Explore Cusco: Top 10 Things to Do – Unmissable Tours
Have you ever wondered why Cusco is called the “Rome of America”? What makes its tours so special?
Cusco sits high at 3,399 meters, mixing Inca and colonial history. It has stunning mountains and a lively culture. This guide shows you the top 10 things to see. You’ll need at least five days to catch all the highlights of Cusco.
Trek the Rainbow Mountain or visit the Coricancha Temple. Try local foods at San Pedro Market. Cusco tours offer adventure and discovery at every turn. Join us as we explore Cusco’s rich past and lively present.
Machu Picchu: The Inca Citadel
Machu Picchu is a breathtaking landmark in Cusco that everyone should see. Known as one of the new seven wonders, it showcases the Inca Empire’s skill and design brilliance.
Location and How to Get There
Machu Picchu sits 75 km northwest of Cusco, over 2,438 meters high. You can reach it by a scenic train ride or hiking the famous Inca Trail. These paths show the beauty of the Peruvian Andes and make the trip an adventure.
Entrance and Schedule
Ticket prices for Machu Picchu change depending on the visit type, including climbs. It’s open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. Due to its fame, book your tickets early for a smooth visit.
| Type of Ticket | Tickets Available Per Day | Maximum Visit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | 1,100 | 4 hours |
| Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) | 3,050 | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Circuit 3 (Royal Circuit) | 1,450 | Not specified, but shorter than Circuit 2 |
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Start early to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu. Bring plenty of water and wear comfy shoes for walking. Check the weather before you go, and be ready for any conditions. Visiting Machu Picchu is a memorable experience.
San Blas Neighborhood: The Artistic Hub
Known as the bohemian heart of Cusco, the San Blas neighborhood is a must-visit. It’s rich with history, culture, and art. This area offers a peaceful yet lively vibe, perfect for those exploring Cusco.
Unique Attractions
Walking through San Blas, visitors will find art workshops and artisan shops. The Church of San Blas, founded in 1571, stands out. It’s famous for its beautiful Baroque wooden pulpit, making it a top spot in Cusco. The neighborhood’s streets and alleys add charm and are great for photos.
Local Cuisine and Bars
San Blas isn’t just for art enthusiasts; food lovers will enjoy it too. The San Blas Market offers groceries and traditional dishes. It’s been around for over 50 years. Bars and restaurants, like Limbus Restobar, offer delicious menus and cocktails. This makes the culinary scene in San Blas worth exploring.
San Blas Viewpoint
The San Blas Viewpoint offers stunning views of Cusco after a day of exploration. It’s a peaceful place for reflection and meeting others. The climb there, via Cuesta de San Blas street, is an adventure itself. For photographers or those enjoying scenic views, this is a must-visit spot.
Visiting the San Blas neighborhood in Cusco is unforgettable. It’s a vibrant artistic and cultural hub. A trip here ensures lasting memories and inspiring encounters.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cusco
Discover Cusco and you’ll find a place full of ancient history, bright culture, and beautiful sights. It sits high at 3,400 meters (11,154 feet), once the Inca Empire’s heart and now a path to Machu Picchu. Your adventure in Cusco will be unforgettable, with lots of unique things to see and do.
Being so high, give yourself two to three days to get used to the altitude. Use this time to dive into Cusco’s top experiences, like:
- Plaza de Armas: This lively square is Cusco’s historical and social hub, ringed by astonishing buildings like the Cusco Cathedral and Iglesia de la CompanÃa de Jesús.
- Sacsayhuaman: A brief hike from Plaza de Armas takes you to this massive ancient fortress with huge stones that show incredible Incan craftsmanship.
- San Pedro Market: A bustling local market offering a taste of Cusco, with exotic fruits and traditional Peruvian meals.
- Qoricancha: The “Temple of the Sun,” a key Inca religious site, costs 15 soles to enter and lets you see Inca architectural marvels.
If you want to explore more, think about getting the Boleto Turistico. It gives you access to 16 sites over 10 days. This pass is perfect for seeing the best of Cusco at your leisure.
Stay at least three days to fully enjoy Cusco and its nearby areas. Most visitors feel a bit of altitude sickness when they first arrive. Taking it slow at the start helps reduce these symptoms.
Here’s a quick look at some must-see spots and what makes them special:
| Attraction | Description | Recommended Visit Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas | Central historical square surrounded by significant buildings | 2-3 hours |
| Sacsayhuaman | Ancient Inca fortress with massive stone structures | 3-4 hours |
| San Pedro Market | Vibrant local market with diverse food options | 1-2 hours |
| Qoricancha | Historical temple also known as the “Temple of the Sun” | 2-3 hours |
With enough time and a gentle pace, you’ll reveal Cusco’s best treasures. You can explore ancient sites, enjoy local food, or soak in the culture. Cusco has something for everyone.
