Best activities to do in Cusco

Cusco stands out as a highly sought-after tourist spot in South America, celebrated for its extensive history, lively culture, and stunning natural landscapes. As the former heart of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco presents a wealth of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment, making it a challenge to decide where to begin your adventure.

Within this article, I will lead you through the essential sights and activities that Cusco has to offer. Featuring destinations such as the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley, and the remarkably beautiful historic center of the city, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Cusco is guaranteed to inspire awe. So, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes, and let’s embark on this journey.

Panoramic view of Cusco, Peru

Table of Contents

Discover the Unique Ruins of Machu Picchu

A trip to Peru is incomplete without experiencing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an extraordinary location brimming with historical and cultural significance, providing insight into the pre-Columbian heritage of the Americas. Key places to visit include:

The Temple of the Sun: Regarded as one of the most important temples in Machu Picchu, demonstrating the Incas’ impressive architectural skills. It was constructed for sun worship and offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Intihuatana: A mysterious monument utilized by the Incas to track the sun’s movement and the changing of the seasons. It also provides breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley.
The Inca Bridge: A well-known attraction within Machu Picchu, situated on a cliff face 30 meters above the ground.
The Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum: Located near the entrance of Machu Picchu, this museum offers comprehensive details about the region’s history and culture.
The Handicraft Market: If you’re interested in purchasing a souvenir from Machu Picchu, the handicraft market is the perfect place to explore.

Machu Picchu ruins, Peru

It’s crucial to take into account the time of year when planning your visit to Machu Picchu, as the peak tourist season spans from June to August, a period when the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the site is closed to visitors in February. Ensure you make your reservations well in advance, as tickets are in high demand and there is a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed.

Experience the Vibrant Colors of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is an incredible geological wonder situated in the Cusco region.

When you book a tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, you’ll be amazed by the stunning display of vivid colors, a natural phenomenon resulting from various minerals such as iron, copper, and sulfur present in the rock formations. It’s an ideal destination for those passionate about photography.

The mountain reaches an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. To get there, you’ll need to undertake a hike of about 6 kilometers from the village of Pitumarca. The trek can be quite demanding due to the high altitude and steep inclines, so it’s generally recommended for individuals who are comfortable with this level of physical exertion.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Peru

Embark on the Inca Trail Trek

The Inca Trail is recognized as one of the most renowned hiking trails globally. It presents breathtaking panoramas of mountains, forests, and Inca archaeological sites, following an ancient route through the Peruvian Andes that connects Cusco with the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Hiking the Inca Trail typically requires between 4 and 5 days, making it essential to be adequately prepared with the appropriate gear for the varying weather conditions and the duration of the journey. It’s advisable to pack comfortable clothing, durable hiking boots, a sleeping bag, sufficient food and water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

The only way to experience this adventure is by engaging the services of a knowledgeable guide and having secured a permit for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Remember to make your booking well in advance, as the number of permits available is limited and demand is high. Also, given Cusco’s high altitude, it’s wise to allow yourself time to acclimatize before beginning your trek on the Inca Trail.

Hikers on the Inca Trail, Peru

Wander Through Cusco’s Historical Downtown

Cusco is a city best appreciated by walking its streets. The city’s pathways radiate the charm of past eras, and the friendliness of its inhabitants will encourage you to explore every corner. Without a doubt, one of the finest areas to explore on foot is the historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features numerous colonial-era buildings and plazas.

A must-see location is Qorikancha, the principal temple of the Inca Empire. Following the Spanish conquest, it was transformed into a church. Today, it functions as a museum where you can observe Inca ruins alongside a wealth of colonial architectural elements.

Following this, you might consider visiting the San Pedro Market to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local people, sample regional flavors, and shop for souvenirs, as well as exploring the San Blas neighborhood. However, there’s perhaps no better way to truly see the city than by taking a guided tour of Cusco. You’ll uncover all the most iconic locations in the Peruvian capital and its main attractions.

Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru at night

Pay a Visit to the Plaza de Armas

This is one of the most recognizable and central locations in the city. This beautiful square is surrounded by impressive colonial architecture and features a statue of the Inca ruler Pachacútec at its center. You’ll quickly notice that it’s one of the most popular tourist areas in the city due to the constant flow of people at all times of the day.

From the square, you can view some of the city’s primary tourist landmarks, such as the Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby highlights. I recommend purchasing tickets for the Cusco Cathedral if you plan to go inside and see its interior.

Taking a leisurely walk through the Plaza de Armas is a wonderful way to absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Additionally, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a beverage or a coffee before continuing your explorations.

Cusco Cathedral at Plaza de Armas, Peru

Discover the Wonders of the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is an absolutely enchanting region, home to numerous ancient archaeological sites, traditional indigenous villages, and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

With its combination of towering mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers, booking a tour through the Sacred Valley is an experience that will leave you in awe. Furthermore, the region enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). I suggest:

Taking a day excursion from Cusco with a knowledgeable local guide to gain deeper insights into the incredible Inca culture.
Visiting the Pisac archaeological complex, which includes an impressive array of agricultural terraces and ceremonial structures built by the Incas.
Exploring the Ollantaytambo fortress, a complex of stone constructions and terraces that served as an important administrative center during the Inca Empire.

Agricultural terraces in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Indulge in the Delightful Peruvian Cuisine

Cusco boasts a distinctive and flavorful culinary tradition that blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Be sure to sample local specialties such as cuy (guinea pig), anticuchos (skewered meats), ceviche (fish marinated in citrus), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), ají de gallina (spicy chicken stew), or the wonderful papas a la huancaína (potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce), among many other delicious options.

One way to get more acquainted with Cusco’s food culture is by visiting its local markets, such as the San Pedro Market. However, if you’re seeking a more personalized experience, I recommend participating in a Peruvian cooking class.

You’ll learn in detail how to prepare some of the most delicious regional dishes. There are numerous cooking schools in Cusco that offer lessons on how to cook traditional Peruvian meals, and the best part is that once you return home, you’ll be able to recreate these flavors in your own kitchen.

Explore Cusco via a Sightseeing Bus Tour

One of the most convenient ways to navigate Cusco and identify key areas of interest is by taking a sightseeing bus tour. The Cusco sightseeing bus will guide you through the main attractions of this beautiful Peruvian city, although it typically operates on a fixed route rather than a hop-on-hop-off basis. However, these tours usually include a guide who can provide historical information and context for each location you visit.

By booking a Cusco sightseeing bus tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as significant archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, and Qenqo, and you might even get the chance to visit the Cristo Blanco viewpoint overlooking the city.

Marvel at the Views from Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca fortress situated in the hills surrounding the city of Cusco. Featuring massive, intricately carved stones and walls reaching up to 9 meters in height, it stands as a masterpiece of Inca engineering, constructed using enormous stone blocks, some weighing several tons each.

It is believed that Sacsayhuamán served both military and religious purposes. The site is strategically located on a hill that offers panoramic views of Cusco, providing you with a stunning vista of the city and the surrounding mountain landscape.

While you are welcome to explore the site independently and walk along the ancient stone pathways among the ruins, it is highly recommended to join a guided tour to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its rich history and significance.

Stones at Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Peru

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