged over time. Today, it is a top place for visitors to explore.
Reasons to Visit: Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. It has a lot of history and beautiful views. The ancient buildings and structures show how smart the Inca people were.
It’s one of the best things to do in Cusco, and it gives you a chance to explore the rich culture and amazing architecture of the Inca Empire.
If possible, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes or hike the Inca Trail to get there early, before the crowds. If you’re on a day trip, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes and a bus to Machu Picchu, but expect many other tourists to be there.
Best Things To Do in Cusco: A Recap
Cusco offers a great mix of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, hiking the Sacred Valley, or visiting Machu Picchu, there are many ways to experience the beauty and traditions of this historic city.
The best things to do in Cusco let you enjoy the rich past of the Inca Empire and the vibrant culture around it.
From walking through the city’s cobbled streets to visiting important archaeological sites, Cusco has something for everyone. Whether you love history, want to try something new, or just relax, Cusco will give you unforgettable experiences.