Things to Do in Cusco, Peru - Cusco Attractions
Things to Do in Cusco
Machu Picchu tops the must-see list. Hike the Inca Trail or take the Inca Rail. Don't miss Sacsayhuaman for Inca ruins and the Festival of the Sun in June. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Historic Sites
Admission tickets from $76
Majestic Incan fortress with intricate stonework and sweeping views, set in the heart of historic ruins. Ideal for exploring ancient architecture and panoramic landscapes.
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Hiking Trails
Two-day Inca Trail trek through stunning Andean landscapes, featuring historical sites and a memorable sunset view, culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu vista.
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Bodies of Water
High-altitude hike with steep trails and stunning scenery, complete with vibrant Peruvian meals and options for horse assistance. Ideal for scenic photography and nature enthusiasts.
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Ancient Ruins
Historic center brimming with magnificent architecture, vibrant marketplaces, and rich cultural heritage. Explore cathedrals, museums, and the charming San Blas neighborhood.
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Historic Sites
Vibrant historic square framed by Inca walls, showcasing local artisan markets, diverse dining options, and a rich cultural ambiance with regular celebrations.
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Flea & Street Markets
Bustling market showcasing local crafts, traditional foods, and unique fruits. Authentic atmosphere with a vibrant mix of stalls, ideal for cultural exploration.
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Neighborhoods
Historic Sites
Historic site blending Incan and Spanish architecture with serene gardens and remnants of a temple dedicated to the Sun God. Visitors can explore rich cultural layers and preserved stonework.
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Churches & Cathedrals
Admission tickets from $16
Speciality Museums
Interactive chocolate workshop in a compact space, complete with tastings and educational insights into the Peruvian chocolate journey. Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning chocolate craft.
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Observatories & Planetariums
Admission tickets from $25
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from $10
Other Top Attractions around Cusco
A mini guide to Cusco
Tonya Russell
Travel Expert
Drawn to Peru’s ancient civilizations
- What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?Machu Picchu of course! It’s one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. The various communities in the Sacred Valley are also worth visiting, and the Inca Trail. The archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman on the outskirts of the city or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley are also stunning.
- What do you wish tourists knew about Cusco?Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities in the Viceroyalty of Peru. During the colonial era, various churches, universities, palaces, and baroque and neoclassical squares were built. That gives it diverse and unique architecture.
- Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?Here’s a list: 1. Cicciolina: This is a tapas restaurant that sources veggies from the Sacred Valley 2. Inkagrill: An international restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere 3. Morena: Great traditional Peruvian cuisine 4. Pachapapa: In the San Blas neighborhood, Pachapapa has a wood-fired oven and serves up native vegetables 5. Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse: Offers a variety of meats and vegetables on volcanic stone, plus pastas and other Peruvian delicacies.
- Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?Doing tours to archaeological sites on weekdays can help you avoid crowds. On weekends, there are often fairs, parades, or events in Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
- Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?Definitely Machu Picchu, and a hike along the Inca Trail is world-renowned. You should also visit Rainbow Mountain—it’s perfect for families, and within the first 30 minutes of walking, you'll be able to see the three different colored mountains. Lastly, Sacred Valley: This area is culturally rich, has many archaeological sites and rivers that are great for rafting. This is also where you’ll see some of the best views in Peru.
- Why is Cusco special to you?I love learning about ancient civilizations, and that’s what’s drawn me to traveling to Peru.
- AboutTonya Russell is a South Jersey-based journalist. When she isn’t traveling the world, she’s probably hiking with her dogs.
What travelers are saying
- happykoabugHonolulu, HI704 contributionsI was on a half day city tour with Travel 1 Tour and this was one of 4 stops. This site was so impressive and massive that I could have spent hours checking it out. It is spread out across a large area that you never felt crowded by other visitors. Bathrooms are by the lower parking lot.
