Things to do in Cusco

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Qorikancha

7.5

4.0/5

36 reviews

Qorikancha was the core building in the Inca Empire's religious system, known in Quechua as Coricancha, meaning "golden enclosure." According to records, the temple walls were once covered with hundreds of gold plates, and the courtyard contained gold and silver statues of llamas, corn, and people. The complex also housed separate halls dedicated to the sun god Inti, as well as the moon, stars, and thunder. This gold was looted after the Spanish colonial conquest. The temple showcases the Incas' exquisite stonework—using diorite, andesite, and limestone, the stones were perfectly cut and fitted together seamlessly without mortar. The design of the walls, which are thick at the base and slope slightly inward, allowed them to remain intact during multiple major earthquakes; meanwhile, the Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the colonists on the site in the 16th century, was repeatedly damaged by tremors. Today, the two structures coexist, serving as a direct testament to the collision between Inca and Spanish colonial cultures. The temple still retains several original Inca halls with sloping walls and trapezoidal niches, and an attached underground archaeological museum displays mummies, textiles, and ritual artifacts. Interpretive signs are placed throughout the site, helping visitors understand the background of Inca architecture and religion.

Cusco · 1.5km from downtown

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Saqsaywaman

6.8

4.1/5

35 reviews

This huge stone circle overlooks the city of Cusco. Like other typical Inca buildings, the Incas did not use any reinforced concrete. They used exquisite stone grinding technology to grind the large stones into specific shapes, and then put them together tightly. The stone circles that tourists see now are only a small part of the original ones. Today Sacsayhuaman is not only a must-see attraction for tourists to Cusco, but the highlight of IntiRaymi, the grand festival of the sun at the end of June every year, is held here.

Cusco · 2.9km from downtown

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Cusco Cathedral

6.5

4.2/5

41 reviews

A very eye-catching building in the east of the Plaza de Armas is the Cuzco Cathedral of Cusco. It is a very typical example of colonial rulers promoting the Catholic faith to the local indigenous people. The church has been damaged to varying degrees in four major earthquakes over the past 400 years, but all survived. The Cathedral is a very outstanding colonial building in Cusco, where you can see the high level of European painting style in the 17th century. Not to be missed is "The Last Supper" (The Last Supper) in the northeast corner of the church. The painter Marcos Zapata has made a "localized" modification of this famous work - a guinea pig is placed on a plate in front of Jesus.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Plaza de Armas

6.4

4.4/5

54 reviews

Plaza de Armas is the main square of Cusco, Peru, and the heart of the entire city. During the Inca Empire, it was known as Warrior Square and served as the center for celebrations, religious ceremonies, and military triumphs in the capital, surrounded by the palaces of successive Inca kings. After the arrival of the Spanish, churches and stone mansions were built on the ruins of the palaces, forming the layout seen today. Plaza de Armas is surrounded by a ring of stone arcades, which now house many restaurants and shops. Choosing a seat on a balcony to watch the locals chat, feed pigeons, and soak up the sun is a relaxing way to adjust to the high-altitude pace. Keep an eye out for the seven-colored rainbow flag flying over the square. It is the official flag of Cusco and is considered a symbol of Inca tradition, which has a different meaning from the rainbow flag commonly seen elsewhere.

Twelve Angled Stone

5.6

3.8/5

29 reviews

Twelve Angled Stone is located on Hatunrumiyoc Street in the old town of Cusco and is a section of Inca-era stone wall standing along the street. The base of this wall was originally part of an Inca palace. Although it has been covered by colonial-era buildings above, the Inca masonry from hundreds of years ago remains in its original state. The entire wall is built from massive stones of varying shapes and sizes, stacked like a jigsaw puzzle. No mortar or other binding materials were used between the stones, yet the joints are so tight that it is difficult to insert even a piece of paper, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Inca stonemasons. One stone on the wall that draws visitors to stop is the Twelve Angled Stone. This massive stone, weighing several tons, has twelve angles and fits seamlessly with the surrounding stones. It is a masterpiece of Inca polygonal masonry, and many tourists make a special trip to take photos when visiting Cusco. This seemingly random, yet meticulously calculated construction method allows the wall to shift slightly during vibrations without collapsing. Having withstood several major earthquakes in Cusco, this ancient wall remains intact, with a level of stability that even surpasses the brick and stone structures built on top of it later.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Cusco

