So you are ready for an exciting journey to the ancient city of Cusco, Peru? Awesome! In this post, you’ll discover the best things to do in Cusco and the top places to visit in the city.
But why visit Cusco in the first place?
Well, Cusco is not just any ordinary Peruvian city. It is a magical place with centuries of history and culture within its cobblestone streets. Cuzco offers a blend of tradition and adventure, from ancient ruins to vibrant markets.
You’ll also experience natural wonders like the Andes Mountains. Cusco is like a time machine that takes you back to the days of mighty Inca emperors, where every cobblestone street tells a story. Discover why visit Peru here.
Also, Cusco is located high up in the Andes Mountains of Peru. At over 11,000 feet above sea level, it’s one of the highest cities in the world!
But don’t worry because our tours at Hello Peru Tours will ensure you acclimate to the altitude and have a safe and enjoyable experience. We even offer the best gay tours in Cusco if you want.
So, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking new adventures, Cusco has something for everyone. Here’s what you can do in Cusco in 7 days.
And with Hello Peru Travel, you can trust that we’ll guide you through all the incredible Cusco sights and experiences. Not only that, you can also book other tours to Peru, e.g., luxury train tours or Machu Picchu day trips.
Let’s explore the top things to do and places to see in Cusco.
Machu Picchu is like a big puzzle of stones high in the mountains. You can take a special train tour to Machu Picchu to see it. It’s a secret city the ancient Inca people built a long, long time ago.
You can take a train and then a bus to reach it. You’ll see big stone buildings when you get there, and you might even find llamas walking around!
Don’t forget to take your camera to capture the amazing views.
The Qoricancha Temple is an ancient and special place in Cusco. The Inca people built it to worship the sun.
When you visit, you can see how the Inca made beautiful things and learn about their beliefs. You can step back in time to see how people used to live a long time ago.
The Rainbow Mountain is a magical mountain that looks like it’s wearing a colorful coat. You need to go on a hike, like a long walk up a big hill, to get there.
When you reach the top, you’ll be amazed! The mountain has stripes of red, yellow, green, and more colors. Wear comfy shoes, and bring snacks and water for your adventure!
The Inca Trail is an amazing adventure for brave explorers. It’s a long hike through the mountains and can be a bit tough, but it’s worth it! Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking views, like mountains that touch the sky.
And guess what? You’ll end up at the famous Machu Picchu! It’s like a grand treasure at the end of a challenging journey.
If you love hiking and nature, you’ll have a blast hiking to the Humantay Lagoon. It’s a hidden gem surrounded by tall mountains. The water in the lagoon is super clear and blue, like a giant sapphire.
The hike can be challenging, a big adventure, but when you reach the lagoon, you’ll fall in love with it. Ensure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks and water. You might even spot some llamas on your way up!
The Museo Inca is a big treasure chest filled with amazing things from long ago. When you go inside, you’ll see cool stuff that the Inca people made, like shiny gold and silver objects.
There are also colorful textiles and pottery that tell stories. It’s like stepping into a history book with pictures and sculptures.
In Cusco, you can eat some delicious Peruvian food! It’s going on a tasty adventure. One thing you must try is called “ceviche.” It’s fish that’s been cooked in yummy lime juice. It’s so fresh and zingy, like a party in your mouth!
And if you’re feeling brave, you can taste “lomo saltado.” It’s a special stir-fry with beef and French fries. So crunchy and tasty!
Don’t forget to try the “empanadas.” They’re little pastries filled with yummy things like cheese or meat. And guess what? In Cusco, you can even eat alpaca meat! Alpacas are like fluffy llamas, and their meat is super tender.
Cusco is a treasure chest full of amazing places nearby. You can go on exciting day trips to explore them. One place you can visit is called the Sacred Valley. It’s stepping into a picture with big, green mountains and colorful markets. You can see llamas and even learn how they make beautiful textiles.
Another cool trip is to a place called Ollantaytambo. It’s a magical Inca town frozen in time. There are ancient ruins to explore, and you can climb a big hill called Temple Hill for a fantastic view!