This archaeological site located on a hilltop overlooking the city and adjacent valley was built with huge stones by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th c. Saqsaywaman is an impressive complex which had both a religious and military purpose. The fortress, known as the 'storehouse of the sun', incorporates some of the largest black stones ever used in a building, some weighing nearly 300 tons. The zig-zag walls represent the teeth of the sacred puma and provide an excellent defensive structure. The stones fit so perfectly together without mortar that not even moss can grow in the cracks. Massive stone terraces line the site, along with ruins of large structures whose origins are, like much of what the Incas left behind, shrouded in mystery.Written December 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andy Abrahamson1 contributionWe chose Terra Quechua Peru to do the 4-day Inca Trail, and it was a fantastic experience. My husband and I wanted a different kind of adventure and this tour was exactly what we were looking for. The hikes were demanding, but the rewards in the form of scenic views and Inca ruins made it worth it. The guide Adrian was very professional and shared fascinating stories about the culture and history of the Incas.
The activities were well distributed, with time to rest, explore archaeological sites and enjoy the meals prepared by the team cooks. The nights in the camps were very quiet. Arrival at Machu Picchu was the perfect culmination of a trip full of challenges, but also of gratitude for all that we experienced together. Terra Quechua Peru organized everything beautifullyWritten January 7, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DAVID RHYZ1 contributionWe travelled with Terra Quechua Peru and it was spectacular, very well looked after, the guide and driver were super.
The hike was a little demanding, but the views all the way were spectacular, and the arrival at the turquoise lagoon was magical. Our guide was excellent, always attentive and explaining interesting facts about the place.
After the walk, we were offered a delicious lunch which we enjoyed in an incredible setting.Written December 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - José P3 contributionsA city with a rich history, reflecting a combination of old and new. I enjoyed the fact that there is the city center and then there are remains of stone structures on the outskirts.Written December 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shivi528Toronto, Canada63 contributionsVery lovely place to hang out and be in the midst of the city. Kept me busy for hours, which I needed and enjoyed. Beautiful place to watch the sunset.Written August 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- manish agrwalCusco, Peru3 contributionsNice place sell lots fruits and veg and clothes is amazing and very cheaper place I enjoyed lot and buy more clothes for my friendsWritten January 7, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FredySalomaCusco, Peru22 contributionsWith a friends of Poland. The vibrant energy is most noticeable in the bustling Plaza de Armas, Vegent food, Ceviche, CausaWritten October 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- happykoabugHonolulu, HI704 contributionsAn interesting place to visit. I love the diorama of how the Inca temple would have looked like before being altered. The Temple of the Sun is impressive.Written December 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- adrenalinejunkie007Los Angeles, CA85 contributionsVery beautiful and serene stop. The entrance ticket covers the whole complex and has so much to see. Sadly you're not able to photograph to remember. Guides are available outside to explain more of what you're seeing, which can be helpful especially if you're not of the Catholic faith. Would definitely recommend.Written October 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jared EPoway, CA11 contributionsI love chocolate! So when we found we had an extra day of acclimating before trekking through Peru, I booked the Bean to Bar workshop for my wife and I. Our "Willy Wonka" instructor was fabulous. She was funny, informative, and interacted with our entire group. We completed almost the entire process of making chocolate from picking our our beans, roasting them, peeling, making them into paste, and even more along the way. We had competitions and laughed throughout the tour. In the end, we were provided with our choice of dark or milk chocolate to mold and take home with us.
If you have a couple of extra hours in Cusco and you love chocolate, I highly recommend this tour.Written September 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - libelle622Stroud, UK154 contributionsPick up on time. Short ride to the Plentarium. A talk about the animals the Inca saw in the Milky Way. Out to look through telescopes at stars, constellations and a planet that was visible. All well sorted by very enthusiastic staff.Written October 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- happykoabugHonolulu, HI704 contributionsThe tour from "Transport to cochahuasi animal shelter" on Viator.com was an excellent choice to see the sanctuary. I was picked up at 830 am from my hotel and once we reached the sanctuary I had a private 1 hour tour with the director. The animals were being fed breakfast so all were out and about. I asked if wings of the various birds were clipped to prevent them from flying but nope, the birds choose to stay on their own out in the open. I loved that one of the female Andean goose kept following the director who would pet her and she would coo. My main reason was to see the Andean condors up-close. I was pleasantly surprise that they had a spectacled bear who was named Juliette.Written December 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
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