As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Cusco holds a vast amount of history, culture and archeological wonders due to its centrality of South America’s ancient Incan empire. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco has an elevation of nearly 11,200 feet (3,400 meters) and was built in the shape of a Jaguar as a gift to the gods. It is the main hub to explore the Sacred Valley and was put on the tourism map in the 1900s after the re-discovery of the iconic Machu Picchu and other ancient Incan sites.
If you find yourself in the “Archaeological Capital of the Americas,” here are 8 things to do in Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Top things to Do in Cusco, Peru
Plaza de Armas
Originally called The Inca Great Square and used by the ancient civilization as a meeting point, Plaza de Armas is a beautiful squared shape central park built by the Spanish during their colonial rule. It is the perfect meeting point to start your adventure in Cusco because of its proximity to the Cusco Cathedral, the Museum of Natural History and many traditional restaurants and cafes where you can relax, grab a snack and people watch.
San Pedro Market
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in culture means to get to try traditional foods, fruits, and vegetables. Head to the San Pedro Market in Cusco for quinoa, dried fruits, fresh-baked bread, corn in all shapes, colors, and varieties, and wondering what all that grass is? Food for the guinea pigs!
Visit the Museums in Cusco
Cusco is filled with a variety of museums that detail this ancient city’s fascinating history.
Santo Domingo convent and Koricancha museum
These attractions are an incredible example of how the Inca and Spanish architecture mixed during the times of colonization. The Korincancha was the Inca’s Temple the Sun, until the Spanish built a Catholic Church on top of it.
You can enjoy the church’s tour for free, or you could pay $3.50 to have the Koricancha tour, which shows the Inca version of the story.
Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino
According to many, the best museum in terms of quality and history is the MAP (Museo de Arte Pre - Colombino), which focuses on artifacts and art made by the ancient communities prior to the Spanish conquest. Many of the artifacts are beautifully detailed and made straight from gold.
Traditional Textile Center
Wandering around Cusco you will realize how incredible and important textiles are in the culture. The CTTC (Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco), offers the best insight into the social and historical importance of the colorful fabrics and textiles made by the local communities in the Peruvian culture. This museum tries to maintain awareness of the significance of these ancient crafts.
Museum of Sacred & Medicinal Plants
You already know that coca leaves are a huge part of the Andean culture, both for altitude sickness and for ceremonial purposes. But did you know that there is also a multitude of other herbs, barks, leaves, and roots used in traditional Peruvian medicine? The privately-owned non-profit museum has a host of information and photos to peruse and you can also purchase many herbs, teas, and natural products including soaps and snacks.
Stroll through the San Blas area
San Blas or the “Balcony of Cusco” is known as the most iconic neighborhood in the city. Perched atop a hill, hence, it overlooks Plaza de Armas and the valley. The cobblestone streets are narrow and filled with street performers, charming cafés, and boutique shops
Visit Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuamán was built by the pre-industrial Incas, one of the many Inca destinations you will be able to discover during your trip here. It consists of stones with different shapes and sizes stacked over the hills of Cusco. People believe each stone was carved and placed specifically for a reason, which gives it a more spiritual and almost almighty feeling. Although, it is estimated that a big percentage of its original structure was lost it is an archeological site you can’t miss.
Interested in joining our small group trip to Peru? Check out our Classic Cusco & Sacred Valley itinerary!