The Sacred Valley is a hidden treasure chest near Cusco. It’s filled with amazing things to see and do. You can visit colorful markets where people sell beautiful stuff like handmade textiles and cool jewelry.
You might even meet llamas and alpacas!
And guess what? There are ancient ruins to explore too! Imagine climbing up big stone steps and finding old buildings built by the Inca people long ago. The views of the mountains and the Urubamba River are like a postcard that comes to life.
The Catedral of Cusco is a giant, majestic castle made of stone. It’s like something out of a fairy tale! When you step inside, you’ll be in awe. The walls are decorated with colorful paintings, and the ceilings are super high like they touch the sky.
You can also see lots of shiny gold and silver things. They’re treasures that make the church look extra special. It’s a bit like stepping into a magical world.
Going on a Humantay Lake tour is going on a big adventure! First, you hike up a mountain, which can be tiring, but don’t worry, it’s worth it.
When you reach the top, you’ll see Humantay Lake, like a mirror reflecting the blue sky and tall mountains.
The water is super clear and cold, a refreshing drink. You can even dip your toes in if you’re feeling brave! And on the way back, you might see llamas grazing in the fields. They’re like the friendly locals of the mountains.
If you love hiking and nature, you’ll have a blast hiking to the Humantay Lagoon. It’s a hidden gem surrounded by tall mountains. The water in the lagoon is super clear and blue, like a giant sapphire.
The hike can be challenging, a big adventure, but when you reach the lagoon, you’ll fall in love with it. Ensure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks and water. You might even spot some llamas on your way up!
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco city. It’s where everything happens! Imagine an ample, open space with a garden full of colorful flowers and fountains. Like a local, you can sit on a bench and watch people pass.
There’s a big church and other historic buildings all around. The plaza lights up at night with twinkling lights, a fairy tale scene. It’s a great place to feel the buzz of the city and soak in the Cusco vibe.
Saqsayhuaman Fortress is up on a hill overlooking Cusco, and when you visit, you’ll feel like an explorer on a quest!
The stones are so big that it’s hard to imagine how people moved them way back when. It’s like a stone city with cool nooks and crannies to explore. Remember to take some cool pictures!
Cuzco has streets that are like a time machine. They’re narrow, made of cobblestones, and twist and turn like a maze. It’s like walking in the footsteps of people from a long, long time ago.
You’ll see old buildings with wooden balconies and colorful doors. It’s like stepping back in time to a magical place.
The San Pedro Market is like a big treasure trove of goodies. It’s a bustling place where people sell all sorts of things. You can find colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and even tasty snacks. It’s like a rainbow of stuff to discover!
And if you’re feeling hungry, you can try some local snacks. The market is like a feast for your eyes and your tummy.
Choco Museo is a chocolate wonderland! You can learn how chocolate is made from scratch. It’s like a delicious science experiment.
You’ll see cocoa beans and even get to make your chocolate treats. It’s like magic turning beans into chocolatey goodness.
And the best part? You get to taste your creations!
The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is a big museum of ancient treasures. You’ll see amazing artwork and artifacts from the people who lived in South America before Columbus arrived. It’s like a journey through time and culture.
There are sculptures, pottery, and even shiny gold objects. It’s like a history lesson but way more fun!
San Blas is a neighborhood in Cusco that’s a magical world of art and crafts. The streets are narrow, and the buildings are charming and bright.
It’s like a fairy tale town! You can explore cute shops where artists make beautiful things. And if you like art, you’ll love San Blas
Cusco is famous for its colorful textiles; you can learn all about them at the Traditional Textile Center. You’ll see how people weave and dye fabrics with vibrant colors. It’s like a rainbow factory! You might even try weaving yourself.
If you love food, Cusco is the place to be. You can take cooking classes to learn how to make yummy Peruvian dishes. It’s like being a chef for a day! You’ll learn to cook things like ceviche and lomo saltado. And the best part? You get to eat what you make.
The Inti Raymi Festival is a big, colorful party celebrating the sun. Imagine people in colorful costumes dancing and singing. It’s like a carnival of joy! You can watch the festivities and see how the Inca people used to honor the sun.
