Best Things To Do in Cusco

Cuzco is one of those tourist sites where the activities seem to be endless. Beyond tours of the Seven Coloured Mountain or excursions to Machu Picchu, the ancient capital of South America's most powerful empire left a legacy that deserves to be visited and appreciated by globetrotters.

From tasting its traditional drinks, rafting, mountain hiking, meeting llamas or sampling its gastronomy, whether exploring the intricate stone carvings of Tipon or marvelling at the Inca walls of the Plaza de Armas, visitors will travel back in time. In this article you will find a list of the 15 best things to do and see in Cuzco.

The ancient capital of the Inca Empire from the Andes Mountains oozes history and culture, and to begin exploring this mystical city, the ideal place to start is at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the so-called "navel of the world", Cuzco.

The entrances to the Cuzco Cathedral and the Church of La Campiña are just a few of the must-see sights in this bustling public square that even Hollywood is seduced by, but you'll also find museums, beautiful fountains and the municipal library among other sites worth visiting.

Don't miss any of the cultural performances such as the "Wawa Inti Raymi" or Sun Festival, the various fairs, the Corpus Christi Festival... This square is a public place with events every month, so no matter when you travel to the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, there are always plenty of amazing things to do and see in Cuzco.

Of course, we couldn't close this list without recommending to book an excursion to Machu Picchu. Situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and surrounded by misty Andean mountains, the ancient citadel is a testament to Peru's rich history.

Accessible by train from Cuzco, visitors can choose to walk the Inca Trail or take a more leisurely bus ride, there are several ways to reach Machu Picchu from Cuzco, although the best way is to sign up for one of the organised tours to Machu Picchu from Cuzco. One option if you have enough days is to book the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cuzco.

Whichever you choose, take your time to appreciate the magic of this place, explore the ancient ruins and feel like you are travelling back in time. Just book your ticket in advance for Machu Picchu and don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the wonders of the world on your visit to Cuzco!

From the spectacular Humantay Lagoon, the Huacarpay Lagoon or the 7 lagoons of Ausangate, which even have their own blue lagoon! It is a paradise for fresh water lovers and, although I recommend you visit at least one of them, the essential activity is to book a rafting experience on the Urubamba River.

To enjoy the landscapes of the area and get your adrenaline pumping, go canoeing on the Urubamba River where you will find rapids with 3 levels of difficulty.

And if you fancy a high altitude adventure, go zip lining down the Urubamba River, in both cases the imposing mountains and lush vegetation are exhilarating. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cuzco.

Well, well, if you don't see them, it's because you haven't left the hotel, because llamas in Cuzco are like dogs in Madrid or cats in Istanbul - they're everywhere!

These adorable South American camelids have been an integral part of Andean families for centuries. Llamas in Cuzco are: pets, pack animals, companions, providers of soft wool and the darlings of children - and not so children - there's a whole culture around them!

You can get up close and personal with them on different adventure tours where you'll find them roaming free in the mountains. You'll also see them decorated with multicoloured pompoms, or if you prefer to learn about their history in detail, you can visit the Awanakancha South American Camelid Theme Park, the only one of its kind in the region.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of things to see and do. And one of them is to book an excursion to the Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca.

This enchanting mountain has a variety of colours on its peak due to its particular mineral composition. There are several tours on the Seven Coloured Mountain.

The hike to the top of the mountain is a bit challenging, it is classified as medium-high level trekking, but it is worth every step. Its colourful peaks offer an unforgettable impression. And if you prefer to surf the mountains on four wheels, you can rent a quad bike- get your boots on and get ready for an unimaginable adventure!

Chichas are a Peruvian cultural heritage largely because this is the capital of corn and since the time of the Inca Empire, this delicious fermented drink became an official beverage. In addition to corn, among the Cusco mountains, red fruits flourish at will, especially wild strawberries - mostly known in the city as frutilla - and from the combination of corn and strawberries came the frutillada.

You will often see sales of frutillada as a traditional drink, especially during Cuzco's hottest months - between December and March - however, its use is widespread in the rest of the Sacred Valley where dishes such as "lechón cusqueño " are prepared with frutillada as a base.

When you book your guided tour of Cuzco, make a stop at the chicherias that are identified with red banners such as Cusqueñisima Picanteria and try the wonders that come from the strawberry.

Don't miss the Sacred Valley, which stretches between Cuzco and Machu Picchu and is home to numerous Inca ruins and villages. Stroll through the countryside captivated by the magnificent views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. Plus, if you want a luxury experience, you can sleep under the open sky under the dome of a glass dome.

This is one of the best treks you can do from Cuzco, with a route that runs through the heart of the Andes and reflects its splendid natural beauty. You can go trekking or if you prefer a more fun adventure, you can book a quad biking tour in the Sacred Valley Moray. You will explore small communities along the way, where the locals warmly welcome visitors and reveal insights into their ancestral way of life.

Don't miss the remains of ancient Inca fortresses such as Pisac, or one of the Ollantaytambo, which is one of the top 50 tourist destinations in the world, perched high on the mountainside at over 2700 metres above sea level, offering an incomparable view of the surrounding countryside. Don't forget to bring your camera and keep an eye out for the surrounding flora, it will take your breath away.

Unlike other cities where the tourist bus is not my first choice, I recommend booking the Cuzco tourist bus as your first activity. Especially if you are planning one of those 3-day Cuzco getaways or a 5-day trip to the Peruvian city. The reason? In one word: altitude.

