15 best things to do in Cusco

Though most visit it as the gateway to iconic Peru destinations like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the city of Cusco is well worth exploring in its own right. Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), it once served as the capital of the Inca Empire and now holds esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site status. If you’re traveling to Peru and are keen on culture and history, and want easy access to remarkable archaeological sites and hikes, be sure to include Cusco in your Peru itinerary. Read on to discover the best things to do in Cusco, along with suggestions for a few special day trips.

1. Potter around Plaza de Armas

Cusco is among the best places to visit in Peru, and the vibrant Plaza de Armas is the perfect place to kick off your exploration of the city.

Sitting pretty at in heart of Cusco, the square is surrounded by colonial buildings, restaurants, and shops. 

As such, it’s the ideal spot to soak up Cusco’s vibe while lunching or people watching.

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2. Explore San Pedro Market

A short walk from the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market invites visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and cuisine, with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and cheeses, to Andean textiles, herbal remedies, and souvenirs. 

It’s also a great place to enjoy traditional street food like empanadas and chicharron, alongside lots of fresh fruit juices. 

Offering a sensory overload of smells, colors, and sounds, it’s a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic culture and affordable local eats.

3. See Cusco Cathedral

Located on the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. 

Inside, you can explore ornate altars, colonial-era painting, including a unique “Last Supper” with Andean touches, and ancient relics. 

As a UNESCO-listed site that reflects Cusco’s fusion of Inca and Catholic traditions, it’s a must-visit for history, art and culture lovers.

4. Explore Sacsayhuamán

Just a short taxi ride or a 30-minute uphill walk from the city center, Sacsayhuaman offers an unforgettable glimpse into the grandeur of Inca engineering. 

Featuring massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons, all fitted together without mortar, this ancient fortress overlooks Cusco, and offers spectacular views of the city, along with fascinating stonework, and grassy spaces that are perfect for picnics.

Combine a visit with nearby sites like Qenqo and Tambomachay (more on those below) for a half-day historic circuit covering some of the most easy-access ancient sites in Peru.

5. Be dazzled by Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. In fact, its walls were originally covered in gold — a striking symbol of divine power. 

Though much was destroyed during the Spanish conquest, you can still see finely crafted Inca stonework here today, overlaid by the Santo Domingo Church. 

Inside, you can visit a museum and cloisters, and admire exhibits that detail Inca astronomy and religion, and show a striking fusion of colonial and Inca culture.

Located near the city center, it's easily accessible on foot. As such, it’s the perfect place to take history-mad kids for a convenient — and epic — experience within easy reach of the city.

Fancy an unforgettable family vacation? Find out everything you need to know about visiting Peru with kids.

6. Take a trip to Tambomachay

Tambomachay, often called the “Inca Baths”, is an ancient ceremonial site that’s believed to be dedicated to water and fertility. 

Located about 8 km from Cusco, the site features a sophisticated system of aqueducts, and canals that showcase Inca mastery of hydraulics, along with stone fountains that still flow today. 

It’s close to Sacsayhuamán, so the sites can be combined on a single half-day tour.

7. Mooch around the Museo de Arte Precolombino

Located in a restored colonial mansion in the San Blas neighborhood, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s Museo de Arte Precolombino showcases Peru’s rich pre-Columbian heritage.

Beautifully curated (its sculptures, ceramics, goldwork, and jewelry are presented with modern lighting and design), it displays over 400 exquisite artifacts from several ancient cultures, including the Moche, Nazca, Chimu and Inca.

As a result, culture vultures wondering what to do in Cusco should add this to the top of their must-visit list.

8. Get arty in bohemian San Blas 

Full of charm and exuding a creative vibe, San Blas is Cusco’s artistic district — a place to wander narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, with artisan workshops to buy unique gifts from, and cool cafes to rest up in.

Located a short uphill walk from the city center, it offers panoramic city views alongside its authentic, bohemian vibe, and boasts plenty of place to dine. 

The San Blas Church is also worth a visit — its intricate wood-carved pulpit is something else.

9. Meander Moray’s ancient terraces

Featuring circular agricultural terraces that descend into natural depressions, Moray is an especially fascinating Inca archaeological site.

Believed to be an experimental farming site, it showcases the Inca’s advanced understanding of microclimates and crop adaptation, as revealed on guided tours that enable visitors to walk the terraces and enjoy Andean scenery, while learning about ancient farming innovation in a peaceful, high-altitude setting.

