Cusco in 30 Seconds

The 20 best things to do in Cusco

You can visit all of these Cusco attractions on a City Tour or plan your own route. Whether you explore on foot or by transportation, these are places you should not miss during a trip to Peru.

1. Walk Around the Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is a great place to begin your first walk through the historic center. Around the square, you will find Cusco Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, colonial arcades, restaurants, and streets leading to San Blas and Coricancha. Located right in the heart of the city, it is one of Peru’s most impressive main squares. On Sundays, local residents often gather here to watch parades or traditional dances held for the many celebrations that take place throughout the year.

• Recommended time: 30–60 minutes
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from the center: The city’s main reference point
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon

2. Visit Cusco Cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, commonly known as Cusco Cathedral, is the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco. Construction took 96 years, beginning in 1560 and ending in 1654. Its overall layout follows the Renaissance style, with subtle Baroque details in its columns and decorations, while the interior is a remarkable museum of colonial art. Its paintings belong to the renowned Andean artistic tradition known as the Cusco School, which blends Catholic imagery with Andean landscapes in a style found nowhere else in the world.

• Recommended time: 30–60 minutes
• Admission: 40 soles for adults and 20 soles for international students with a valid student ID
• Distance from the center: Plaza de Armas
• Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to avoid the largest crowds

3. See the Twelve-Angled Stone

This remarkable Inca stone is located on Hatunrumiyoc Street, one block northeast of the Plaza de Armas. It forms part of the eastern wall of the former Inca Roca Palace and is famous for its 12 precisely carved angles. Its perfect fit within the surrounding Inca wall is a fine example of skilled stonework. When you arrive, you may see a man dressed as an Inca standing nearby, ready to pose with you and make your photo even more memorable. Bring a few soles for a tip.

• Recommended time: 20 minutes
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from the center: One block northeast of the Plaza de Armas
• Best time to visit: Between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

4. Explore the Beautiful Coricancha

This was the most important ceremonial site in the Inca Empire. Its original Quechua name was Intikancha or Intiwasi, meaning the Temple of the Sun, while its current name, Coricancha, means Temple of Gold. Like many Inca structures, the complex was reused as the foundation for the Santo Domingo Monastery and its church, which was built in 1650. Even so, several original Inca rooms can still be seen inside the monastery.

• Recommended time: 30–60 minutes
• Admission: 15 soles for adults and 8 soles for international students with a valid student ID
• Distance from the center: Three blocks south of the Plaza de Armas
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays and public holidays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to avoid the largest crowds

5. Shop at San Pedro Market

If you are interested in local traditions and looking for things to do in Cusco before or after visiting the city’s main sights, this is the perfect place. The traditional San Pedro Market was the first market in the city and was built in 1922 following plans by architect José Allio and engineer Teodoro Elmore. As you enter, you will hear the lively calls of vendors selling fruit, prepared food, meat, and many other products. You will also see colorful displays and get your first taste of the local food you can try during your stay.

San Pedro has almost everything you can imagine, from alpaca meat and local dishes to handmade souvenirs. We recommend trying exotic fruits, fresh juices, traditional Cusco chuta bread, and the many local varieties of cheese.

• Recommended time: 30–45 minutes
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from the center: Six blocks southwest of the Plaza de Armas, about a 10-minute walk
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays and public holidays from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: Between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

›› If you travel in June, do not miss the Cusco festivals.

6. Take Photos at the Sapantiana Aqueduct

Visiting the Sapantiana Aqueduct is a great choice for travelers deciding what to see in Cusco. This hidden piece of Spanish colonial architecture stands out for its stone arches over the P'ujru stream and makes a beautiful setting for photos. The Jesuits promoted its construction between the 17th and 18th centuries to carry water into the city. Its builders adapted European hydraulic knowledge to channel the stream, using stones taken from an earlier Inca huaca at the site.

