20+ Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru + Day Trips You Won’t Want to Miss

Awesome Things to Do in Cusco

Visit Cusco Cathedral

On the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas is the magnificent Cusco Cathedral. Built in the 16th century, this is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. Just note , no photos or videos are allowed inside the cathedral.

Explore Sacsayhuamán

Just a short walk from Cristo Blanco is the magnificent Sacsayhuamán Fortress ruin. The massive stone walls and terraced ruins are incredible. Sacsayhuamán is more than just an architectural marvel; it’s a window into the advanced Inca civilization that was used for various religious and cultural rituals, with Inca emperors holding important ceremonies and festivals here. 

The Sacsayhuaman Ruins site is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day of the week. However, you can only enter the site if you purchase a Cusco Tourist Ticket. This ticket allows you to visit several different attractions around Cusco and the surrounding region. The full ticket costs $35 USD (130 Peruvian Soles) and gives you access to 16 sites.

See Qorikancha

Next up is the fascinating Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. Located in the heart of Cusco, this site also offers a unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The name “Coricancha” roughly translates to “Walls of Gold” in Quechua.

The walls were originally covered in sheets of gold, and the courtyard was filled with golden statues. 

Today, the site is a testament to the clash of cultures. The Spanish colonists built the Convent of Santo Domingo on top of the Inca temple, using its foundations for their cathedral. Despite this, four rooms of the ancient temple still remain, showcasing the incredible Inca stonework.

Shop and Taste Your Way Through San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a vibrant marketplace that is a feast for the senses. Here, you’ll find a variety of local handicrafts, but my favorite part of San Pedro market is the FOOD. This is a great place to come and sample some of the local Peruvian dishes. I personally like the juice stalls and trying the variety of fresh fruits. 

If the market seems a little intimidating, too, don’t hesitate to book a guide to help you navigate your way through and try the best stalls. The first time I visited back in 2017, this is what I did!

Learn About and Shop for Alpaca Clothing

Speaking of shopping, no shopping adventure in Cusco would be complete without checking out the world of alpaca wool clothing. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for Alpaca clothing in Cusco, though. If you want genuine 100% Alpaca wool clothing, it’s going to cost you. For example, an Alpaca wool sweater will likely cost hundreds of US dollars. You’ll be able to tell if an item is real Alpaca wool when you touch it, as it will be cool to the touch and very soft. It will also be tightly woven and won’t have any holes when you hold it to the light. 

Now, that said, 99.9% of the sweaters you’ll see on the streets of Cusco or at San Pedro Market will have holes, be loosely woven, and not be cold to the touch. This means they’re likely a synthetic blend with alpaca wool (or entirely synthetic), which is fine as long as the prices are appropriate. For example, my favorite sweater I bought cost me roughly $15 US dollars, but it was not 100% alpaca wool. 

Learn about my favorite store souvenir shopping and cheap alpaca sweaters!

Wander Through San Blas Neighborhood

Next, don’t forget to spend some time venturing into the charming San Blas neighborhood, often referred to as the cultural and artistic district of Cusco. Wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, feels as though you are stepping back in time. This is a great area to walk through for some amazing restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

One of my favorite stops is the Chocolate Museum. Here, you can indulge in heavenly chocolate, and for those interested in the chocolate-making process, the museum offers a two-hour interactive workshop where you can learn to make your own chocolate treats.

Take a Cooking Class

Speaking of classes, learning how to make Peruvian food and drinks is a blast. I highly recommend taking a cooking class if you have the time! Learning how to make Pisco Sours and Ceviche is a blast! I’ll link to some great options in the description. 

Try the Local Food and Drinks

If you’re not interested in taking a cooking class, though, don’t miss out on eating all the Peruvian food you possibly can while in Cusco! Here are a few must-try items:

1. Pisco Sour: This classic Peruvian cocktail quickly is my favorite. It’s made with Pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, it’s a refreshing and potent drink that perfectly captures the spirit of Peru. 
2. Guinea Pig, known as Cuy: While it might seem unusual to some, guinea pig is a beloved traditional Andean dish and a must-try when in Cusco.
3. Coca Tea: This soothing herbal tea, made from coca leaves, is believed to help alleviate altitude sickness. I’m not sure if it actually helps, but it tastes good. Just don’t try to take any coca leaves back home with you, as this is also what is used to make cocaine and is quite illegal in most countries.
4. Ceviche: This is the national dish of Peru and consists of slices of raw fish that are spiced with salt, onions, and chili peppers, then marinated in lime juice.
5. Inca Kola: You have to try this unique, bright yellow soda that’s more popular in Peru than Coca-Cola. It’s super sweet flavor is unlike any other soft drink I’ve tasted!
6. Alpaca: This is a tender and lean meat, and is typically grilled or used in stews. It is really delicious.

Great Day Trips from Cusco!