Inka Museum

5.4

4.7/5

16 reviews

Inka Museum is located in the old town of Cusco, just a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de Armas. The building itself is a highlight—the colonial-era Admiral's House. This courtyard is said to have been the residence of the Inca ruler Huáscar, with Inca-era stone walls layered beneath the mansion. The courtyard is surrounded by semicircular arcades, and the facade features stone-carved coats of arms, making the building itself a tangible lesson in the overlapping of two eras. The museum displays tens of thousands of artifacts chronologically, ranging from pre-Inca cultures such as Chavín, Nazca, and Wari, all the way to the rise of the Inca Empire and the arrival of the colonial era. Among the collection, the sets of keros—painted wooden cups used by the Inca for corn beer during rituals and feasts—are particularly worth a close look, as their patterns remain clear to this day. In addition, there are well-preserved textiles, gold and silver artifacts, and pottery. In the reconstructed Inca tomb, mummies are displayed alongside burial offerings, directly showcasing Inca burial customs and concepts of life and death. The skull specimens with trepanation marks, the three-dimensional models presenting the different ecological zones of Cusco at various altitudes, and the drawings by chronicler Guaman Poma depicting Inca history are also worth slowing down to appreciate.

Cusco · 2.2km from downtown

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Cusco

Plaza San Blas

4.8

23 reviews

Walk eastward from Triunfo Street in the southeast corner of the square, walk for 10 minutes in the narrow stone alleys, climb a few steps, and look up to see San Blas built on a small hill. San Blas is a good place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Throw away the map and wander aimlessly in the alleys, and you will often get unexpected surprises.

Cusco · 1.8km from downtown

Centro Historico de Cusco

4.5

Cusco's Historic Center Square is a famous square in Peru and the heart of the city. Surrounded by many historical buildings and attractions, the square is an important place for tourists to explore and understand the history and culture of Cusco.In the center of the square is a fountain surrounded by beautiful gardens and lawns. On the north side of the square is the Cusco Cathedral, which is a16The square is a 17th-century Baroque church with a gorgeous interior that showcases a mix of Spanish and Inca cultures. To the east of the square is the Inca Temple of Curicáncha, a sun temple from the Inca Empire that is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru. Today, the temple has been converted into the Monastery of Santo Domingo, which displays art and artifacts from the Spanish colonial period. To the south of the square is the Cusco City Hall, a colonial building that now houses the city government. To the west of the square is the Monastery of Concagalde, an Inca temple that was one of the most important religious centers in the Inca Empire. The Cusco Historic Center Square is one of the most important public spaces in Cusco and an ideal place for tourists to learn about Peruvian history and culture.

PeruRail - Train to Machu Picchu

4.4

Cusco · 947m from downtown

1 reviews

PeruRail provides tourists with convenient transportation to places such as the Andes Mountains and Machu Picchu. Its train routes mainly cover popular tourist destinations such as Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, and are ideal for exploring Peru's natural and cultural heritage. PeruRail offers a variety of train services, including high-end scenic trains and affordable options to meet the needs of different tourists. The scenic trains are equipped with panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the magnificent mountain and river valley views during the journey. The carriages are comfortable and some trains also provide catering services, so passengers can enjoy the scenery along the way while enjoying delicious food. Tourists can easily reach Machu Picchu by taking the PeruRail train and avoid the fatigue of a long journey. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure seats. The stations are conveniently located and are usually connected to transportation hubs in major cities, making it easy for tourists to reach.

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Experiences you can't miss in Cusco

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Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour

4.6/5

· 272 reviews· 36 booked

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· 330 reviews

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Tour to the Vinincunca Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley from Cusco

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Sacred Valley of the Inkas Full Day Tour

4.6/5

· 101 reviews· 44 booked

Duration: 12–13 hrs

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Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites

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Excursión to Humantay Lake Full Day from Cusco

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VIP Best Wildlife Tour in Cusco Official Cochahuasi Sanctuary

4.0/5

· 3 reviews

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Urubamba River rafting tour from Cusco with lunch & round-trip transport

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Cusco: "Bean-to-Bar" Chocolate Experience

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· 1 review

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Cusco: Premium Chocolate Workshop with Organic Cocoa

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· 4 reviews

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Cusco: Peruvian Cooking Class, Cocktails & Local Market Tour

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· 48 reviews

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Featured Culture & history in Cusco

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Cusco Highlights Audio Tour: Inca & Sacred Cusco

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Cusco self-guided audio walking tour (8 stops, approx. 2 hrs)

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Private Art and Painting Workshop

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· 6 reviews

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The Textile Workshop Experience in Cusco Region

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Cusco: Free Walking Tour, Downtown, Sun Temple & San Blas

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Cusco: Walking Tour with Experienced Local Guides

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Free things to do in Cusco

Plaza de Armas

6.4

4.4/5

54 reviews

Twelve Angled Stone

5.6

3.8/5

29 reviews

Plaza San Blas

4.8

23 reviews

Saint Francis Square

4.2

13 reviews