25 Best Things To Do in Cusco, Peru [An Insider’s Guide]

Since its Incan foundation, Cusco has long been a natural first stop on a trip to Machu Picchu. However, with their sights set on Machu Picchu, far too many visitors miss out on all that this incredible city has to offer.

From enjoying waterfall hikes and mountain viewpoints to exploring historic monuments dating back centuries, there are truly endless things to do in Cusco. Our curated insider’s guide to the best things to do in Cusco includes the best of the best to help you see the unmissable sights while also enjoying the more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Cusco that will set your trip apart.

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Things To Do in Cusco, Peru

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

Start your time in Cusco with a free walking tour of the historical center of Cusco. This is a great introduction to the town with a local – perfect for even more inside travel tips and recommendations – and can be a great way to meet other travelers exploring Cusco.

I recommend taking advantage of these well-done tours as one of the first things to do in Cusco once you arrive to get a good lay of the land. Tours generally depart from the Plaza de Armas and explore the easily accessible and charming streets of the historic center of Cusco, but you’ll need to book online in advance to secure your spot on a tour.

Reviews and Bookings: Cusco Historical Center Free Walking Tour

2. Enjoy a Spa Day

Whether you’re preparing for a day trip to Machu Picchu or returning from a multi-day trek in the mountains, treating yourself to an affordable massage or a spa day is one of the most popular things to do in Cusco. Even if you’re just adjusting to the altitude in Cusco, a spa day can be a great choice – it can take a lot out of a person to arrive in a city with such a high altitude, no matter how physically fit you are.

There are a lot of places in Cusco that offer massages – not all of them are the best. Head to ReEnergize Cusco for a quality massage experience with well-trained professionals, or enjoy a luxury spa experience at Palacio del Inka, a historic 5-star hotel with saunas, Turkish baths, and a hydrotherapy pool. 

3. Visit Sacsayhuamán

Located on the hillside just above the city, Sacsayhuamán is one of the most fascinating Incan ruins in the entire Sacred Valley. This impressive site was an Incan citadel designed and constructed in the 15th century and known as one of the best places to take in the unmatched Incan stonework that involved flawlessly cutting straight lines into massive blocks of hewn rock.

Plan on spending around two hours exploring the site and marveling at its well-preserved structure. With its proximity to central Cusco, it’s easy to visit Sacsayhuamán from the city without taking a tour; a taxi from the center of Cusco is just a few soles. The entrance fee is included in the Cusco Tourist Pass, so make sure you have yours before you arrive – it will save you money if you plan on visiting a few spots in the area.

4. Eat Like a Local at Cuyeria Sabor Moqueguano

If you’re inspired after seeing Jesus and the disciples chowing down on guinea pigs (“cuy”) during the final supper in the most famous work of art in the Cusco Cathedral, head to Cuyeria Sabor Moqueguano to try this local delicacy for yourself. This is a purely local spot specializing almost exclusively in guinea pig; it’s absolutely nothing pretentious or touristy here, just great local food in a no-frills location.

Whether you make it to Cuyeria Sabor Moqueguano or not, guinea pig is worth a try when you’re in Cusco and can be found on many menus. Be warned that it’s most commonly served whole, including head, claws, teeth, and all, so if this is too much for you, order something else.

5. Explore the San Blas Neighborhood

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Cusco, San Blas is an excellent area to explore – and one of the best places to stay in Cusco. Just a few blocks uphill from Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas, San Blas has an unending array of cafes, restaurants, and shops hidden among a labyrinth of charming historic streets. These are some of the most popular destinations in San Blas you won’t want to miss during your visit.

• Iglesia de San Blas | A charming and historic church with a beautiful interior and one of the most stunning lookout points over the city.
• Artisan Galleries and Workshops | You’ll have no problem discovering local artisan shops, but make sure to stop at the gallery of Hilario Medivil, one of Cusco’s most famous artisans.
• Limbus Restobar | Delicious food and mixed drinks, with stunning views over Cusco – in our opinion, Limbus Restobar is a must-visit!
• Indie Cafe & Concept Store | Delicious coffee, great pastries, and cool, handmade items that make for the perfect souvenirs from your trip await at Indie Cafe & Concept Store.

6. Marvel at the Plaza de Armas

Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas is the undeniable heart of historic Cusco. This vibrant plaza is rimmed with some of the city’s most important Spanish colonial buildings, like the ornate Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and Cusco’s Cathedral, all of which are worth a visit.

This area is also one of the most important areas of the city, particularly for visitors. Almost everything you’ll want to do in Cusco is located within several blocks of this plaza, including all of our top recommendations for where to stay in Cusco and the best places to eat and shop. Many tour operators, both for day trips from Cusco and to Machu Picchu, are located within a few blocks of the plaza.

