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Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
Practical tips

Things to do in Cusco: 30 essentials in the city and beyond

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Cusco has so much to see that the hard part isn't finding plans, it's choosing. The former Inca capital blends flawless stone walls with baroque churches, markets where you breakfast on fresh juice, viewpoints over red-tiled roofs and, a few hours away, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and mountains over 5,000 metres. This guide gathers what is genuinely worth doing in Cusco and around it, grouped by type of experience, with links to our detailed guides so you can plan every part without mistakes.

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The 10 essentials

  1. Machu Picchu: the Inca citadel is the reason for almost every trip. Buy your ticket on the official website well ahead and choose your circuit carefully.
  2. The Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral: the heart of the city, with the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus facing each other.
  3. Qorikancha: the Inca Temple of the Sun, with superb stonework beneath the Santo Domingo convent.
  4. Sacsayhuamán: the ceremonial fortress of giant stones above the city, included in the Tourist Ticket.
  5. San Blas: the artisans' quarter, with steep streets, workshops and one of the best viewpoints.
  6. San Pedro Market: juices, breakfasts, Andean fruit and everyday Cusco life.
  7. The Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans.
  8. Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake: two full-day, high-altitude excursions.
  9. The twelve-angled stone: on Hatun Rumiyoc street, the most famous example of Inca masonry.
  10. Cusco food: from chiri uchu and chicharrón to a cooking class with market produce.

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Things to do in the city

The historic centre is walkable and holds many of the essentials. Give the city at least one full day: start at the Plaza de Armas, visit the Cathedral and Qorikancha, climb to San Blas for the workshops and the viewpoint, and end with sunset from San Cristóbal or Cristo Blanco. Inca streets such as Loreto or Hatun Rumiyoc let you see original walls for free, and a free walking tour is a good way to get your bearings on day one.

Museums and churches

  • Museo Inka: ceramics, textiles and mummies to understand Andean culture.
  • Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: selected pieces in a colonial mansion.
  • Casa Concha: objects recovered from Machu Picchu.
  • Churches: the Cathedral, La Compañía, San Blas and Santo Domingo showcase the Cusco School of painting.

Many of these places are not in the Tourist Ticket; check what each ticket includes before buying.

Ruins on the edge of the city

A few kilometres from the centre lie Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. You can visit them on a half-day city tour or by walking downhill from Tambomachay back to town. All are included in the Tourist Ticket.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu deserves its own planning: tickets with limited capacity, compulsory circuits, the train to Aguas Calientes and the bus up. You can go as a day trip from Cusco or, better, sleep in Aguas Calientes to enter early. If you like hiking, consider Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or the Inca Trail.

The Sacred Valley

The Urubamba valley, lower and milder than Cusco, is ideal for starting your trip and acclimatising. Essentials: the terraces and market of Pisac, the Ollantaytambo fortress, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pans and the weaving town of Chinchero. See it on a full-day tour or, more calmly, by spending one or two nights in the valley.

Day trips

  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or the quieter alternative, Palccoyo.
  • Humantay Lake, a turquoise lake below the Salkantay glacier.
  • South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and the church of Andahuaylillas.
  • Waqrapukara, a little-visited fortress above the Apurímac canyon.
  • Hot springs to unwind after a hike.

All of them mean an early start and, for the high ones, good acclimatisation.

Hiking and trekking

Cusco is one of South America's great trekking destinations. The classic Inca Trail needs permits months in advance; Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao and Ausangate are multi-day alternatives with high-mountain scenery. For something short, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca or the descent from Chinchero to Urquillos fit into a single day.

Eating and drinking

Try traditional dishes in a picantería, Saylla's chicharrón, chuta bread, a regional coffee or a pisco sour. If you are curious, guinea pig (cuy) is the most traditional speciality. A cooking class or a market food tour is an excellent way to understand Andean produce.

Markets and shopping

Beyond San Pedro, Pisac market, the Centro Artesanal Cusco and the San Blas workshops are worth a visit. Learn to tell real alpaca from blends and bargain respectfully.

Festivals and living culture

If your trip coincides with Inti Raymi (24 June), Corpus Christi or the Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo, you will see the region at its most intense. Book accommodation well ahead for those dates.

Adventure

Rafting on the Urubamba, ziplining and via ferrata in the Sacred Valley, ATVs around Maras and Moray, paragliding, mountain biking or horse riding near Sacsayhuamán: there are options for every level.

Cusco at night

Bars with live music, folk peñas, clubs around the Plaza de Armas and night tours with a planetarium or dance shows. Watch your drink and go back in an identified taxi.

Plans by number of days

  • 1 day: historic centre, Qorikancha, San Blas and Sacsayhuamán at sunset.
  • 2 days: add a Sacred Valley tour, or San Pedro Market and the museums.
  • 3 days: add Machu Picchu, ideally sleeping in Aguas Calientes.
  • 5 days or more: add Rainbow Mountain or Humantay, a short trek and a free day to rest.

Before you go

  • Altitude: Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres; take your first day easy.
  • Tourist Ticket: covers many ruins and museums; work out whether it pays off for you.
  • Season: the dry season, May to September, is the most stable; the rainy season brings green landscapes and fewer people.
  • Budget: many plans are free or cheap.

Before you go

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Cusco?
Machu Picchu, the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, San Pedro Market and the Sacred Valley.
How many days do I need in Cusco?
Three days cover the city, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu; with five or more you can add high-altitude day trips and hikes.
What can you do for free in Cusco?
Walk the historic centre and the Inca streets, climb to the viewpoints, browse the markets and join a free walking tour.
What to do in Cusco when it rains?
Museums, churches, markets, cooking classes and chocolate workshops are good options in the rainy season.

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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).

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