Things to do in Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. Today it is considered the Archaeological Capital of America and is the first tourist destination in Peru and South America. There are a lot Cusco attractions for tourists. The main one, without a doubt, is Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. The typical Cusco city tour combines the city with the Sacred Valley tour and Machu Picchu in three whirlwind days, including the full Boleto Turístico. We recommend devoting five days to get the most out of your visit - including one day to get acclimated to the high altitude. However, there are many other activities to do. Below is a list of the best things to do in Cusco.

When is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2024 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.

Things to do in Cusco

Visit archaeological remains

Cusco is considered the Archaeological Capital of America. In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. In 2016, the users of the website specialized in tourism Trip Advisor, considered the Inca City as the best tourist destination in the world. Without a doubt, it is a crime to come to Cusco and not going to Machu Picchu and its mountains. However, there are other archaeological remains of great interest such as: Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Choquequirao, many more. You can visit these places in a Sacred valley and Machu Picchu tour.

Tour the city of Cusco

Cusco is considered a museum city. Its cobbled streets are full of history. They combine the Inca tradition with the Spanish one. In 1983, Unesco declared it Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among its most important attractions are the Plaza de Armas, its 13 churches in the Historical Center, the stone of the 12 angles in Hatun Rumiyoc Street, the neighborhood of San Blas and many others. Its streets are said to radiate energy.

Enjoy Peruvian cuisine

Peru is considered the number one gastronomic destination in the world according to the World Travel Awards. Cusco, for being the most important tourist city of the country, has a great variety of dishes to satisfy the tourist's taste. Among the most popular typical dishes of the region are the cuy al horno (guinea pig), the baked pork, the Chiri uchi, among others. There are different types of prices: from 5 forks restaurants to the popular San Pedro Market. It is essential to try Peruvian food if you visit Cusco.

Practice adventure tourism

Cusco has a privileged location in the Cordillera de los Andes. Its geography has necessary scenarios to practice adventure tourism. Its mountains are ideal for zipline, paragliding and bungee jumping. Its rivers are suitable for boating at any of its levels. You can also explore the Cusco landscape on horseback, by bicycle or by ATV. The alternatives are endless and are available for people of all ages and physical conditions.

Take amazing walks

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the 5 best hiking trails in the world. This trekking Machu Picchu covers approximately 39.6 kilometers through impressive landscapes until reaching the Inca Citadel by Puerta del Sol, just as the Incas did more than 500 years ago. However, this impressive Machu Picchu hike is not the only one that can be done in Cusco. There are other equally incredible options such as the route through the snowy Salkantay or the walk to the Inca city of Choquequirao.

Make mystic tourism

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The Andean man's worldview was and is closely related to nature (the earth, the sun, the hills). There are a lot of mystic attractions that Cusco offers the visitor the opportunity to know the way of thinking of the ancient Inca settlers. Among the activities most practiced in adventure tourism are payments to land, coca leaf readings, purification ceremonies and withdrawals from Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink native to the Peruvian Amazon.

Enjoy the nightlife of Cusco

Cusco gathers every night thousands of tourists from all over the world willing to have a good time. This makes the Navel City of the World one of the places with the greatest nightlife in the country. The Plaza de Armas is the center of a wide variety of bars, nightclubs and pubs. In these you can enjoy all kinds of music from electronic to Latin American or fusions.

Dare to do experiential tourism

Experiential tourism has been growing in recent years. In this, the tourist stops being an observer to become a participant in the daily life of the environment. The Cusco has several options to involve the visitor of the daily life of the man of the Andes. The most outstanding activities are agro-tourism in indigenous communities such as Raqchi, Willoq and others.

Take away unique souvenirs

Cusco is the land of artisans. Among the works carried out by the people of the place, textiles, ceramics, silverware, painting and wood carving stand out. These objects are sold in different parts of the city. This is a great opportunity for the tourist to take a unique souvenir. Among the products most in demand are the chullos, the alpaca ponchos, the silver jewels, the paintings of Andean themes and the saints made with a serene face and an elongated neck (a style popularized by the artisan from Cuzco, Hilario Mendívil).

Get to know the mountain of 7 colors

Yes, a multicolored mountain that has become known completely not long ago, a unique natural spectacle in the world. The Vinicunca mountain, which is about 4200 m.s. is the protagonist, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, this spectacular geographical feature belongs to the Ausangate, which is the highest in the Vilcanota mountain range, has become one of the most popular destinations in Cusco. When you get to the mountain of 7 colors, in one of the many daily Rainbow mountain Peru tour, you will not believe your eyes before this unique show, only the photos that will be taken will make this amazing experience credible. Definitely a place that you should not miss.

Cusco is an amazing place, a welcoming city, well organized and with many popular tourist attractions to visit. If you want to disconnect and give your senses to the simplest things, there are many things to do in Cusco that can give you the best options to enrich your visit to this enigmatic city much more. The attractions begin in the same city and extend along its valleys and snowy peaks, until reaching the very marvel of the world.

Hiking tours in Cusco

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.