Located about 50 km from Cusco, Moray is easily reached by private car or guided tour, and often paired with visits to Maras (covered right below). 

10. Explore Maras salt mines

The Maras salt mines (Salineras de Maras) are a dazzling sight — picture thousands of stark-white salt evaporation ponds cascading down a contrasting red-hued hillside. 

Still harvested by hand today, the mines actually date back to Inca times, which tells you everything you need to know about how advanced this civilisation was.

Located about 40 km from Cusco, and easily reached by tour or private vehicle, here you can walk alongside the ponds, observe local salt workers, and buy hand-packaged pink salt to bring home.

11. Combine history and culture in Pisac

A charming town in the Sacred Valley, located about one hour from Cusco by bus, car or on a tour, Pisac’s main draw is its impressive hilltop Inca ruins, which feature agricultural terraces, temples and burial sites.

After exploring the ruins and enjoying the sweeping valley views, descend to the vibrant artisan market in town to browse handmade textiles, jewellery and pottery. 

Ideal for combining cultural heritage, scenic hiking and local shopping in one easy day trip, Pisac delivers on many fronts.

12. Take a trip to Tipón

A lesser-known but nonetheless impressive Inca archaeological site, Tipón is renowned for its sophisticated water channels and terraces.

Surrounded by nature, Tipón is a peaceful alternative to more crowded Sacred Valley sites, and just 23 km southeast of Cusco (accessible by taxi or guided tour).

The site is quiet, beautifully preserved, and offers insights into Inca hydraulic engineering, as you’ll discover while exploring its flowing stone fountains and finely cut masonry around the dramatic hillside terraces. 

Planning an independent trip that’ll take you off the beaten track? Read up on getting around Peru.

13. Overnight trip to Rainbow Mountain 

Embarking on a challenging hike to the colorful mountain Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is among the best things to do in Peru.

While a day trip from Cusco is possible and popular, it’s a long and physically demanding excursion due to the high altitude, typically beginning around 4am with a 3-hour drive from Cusco to the trailhead near the town of Cusipata. 

This transfer is then followed by a hike to the summit — about 4–5 km each way, which will take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness and acclimatization status.

As a result, it’s better to plan an overnight stay, so you can really appreciate the experience. From the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the magical striped mountain and surrounding Andes. 

Most travelers book with a guided tour, which includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and an experienced guide. 

As altitude sickness is a risk, it’s best attempted after several days of acclimatization in Cusco. 

To make the most of visiting Rainbow Mountain (and your entire trip, for that matter), discover the best time to visit Peru.

14. Embrace local life in Ollantaytambo

Serving as the starting point for the train to Machu Picchu, the well-preserved Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo is worth visiting from Cusco (a 1.5-hour drive), or staying in en route to Machu Picchu.

Located in the Sacred Valley, it’s known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, stone streets and living history. 

Here you can visit the majestic Ollantaytambo Fortress, with its terraces and temples offering stunning views of the valley, wander the traditional town layout (which is unchanged since Inca times), and explore local markets and cafes. 

As the main train departure point to Machu Picchu, it’s a culturally rich, convenient stop on any Peru itinerary.

15. Explore Machu Picchu

Saving the most celebrated attraction until last, it’s undoubtedly the case that Machu Picchu is on your Peru travel wish-list, quite possibly right at the top.

So, after exploring Cusco, and perhaps stopping off at Ollantaytambo, take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to reach this marvel of the ancient world. From Aguas Calientes, either take a bus or hike to access the site. 

Either way, on arrival, you’ll get to explore an awe-inspiring site of that melds history and nature with a tangible sense of mystery. 

Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (sacred sundial), the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Plaza: easily where you'll find some of the best hikes in Peru.

Be sure to also take time to explore the terraced fields and ceremonial sites, all surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. 

Want to do a dive deeper into this area? Read up on the Inca trail.

Inspired to visit? To help you plan your trip, wise up with our Peru travel tips, and read up on getting to Peru, and Peru accommodation.

Not keen on planning? Simply contact our local Peru travel experts who can curate your perfect Peru itinerary for any duration. Browse our 14 days in Peru itinerary for a sense of what might be in store.

Or, if you’re short on time (but big on trip ambitions), take inspiration from our 10 days in Peru itinerary, and our 7 days in Peru itinerary.