• Recommended time: 15–30 minutes
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from the center: Approximately 800 m, or five blocks north of the Plaza de Armas
• Best time to visit: Between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for good natural light and fewer crowds

7. Explore Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay

The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park includes the Inca sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Sacsayhuaman was a fortress built by the Incas in the 15th century during the rule of Inca Pachacutec. In Quechua, Sacsayhuaman means “Satisfied Falcon.” It is considered one of the world’s most impressive ancient structures because of the massive stone blocks fitted perfectly into its walls. It is believed that more than 20,000 people worked to quarry and move the stones, some weighing up to 125 tons, from sites located as far as 20 km away.

Qenqo means “labyrinth” in the language of the Incas. This enormous carved stone site is about a 20-minute walk east of Sacsayhuaman. Here you will find an Intihuatana, often described as an ancient Inca astronomical marker, as well as underground passages where the Incas are believed to have carried out ceremonial animal offerings. Qenqo was therefore considered a sacred place connected with the world of the dead.

Puca Pucara was an important Inca military and administrative post made up of stone walls, terraces, and stairways. Thanks to its strategic location, about a 90-minute walk north of Sacsayhuaman, it is thought to have helped control access to Cusco from the Antisuyo region.

Tambomachay, meanwhile, is one of Cusco’s most important religious sites. This remarkable place is known for its many water channels, which suggests it was used for water ceremonies and possibly as a resting place for Inca rulers.

• Recommended time: 2–4 hours
• Admission: Ticket required; included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
• Distance from the center: Approximately 2 km; 15–20 minutes by car or a 30–40-minute uphill walk north from the Plaza de Armas
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Best time to visit: Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., or after 3:00 p.m., for pleasant light, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds

8. Enjoy the View from Cristo Blanco

Cristo Blanco is a viewpoint you should not miss. Travelers searching for “places to visit Cusco” should add it to their route. This striking 8-meter statue was donated to the city in 1945 by Cusco’s Arab-Palestinian community as a gesture of gratitude for the warm welcome they received after World War II. The visit is well worth it because the viewpoint offers a sweeping view over Cusco’s historic center, its red-tiled roofs, and the surrounding mountains.

• Recommended time: 20–30 minutes
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from the center: Approximately 2 km from the Plaza de Armas, around 10 minutes by car or a 25–30-minute uphill walk
• Visiting hours: Open 24 hours
• Best time to visit: At sunset for golden-hour views, or after dark to see the city lights

9. Escape to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

A full-day Sacred Valley tour is a favorite among travelers searching for “best things to do in Cusco Peru”. The Incas considered this valley sacred because of the fertile land surrounding the Urubamba, or Vilcanota, River. Today, it is home to welcoming communities that continue to preserve many ancestral traditions, as well as impressive Inca structures spread throughout the valley. 

Save time by visiting the highlights of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Chinchero in one trip. It is easy to travel between these destinations and enjoy short walks around each site. Along the way, you can also browse colorful traditional markets and explore some of the region’s best-known archaeological remains.

Pisac: Known for its colorful handicraft market and impressive Inca farming terraces built along the mountainside. It was a strategic Inca settlement that controlled access to the Sacred Valley and served as both a ceremonial and agricultural center.

Maras: Famous for its thousands of salt ponds, which have been used since pre-Inca times. Local families still produce salt by hand, filling the ponds with salty water from a natural underground spring and allowing it to evaporate in the sun.

Moray: An intriguing complex of circular, concentric terraces that resemble an amphitheater. It is believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory where different crops were tested in the varied temperatures created at each level.

Chinchero: A colonial town built over a former Inca palace belonging to the ruler Tupac Yupanqui. It is known for its colonial church with Baroque murals and its textile workshops, where artisans continue to use traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques.

Ollantaytambo: A living Inca town that still preserves its original street plan. Pachacutec ordered the construction of this military, religious, and agricultural center, which later became the site of an important Inca victory over the Spanish.