Travel Tip: Inside Cusco’s Cathedral, you’ll find an incredible painting featuring Jesus and the disciples sharing the Last Supper with a bit of a menu change – they’re sharing “cuy,” or guinea pig, a delicacy in the Andes.

7. Explore the Mercado San Pedro

Get a peek at local life and a bit further off the beaten path in Cusco by visiting San Pedro Market in the San Blas neighborhood. Here, you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, and plenty of food stalls selling plentiful and inexpensive local food, which makes it a highlight for curious eaters and those on a backpacker budget.

Looking to combine a culinary experience in Cusco with a trip to the market? Visit the market with a local chef, then head to a group cooking class to learn how to make Peruvian food once you’re home from your trip.

8. Take a Day Trip to Ollantaytambo

Many travelers just pass through the small town of Ollantaytambo on their way to catch the train to Machu Picchu, but this historic Incan town is really worth sticking around for. With some of the most noteworthy ruins in the Sacred Valley, plenty of restaurants and cafes with delicious food, and historic Incan streets, Ollantaytambo has plenty to offer in its own right.

Just over an hour and a half from Cusco, this fascinating town is easily accessible. While you’ll find the ruins of Ollantaytambo included on many comprehensive Sacred Valley tour itineraries, try to spend more time here than that! Even if you can spend just one night in Ollantaytambo, you’ll love the opportunity to explore all the town has to offer.

9. Drink Coca Tea

Looking to experience an authentic part of local culture that can do wonders for your health? Try drinking coca tea – it’s one of the best things to do in Cusco if you’re trying to acclimatize to the sky-high elevation of the Sacred Valley.

While coca is more well known for being the plant from which cocaine is derived, it’s been used traditionally in the Andes for generations to assist will all kinds of ailments, but particularly to assist with the effects of altitude sickness. I chugged this stuff when I first arrived in Cusco – it really works!

You’ll find coca tea everywhere you turn here, including in cafes, restaurants, and often offered at hotels for guests. Alternatively, buy a box of coca teabags or a bag of coca leaves from the Mercado San Pedro to make your own tea. 

10. Visit the Pisac Ruins

Just under an hour from Cusco, the small town of Pisac has big-time attractions like ruins and a famous indigenous market, drawing countless visitors passing through the Sacred Valley. The ruins at Pisac include some of the most dramatic hillside terracing in the region and are included in many group tours and private excursions from Cusco, including the most popular Sacred Valley day trips from Cusco.

At the age-old Pisac market, another one of the major draws of this tiny town, expect to find everything from traditional textiles and alpaca blankets to fresh produce and souvenirs. While the age-old Pisac market is busiest and buzziest on Sundays, it’s open in a smaller capacity every day of the week. You’ll enjoy even a quick visit to Pisac, though spending at least four or five hours exploring the ruins and market is even better.

11. Sip Drinks at the República del Pisco

República del Pisco is a Cusco institution known best for its Pisco sours, the most popular mixed drink created with Peru’s homegrown spirit, Pisco. In addition to its award-winning drinks, this Cusco bar and restaurant has live music most nights of the week, which helps create a lively and upbeat atmosphere no matter when you’re visiting.

While República del Pisco is not the most affordable spot in Cusco, it’s definitely a Cusco institution worth a visit – after all, it makes our list as being one of the best things to do in Cusco for a reason!

Travel Tip: If you’re planning on heading to República del Pisco for dinner – or during dinner time – plan to get there early if you can, as it can get crowded. 

12. Meet the Mummies at Qorikancha 

Located in the heart of Cusco, Qorikancha was once the Incan temple to the Sun, considered the most important Incan religious site of the empire. Before the Spanish arrived, Qorikancha was entirely coated in golden sheets, stripped when Spanish conquistadores sacked the temple and built the Monastery of Santo Domingo on top of the ruins in the 1500s. 

Today, Qorikancha is a museum combining a fascinating mix of Incan and Spanish architectural styles. Its most dramatic exhibit is undoubtedly the collection of mummies and skulls in the basement rooms. Fun fact: the mummies of former Incan emperors were kept here and taken out and ceremonially offered food and drink and dressed in ornate clothing on a regular basis.

