Top Things to do in Cusco, Peru: The Best Attractions

Nestled in the Andes mountains is the town of Cusco (or Cuzco), a popular base for most visitors coming to Peru. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is positioned perfectly for exploring some of the best things to do in the country. Whether you stay for one day or one week, the city boasts Inca sites, colonial architecture and plazas, delicious Peruvian cuisine and local markets. There is also an abundance of day trips and tours to must-see places like the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu. So read on to start planning the perfect trip. 

How many days to spend in Cusco?

If you’re not used to it, visitors are advised to spend a minimum of one to two days in Cusco to give the body time to adapt to the high altitude. The city sits at 11,152 ft (3,399m) above sea level, and the risk of altitude sickness is one to take seriously. But, due to its proximity to famous sites, the Cusco region is also the perfect place to stay, making it a great combination. The length of trip you’re doing will naturally determine how long you spend here. I recommend making a list of all the sights you want to see and do, then work out timings if possible. 

Combating Altitude Sickness

Thankfully there are ways to combat altitude sickness, such as taking it easy when you first arrive, chewing on or drinking coca leaves, avoiding alcohol and staying hydrated. Most hotels, and our vacation rental, offered oxygen canisters for use too. I had a headache and shortness of breath the day we arrived. Others had ringing in their ears, dizziness and general fatigue, but by the next day, we were all good! Thankfully there are plenty of things to do in Cusco while you adjust. 

Things to do in Cusco

Boleto Turistico del Cusco (Cusco Tourist Ticket)

One of the first things I recommend is buying a tourist ticket. These tickets allow access to 16 of the most popular attractions in Cusco, including the surrounding area, notably the Sacred Valley of the Incas.   

You can only buy them once you reach Cusco, no online sales. You can purchase at tourist offices and any site on the ticket (except for the Museum of Contemporary Art and Monument of Pachacutec). We bought ours at the first place we visited, Sacsayhuamán. There are a few ticket combinations, but all 16 sites will cost 130 soles (approx. 35USD) and are valid for ten days.  

Plaza de Armas – Historical Centre

The historical district of Cusco is a thriving area of the city, with many must-see attractions. The beating colonial centre is the Plaza de Armas, with the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía also facing into the square. Due to the historical blend of Inca and Spanish heritage, the area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The sights highlighted below are also in this area. Tip: Sign up for a free walking tour to learn more.

Visit the Inca Empire Ruins

Located in the city are two must-see Inca ruin sites: Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha.  

Sacsayhuamán is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Located on the northern outskirts of Cusco, walk up the hill to explore the Inca fortress complex. Its position on the hilltop also offers sweeping views of Cusco below. 

Qorikancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Located in the heart of the city, Qorikancha was once the Temple of the Sun. The Spanish conquistadors destroyed most of it and built the Santo Domingo Convent on top of it. It is a perfect example of the blend of colonial and Inca architecture around the region. 

Enjoy Sweeping Views  

There is no shortage of sweeping viewpoints in Cusco, but two stand out the most: Cristo Blanco (White Christ) and the Mirador de Plaza Sán Cristobal. Both are close to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Cristo Blanco is also visible high up on the hill if you’re standing in the Plaza de Armas.

San Pedro Market

A short walk from the Plaza de Armas is the popular San Pedro Market. It’s a local market split into sections that sells everything from butchered meats, cheeses, bread, clothing and desserts. If you want some budget-friendly local food or to try the fresh fruit juices and smoothies, this is your place. Local guides also provide tours of the market and cooking classes for a more immersive experience.  

San Blas Neighbourhood

Stroll through the steep, narrow cobbled streets in this artsy colonial district for souvenirs, restaurants and bars with stunning views. The famous twelve-angled stone, an archaeological artefact embedded on an ancient wall (now the Palace of the Archbishop), can also be seen in the San Blas neighbourhood. The stone was engineered to fit perfectly into the wall and is an example of sophisticated Inca ingenuity. 

Peruvian Cuisine

Peruvian food is world-renowned, and Cusco has no shortage of great restaurants and bars to sample some regional dishes. Ceviche is the national dish, marinated raw fish, typically enjoyed alongside a Pisco Sour cocktail. The ceviche in Cusco tends to feature trout, the area is landlocked, so the fish differs from coastal regions like Lima. For meat lovers, alpaca steaks or burgers regularly feature on menus alongside guinea pig (cuy). For vegetarians trying out any quinoa or potato-based dishes is a great way to sample Peruvian cuisine.

These were some of the standout places we ate at, ranging from pricey to budget: Organika Cusco, Yaku Restaurant and Native Burgers & Salads. Republica Del Pisco is a resto-bar serving up amazing pisco-based cocktails, food, live music and an all-around fun time. 

The Chocolate Museum and chocolate-making classes were on my list of things to do while in Cusco, but unfortunately, time wasn’t on my side.

Shopping

Cusco offers a range of shopping experiences from grabbing essentials, buying souvenirs or stocking up on any hiking gear you might need. There are various types of stores too, including brand names, boutiques and local markets.

Get a Massage

Throughout the city, there are many women outside spas offering massages. They’re a great way to recover after a long day of hiking or multiple days of exploring. You’ll pay much less for a similar treatment compared to the US or UK. An enjoyable treat.

Day Trips & Tours from Cusco

A lot of tours are booked as day trips from Cusco or while visitors make their way to and from Machu Picchu. If you are short on time or travelling as a group, hiring a private driver to stop at specific areas is worth considering. Travelling by Colectivo, public minibuses following set routes, offers a budget-friendly option to get around the region.

For more detailed information about my recommendations check out my Day Trips & Tours from Cusco guide or area specific guides (linked below). They feature the most popular day trips and how to explore them: 

• Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Moray & Maras Salt Mines
• Pisac Market & Ruins
• Ollantaytambo Ruins & Markets
• Rainbow Mountains
• Humantay Lake
• Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Generally, the main reason most visitors are in Cusco is to reach Machu Picchu. One of the easiest ways is by taking the train up to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. Inca Rail and Peru Rail are two companies offering this service. Several train types include entertainment, food and a glass roof to make the most of the stunning view.  

We chose to board the train in Ollantaytambo and made the scenic journey up to Machu Picchu in 1.5 hours. We set off early from Cusco and spent the day exploring sights in both Pisac and Ollantaytambo before boarding the train. Another option is to hike on the famous Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu. There are trek options that take anywhere from 1 day to 4 days to complete.  

When to go and what to wear?

As Cusco is in the mountains, the temperature can vary greatly between daytime and night-time. How much depends on what time of the year you plan to visit. The seasons are split: the dry season from May to October and the rainy season from November to April. But the average daytime temperatures hover around 18°C (65°F) year-round.  

The most popular time to visit Cusco is between June and October. We went in April, and it was warm and sunny during the day and much cooler in the evenings and early morning. Wearing layers to take off or put on is the perfect combination. April is also in the shoulder season, just before the crowds start. 

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide has inspired you to discover cool things to do in Cusco on your next visit. If you’ve visited, would you add anything else to the list? Let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram. 

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