What to do in Cusco – Perú ?

Cusco -peru

Cusco, known as the “Archaeological Capital of America” and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magical city located in the Peruvian Andes. With a rich pre-Inca and Inca history, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and a vibrant culture, Cusco offers a wide variety of experiences to cater to all types of travelers. In this guide, we will explore some of the best activities and places to visit in Cusco that will undoubtedly captivate your heart. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

1.- Explore the City of Cusco

Start your visit in the heart of the city.

  1. Plaza de Armas: Start your exploration at the heart of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas. This central square is surrounded by colonial buildings, restaurants, and shops. The Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía) are two notable landmarks here.
  2. Cathedral of Cusco: The Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. It houses a remarkable collection of art and religious artifacts.
  3. Qorikancha (Coricancha): This ancient Inca temple was the most important religious site in the Inca Empire. Spanish conquerors built the Santo Domingo Convent on top of it, creating a unique blend of Inca and Spanish architecture.
  4. Sacsayhuamán: This impressive Inca fortress is located just outside Cusco and offers breathtaking views of the city. The massive stone walls and zigzagging terraces are a testament to the incredible engineering skills of the Inca civilization.
  5. San Blas Neighborhood: Known as the artist’s quarter, the San Blas neighborhood is a charming area filled with narrow streets, artisan workshops, and galleries. It’s a great place to shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
  6. Mercado Central de San Pedro: Visit this bustling market to experience the vibrant colors, flavors, and aromas of Peruvian cuisine. You can sample local dishes, buy fresh produce, and explore handicrafts.
  7. Museo de Arte Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Art Museum): Located in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, this museum showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
  8. Explore the Streets: Cusco’s streets are a joy to explore on foot. The city is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and hidden courtyards. Don’t hesitate to get lost and discover hidden gems.
  9. Try Peruvian Cuisine: Cusco is known for its delicious Peruvian cuisine. Be sure to try dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and alpaca steak. Don’t forget to taste the local drink, pisco sour.
  10. Festivals and Events: If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with one of Cusco’s vibrant festivals, such as Inti Raymi (the Inca Festival of the Sun) or the Corpus Christi celebrations, which feature colorful parades and traditional dances.

2. Tourist Attractions Near the City of Cusco

Cusco: a vibrant city, steeped in history and culture, it is the gateway to the impressive Machu Picchu. Beyond this emblematic archaeological site, Cusco offers a variety of tourist attractions. Nearby is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, dotted with ancient ruins and indigenous villages, and the colorful Rainbow Mountain, which offers impressive views of its multicolored geological formations. Whether exploring ancient civilizations or hiking through stunning natural landscapes, Cusco and its surroundings offer an unforgettable adventure for any traveler.

Machu picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Cusco region of Peru. It is located on top of a mountain 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. The city was built in the 15th century and then abandoned. It was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. It is known for its well-preserved architecture, stunning surroundings and mysterious history. The city is divided into two sectors: the agricultural sector and the urban sector. The agricultural sector is made up of terraces, which were used for farming. The urban sector is made up of houses, temples and squares.

The most famous place in Machu Picchu is the Intihuatana, which is a sundial. The Intihuatana is used to determine the solstices and equinoxes. Other important buildings in Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Plaza.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an important archaeological and historical site. Machu Picchu is also a popular tourist destination. It is a place to learn about the Inca culture and enjoy the beauty of the Andes.

Here are some additional facts about Machu Picchu:

  • The name Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua, the language of the Incas.
  • The city is believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
  • Machu Picchu is located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes Mountains.
  • The city is surrounded by cloud forest and snow-capped peaks.
  • Machu Picchu is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world.
  • The Inca Trail is a 4-day hike that leads to Machu Picchu.
  • The Hiram Bingham Trail is a shorter, 2-day hike to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is a truly amazing place. It is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Incas. The city is also a beautiful and serene place. It is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca town and archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) northwest of Cusco. It is located at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) above sea level in the Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba province, Cusco region.

Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo was a strategic military, religious and agricultural center for the Incas. The city is dominated by a large Inca fortress, which is still very well preserved. The fortress is made up of huge stone walls and terraces, which were built using sophisticated engineering techniques.

Ollantaytambo was also an important religious center for the Incas. The city is home to several temples, including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. The Temple of the Sun is the largest and most impressive temple in Ollantaytambo. It is made up of a series of concentric walls, which are decorated with carved niches and friezes.

Ollantaytambo was an important agricultural center for the Incas. The town is surrounded by fertile land, which was used to grow crops such as corn, potatoes and quinoa. The Incas also built a sophisticated system of irrigation canals, which helped ensure an abundant harvest.

Ollantaytambo is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. It is a beautiful and fascinating place, with a rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, be sure to add Ollantaytambo to your list of must-see destinations.

Pisac

Pisac is an Inca town and archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. The archaeological site is located on a hill above the city and consists of a series of terraces, temples and other structures. The most famous site in Pisac is the Intihuatana, a stone sundial that was used to determine the solstices and equinoxes.

Pisac Ruins
Pisac Ruins

Pisac is also home to a colorful market that takes place every day. The market sells a variety of products, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry and food products. The market is a great place to find souvenirs and experience local culture.

Getting to Pisac

Pisac is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Cusco and can be reached by bus or taxi. The archaeological site is open every day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and the entrance fee is 70 soles. The market is open every day, but on Sundays it is larger and livelier.

Tips for visiting Pisac

  • Arrive early at the archaeological site to avoid the crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
  • Haggle in the market to get the best price.
  • Try the local food, such as cuy (guinea pig) and chicharrón (fried pork).

Chinchero, the land of the rainbow

people local Chincheros
people local Chincheros

The town of Chinchero, also known as the land of the rainbow, due to the ease with which one can be seen during the rainy season, is one of the busiest towns for visitors passing through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. . . It is located 30 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco and about 3760 meters above sea level. Its colorful houses and fascinating crafts will make you experience first-hand what the Inca culture is.

Maras salt mines

The Salineras de Maras are a set of thousands of salt evaporation ponds located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of Cusco. Salt pans have been used for thousands of years and are still manufactured today. Salt from salt mines is used for cooking, as well as for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

The salt mines are located on the side of a mountain and the ponds are arranged in terraces. The ponds are filled with salt water from a natural spring and the water evaporates leaving the salt behind. The color of the salt varies from white to pink, depending on the mineral content of the water.

The Maras Salineras are a popular tourist attraction and visitors can walk along the terraces and see how salt is produced. There is also a small museum on site that explains the history of the salt mines.

Moray: An Archaeological Wonder in the Sacred Valley

Moray, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, is a unique and fascinating archaeological site. Unlike the imposing structures of Machu Picchu, Moray features several circular depressions that resemble amphitheatres, carved into the landscape at different heights. These depressions, ranging in depth from 5 to 30 meters, have captivated archaeologists and visitors for centuries.

What was Moray used for?

While the exact purpose remains an enigma, the most popular theory suggests that it was an agricultural research station used by the Incas. The different elevations create microclimates, which allowed the Incas to test how various crops responded to changes in temperature and sunlight conditions. Some even speculate that it was used to develop crops more suitable for specific regions of the empire.

Rainbow mountain Trek

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a mesmerizing mountain located in the Vilcanota mountain range, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Cusco, Peru. This natural wonder stands at an impressive altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) and is renowned for its vibrant stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet hues.

Geological Formation:

The mountain’s captivating colors are a result of millions of years of geological processes. Sedimentary layers containing various minerals, such as iron and copper oxides, were uplifted and exposed over time. Weathering and erosion further sculpted the landscape, revealing these colorful layers in all their glory.

