Things to do in Cusco City

If you're planning to explore the city, there’s a lot you can see just by walking around. You can follow your own route or join a city tour—whatever fits your pace. Most Cusco attractions are close to each other, so it's easy to visit several in one day:

1. Free walk in the Cusco Main Square

Cusco’s Main Square, or Plaza de Armas, is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to start your visit. Here, you’ll find the Cathedral, the Church of the Triumph, the Compañía de Jesús Church, and other impressive colonial buildings that still preserve Inca stone foundations. If you’ve just arrived, this is likely the first place you’ll come across and one of the top things to see in Cusco.

2. Marvel at the Cusco Cathedral

If you’re walking around the center, make sure to stop by the Cusco Cathedral. It’s the main church in town and also a World Heritage Site. The entire building was built in 1560, and it took nearly a century to finish. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of colonial art in the city, along with some frescoes and the famous scene of the Last Supper. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm, and you can get your ticket just outside, near the entrance.

3. Explore Hatun Rumiyoc Street

It is located in the San Blas neighborhood, just a few minutes away from the Main Square.  This street is famous for the twelve-angled stone, a perfect piece carved in diorite stone, which is part of the wall of an ancient Inca Palace. If you take a walking tour, this is a great spot to learn about the Incas.

4. Visit the the beautiful Qoricancha Temple

This was the most important religious site in the Inca Empire. Its original name in Quechua is Intikancha or Intiwasi (Temple of the Sun). In fact, most of the Inca buildings were destroyed and used as the foundations for the Santo Domingo Monastery and the church, which was built in 1650. This is a must-see attraction when you are wondering what to visit in Cusco!

5. Buy local products at the San Pedro Market

If you are looking for what to do in Cusco after the historical sites, this is the place. San Pedro Market was built by the famous French Gustave Eiffel, yes the same that designed the tower. It is located within a 10-minute walk from the Main Square of Cusco. Once you enter, you will hear its characteristic noise, notice the colorful products, and get a first look at all the local food you can taste.

We suggest visiting the San Pedro Market between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. It is also recommended to try the local dishes after your acclimatization or after your tours outside Cusco because the meals can be different from what you are used to.

You will find everything you can think of in San Pedro. From alpaca meat to local food and souvenirs. We recommend buying exotic fruit, fresh juice, Cuzquenian bread called "Chuta," and cheese.

Best things to do around Cusco

If you want to make the most out of your time, make sure to tour the famous 4 ruins through the archaeological sites outside the city. They’re not too far, but you’ll need to book a full-day tour to enjoy to the fullest. Here are the best things to do around Cusco:

1. Walk the gigantic Sacsayhuaman Fortress

The Incas built this fortress in the 15th century, after the reign of the Inca Pachacuti. Sacasayhuaman means satisfied hawk in Quechua. It is located above Cusco City, after a 20-minute drive from the center, and is considered one of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world.

The fortress is characterized by its enormous stone walls. It is believed that more than 20,000 people mined these stones (up to 125 tons) from quarries 20 kilometers away. After, they transported them through the mountains. If you're making a list of stuff to do in Cusco, this site should definitely be included.

2. Relax at Qenqo ruins and forest

Qenqo means "Labyrinth" in the Inca language and is located just a short distance from Sacsayhuaman. At this site, you can discover Inca buildings, such as the Intihuatana, an ancient astronomical clock, and even underground tunnels. It is believed that Qenqo was used as a place to connect with the world of the dead.

3. Explore Tambomachay and Puca Pucara ruins

Just outside Cusco, you’ll find two fascinating stops worth adding to your itinerary. First up is Tambomachay, a peaceful spot known for its intricate water channels. The Incas are believed to have used this place to worship water and maybe even as a resting spot for nobility.

Right next door is Puca Pucara, which translates to “Red Fort.” This site was built with massive stone walls, staircases, and terraces, and it likely served as a military checkpoint to guard the southern entrance to Cusco. The views from up there are also a nice bonus!

Best things to do outside Cusco City

You will have to make short trips outside the city to get to these places, but they are totally worth it!

1. Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca is one of the most popular day hikes in Cusco. Generally, you will depart very early from the city, see the Andean landscapes, and finally reach this colorful mountain located above 5000 masl. In recent years, Rainbow Mountain has become one of the top things to see in Cusco, Peru.

2. Hike to Humantay Lake

The elevation of Humantay Lake is 4,200 meters or 13,780 ft. This beautiful nature destination is the second most popular short hike in Cusco and is also part of the Salkantay Trek. If you’re up for a trek, this is definitely a great bonus to your Cusco itinerary, either on a full-day trip or by taking the full trail.