Ollantaytambo is like a magical town from a fairy tale. You can take a day trip there from Cusco. They’re like the Inca people’s secret hideaway! Climb up the big Temple Hill, and you’ll feel like a king or queen with an amazing view of the town below.
Qenko is a mysterious place where the Inca people did important ceremonies. It’s full of big stones with special carvings. Some say it looks like a big chair for a king! When you visit, you can explore the nooks and crannies and imagine the ceremonies. It’s like stepping into an ancient ritual.
Tambomachay is a secret spa from the past. There are stone fountains that still flow with clear water. It’s like a natural Jacuzzi!
The Inca people used this place for relaxation and ceremonies. You can imagine taking a refreshing bath when you visit like they did. Don’t forget to bring your imagination! It’s one of the best things to do in Cusco.
Choquequirao is a hidden city in the mountains. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt to get there. You’ll hike through the jungle and cross cool suspension bridges. When you arrive, you’ll see old buildings with big terraces.
Sacsayhuaman is a big, ancient playground up on a hill in Cusco. Imagine huge rocks stacked together like a giant puzzle.
It’s like a fort made by the Inca people a long, long time ago. When you hike there, it’s like a treasure hunt to find the coolest rocks and hidden tunnels.
And guess what? You can see all of Cusco on a big map from the top! The view is like a postcard with colorful rooftops and mountains all around. So, put on your adventure shoes, and let’s go explore Sacsayhuaman!
Coricancha is a magical place where the Inca people worshiped the sun. It’s like a golden palace, but not made of gold anymore. You’ll see how the Inca and Spanish styles blend when you visit. It’s like two worlds in one place!
And right next door is the Convent of Santo Domingo, a peaceful garden with pretty flowers and courtyards. It’s like a secret escape in the middle of the city. You can imagine monks walking around in their long robes.
So, you’ve had an amazing adventure in Cusco, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there! There are more exciting places to explore in Peru and beyond. Here are a few cool ideas for your next travel destination:
Arequipa is a beautiful city surrounded by big volcanoes. You can explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colorful maze, and try yummy Peruvian dishes like rocoto relleno. It’s like a food adventure!
Lake Titicaca is a giant, high-up lake where people live on floating islands made of reeds. You can take boat rides and meet the local people, and try wearing a cool traditional hat.
The Amazon Rainforest is a place full of incredible animals and plants. You can go on jungle adventures, see colorful birds, and learn about the rainforest. It’s like a wild safari!
Lima is like Peru’s big, bustling capital city. You can visit cool museums, eat delicious seafood, and see the beautiful Larcomar cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s a mix of history and modern fun. And there are many gay saunas in Lima as well.
You can explore more of Cusco’s surroundings, like the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain. There are still more treasures to discover, like Pisac and Maras. So, after your fantastic time in Cusco, you have many exciting options for your next adventure.
Let us answer a few questions about the best things to see in Cusco and do.
Cusco is best known for its picturesque main square, charming cobbled streets, and distinctive architecture blending Inca and Spanish influences, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. There are many more reasons to visit Cusco, which we have written about earlier in the article.
In Cusco, 2 days are the minimum, but 3 days are better for a more enriching experience. Cusco and the Sacred Valley have much to offer if you want to explore their rich culture fully. So, going for at least 5 days is even better.
Spending a day in Cusco offers a taste of its rich culture and history. Start with a visit to the ancient Incan fortress of Sacsayhuamán, followed by a stroll around the charming Plaza de Armas. Explore the vibrant San Pedro Market to experience local flavors.
Take advantage of Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, to witness the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture. While Machu Picchu requires more time, you can still enjoy the artistic ambiance of the San Blas neighborhood.
If you’re up for it, experience Cusco’s nightlife at Wild Rover Cusco. However, to fully appreciate the Incan heritage, save the Inca Museum for a more extended visit. Discover what to do in Cusco for 7 days.
Absolutely! Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and beauty. Its historic center, with charming streets, churches, and museums, is a must-visit, making it well worth your time for several days of exploration.