Qorikancha is one of several destinations included in the Cusco Tourist Pass, which you can purchase online before you arrive in Cusco. Getting this multi-day pass to some of the region’s most important historical sites will save you money if you plan on visiting multiple ruins, museums, and monuments in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

13. Taste Your Way Through Cusco On A Food Tour

There’s no better way to explore a destination than through its food, which is why I always like to book a food tour, cooking class, or local market tour early on when visiting a new place for the first time. Not only are these interactive and often hands-on experiences a great way to connect with locals and other travelers, but they also offer the additional benefit of knowing exactly what I like off of local menus for the rest of my visit.

WithLocals offers a great Cusco food tour with 10+ delicious foods and drinks to sample in off-the-beaten-path spots around the historic center. You’ll find a couple of different Cusco food tours available, including another popular market tour and cooking class we loved, but I really loved the WithLocals version and consider it one of the best things to do in Cusco.

14. Embark on the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s great treks for a reason! Embark on the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek to explore sections of old Inca roads and rarely-visited ruins while passing by jaw-droppingly beautiful mountainscapes with valley vistas. 

While you’ll find travel agencies in Cusco advertising Inca Trail treks, it’s generally necessary to book your trek in advance. Book as far in advance as you can – you really want to go with a reliable tour company (we used and loved TreXperience!), but spots on these coveted tours along the permit-only trails can sell out quickly, especially during the high season of travel, from May through September.

15. Or, Try One of the “Alternative” Inca Trails

If the increasingly crowded and busy Inca Trail isn’t exactly the travel experience you have in mind, consider signing up for one of the “alternative” Inca Trail experiences that trace the roots of some of the most impressive hiking routes around Cusco, ending in Machu Picchu, just like the Inca Trail.

• Salkantay Trek | Explore the snowcapped Salkantay Mountains (including Lake Humantay) on this trail that culminates in a visit to Machu Picchu. Slightly more challenging than the Inca Trail, this generally lasts 5 days, though you can find iterations lasting up to 12 days.
• Lares Trek | Visit remote towns, Incan ruins, and stunning landscapes in the Sacred Valley on the Lares Trek. This trek is moderately difficult to challenging and traditionally lasts for four days and three nights, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu, though you can find longer iterations as well.

For something even more off-the-beaten-path, literally and figuratively, consider the Ausangate Trek, a guided experience through the dramatic Red Valley near Cusco. While this path doesn’t end at Machu Picchu, it does include a stop at Rainbow Mountain, one of the most popular day trip destinations near Cusco.

16. Hike to Lake Humantay

Cusco is a dream destination for a day trip, nestled within a short drive from some of the most stunning natural and man-made destinations in Peru. However, in my humble opinion, the stunning aquamarine lake known as Lake Humantay, complete with a towering, snow-capped mountain backdrop, is the most impressive Cusco day trip imaginable.

Booking a small-group excursion to Lake Humantay is both the easiest and the most cost-effective way to travel to this remote area; while the lake is accessible by taxi, you’ll end up paying the same amount as a small-group tour and won’t benefit from having a guide. The uphill hike from the parking area to the lake takes about an hour; it isn’t hard perse, though if you’re still adjusting to the altitude, it can be more taxing than you might expect.

Travel Tip: If you’re hiking around Cusco, specifically on the Salkantay Trek, you’ll likely get a chance to visit Lake Humantay along the way, so no need to visit beforehand! If not, book your day trip in advance and consider the hike as part of your altitude acclimatization – it’s one of the most impressive and beautiful destinations in Cusco.

17. Visit the ChocoMuseo

Cusco’s ChocoMuseo is dedicated to… you guessed it… all things chocolate. The free museum is a great place to learn more about how chocolate is grown and produced, and you’ll get to taste plenty of samples as you browse the museum and store.

You can also sign up for the interactive bean-to-bar workshop at the ChocoMuseo where you’ll get to try your hand at making fresh chocolate. This is a great hands-on experience and, of course, includes plenty of taste testing along the way.

18. Marvel at Original Incan Streets

You’ll see the remnants of the Incan foundation of Cusco everywhere you look, including in the walls that line the streets of the historic center. However, some of these ruins, embedded in the streets and walls of the modern city, are so impressive that they’re worth searching out.

One of the best places to see remnants of original Incan walls is along Calle Loreto, a street that runs off of the Plaza de Armas. You’ll also want to check out the famous twelve-angled stone – this massive, multi-ton stone built into a wall along Calle Hatunrumiyoc has a shocking 12 sides and is sure to leave you wondering how the Incans were able to so precisely carve such a massive creation.

Read More: 25+ Best Things To Do in Peru

19. See the Treasures at the Inca Museum

Cusco’s Inca Museum (Museo Inka) holds an incredible collection of Incan treasures. Everything from skulls to pottery, jewelry, textiles, and religious figurines are on display here, making it one of the most impressive destinations to visit in Cusco, even if you’re not typically one to visit museums while you travel.