3. Visit the less-crowded Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is gaining recent popularity. It is an alternative to Vinicunca for those who prefer less crowded places and less demanding hikes. It is located near the Ausangate and takes about 45 min. on foot from the nearest village. It’s much easier than Rainbow Mountain, and it’s perfect for those great photos on Instagram.

4. Cross the incredible Q'eswachaka bridge

This is the last hanging Inca Bridge built over the Apurimac River. Q’eswachaka is located three hours from Cusco City in the Quehue district, Canas province. This bridge is very famous because it is maintained and renewed every year in a traditional ceremony. The surrounding communities organize 4 days of work in which women and men are involved in rebuilding the Inca Bridge. If you are passionate about Inca traditions, this is one of the best things to do in Cusco.

5. Take a short trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

This is one of the most famous tours in Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is full of charming communities that maintain their traditions to date. Save time and visit Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Maras-Moray in a classic one-day tour by bus. Once there, take short walks around the cities, iconic traditional markets, and archaeological sites.

›› Check out our Sacred Valley Full-Day Tour

6. Reach Tipon and its surroundings

Tipon is a large Inca archaeological site located one hour from Cusco. The site's buildings and terraces boast an impressive system of water channels fed by huge fountains from natural springs. If you decide to visit Tipon, you will find other interesting places on the route and have the chance to try the traditional guinea pig.

7. Pikillaqta: the largest pre-Inca city in Cusco

This site is interesting because it is not from the Incas. This amazing city was built by the Wari culture, one of the most ancient empires widely expanded in Peru. The remains of their civilization include the ruins of buildings, squares, and an underground water supply.

Best multiday tours in Cusco

Since Cusco is full of tourist attractions, you may consider staying longer to take advantage of the best multi-day tours the city has to offer! Equally important, remember that booking a trip through an authorized travel company will guarantee the greatest experience for you.

1. Classic Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most amazing hikes in the world. It combines history, nature, and physical challenges with a rewarding feeling of achievement. Moreover, the Inca Trail passes through the Andes to the subtropical cloud forest to finally reach Machu Picchu, the World Heritage Site. This is a challenging tour that you should do at least once if you’re looking for stuff to do in Cusco.

2. Salkantay Trek

This is the second most popular hike in Peru. The Salkantay Trek is famous for being a more challenging hike to Machu Picchu. It includes the views of fantastic Mountains, glaciers, and the cloud forest. Some tour agencies also offer unique experiences during the camping days; get to know all about the traditional Peruvian barbeque in Salkantay here!

3. Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is the preferred hike for those who love solitude, pristine nature, llamas, alpacas, glacier lakes, and the chance to interact with locals. This hike is also challenging but offers a unique journey in which you will reach Machu Picchu at the end.

4. Short Inca Trail

Maybe you are interested in the Inca Trail but don’t have enough time, or the tickets are sold out for the Classic 4-day trek. Lucky for you, there is a perfect alternative in these cases! The Short Inca Trail is a 7-hour hike to enjoy the first sight of the marvelous Machu Picchu at the Intipunku. We recommend the short Inca Trail if you want to get those epic photos and views of the Andes.

5. Huchuy Qosqo

This is one of the most significant routes in Cusco. Huchuy Qosqo is located above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will enjoy stunning scenery in a unique trekking experience through this valley. After visiting it and camping in beautiful key sites, you will continue your journey to Machu Picchu.

6. Choquequirao Trek

This ancient Inca Site is gaining recent popularity. Choquequirao is known for resembling Machu Picchu and its remote location. Besides, it receives at least 10 thousand visitors every year. Trekking is the way to access this site, and you can go camping and enjoy a unique, less crowded attraction.

7. Inca Jungle

This is the best tour for sports enthusiasts. The Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu includes Biking, Rafting, Hiking, Zip-lining, and a visit to Machu Picchu. Initially, you will start in Cusco and go through the subtropical forest in the Santa Teresa district to finally reach the ancient Inca Site at the end of your adventure.

Now you know what to visit in Cusco, we’re sure that you’ll have plenty of exciting plans to add to your trip. No matter which adventure you choose, we hope your time here is unforgettable. This region of Peru truly has so much to offer and has always been a must-stop for travelers exploring the country.

Save this guide for later—and don’t forget to share your experience or let us know your favorite things to do in Cusco in the comments!

Destinations and tours you can book with us:

• Machu Picchu Tours
• Choquequirao Tours
• Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu
• Lares Trek Tours