10 Best Things to Do and See in Cusco
Exploring Cusco on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Cusco, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Cusco. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas in Cuzco is the main square of the historic center and one of its liveliest places. Discover arcades, colonial facades, wooden balconies, and two remarkable churches overlooking the square. It is a pleasant place to watch local life, stroll on foot, and admire the architecture in a bustling atmosphere. Around the square, you will also find cafés, shops, and access points to Cusco’s main sights.
2. San Pedro Market
San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of the liveliest places to experience everyday local life. Under its covered walkways, you’ll find stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, spices and Andean products, along with stands serving fresh juice, simple dishes and handmade souvenirs. The atmosphere is colorful, lively and authentic, with locals doing their shopping and curious visitors sampling Peruvian flavors. It is an ideal stop to observe city life and soak up its popular atmosphere.
3. Sacsayhuamán
Overlooking Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is a vast Inca archaeological site famous for its massive stone walls. Explore terraces, plazas and remains, then enjoy sweeping views of Cusco and the Andes. A must-see for travelers who want to discover Inca heritage with the help of a private local guide.
4. Temple of the Sun
In the heart of Cusco, the Temple of the Sun is an iconic site that reflects the city’s spiritual and architectural importance. Visitors can discover Inca remains integrated into later buildings, with carefully fitted stone walls and spaces that speak to a sacred past. The visit also highlights the dialogue between pre-Columbian heritage and colonial architecture in a historic place especially appreciated by travelers interested in Andean culture.
5. Twelve Angled Stone
Twelve Angled Stone, in the heart of Cuzco, is a famous carved block set into an Inca wall. Admire its precise fit, twelve angles, and historic setting.
6. Qenko
Qenko is a fascinating archaeological site near Cuzco, in the Peruvian Andes, known for its sculpted rocks and stone-cut passages. The site stands out for its irregular forms, channels and niches carved into the rock, a testament to the skill of the region’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. As you explore Qenko, you can also enjoy beautiful views over the Andean landscape and the area around Cuzco, making it a cultural, peaceful and highly atmospheric visit.
7. Santo Domingo Convent
Santo Domingo Convent in Cuzco is an emblematic site where visitors discover a religious complex with a rich architectural heritage, blending colonial features with older remains visible in its walls and interior spaces. A visit lets you admire peaceful cloisters, chapels, and decorated rooms, while learning about the site’s importance in the city’s religious and artistic history. In the heart of Cuzco, this monument appeals both for its quiet atmosphere and for the quality of its architectural details.
8. Tambomachay
Near Cusco, Peru, Tambomachay is an Andean archaeological site known for its peaceful atmosphere and remarkable stonework. Explore terraces, canals and fountains.
9. Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo is one of Cusco’s most emblematic cultural venues, where visitors can discover the richness of Andean Peruvian dances, music, and traditions. Performances showcase colorful costumes, festive rhythms, and choreography inspired by local folklore, offering a vivid glimpse into the region’s heritage. It is a popular stop for travelers who want a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural identity in an authentic, lively setting. Whether you love culture or are simply curious, this center offers an accessible introduction to Cusco’s traditional arts.
10. Puca Pucará
Puca Pucará is an archaeological site near Cusco in the Peruvian Andes, known for its stone ruins set in a mountain landscape. This small fortified complex offers walls, terraces, and stairways that showcase traditional Andean architecture. From the site, visitors can also enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings, making it an interesting stop to understand the region’s pre-Columbian heritage and admire a natural setting typical of the heights above Cusco.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
