Incan stones sit perfectly on top of each other, mortarless marvels silently mocking their Spanish counterparts. Stunningly blue skies and perfect ancient architecture juxtaposed against colonial buildings take up tourists’ imaginations. Similarly, the countless photogenic spots take up the tourists’ phone data too.
Cusco is the longest-inhabited city in the Americas. Take time to appreciate the culture and history here. And if you get antsy, there are plenty of activities in and around town, too.
What to Do
The attractions in Cusco are the city’s history and proximity to Machu Picchu. Pretty much all of the region’s adventure activities are in the Sacred Valley and not the city itself. But there are excellent hikes and activities to do in and next to Cusco, and I included those in this list.
Note: Places with (B) next to them are part of the “boleto turistico”. Sixteen sites are available ONLY with this Tourist Ticket. You can buy the ticket at the office at Avenida el Sol 103. Current prices are found on the website here.
Culture
- San Blas: This artist’s haven is a 10 minute uphill walk from the city’s principle plaza and has some of Cusco’s best restaurants.
- San Pedro Market: Cusco’s popular market is a lively experience of Peru’s chaotic, delicious, and culture-shock inducing market scene. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the main plaza.
- Stone Walking Tour + Plaza: The (self-guided) Stone Walking Tour was so cool! A simple google search told us how to search Cusco’s streets for the 12-angled stone, the Puma in the wall, and other hidden gems in the cobblestone streets. It takes about 20 minutes. Nearby is the main plaza, always worth a visit in Peruvian towns and especially in Cusco.
- Qooricancha. This Catholic cathedral was built on top of the Inca’s most important temple. The site reflects the region; Spanish stones are situated to show their culture’s dominance, yet are overshadowed by the more mysterious, mortar-less Incan walls.
Hikes With Incan Architecture
- Cerro Wanakawri (Huanakaure): At 4,100 meters (13,451 feet) above sea level, this spiritually significant mountain overlooks the ancient Incan capital. It’s right next to Cusco and you can hike there and visit ancient religious sites.
- Intihuatana + Tipon (B) + Pikillaqta (B): “Intihuatana” means “hitching post of the sun”. These were likely Incan astronomical clocks. Most were destroyed by the Spanish, but fortunately this one survived. Next door is Tipon, the Inca’s royal gardens. Centuries later, water still flows through the canals, and the views of the landscape are wonderful. The archaeological site of Pikillaqta is unique because it predates the Incan empire, having originally belonged to the Wari culture.
- Saqsaywaman, Puka Pukara, Q’enko, Tambomachay (all B): We were able to see these archaeological sites in one afternoon. This walk is a great introduction to Incan architecture. Tambomachay’s ancient canals still stream freshwater. And nearby Puka Pukara easily has the best views. Next door is Q’enko, whose macabre ceremonies light up the imagination. Finally, Sacsaywaman has excellent examples of large stones carved into each other with no mortar. This is an Incan specialty! Cars frequently pass by these sites. So you can hop from one place to the next.
Our hike to sacsayhuaman- Photos
The best photos of our hike around the sites next to Cusco were of Sacsayhuaman. We walked about 20 minutes from our hotel through the city to its outskirts, where Sacsayhuaman sits above the plaza.
Day Trips from Cusco
- Laguna Humantay: This turquoise lake provides great hiking opportunities and is becoming more popular. You can take a group tour or hire a taxi.
- Palccoyo: Palccoyo is the “other” Rainbow Mountain. It’s less famous than Vinicunca. But, Palccoyo is closer to Cusco. For this reason I’d recommend it over Vinicunca. Just take a bus to Checacupe (2 hours), and from there another car to Palccoyo (30 minutes). The hike is about an hour long.
- 3 Canyons (Suykutamba): This beautiful protected area features a river weaving through tall rock formations and archaeological sites. The easiest way to arrive is via tour operator.
What to Eat
Heavy, potato and rice-based dishes are typical of the Andes. Consider tried-and-true traditional foods like “cuy”, alpaca or anticuchos (beef heart skewers).
And definitely try the soups at night!
Got a hankering for vegetarian food or similar to back home? There are touristy spots catering to other diets and gastronomies all around the city.
Note: to prevent altitude sickness, avoid heavy meals, alcohol and coffee for the first 1-2 days.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco probably has more hotels per capita than any other major city in Peru. But I’ve stayed at one place, Ninos Hotel, twice. That’s because “Ninos” is not just comfortable and clean.
Ninos is a “Green Leader” recognized by TripAdvisor. AND the establishment funds childcare for underserved children in Cusco.
The restaurant is also amazing and has a fireplace (did I not say cozy?).
They have two locations, both walking distance to the main plaza.
When to Visit Cusco (Including Weather)
The rainy season starts in November and ends around March. You can visit year-round but torrential rain in the afternoons is common during this period.
Year-round highs hover around 19-21 C (62-70 F), with lows around 6-7 C (41-44 F) in most months. Nighttime gets near freezing from May through August.
Inti Raymi
Every June 24th Cusco celebrates the solstice with its biggest party! Traditional dances, clothing and ceremonies highlight this celebration of the sun.
How to Get There
An overnight buscama from these locations can be comfortable and save you money on lodging:
Destination | Length of Trip | Price (Soles) |
| Arequipa | 10.5 hours | 29-167 |
| Lima | 21-22 hours | 29-78 |
| Nazca | 15 hours | 29-177 |
| Puno | 6.5 hours | 29-65 |
Note: The US Dollar to Nuevo Sol exchange rate tends to hover around 3:1
Regular, frequent flights arrive from all major Peruvian cities.
Conclusion
Cusco is the navel of the world in the Incan worldview. And it will possibly be the center of your trip. After all, one can spend weeks just exploring the city and its surroundings!
Have you been? Let us know?
Wanna go? Consider making Cusco part of a bucket list adventure!
Thanks for reading :)