Coricancha Temple: The House of the Sun
In the center of Cusco, the Coricancha Temple shines as a remarkable sight. It shows the Inca Empire’s greatness and its close bond with the Sun God, Inti. This site should not be missed when visiting Cusco. It lets visitors see the ancient Incas’ architecture and culture. It also shows their history with the colonial period.
Historical Significance
The Coricancha Temple was built in 1438 by Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui. It was a place to honor Inti, the most important god for the Incas. The temple and its gardens were decorated with gold and precious metals. It was incredibly beautiful. Its design, like the sun’s rays, was the heart of the Inca Ceque system. This system connected sacred sites across their empire.
Coricancha was a sacred place where only the Incas and privileged could go. It had many temples inside for the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Thunder or Rainbow. The Spanish destroyed part of Coricancha in 1534, after their conquest. They then built the Santo Domingo convent on top of its strong base.
Visitor Information
You can find the Coricancha Temple a short walk from Cusco’s main square. It opens from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving visitors enough time to explore. The entrance fee is affordable. This allows everyone to explore its rich history. Here, you can see the Inca’s amazing stonework. Their techniques have helped the structures survive big earthquakes in 1650 and 1950.
Add more to your trip by getting a tourist ticket. This ticket lets you into several historic spots, like Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Few blocks from Cusco’s main square |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Admission Fee | Modest |
| Main Attractions | Inca foundations, Santo Domingo convent, Inti Raymi Festival |
| Notable Features | Inca stonework, trapezoidal shapes, earthquake-resistant design |
Rainbow Mountain: A Natural Marvel
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, stands tall at 17,100 feet above sea level. It’s famous for its stunning colors. These were hidden under snow until 2015. Now, it’s a top spot to visit near Cusco.
Getting to Rainbow Mountain is both beautiful and tough. It’s 139 kilometers from Cusco, mixing bus rides and hiking. The trip to the start of the hike takes 3 to 4 hours. Then, a 3.1-mile hike offers amazing views and photo spots.
For a quicker hike, try the 0.31-mile trail from Pitumarca. You can spend a whole day or 1 to 2 days hiking, based on your pace. It’s vital to get used to Cusco’s altitude first to enjoy the hike safely.
The path to Rainbow Mountain is an adventure of its own. Hiring local guides is wise for a safe and insightful trip. The entrance fees help protect the region and support the locals.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 5,200 meters (17,100 feet) |
| Accessibility | Drive 3-4 hours, Hike 5 km (3.1 miles) |
| Shorter Hike | 0.31 miles (0.5 kilometers) from Pitumarca |
| Tour Cost | $30 to $300 per person |
| Optimal Visiting Month | August |
| Rainy Season | December to February |
| Group Tours | 8-15 people |
| Acclimatization | Essential |
| Guides | Recommended |
August is the best time to visit for good weather. The rainy season, December to February, makes trekking tough. Tour costs range from $30 to $300, with smaller groups offering a special experience.
Prepare well. Take medicine, a first aid kit, dress in layers, and get good travel insurance. Rainbow Mountain’s beauty makes it a Cusco must-see.
Exploring the Sacsayhuaman Complex
The Sacsayhuaman complex stands out as a masterpiece of Incan architecture. It’s located 1.5 miles north of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. You can get there with a 45-minute walk from the city’s heart. This site is a key part of the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, offering a deep dive into history.
Main Attractions
At Sacsayhuaman, you will see massive stone walls that showcase Incan engineering. Some stones reach over 16.5 feet in height and weigh between 90 to 125 tons. The heaviest is about 200 tons. The site also features important ruins like Puka Pukara, Tambo Machay, and Q’enqo.
- Puka Pukara: Known as the ‘Red Fort,’ this site was a military base and checkpoint.
- Tambo Machay: Famous for its well-kept aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls.
- Q’enqo: Thought to be a royal palace or a temple for sacrifices and mummifying.
Visitor Tips
To truly enjoy Sacsayhuaman, consider a guided city tour. Tours around $79 USD give great historical insights. They enrich your experience. The site is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm. An entry ticket costs 70 Peruvian soles, about $20 USD. It gives you access to Q’enqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
At 2,900 meters above sea level, acclimating to the altitude is important. Wear comfortable shoes for the rough landscape. Try to spend enough time to see everything. Over 200,000 people visit in the busiest times, so an early visit is calmer.
It’s not just the huge stones or detailed carvings that will amaze you. Sacsayhuaman leaves a memorable mark on all who visit.
San Pedro Market: A Taste of Local Life
The San Pedro Market Cusco shows the local way of life in vivid colors. It stands among the best things to do in Cusco. Just 10 minutes southeast of the famous Plaza de Armas, this market was established in 1925. It takes up a whole city block with a rectangular layout.
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, and until noon on Sundays. This gives you plenty of time to check out everything it offers. You’ll find unique fruits like chirimoya, lucuma, and granadilla. These fruits offer a real taste of Cusco’s varied plant life.