• Recommended time: 1–2 full days to explore the main attractions
• Admission: Tickets are required. Most archaeological sites are included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). Maras requires a separate ticket, purchased at the entrance for approximately 20 soles
• Distance from the center: Approximately 30–60 km, depending on which town you visit first; around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by car
• Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October, when clear and sunny days are ideal for walking and photography

Good to know:

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG) costs 130 soles and includes admission to the attractions in the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and selected museums. You can purchase it at the entrance to the included sites.

10. Discover Cusco’s South Valley: Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas

Travelers searching for “Cusco what to do” will find a quieter and very rewarding option in the South Valley. This route combines the Inca water engineering of the Tipon Archaeological Park, the remarkable urban planning of Pikillacta, a major city of the pre-Inca Wari culture, and the rich paintings inside the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, often called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Visiting the valley gives you a clear view of how regional architecture developed over time, while also offering the chance to try local food in towns along the route, including Saylla.

• Recommended time: Half a day to one full day, or approximately 5–6 hours to visit all three attractions
• Admission: Tipon and Pikillacta are included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). Andahuaylillas Church charges a separate entrance fee of approximately 15 soles
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 25–40 km southeast of the city, or around 45 minutes to one hour by transportation
• Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: In the morning, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., so you can explore at a relaxed pace and finish around lunchtime with a traditional dish such as chicharron or cuy in Saylla or Tipon

11. Discover Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of Cusco’s tourist sites and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It belongs on any list of “Cusco top things to do”. Built in the 15th century by order of Inca Pachacutec as a religious sanctuary and royal residence, it is famous for its impressive terraces and stone temples set among mountains, cloud forest, and the edge of the Amazon. The Spanish conquistadors knew of its existence after arriving in Cusco, but abandoned their efforts to reach it because of the difficult access. As a result, much of the site remained well preserved. Visiting Machu Picchu is a chance to connect with the Andes and admire a masterpiece of Inca architecture and engineering.

• Recommended time: 3–4 hours for any of the official circuits inside the sanctuary
• Admission: Buy your Machu Picchu ticket well in advance, at least six months ahead when possible, because daily capacity is limited to 5,600 spaces
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 75 km in a straight line, or around 3.5–4 hours when combining train and bus travel
• Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October, preferably in the morning or around lunchtime for clearer views and fewer crowds

12. Take in the View from Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is reached on one of the most popular day hikes from Cusco. The entire trip can be completed in a single day, although departures usually leave the city before dawn. Along the way, you will cross dramatic high-Andean scenery at more than 5,000 meters above sea level before reaching the colorful mountain. In recent years, the famous Rainbow Mountain has been joined by other striped mountains with similar features, including Palcoyo and Pallay Punchu.

Take the opportunity to capture a memorable photo with the colorful slopes behind you.

• Recommended time: One full day. The hike takes approximately 2–3 hours round trip, but travel to and from Cusco takes most of the day
• Admission: An entrance ticket is purchased when you arrive at the local community, approximately 25 soles for international visitors and 15 soles for Peruvian visitors
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 100–140 km southwest of Cusco, depending on the route, followed by around 3–3.5 hours by car or bus to the trailhead
• Opening hours: Open daily
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

13. Hike to Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake sits at 5,473 meters above sea level and was formed by meltwater from snow-capped Humantay as warmer temperatures caused the ice to retreat. This beautiful natural destination is the second most popular day hike from Cusco and lies near Soraypampa, the first campsite on the Salkantay Trek. Its turquoise water, surrounding Andean peaks, and the rewarding hike to reach it make the experience unforgettable. Our recommendation is simple: add it to your travel plans.