Hiking:

Reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain requires a moderate to challenging hike that typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail winds its way up through puna grasslands, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Be prepared for the altitude, as it can cause shortness of breath and fatigue.

Humantay Lake

The Humantay Lagoon is an impressive lake located in the Cusco region of Peru, specifically in the Mollepata district. It sits at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the imposing Humantay mountain, which is part of the Andes mountain range.

This lagoon is renowned for its intense turquoise color, which comes from the melting glaciers nearby. The hike to the Humantay Lagoon is a popular activity among tourists visiting the Cusco region. The hiking route usually begins in the town of Soraypampa and then follows a trail of about 3.5 kilometers to reach the lagoon.

The Humantay Lagoon is one of the many natural wonders found in the Cusco region, offering visitors a unique experience amid spectacular landscapes and great biodiversity.

Waqrapukara 

Waqrapukara is an archaeological site located in the Cusco region of Peru. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level, in the district of Acos, province of Acomayo.

The name “Waqrapukara” comes from the Quechua language, where “waqra” means “horn” and “pukara” means “fortress,” so Waqrapukara is often translated as “horn-shaped fortress.”

Waqrapukara 
Waqrapukara 

The site consists of impressive stone structures built on a rocky promontory, overlooking deep valleys and surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. It is believed to have been constructed by the pre-Inca civilization, possibly the Wari culture, and later used and modified by the Inca civilization.

Waqrapukara is considered a sacred site by the local communities, and it holds significance in Andean cosmology and spirituality. It has gained popularity as a trekking destination, with visitors undertaking hikes to reach the site and explore its archaeological remains and breathtaking views. know more about Waqrapukara

Have a fantastic adventure!

2.- Hoteles

As one of Peru’s most popular destinations, Cusco boasts a variety of hotels to suit every budget. Within the city’s historic center, you’ll find meticulously restored colonial buildings transformed into elegant 4 and 5-star hotels, as well as former family homes converted into cozy guesthouses and everything in between. The following are our top hotels in Cusco, selected for their outstanding amenities, excellent service, and convenient location. From luxurious suites to charming rooms with historical charm, these hotels offer an unforgettable lodging experience in one of South America’s most captivating cities.

4 and 5 star hotels

  1. Belmond Hotel Monasterio: Un lujoso hotel boutique ubicado en un antiguo monasterio del siglo XVI, en el corazón de Cusco.
  2. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Situado en un edificio histórico del siglo XVI, este hotel ofrece comodidades modernas y una ubicación céntrica.
  3. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco: Un hotel de lujo ubicado en un convento colonial restaurado, con habitaciones elegantes y una excelente ubicación cerca de la Plaza de Armas.
  4. Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel: Un hotel boutique de lujo que combina el encanto histórico con comodidades modernas, situado en el centro de Cusco.
  5. Casa Andina Premium Cusco:Casa Andina Premium Cusco offers a luxurious stay in Cusco’s historic center, blending colonial charm with modern comfort. With stylish accommodations, a refined restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine, and a central location near top attractions like Plaza de Armas, it’s the perfect choice for discerning travelers.

2 and 3 star hotels

  1. Hotel Don Carlos Cusco: Located in the historic center of Cusco, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and hot showers. It’s within walking distance to many attractions including Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
  2. Hotel Rumi Punku: Situated just a few blocks from the main square, Hotel Rumi Punku offers cozy rooms with traditional Andean decor. The hotel features a courtyard garden, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
  3. Hotel Rojas Inn: This hotel is conveniently located near the Plaza de Armas and offers comfortable rooms with heating, private bathrooms, and cable TV. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with views of the city.
  4. Hotel Samay Wasi: Set in a colonial-style building, Hotel Samay Wasi offers affordable accommodation with basic amenities. It’s located within walking distance to many attractions and has a cozy atmosphere.
  5. Hostal Cusco Plaza I: This budget-friendly hotel offers simple rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It’s centrally located near Plaza de Armas and provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and tourist sites.