When we arrive in this beautiful South American region, we need to acclimatise the body to prepare it for the adventure with an average altitude of 3,000 metres. There is no time to waste! So, a practical and cheap solution, starting at €14, is to walk around the 14 stops on the tourist bus route, including the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Plaza de Armas, the Mirador del Cristo Blanco viewpoint and Awanakancha - the Alpaca Farm.

Take a guided tour

If you like to be told the history of the places where you travel, it is always a good idea to take a guided tour of the city as a first contact. In Cuzco, this is even more so; by booking this route with an expert guide, you will have the opportunity to get to know the monuments of the centre of the ancient Inca Empire first hand. The Church of the Society of Jesus in Cuzco is a must on this list.

Another advantage of the tours is that the local guides are always happy to give you the best tips about the city and will recommend other must-see places or things to do at night in Cuzco.

This colourful and vibrant market is the perfect place to explore the local culture and cuisine since 1925. Here you'll find a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruit and vegetables to meat and fish.

Savour local delicacies such as rocoto relleno, chicha morada or the traditional "choclito con queso". Enjoy the neoclassical architecture, the aromas, the views and the unique atmosphere - and don't forget to bargain with the vendors at any of the 1,100 stalls.

In addition to food, you can also find local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. The Mercado de San Pedro is a colourful and bustling feast for the senses.

Do you want to learn more about the fascinating history of the Incas? Then don't miss the opportunity to visit the Inka Museum, one of the best museums in Cuzco.

Housed in an old colonial house, Huascar's mansion of yesteryear, the museum houses an impressive collection of Inca artefacts, including ceramics, textiles, paintings from the Cusco school, jewellery and tools. During your visit from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, you can also see replicas of important archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Other options not to be missed are:

• The Museum of Religious Art of Cuzco.
• The Museum of the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena.

Did you think that goblins were only prevalent in European folklore? Cuzco demonstrates the influence of these mythical characters with its Valley of the Goblins.

Just 8.1 kilometres from the Plaza de Armas in Cuzco lies this little known gem. There is a popular belief in the area that points to goblins as the makers of the intricate shapes of this rock puzzle, and in keeping with an environmental theme you can discover dozens of goblin figures that give the site its name.

As you go along, you will see how the sculptures revalue the culture of the ancient Tahuantinsuyo Empire. Admission is very cheap, about €1. Oh, and if you want to make your experience memorable, don't forget to rub the Huanac bells to vibrate with the Valley of the Goblins.

One of Cuzco's most impressive monuments is the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, perched atop a hill at an altitude of 3,700 metres, a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Inca people.

The massive stones used in the construction of this fortress are so perfectly carved and fitted together that they have withstood centuries of erosion and natural disasters since the 15th century.

Take in the enchanting panoramic views of the city from the Puma fortress and while you're at it, connect with Pachamama from the top of her mountain.

The Tipon Archaeological Park is a little-known gem in Cuzco, specifically Quispicanchi, where its 239 well-kept hectares impress tourists. This archaeological complex is known for its agricultural terraces and irrigation canals of exquisite and visionary construction, product of the ingenuity that the Incas demonstrated more than 500 years ago.

During your visit you will be able to admire the impressive stone structures, such as the water temple and the fortress, which served to supply the city with the vital liquid. In addition, this space was used to worship water.

The park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a great variety of birds. You can also learn pottery techniques, participate in Cusco handicraft workshops, learn about the history of the park in detail at the Tipon Museum and more. This activity is ideal for those looking for intermediate level trekking during a fascinating tour of the Sacred Valley of Cuzco.

Attention, foodies and food lovers! Consider adding a cooking class with local chefs to your itinerary. You will learn the secrets of traditional Peruvian dishes such as baked guinea pig, puchero or "uchucuta" - Peruvian chili - and baked suckling pig. Cuzco's cuisine blends indigenous and Spanish influences, and attending a cooking class is a great way to learn about the history and traditions behind the dishes.

In addition, you will participate in an interesting cultural exchange ranging from connecting with local products such as the 50 varieties of Peruvian corn, its thousands of potatoes to its spices, seeds and condiments. You will connect with the local community on a deeper level.

This is no ordinary cooking class, it is the experience of enjoying a delicious meal and learning ancient techniques and culinary traditions that bring a smile to the heart and palate.

If you're looking for a hidden gem in Peru, Choquequirao is a must-see. Known as Machu Picchu's little sister, this Inca city is located in the province of Cuzco, specifically in the canyon of the Urubamba River. The name Choquequirao means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua, and it is not difficult to understand why.

This site is the real lost city of the Incas and, unlike Machu Picchu, it is not inundated with tourists. To reach it, you must embark on a challenging four-day trekking adventure through the mountains at an altitude of over 3,200 metres, but the views and the unique experience are well worth it.

If you're wondering what the weather is like in Cuzco to start organising your trip, I recommend you take a look at our post on when is the best time to travel to the Peruvian city. It is essential that you know the two seasons - dry and rainy - that mark the weather in this Inca paradise so that nothing can dampen your adventure.

Finally, although the Alejandro Velasco airport is not badly connected to the city centre, check out the transfer options available to get around comfortably and start exploring the Peruvian Andes as soon as possible.