In Cusco city
1. Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
The heart of Cusco, built on the Inca main square. The cathedral holds colonial paintings, including a famous Last Supper featuring guinea pig.
2. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
The most important Inca temple, once covered in gold, with the Santo Domingo convent built on top. The perfect Inca stonework is still visible inside.
3. San Blas
Steep, whitewashed lanes with artisan workshops, cafés and great views over the city’s rooftops.
4. Hatun Rumiyoc and the 12-angled stone
An Inca wall on Hatun Rumiyoc street with a stone cut with twelve perfectly fitting angles.
5. San Pedro Market
Fresh juices, local cheeses, breads and cheap set lunches. Watch your bags in the crowds.
6. Museo de Arte Precolombino and Museo Inka
Small but excellent museums for understanding Andean history and art.
Ruins above the city
7. Sacsayhuamán
Huge zig-zag walls of stones weighing many tonnes, a 20–30 minute (steep) walk or a short taxi from the centre. It’s the stage for the Inti Raymi festival every 24 June.
8. Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
Smaller sites along the road above Sacsayhuamán. Take a taxi to Tambomachay and walk back downhill.
Most of these sites, plus several in the Sacred Valley, are covered by the boleto turístico del Cusco (roughly US$35–45 for the full ticket). You can buy it at the official COSITUC office in Cusco or at the entrance of the participating sites.
The Sacred Valley
9. Pisac
Mountainside terraces and ruins above a market town.
10. Ollantaytambo
A living Inca town with a massive fortress and the main train station for Machu Picchu.
11. Moray and the Maras salt pans
Circular agricultural terraces and thousands of salt pools cascading down a hillside. See our Sacred Valley tour guide.
Big day trips
12. Machu Picchu
The highlight of any trip to Peru. Book entry tickets and trains early. See Machu Picchu tickets and train to Machu Picchu.
13. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Striped mineral mountains at over 5,000 metres. Tours leave around 4am and include a 1–2 hour uphill hike. Only attempt it after a few days at altitude.
14. Humantay Lake
A turquoise glacial lake below a snowy peak, another early start and steep hike.
Food
15. Try Andean food
Try alpaca, quinoa soup, roasted guinea pig (cuy), chicha morada and a pisco sour. Cusco also has excellent modern Peruvian restaurants.
Practical tips
- Rest on day one and leave Rainbow Mountain and Humantay until you’re acclimatised. See Cusco altitude sickness.
- Evenings are cold all year; bring warm layers.
- Carry soles in small notes for markets and entrance fees.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: things to do in Cusco
Is Cusco worth visiting apart from Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. The city, its Inca walls and the Sacred Valley are worth several days on their own.
What is the boleto turístico?
A combined ticket for many Cusco museums and Inca sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray. It doesn’t include Machu Picchu.
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it?
Yes if you’re fit and acclimatised. It’s very high and cold, so it’s not for everyone.
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