Things to Do in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Cusco, a UNSECO World Heritage Site, is situated at 11,152 feet high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere.
The bustling, mountain city of 500,000, features remarkable Inca stonework dating back to the 13th century as well as beautiful colonial architecture from the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Cusco attracts millions of tourists a year. It’s history and culture, gastronomic delights, and tremendous natural landscape afford tourists many things to do in Cusco.
Plan at least three days to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the city and Sacred Valley. Add more time for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking through the spectacular terrain.
Cusco is a hilly city in high elevation. Consequently, walking from one neighborhood to another can be taxing for some individuals. I recommend staying in the area that is most conducive to the places you want to visit.
Locations near the historic and vibrant square, Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor on Google), are the most popular. Book early for a reasonable rate. A local tour company recommended to me the four-star Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
The bustling, mountain city of 500,000, features remarkable Inca stonework dating back to the 13th century as well as beautiful colonial architecture from the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Being the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Cusco attracts millions of tourists a year. It’s history and culture, gastronomic delights, and tremendous natural landscape afford tourists many things to do in Cusco.
Plan at least three days to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the city and Sacred Valley. Add more time for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking through the spectacular terrain.
Cusco is a hilly city in high elevation. Consequently, walking from one neighborhood to another can be taxing for some individuals. I recommend staying in the area that is most conducive to the places you want to visit.
Locations near the historic and vibrant square, Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor on Google), are the most popular. Book early for a reasonable rate. A local tour company recommended to me the four-star Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Things to Do in Cusco
Guide Location: Peru » Cusco
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Elizabeth Bankhead
Read it on Author's Website: https://etbtravelphotography.com/things-to-do-in-cusco/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Peru » Cusco
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Elizabeth Bankhead
Read it on Author's Website: https://etbtravelphotography.com/things-to-do-in-cusco/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco
- Abittare Hotel
- Chull’s
- Qura
- Kushka
- Llama Café
- The Twelve-Angled Stone
- provides a panoramic view of Cusco
- the Sapantiana Aqueduct
- large statue of Jesus Christ
- an Inca archaeological site
- This viewpoint
- a vibrant square
- The Cusco Cathedral
- The Church of the Company of Jesus
- Cusco’s Mercado Central de San Pedro
- the temple where Incas worshipped Inti
Insider Tips for Cusco, Peru
The Crazy Things You Can Buy at San Pedro Market in Cusco
I’m going to go ahead and start this post off with a disclaimer. WARNING: If you don’t like seeing dead animals/bits of dead animals this post is not for you.
Guide to Restaurants in Cusco
With a stunning abundance of restaurants and cafes, Cusco is a fantastic place for foodie travelers. Prices are so reasonable, even at higher-end establishments, and there’s a vast variety of cuisines to enjoy in addition to Peruvian classics.
Acclimatising in Fabulous Cusco, Peru
When in Peru, the best thing you can do before trekking to Machu Picchu, is acclimatising in Cusco… This amazing but exhausting city is renown as the base from which to start a trek to the incredible Machu Picchu.
Alpaca Clothing Shopping Tips for Cusco, Peru
If you visit Cusco, Peru the first thing you will notice is nearly every shop and street vendor is selling “baby alpaca” sweaters. The second thing you will likely notice is that nearly none of these vendors are actually selling “baby alpaca” sweaters. (As the locals say its “maybe alpaca.” Ha!)
Walk See Eat in Cusco and Repeat
“Already breathless” and we had just landed in Cusco, Peru. We had arrived two weeks early to acclimatise for our four day Machu Picchu trek.
20+ Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru + Day Trips
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Cusco multiple times over the years. I’ll take you through its historic city center, breathtaking views, and fascinating Inca ruins. I’ll also guide you through the local culture, introduce you to Cusco’s culinary scene, and suggest some amazing day trips you can take from Cusco at the end of the post.
Insider Tips Overview