• Recommended time: One full day. The hike to and from the lake takes approximately 2–3 hours, while travel from Cusco takes almost the entire day
• Admission: An entrance ticket is purchased when entering the community of Mollepata, approximately 20 soles for international visitors and 10 soles for Peruvian visitors
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 125 km, or around 3–3.5 hours by transportation to Soraypampa, where the hike begins
• Opening hours: Open daily
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October. Leave very early to make the most of the day, see the turquoise water under clear skies, and reduce the chance of rain

14. Reach the Waqrapukara Fortress

Waqrapukara is an impressive horn-shaped Inca sanctuary and one of the most striking places to explore near Cusco. Built on top of a canyon above the Apurimac River, it served as a political and ceremonial center for the Qanchi people before becoming part of the Inca Empire. The journey is worthwhile for its dramatic scenery, high cliffs, and the chance to experience Inca history without large crowds, since the site still receives relatively few visitors.

• Recommended time: One full day. The hike takes approximately 4–6 hours in total, depending on the chosen route, plus travel time
• Admission: Public area
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 120–150 km, depending on the route, or around 2.5–3.5 hours by car to the trailhead
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

15. Hike the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most remarkable hiking routes. It combines history, nature, and physical challenge with the rewarding feeling of reaching Machu Picchu along the same network of paths used more than 500 years ago. Its best-known version is the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, which crosses the Andes and enters subtropical cloud forest before arriving at the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. It is a demanding journey, but one many travelers hope to complete at least once in their lives.

• Recommended time: 4 days and 3 nights for the classic route
• Admission: You must reserve an Inca Trail permit several months in advance. Reservations must be made through a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian government because daily spaces are very limited. In other words, you cannot hike this trail independently
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 82 km to the trailhead at Km 82 in Piscacucho, around 2.5–3 hours by transportation
• Opening hours: Entry through the checkpoint begins at 5:00 a.m. The trail closes throughout February for maintenance and because of heavy rain
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

16. Explore Snow-Capped Salkantay

This is the second most popular trek in Peru. The 4-day Salkantay Trek is known as a more demanding route to Machu Picchu than the Inca Trail. The journey includes wonderful views of the snow-covered Humantay and Salkantay mountains, followed by tropical cloud forest on the way toward Machu Picchu. When you want a different experience beyond the city, head into the mountains around Salkantay. The scenery makes every step worthwhile.

• Recommended time: 4–5 days for the complete trekking route to Machu Picchu
• Admission: Local entrance tickets are paid along the route, including approximately 20 soles in Mollepata, in addition to the required Machu Picchu ticket at the end of the trek
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 90 km to the trailhead at Challacancha or Soraypampa, around 3–3.5 hours by transportation
• Opening hours: This is an outdoor trekking route without fixed opening hours, although checkpoints and transportation usually operate from very early in the morning, starting around 4:00 or 5:00 a.m.
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October, when trails are firmer, rain is less frequent, and clear skies provide better views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks

17. Experience the Lares Trek

The 4-day Lares Trek is a favorite route for travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, nature, llamas, alpacas, glacial lakes, and meaningful encounters with local Andean communities. The Lares Trek presents its own physical challenges, but it offers an unforgettable journey that ends at Machu Picchu. It is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the high-Andean environment.

• Recommended time: 4 days and 3 nights for the complete trekking route to Machu Picchu
• Admission: Entrance to the Lares hot springs costs approximately 15 soles, and a separate Machu Picchu ticket is required at the end of the route
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 140 km to the trailhead in the town of Lares, around 3 hours by transportation
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October, when the trails are drier, the weather is more stable, and the lakes and Andean landscapes are easier to appreciate

18. Hike to Choquequirao

This is considered the second most important Inca site in the Cusco region and is gaining greater international recognition. Choquequirao is often called the twin sister of Machu Picchu because of its extensive, well-preserved Inca structures and remote location. The Spanish never reached the site, which helped protect it from major damage. 

Choquequirao receives at least 10,000 visitors each year. At present, the 4-day Choquequirao Trek is the only way to reach it. After the challenging journey, you can explore an extraordinary archaeological site with far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu.

