Things to Do in Cusco: Top Attractions & Experiences (2026)
Most travelers treat Cusco as a launchpad for Machu Picchu — and then discover the city itself is one of the best parts of the trip. It’s the ancient Inca capital layered with Spanish colonial architecture, sitting at 3,400 m, packed with markets, ruins, plazas and some of Peru’s best food.
Here are the best things to do in Cusco, split into what’s inside the city and the day trips just beyond it — plus how to fit it all around the altitude.
Quick Answer
- In the city: Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, San Pedro Market, the San Blas neighborhood, and the 12-angle stone.
- Just above the city: the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay.
- Day trips: the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain / Palccoyo, Humantay Lake, and of course Machu Picchu.
- Golden rule: take it easy your first day — Cusco is high, and the city itself is the perfect gentle start.
In the Historic Center
1. Plaza de Armas
The heart of Cusco, framed by the illuminated Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía. It’s the city’s living room — come by day for the architecture and by night when it’s lit up. This is also where the big festivals unfold, like Fiestas Patrias.
2. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, its walls were reportedly covered in gold. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo convent right on top of the Inca stonework — the result is the clearest picture you’ll get of how the two cultures literally stacked on each other.
3. San Pedro Market
The local market for produce, juices, cheeses, textiles and street food. Come hungry, try a fresh juice, and browse for souvenirs away from the tourist markups.
4. The San Blas Neighborhood
The artsy, bohemian quarter uphill from the center — narrow cobbled lanes, artisan workshops, cafés and viewpoints over the city’s terracotta rooftops. The climb is a gentle acclimatization walk with a reward at the top.
5. The Twelve-Angle Stone
On Hatunrumiyoc street, this famous Inca stone is cut so precisely to fit its neighbors that a blade won’t slip between the joints — a tiny, free stop that captures why Inca masonry still amazes engineers.
Inca Ruins Above the City
A short trip uphill from Cusco sits a cluster of Inca sites, usually combined into a half-day “Cusco city tour”:
6. Sacsayhuamán
The monumental fortress-temple above Cusco, built from enormous precisely-fitted stones — some weighing over 100 tons. The panoramic view over the city is worth the trip alone.
7. Q’enqo, Puka Pukara & Tambomachay
Three smaller sites usually visited together with Sacsayhuamán: a ceremonial rock complex, a small fort, and the elegant “bath of the Inca” water channels. Entry is via the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
Food & Culture
8. Eat Your Way Through Cusco
Cusco’s food scene runs from street-market snacks to world-class restaurants. Try local staples — a hearty soup, alpaca, and the famous (and adventurous) cuy. Coca tea is everywhere and helps with the altitude.
9. A Cooking Class or Pisco Sour Lesson
A fun, low-altitude-stress way to spend an afternoon — and you leave knowing how to make Peru’s national cocktail.
Day Trips from Cusco
Cusco is the base for the region’s headline experiences. The best day trips:
- Sacred Valley — Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero; also great for acclimatizing (it’s lower than Cusco).
- Maras & Moray — the dazzling salt pans and the Incas’ circular agricultural terraces.
- Machu Picchu — the icon, reached by train.
- Rainbow Mountain / Palccoyo and Humantay Lake — the high-altitude showstoppers (save these for later in your trip).
For how to fit these together, see how many days to spend in Cusco.
Plan Around the Altitude
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so sequence matters. Spend your first day gently in the city (the historic center is ideal), do the lower Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu next, and save the high hikes for once you’re acclimatized. Our altitude sickness in Cusco guide has the full playbook.
How to Book
At Viajes Peru Tour we build Cusco trips that mix the city, the ruins and the big day trips at a pace that respects the altitude — with local guides who bring the history to life. Tell us your days and interests and we’ll design the itinerary.
Plan your Cusco trip with us →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Cusco? In the city: the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, San Pedro Market, San Blas and the 12-angle stone. Above the city: the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo and Tambomachay. Beyond: the Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu.
How many days do you need in Cusco? Four to five days is the sweet spot to enjoy the city, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu comfortably. See our dedicated guide on how many days to spend in Cusco.
Is Cusco worth visiting beyond Machu Picchu? Absolutely. The historic center, Inca ruins, markets, San Blas and the food scene make Cusco a highlight in its own right — and it’s the perfect acclimatization base.
Do I need a Tourist Ticket? Yes for many sites (Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Sacred Valley ruins). The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) bundles entry to several attractions.
What should I do on my first day in Cusco? Keep it gentle for the altitude: explore the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha and San Blas on foot, drink plenty of water, and save strenuous activities for day two or three.
