While most visitors to Cusco head straight to the ruins of Machu Picchu or head off on the Inca Trail, there are actually an impressive number of things to do in the city of Cusco itself. Make sure you spend some time in this former capital of the Inca Empire and discover for yourself what makes this city so magical! If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco, just take a look at these 10 ideas below and plan the perfect day of activities:
1. Visit Plaza de Armas
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas was built in what was once the Inca capital’s ceremonial square, known as Haukaypata. Nowadays, its most dominating features are colonial buildings like the Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia La Compañia de Jesús, but much of the stonework for the foundations of these buildings comes from the original Inca imperial walls. Start your exploration of the city here and simply take in your surroundings and the history of where you are standing.
2. Take a Cusco Walking Tour
While Cusco is a great place to just wander around and explore, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience if you’re with a guide who can explain the history and significance of what you’re seeing. Taking a Cusco walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know the city.
3. Explore the Mysterious Sacsayhuamán Ruins
This massive pre-Incan fortress has sometimes been compared to Stonehenge due to its megalithic stone pillars and mysterious aura. It also hosts the main ceremony of the famous Inti Raymi festival every year. Located just outside of Cusco and accessible by walking or a short taxi ride, Sacsayhuamán is a great place to explore for an afternoon while in town. It’s also lies adjacent to the statue of Cristo Blanco (similar to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro) where you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in the city.
4. Visit the Koricancha Sun Temple
Koricancha was once the site of the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to the sun god Inti, it served as an important symbol of the empire’s power and prosperity: the walls of this holy place were at one time covered with sheets of pure gold. Most of the complex was eventually destroyed in later wars with the Spanish conquistadors, but much of its stonework forms the foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent which was built in its place. A visit to the Koricancha Sun Temple and its onsite museum is a definite must-see while in Cusco.
5. Take a Stroll Around San Blas
The neighborhood of San Blas, centered around the namesake cathedral, is one of Cusco’s best neighborhoods to wander around and take in the scenery. Its winding cobblestone streets are charming and beautiful, and its location atop a steep hill means you’ll have one of the best views of the city as a backdrop. San Blas is also known as Cusco’s artsy bohemian district, so make sure to stop in at one of the many art galleries and craft workshops in the area.
6. Twelve-angled Stone
Located just a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, you’ll find the famous twelve-angled stone. This masterpiece of stonework features one stone with distinct angles methodically carved to fit perfectly with the surrounding stones. This is one of the best-known examples of the skill and perfectionism of Inca craftsmen.
7. Visit the San Pedro Market
The Mercado San Pedro is one of the best places in Peru to see a traditional Andean market. Here you’ll find everything from fresh local produce to shamanic potions and herbs. If you’re interested in trying something new, the San Pedro Market is also home to many small food stands where you’ll be able to buy heaping portions of traditional dishes.
8. Go to a Museum
Cusco is home to a large number of museums of various sizes and covering a range of subject matters. The most well-known museums include the Museo de Arte Precolombino, which features selected pieces of native artifacts from Lima’s Larco Museum; Museo Inka, which features a small but impressive collection of Inca artifacts; and Museo de la Coca, an entire museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of the coca leaf. A visit to one of these or another museum in Cusco is a great way to learn about Peru’s history and cultural heritage.
9. Enjoy Something to Eat
Peru is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s great culinary capitals and Cusco is no exception to this. One of the things that make the food here so interesting is the large number of unique vegetables and fruits which are native to the region. There are a number of incredible fine dining restaurants in Cusco such as Gaston Acurio’s Chicha that are well worth a visit, but even if you just choose to eat something more casual in the San Pedro Market you’ll definitely find something interesting and delicious.
10. Visit Planetarium
It might not be one of the most well-known attractions in town, but Cusco is actually home to an excellent planetarium that is definitely worth a visit. Astronomy and observation of the skies was very important to the Inca worldview, and you’ll get a chance to learn about that on your visit to the Cusco Planetarium. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the sky and and its role in the lives of earlier civilizations.
Now that you’ve read our list, you should have a great idea of what to do in Cusco. Of course, this only covers sights and activities within the city itself, but the surrounding region has a nearly limitless number of incredible things to see. Start planning your dream trip to Peru today.
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / vdB photo’s