• Recommended time: 4–5 days for the complete round-trip trek to the archaeological complex
• Admission: Purchase the entrance ticket directly at the access checkpoint, approximately 60 soles for adults
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 160 km to the trailhead at Capuliyoc or Cachora, around 4–5 hours by transportation
• Opening hours: The archaeological site is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

19. Feel the Adrenaline on the Inca Jungle Trek

This is an excellent choice for adventure sports lovers. Among the many activities in Cusco, the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu stands out as a 4-day route combining mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and zip-lining. You will begin in Cusco, travel through the subtropical forest of the Santa Teresa district, and finally reach Machu Picchu at the end of the adventure.

• Recommended time: 4 days and 3 nights, or the shorter 3-day, 2-night version
• Admission: You need to book an organized tour package that includes admission to the activities, accommodations, and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Distance from Cusco: The trip begins in Cusco and continues to Abra Malaga, approximately 150 km by transportation, where the cycling descent starts
• Schedule: This is an organized multi-day route with daily activities beginning early in the morning, usually from 6:00 a.m.
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October

Ready for more?

To experience this route, take a look at our 4-Day Inca Jungle Trek. You can enjoy the adventure while we take care of the logistics.

20. Cross Qeswachaka, the Last Inca Bridge

Qeswachaka is the last surviving suspension bridge built in the Inca tradition and spans the Apurimac River. It is located about three hours from Cusco in the district of Quehue, Canas Province. The bridge is especially famous because local communities renew it every June through an ancestral ceremony dating back to Inca times. During four days of communal work, men and women from nearby villages take part in rebuilding the bridge. For travelers interested in living Andean traditions, a visit offers a rare and memorable cultural experience.

• Recommended time: One full day. Exploring the area and crossing the bridge takes approximately 1–2 hours, but the round trip from Cusco fills most of the day
• Admission: A local entrance ticket is purchased upon arrival in the community of Quehue, approximately 10–20 soles per person
• Distance from Cusco: Approximately 160 km south of Cusco, around 3–3.5 hours each way by car or bus
• Opening hours: Open daily during daylight hours, approximately from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best time to visit: During the dry season, from May to October, especially in June when local communities hold the traditional bridge-renewal ceremony

 How to Get Around Cusco

Cusco’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. The Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Qorikancha, and San Pedro Market are all close to one another, although you will encounter hills, stairs, and cobblestone streets. Wear comfortable shoes and walk at a relaxed pace during your first few days because of the altitude. When planning what to do in Cusco, group nearby attractions together to avoid unnecessary travel. Taxis are more convenient for the airport, bus terminal, and neighborhoods farther from the center.

Best Time to Visit Cusco

The dry season, from May to October, brings more clear days and better conditions for walking. June, July, and August usually have sunny mornings, cold nights, and more visitors. Rainfall increases between November and April, but the landscape becomes greener. April, May, September, and October offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Bring sunscreen, warm clothing, and a waterproof layer.

Where to Eat in Cusco

• Pachapapa: Traditional Cusco cuisine served in a charming courtyard in San Blas.
• Chicha by Gastón Acurio: Regional dishes prepared with local ingredients.
• Cicciolina: Mediterranean-Andean cuisine, coffee, and tapas.
• Morena Peruvian Kitchen: Peruvian flavors from the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon.
• Green Point: Vegan and vegetarian food in San Blas.

Check opening hours and make a reservation during the high season.

Transportation in Cusco

Agree on the fare before getting into a taxi. Ask your hotel or restaurant to call one, use a trusted taxi company, or book through an app, especially at night. Check the license plate and avoid accepting rides from people who approach you inside the airport or bus terminal. From the airport, use an authorized taxi counter or a prearranged transfer.

Is Cusco Safe?

You can explore the city safely by taking a few basic precautions. Keep your phone and wallet out of sight, watch your belongings in crowded places, and avoid quiet streets at night. Leave your passport and other valuables at your accommodation.

Exchange US dollars or euros at banks or licensed exchange offices. You will find several options along Avenida El Sol and near the Plaza de Armas. Compare exchange rates, count your money before leaving, and never exchange cash on the street.

Things to do in Cusco - FAQs