cusco.tips
PDF guides
Panoramic view of Cusco's red rooftops surrounded by mountains
Practical tips

Is Cusco worth it? What to do beyond Machu Picchu and how long to stay

Updated:

Many people arrive in Cusco thinking of it only as the gateway to Machu Picchu and leave feeling they didn't stay long enough. The old Inca capital is a city with a life of its own: streets lined with Inca walls, colonial churches, markets, artisan quarters, great food and, one or two hours away, spectacular valleys, lagoons and mountains. The short answer is yes, Cusco is worth it in its own right. This guide explains why, who it might not suit, and how to split your days.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Why it's worth it

  • History on every street: the city was literally built on top of the Inca capital. Walking around the centre you'll see perfectly fitted stone walls under colonial houses.
  • World Heritage: Cusco's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like Machu Picchu.
  • Natural setting: within a few hours you go from city to Sacred Valley, glacial lagoons or rainbow mountains.
  • Living culture: Quechua is spoken on the street, religious and Andean festivals fill the calendar and markets remain the centre of daily life.
  • Food: from markets to Novo-Andean cuisine, eating well is part of the trip.

Popular activities on GetYourGuide

What to do in the city

  • Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and La Compañía church.
  • Qorikancha, the Sun temple on which Santo Domingo convent was built.
  • San Blas, the artisans' quarter, and Hatun Rumiyoc street with the twelve-angled stone.
  • San Pedro Market, for juice breakfasts, fruit and local life.
  • Museums: the Inka Museum, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the Machu Picchu Museum at Casa Concha.
  • Viewpoints such as San Cristóbal or Cristo Blanco at sunset.

Ruins on the city's doorstep

Above the city are Sacsayhuamán, with its huge zigzag walls, and other sites such as Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. You can visit them with the Tourist Ticket, by taxi, on a tour or even walking back down to the centre.

The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas holds some of the region's most beautiful places: Pisac's terraces and market, the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt pans, Moray's circular terraces and Chinchero, famous for its weaving. Being lower than Cusco, it's also a good base for your first nights while you acclimatise.

Mountains and lagoons

For nature lovers, the most popular day trips are Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Humantay Lake, both high and demanding. Gentler alternatives include Palccoyo, and multi-day treks include Salkantay, Lares and Ausangate. If you're short on time, pick a single high-altitude trip and leave room to rest.

What to know first

To be honest, Cusco has downsides too:

  • Altitude: the city sits at around 3,400 metres and altitude sickness can hit in the first days.
  • Weather: nights are cold year-round and it rains often from December to March.
  • Crowds: in high season the most famous sites fill up.
  • Pace: steep streets and altitude are more tiring than expected.

None of this stops you enjoying the trip if you plan calmly.

Who is Cusco for?

Cusco suits people who enjoy history, culture, photography, food and mountains. It's a great destination for independent travellers, couples, families with children who handle altitude well and budget travellers. It may suit you less if you want beaches, if you have heart or breathing conditions and haven't checked with a doctor, or if you only have one day.

Sample itineraries

  • 3 days: city and acclimatisation, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu as a day trip.
  • 5 days: add a second city day with museums and a mountain trip or Maras and Moray.
  • 7 days: sleep in the Sacred Valley, see Machu Picchu calmly from Aguas Calientes and add a short trek or Rainbow Mountain.

Timings are approximate; adjust to your fitness and the season.

Our advice

Keep at least one day free of tours to wander the centre, sit in a square and try market food. Many of Cusco's best experiences aren't on any itinerary: a sunset at a viewpoint, a chat with an artisan or an unexpected street festival.

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Get online in Peru →

Frequently asked questions

Is Cusco worth it without Machu Picchu?
Yes. The city, nearby ruins, the Sacred Valley and the mountains justify several days on their own.
How many days do I need in Cusco?
At least three; five to seven lets you see it calmly.
What to do in Cusco besides Machu Picchu?
Explore the centre and San Blas, visit Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, museums and mountain or lagoon trips.
What's Cusco's biggest downside?
The altitude, around 3,400 metres; acclimatise during the first days.

Book this plan

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

Related guides