Both locals and visitors head to San Pedro Market Cusco for traditional Peruvian food. You can try trout ceviche, deep-fried pork, or lomo saltado. There’s also aji de gallina. If you’re brave, try the baked guinea pig. This has been a part of Peru’s Andean diet for about 5,000 years.
| Delicacies | Description |
|---|---|
| Trout Ceviche | Fresh trout marinated in lime juice with onions and cilantro. |
| Deep-fried Pork | Crispy pork served with traditional Andean spices. |
| Lomo Saltado | Stir-fried beef with vegetables and soy sauce, served with fries and rice. |
| Aji de Gallina | Spicy chicken stew made with yellow peppers and aji amarillo sauce. |
| Baked Guinea Pig (Cuy) | Baked whole guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish. |
You can also find souvenirs at the market. There are textiles from alpaca, llama, and sheep wool. Plus, ceramic items are available. For those interested in traditions, there are items for Pachamama (Mother Earth) offerings. These are very important to the local culture.
The San Pedro Market Cusco is more than a place to shop. It’s a way to truly connect with Cusqueñan daily life and traditions. It attracts both local and international visitors. They come to dive into the authentic Peruvian lifestyle. Clearly, it’s a top activity in Cusco.
The Cathedral of Cusco: Architectural Masterpiece
The Cathedral of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history. It was built from 1560 to 1664 and is on the ancient Inca palace site, Quishuarqancha. As a top Cusco tourist spot, it draws many visitors each year with its stunning architecture and deep historical roots.
History and Architecture
The Cathedral’s story starts in 1538, facing many delays and hurdles. It was built on Inca Wiraqocha’s palace site, making it culturally significant. The design is a rectangular basilica with three naves, supported by 14 pillars and 24 entrance vaults. The high altar, made entirely of silver, adds beauty and worth.
Key Highlights
The main altar showcases over 1,250 kilos of silver. The choir features 42 carved images of church saints plus 38 more saint depictions.
The cathedral houses 10 side chapels and 7 independent altars. The sacristy displays about 40 canvases of Bishops and Archbishops of Cusco. Around 300 paintings of various religious themes are also present.
- Historic Significance: Declared a minor basilica in 1928 and a Peruvian monument in 1972. UNESCO recognized it in 1983.
- Architectural Details: It has 21 stone and 32 semicircular arches for support. The 1650 earthquake caused minimal damage, affecting the vault and façade.
- First Mass: Held on August 15, 1654, with its consecration in 1668 being a milestone.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Construction Time | 104 years (1560-1664) |
| Main Altar | Over 1,250 kilos of silver |
| Number of Side Chapels | 10 |
| Number of Altars | 7 |
| Number of Paintings | Approximately 300 |
Located in Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Cusco offers guided tours. These tours shed light on its architecture and history. It’s a key Cusco tourist spot.
Humantay Lake: A Trekker’s Paradise
Humantay Lake sits in the Andes of Peru, known for its vibrant blue waters against a dramatic mountain scene. It provides a unique haven for trekkers and lovers of nature, ranking high on the list of Cusco’s must-see spots. The path to the lake poses a moderate challenge, presenting a calmer, more private option compared to the famous Inca Trail.
The adventure begins with a drive from Cusco to the trailhead, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. After that, there’s a steep hike for about 1 to 1.5 hours. As a day trip from Cusco, Humantay Lake quickly became popular with visitors looking for a short, memorable outing. The lake is also a part of the Salkantay Trek, a sought-after route to Machu Picchu known for its varied scenery, from snow-topped mountains to lush jungles.
The beauty of Humantay Lake is enhanced by its pure, glacier-fed turquoise waters, made colorful by green microalgae and minerals in the soil. People come here for the stunning views and the peaceful setting, perfect for quiet thought and taking photos of nature.
To help trekkers decide how to visit, here’s a comparison of group and private tours to Humantay Lake:
| Tour Type | Pickup Time | Group Size | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Tour | 4 AM | Larger Groups | Less Flexible |
| Private Tour | 7 AM | Smaller Groups | More Flexible |
Whether you choose a group or a private tour, visiting Humantay Lake is sure to be a memorable part of your trip to Cusco. This peaceful spot offers incredible natural beauty, with its bright turquoise waters and majestic mountains.
Conclusion
Stepping back through time in Cusco feels like walking through history itself. Founded by Manco Capac in 1200 AD, it’s a city filled with ancient and modern wonders. You’ll find everything from the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. These places show the heart of Andean culture.
In Cusco, you can marvel at the Sacsayhuaman stone walls or taste traditional dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. The San Pedro Market offers exotic fruits and unique handicrafts, making your visit even more special. Don’t miss the Coricancha Temple and the Cathedral of Cusco. They provide captivating insights into the city’s historical and cultural blend.
Adventure lovers will find lots to do in Cusco, from trekking the Inca Trail to rafting on rapids. Short hikes to Humantay Lake and Ausangate offer stunning nature views. Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws tourists all year round. It is a key economic hub and a top choice for travelers around the world.
