- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
Cusco is one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. As the former capital of the Inca Empire and home to the Machu Picchu ruins, Cusco offers a myriad of experiences for exploration and enjoyment, making it hard to choose where to start.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the must-see attractions and activities in Cusco. With sites like the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley, and the beautiful historic center of the city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is sure to leave you in awe. So, put on your comfortable shoes and let’s get started.
A visit to Peru isn’t complete without seeing the ruins of Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a remarkable site filled with history and culture, offering a glimpse into the pre-Columbian past of the Americas. Some must-visit spots include:
It’s essential to consider the time of year when booking tickets to Machu Picchu, as the peak season runs from June to August, during which the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the site is closed in February. Make sure to book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly, and there is a daily visitor limit.
Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is a stunning geological formation located in the Cusco region.
When you book a tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, you’ll witness the incredible array of vibrant colors, a result of different minerals like iron, copper, and sulfur in the rocks. It’s a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts.
The mountain sits at an altitude of about 5,200 meters above sea level. To reach the mountain, you’ll need to hike approximately 6 kilometers from the village of Pitumarca. The hike can be quite challenging due to the altitude and incline, so it’s recommended only if you’re accustomed to this type of physical activity.
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and Inca ruins, following a historic path through the Peruvian Andes that connects Cusco to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The hike along the Inca Trail typically takes between 4 and 5 days, so it’s important to be well-prepared with the right gear for the weather and the duration of the trip. It’s advisable to bring comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, enough food and water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
The only way to embark on this journey is with the assistance of an expert guide and after securing a reservation for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Remember to book in advance, as the number of permits is limited and the demand is high. Oh, and since Cusco is located at a high altitude, it’s wise to acclimatize before setting out on the Inca Trail.
Cusco is a city best explored on foot. Its streets exude the charm of bygone eras, and the warmth of its people will invite you to wander from one end of the city to the other. Without a doubt, one of the best areas to walk around is the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with numerous colonial buildings and plazas.
One of the must-see sites is Qorikancha, the main temple of the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest, it was converted into a church. Today, it serves as a museum where you can see Inca ruins alongside a wealth of colonial elements.
Next, you might want to visit the San Pedro Market to experience the daily life of the locals, sample some local flavors, and shop for souvenirs, as well as the San Blas neighborhood. But there’s no better way to see the city than on a guided tour of Cusco. You’ll discover all the most iconic spots in the Peruvian capital and its main highlights.
This is one of the most iconic places in the city. This beautiful square is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings and features a statue of Pachacútec at its center. You’ll quickly notice it’s one of the most touristy areas in the city due to the large number of people frequenting it at all hours.
From the square, you can see some of the city’s main tourist attractions, like the Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun, making it a good base to explore the nearby highlights. I recommend booking tickets for the Cusco Cathedral if you plan to visit and see the interior.
Strolling through the Plaza de Armas is a great way to soak in the city’s atmosphere and immerse yourself in its history and culture. Additionally, there are many nearby restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a drink or coffee before continuing your exploration.
The Sacred Valley is an absolutely magical place, home to numerous archaeological sites, indigenous villages, and spectacular landscapes.
With its blend of towering mountains, green valleys, and clear rivers, booking a tour through the Sacred Valley will leave you speechless. Additionally, the region enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. I recommend:
Cusco boasts a unique and flavorful cuisine that combines indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Don’t miss trying local dishes like cuy, anticuchos, ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or the incredible papas a la huancaína, among many others.
One way to get closer to Cusco’s food is by visiting its markets, like the San Pedro Market. But if you’re looking for a more private experience, I recommend taking a Peruvian cooking class.
You’ll learn in detail how to prepare the most delicious local dishes. There are many cooking schools in Cusco that offer classes to learn how to cook traditional Peruvian dishes, and the best part is that after your return, you’ll be able to recreate them at home.
One of the best ways to get around Cusco and locate the top areas is by taking a sightseeing bus. The Cusco sightseeing bus will take you through the main attractions of this beautiful Peruvian city, although it does not offer a Hop on-Hop off option. However, it includes a guide so you can learn about the history and background of each location as you go.
By booking the Cusco sightseeing bus, you’ll tour the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see important archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, and Qenqo, and even have the opportunity to visit the Cristo Blanco viewpoint.
Sacsayhuamán is an impressive Inca fortress located in the hills surrounding the city of Cusco. With its massive carved stones and walls up to 9 meters high, it’s a masterpiece of Inca engineering, constructed using enormous stone blocks, each weighing several tons.
It is believed to have served both military and religious purposes. The site is situated on a hill with views of Cusco, offering you a stunning panorama of the city and the surrounding mountains.
While you can explore it on your own and walk the stone paths among the ancient structures, it’s advisable to take a guided tour to learn more in-depth about its history.