Cusco is an incredible base for exploring some of Peru’s most incredible attractions. There are so many day trips you can take from this historic city. Let me share some of my favorite excursions that you won’t want to miss.

Hike Rainbow Mountain

Also known as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder and one of my favorite places. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice now. This is hands down the best day trip from Cusco. This mountain’s vibrant stripes of color are the result of mineral deposits and erosion over millions of years. 

Now, it’s a challenging hike because of the altitude. It’s 5200 m above sea level or 17060 ft. You will need to move quite slowly because you’re going to feel very out of breath, no matter how good of shape you are in. Expect the hike to take around 3 hours. But the panoramic views at the summit are well worth the effort. I recommend joining a tour from Cusco, which will include transportation and a guide.

Hike to Humantay Lake

Humantay Lake is another one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever visited. This turquoise alpine lake, set against dramatic mountains, is a perfect day trip for nature lovers. Again, the hike is challenging due to the high altitude, but it’s very much worth it. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen. I also recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants that are lightweight to protect you from the sun. A hat is also a good idea. You are very exposed on this hike. If possible, I recommend going early to avoid the heat and the crowds. 

Check out Humantay Lake Tour Options.

Visit the Pisac Ruins

Located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley, the Pisac Ruins are one of the finest remaining Inca archeological sites in the country. It’s incredible to see. The site also features a popular local crafts market. and vast agricultural terraces that blend beautifully with the landscape.

Admire the Maras Salt Mines

The Maras Salt Mines are a hidden gem in the Sacred Valley. These ancient salt ponds, carved by the Incas over 500 years ago, are still operated by local families today. It’s fascinating to see the traditional salt-harvesting process and the stunning views of the terraced salt pans cascading down the mountainside. You can also buy salt at the gift store here to bring home with you as a souvenir!

See the Moray Archeological Site

The Moray archeological site features a unique series of circular terraces that the Incas used for agricultural experimentation. It seriously looks like something aliens made. However, I learned that each terrace has its own microclimate, allowing the Incas to study the effects of different growing conditions on crops. The site’s amazing design and the surrounding Andean landscape make it a fascinating stop on any Sacred Valley tour.

Explore Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located about 72 kilometers (45 miles) northwest of Cusco. It is renowned for its well-preserved Inca ruins and cobblestone streets, offering a glimpse into ancient Andean life. The town features an impressive fortress with massive stone terraces, which served both as a military defense and a religious site. Ollantaytambo’s strategic location made it a key site during the Inca Empire and later during the Spanish conquest.

Visit Chinchero

Chinchero is a small Andean village that is most famous for its traditional textile weaving. If you want to see how alpaca sweaters are made, this is a great place to visit! Chinchero is often included in tours of the Sacred Valley. The first time I visited was included on a tour of Moray and the Salt Mines. I really enjoyed watching the beautiful weaving demonstrations and meeting the adorable alpacas!

Meet the Misminay Community

If you’re not as interested in traditional textile weaving as I am but still want to experience the local culture, I highly recommend visiting the Misminay Community. Again, this is a stop that is often included when visiting various sites in the Sacred Valley. The villagers will give you a warm welcome with music and traditional dances. Here, you will be able to learn about the Andean families’ lifestyle by sharing some of their daily activities with them. Then, you will enjoy a delicious and traditional lunch prepared with local products. Again, I really enjoyed this experience!

Visit Machu Picchu

Now, I hesitate to include Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco, as it really is A LOT to do as a day trip. If possible, you should spend the night in Aguas Calientes and do this as a multi-day tour, so you are not rushing. However, if your schedule does not permit this, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco. I recommend doing this as part of a tour. 

And you really can’t come to Peru and not visit Machu Picchu! This ancient Inca citadel, perched high in the Andes Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The best way and easiest to reach Machu Picchu is by train and the views are absolutely amazing. But f you have the time and enjoy hiking, I strongly encourage you to consider hiking the Inca Trail. That is one of my favorite travel experiences to date! 

Where to Stay in Cusco

My favorite hotel in Cusco is, hands down, the Antigua Casona San Blas. It’s stunning and in a perfect location to walk just about everywhere. The staff treated us like family and helped us out in a very sticky situation (the last time we were in Peru, we got stranded for an extra 5 days due to an airplane accident in Lima grounding flights, and we were traveling with a 1-year-old). The staff went out of their way to make our unexpectedly extended stay pleasant and comfortable. The onsite restaurant is also absolutely incredible. If you stay here please get some of the incredible pancakes for me at breakfast! When I return to Cusco, this will be the only hotel I stay at going forward.

Travel Insurance

This brings me to my next point: ALWAYS travel with travel insurance. You never know when you might get stranded somewhere! Fortunately, we all had gotten travel insurance via Squaremouth and were easily reimbursed for our extended stay in Cusco. I highly recommend Squaremouth’s travel insurance policies. (I personally always get the Trawick International Safe Travels plan policy via Squaremouth.)