3.- Restaurants in Cusco

Cusco, Peru, is known for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse range of restaurants serving traditional Peruvian dishes as well as international cuisine. Here are some popular restaurants in Cusco:

  1. Cicciolina: This restaurant offers a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It’s known for its delicious tapas and inventive cocktails.
  2. Chicha por Gastón Acurio: Owned by renowned Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, Chicha offers a modern take on traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s a great place to try authentic Peruvian flavors in a stylish setting.
  3. Limo Cocina Nikkei: This restaurant combines Peruvian and Japanese flavors, known as “Nikkei” cuisine. It’s a must-visit for sushi lovers and those looking for innovative fusion dishes.
  4. Green Point: A popular choice for vegetarians and vegans, Green Point offers a variety of plant-based dishes with Peruvian and international influences. Their menu features creative and flavorful options.
  5. Pacha Papa: Located in the San Blas neighborhood, Pacha Papa specializes in traditional Andean cuisine, including grilled meats and local specialties like alpaca and guinea pig. The restaurant often features live music and has a rustic ambiance.
  6. Organika: Another great option for vegetarians and health-conscious diners, Organika serves organic, locally sourced dishes with a focus on sustainability. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, and creative plant-based entrees.
  7. Morena Peruvian Kitchen: Offering a modern twist on Peruvian classics, Morena Peruvian Kitchen showcases the diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Dishes are beautifully presented, and the restaurant has a trendy vibe.
  8. Pachapapa: Situated in a charming courtyard, Pachapapa serves traditional Peruvian cuisine with a focus on grilled meats and Andean specialties. The restaurant’s rustic ambiance and flavorful dishes make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

4.- Cultural Events

January:

New Year’s Eve (December 31 – January 1): In Cusco, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with great excitement. Thousands of locals and foreigners gather in the Plaza de Armas. After the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the sky and kick off an outdoor party filled with joy and enthusiasm.

February:

Cusco Carnival (moveable dates, 40 days before Easter Sunday): Carnival in Cusco is a blast. A city-wide water fight breaks out on the first Sunday of Carnival, where anyone on the street can become a target for a good soaking, following the tradition where anything goes.

March / April:

Holy Week (moveable dates): Events during Holy Week in Cusco showcase how Catholic observances are infused with Andean elements. The week begins with the procession of the Taytacha Temblores or “Lord of Earthquakes,” one of Cusco’s revered patron saints, and concludes with the tasting of twelve typical dishes said to represent the twelve apostles.

May / June:

Qoyllur Rit’i (moveable dates, Sunday to Tuesday, Ascension Day, the same week as Corpus Christi): This festival is an amalgamation of old and new traditions, with Andean symbols and practices playing a central part. An estimated 10,000 pilgrims from Andean villages arrive at the Sinakara chapel at the base of the Ausangate to participate in this festival.

June:

Corpus Christi (moveable dates, nine weeks after Easter Thursday): A visually stunning procession of the patron virgins and saints from Cusco’s different neighborhood churches. Approximately 50,000 people gather in the Plaza and surrounding streets to watch this sacred tradition.

Inti Raymi (June 24): This is one of Cusco’s paramount festivals, honoring the Inca sun god, Inti. While the main procession event takes place on June 24, the days before and after are also filled with festivities including dances, music, and traditional ceremonies.

July:

Peru’s Independence Days (July 28 – 29): Peru’s independence is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country. In Cusco, you’ll see the red and white flag waving everywhere. There are daytime parades and folkloric dance performances, with fireworks lighting up the night sky.

December:

Santurantikuy Fair (December 24): This is a unique tradition in Cusco where people come to buy and sell objects and adornments for nativity scenes in the Plaza de Armas. Artisans from around Cusco, and even from as far away as Puno, come to display their wares ranging from silver and tinwork to embroidery.

Tag
Share with