The Inca Museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building in the heart of the city, and you can see live weaving demonstrations by local indigenous artisans in the courtyard. It’s a fantastic window into local tradition, history, and heritage and will serve you greatly as you explore the many Incan ruins and remains throughout the Sacred Valley.

20. Take in the View from the San Cristobal Viewpoint

Cusco is a city of beautiful views. However, one of the city’s very best vantage points is from the San Cristobal Church in the heart of Cusco’s historic center, where visitors will enjoy unmatched views of the mountains, historic streets, and Plaza de Armas. 

Just standing in the plaza in front of the church offers breathtaking views, but if you want to make the experience truly special, make sure to enter the church and climb the bell tower – admission costs just a few soles. You can reach San Cristobal on foot from Plaza de Armas, though if walking uphill at this altitude is still too much for you, take a taxi for just a few soles up the hill instead.

21. Visit Cusco’s Artisan Market

If you’re looking for a place to buy something to bring home with you, Cusco’s artisan market is the place to find it! Located just around the corner from the Plaza de Armas, the Centro Artesanal has a huge array of textiles, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and more. It’s worth a trip to people-watch and browse the stalls even if you don’t have one spare inch of space in your suitcase for another knickknack or trinket.

Keep in mind that the artisan market in Cusco is definitely oriented towards travelers, but it has a great selection and is a great place for shopping, especially if you’re not able to visit the markets in Pisac or Chinchero in the Sacred Valley. Some of the best things to get include textiles, blankets, sweaters, and home decor.

22. Take a Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain

Previously hidden by year-round snow and ice, warming global temperatures began revealing a unique geological feature in the hillsides around Cusco in 2013. Over a decade later and thanks inpart to its repeated virality on Instagram and TikTok, the so-called Rainbow Mountain is now one of the most visited attractions in Peru and one of the most popular day trips from Cusco. 

Book a day trip to Rainbow Mountain – you can’t easily visit on your own without your own vehicle – and get ready for a long day! Excursions usually depart from Cusco between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM to make the 3-hour journey. However, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning and unique perspective of this beautiful, other-worldly site that defies logic. 

23. Shop at Awamaki

Enjoy all the best handmade, artisan products of the Sacred Valley while supporting local communities by shopping at Awamaki. A small non-profit with years of history operating in the Sacred Valley, Awamaki operates a small shop packed with ethically-made artisan products like textiles and home decor that directly support local communities and women-led projects transforming the area.

While Awamaki isn’t located in Cusco itself – it’s nestled in the small town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley – it’s well worth an addition to this list, especially since most travelers visiting the area end up passing through the town on the way to Machu Picchu anyway.

Looking for things to do in Cusco that are sustainable and ethical? Awamaki is also one of the best ethical tourism operators in the area. They offer rural tourism experiences that include visits to weaving cooperatives and overnight stays with local families, though the experiences can be tailored to your specific interests. 

24. Visit Choquequirao

Considered by visitors and locals alike to be shockingly similar to Machu Picchu, the long-hidden Incan settlement at Choquequirao is considered one of the most interesting ruins in all of South America.

Visiting Choqeuquirao couldn’t be more different from visiting Machu Picchu. Choquequirao is currently only accessible via a four-day round trip trek, meaning it usually sees just 15-20 intrepid explorers visiting the site daily, as opposed to Machu Picchu’s thousands. It’s hidden among

While the standard four-day or five-day trek just visiting the Choquequriao, there are alternative trail spurs that take visitors to other ruins, including even Machu Picchu. The trek doesn’t require a guide, though one is highly recommended, especially if you’re looking to deviate from the standard four-day itinerary.

25. Explore the Ruins of Tambomachay

If you’re not exhausted by visiting ruins throughout the Sacred Valley during your time in Cusco, the ruins of Tambomachay can be a great addition to your Cusco itinerary.

Many travelers skip Tambomachay for the more well-known ruins of Sacsayhuaman, but this is a mistake! While just as easily accessible and impressive as Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachacy often receives just a fraction of the visitors, meaning you’ll enjoy them with far fewer tourists obstructing your view. 

Located just five miles from the center of town, Tambomachay is one of the most easily accessible ruins from Cusco and is a favorite addition to many of the best Cusco ruins tours. 

Tambomachay is one of several destinations included in the Cusco Tourist Pass, which you can purchase online before you arrive in Cusco. Getting this multi-day pass to some of the region’s most important historical sites will save you money if you plan on visiting multiple ruins, museums, and monuments in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.