Best things to do in Cusco you can’t miss: Culture, food, and adventure

Ultima actualización en 25 October, 2025 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 25 October, 2025 by Waman Adventures

The Inca city offers you an experience capable of awakening all your senses. You’ll walk through cobblestone streets loaded with history, savor intense dishes, hear the murmur of plazas, and contemplate landscapes where past and present meet. If you’re thinking about visiting the imperial city, in this guide we tell you the top things to do in Cusco, from its main attractions to unique experiences and useful tips for your visit.

Main Attractions in Cusco: Must See Places

Plaza de Armas

During the Inca Empire, this plaza was the administrative, religious, and cultural center of their civilization. Various ceremonies and celebrations took place there. With the arrival of the Spanish, the main plaza changed: Inca buildings were destroyed and, in their place, churches and colonial buildings were constructed.

Today, when you walk through the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be surrounded by historic buildings that reflect the richness of Cusco traditions. At the same time, these buildings demonstrate colonial power and the imposition of the Catholic religion over indigenous peoples.

You can observe sunsets at the Main Square.

An example of this is the Church of the Society of Jesus, which was built over Amarucancha, the former palace of Inca Huayna Cápac.

• Location: Cusco historic center.
• Recommended time: you can go in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere, or at sunset to enjoy an illuminated ambiance.
• Price: free access
• Useful tip: it’s the heart of the city, ideal for starting your tour and locating restaurants, agencies, and tour departure points.

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

It’s known as the Temple of the Sun, and was an important archaeological center in Inca times. Built by Pachacútec, this fortress was dedicated to the god Inti (Sun), which symbolized spiritual and political power. Its carved stone walls were covered with gold sheets, giving it a unique shine.

On top of the foundations, the Santo Domingo convent was built to impose the Catholic religion over indigenous beliefs. Throughout the centuries it has suffered several earthquakes, with colonial structures sustaining damage; however, the Inca walls remained intact. In this way, the advanced engineering of this culture could be appreciated.

Qorikancha is a place of sun worship.

• Location: Av. El Sol, 10 minutes walking from Plaza de Armas.
• Recommended hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Price: General admission $4 (S/15).
• Useful tip: take the tour with a guide to better understand the architectural and religious details.

Sacsayhuamán

Its name means “satiated falcon” and it’s located at 12,139 feet (3,700 m.a.s.l.). Its main function was religious worship. This area stands out for its large stone blocks, some of which weigh up to 125 tons. These constructions attract attention for having been assembled with millimetric precision, without needing to use sophisticated tools.

The stone walls have a zigzag shape, alluding to lightning, and extend along 984 feet (300 meters). Today, if you visit this place, you’ll see it as the main stage for Inti Raymi, a celebration in honor of the Sun god. Likewise, the Warachikuy also takes place here, a tradition where young people demonstrate their physical prowess.

• Location: 15 minutes by car from Cusco.
• Recommended time: in the morning to avoid crowds, from 8 a.m.
• Price: general admission $19 (S/70).
• Useful tip: visit in June for Inti Raymi, the greatest Sun festival.

Cusco Cathedral

Built between 1560 and 1664 over the ancient Inca palace of Huiracocha, this cathedral combines Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, and houses a valuable collection of sacred art. In the paintings it preserves from the 17th century, European techniques were fused with Andean iconography.

The Cathedral is a marvel in the city of Cusco.

Among the most notable works you’ll find a version of the Last Supper, where Jesus and his apostles share a cuy, a traditional Andean dish. On the other hand, the cathedral possesses an impressive main altar made in embossed silver, considered one of the masterpieces of colonial goldsmithing.

• Location: Plaza de Armas.
• Recommended hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Price: $6 (S/25)
• Useful tip: don’t miss the main altar in embossed silver, a jewel of colonial art.

Unique Experiences: Beyond the Traditional

San Blas

In Inca times it was known as T’oqocachi, which in Quechua means “salt cave.” This place housed important families dedicated to architecture and crafts. When the Spanish arrived, they gave it the name San Blas.

This neighborhood is one of the most traditional and has been highlighted by Cusco artisans, whose works have passed from generation to generation. The most pleasant thing is that the neighborhood stands out for its cobblestone streets and colonial houses with carved wooden balconies.

The tourist walks through one of Cusco’s most iconic neighborhoods.

• Location: 10 minutes walking from Plaza de Armas.
• Useful tip: climb up to San Blas plaza to hear local musicians and take panoramic photos.

San Pedro Market

The San Pedro Market was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, recognized for the construction of the Eiffel Tower located in Paris. Thanks to its metal structure, the high corrugated iron roofs, and the neoclassical design of the market, it becomes a true architectural work.

This market invites you to explore countless souvenirs.

This place houses more than 1,180 sales stalls. If you visit, you’ll find a wide variety of products such as:

• Fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and traditional breads, like chuta bread.
• Typical foods: dishes like lamb broth, lomo saltado, and green noodles, served at the various food stalls.
• Handicrafts: textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs made by local artisans.
• Traditional products: medicinal herbs, coca leaves, and esoteric items used in Andean rituals.
• Location: Av. Cascaparo s/n, 10 minutes walking from Plaza de Armas.
• Recommended time: in the morning, when products are freshest.
• Price: free entrance; a traditional lunch costs between $3–4 (S/10–15).
• Useful tip: bring cash and try the artisan cheeses.

ChocoMuseo

Its specialty is promoting local artisan chocolate production, making the public aware of the cultural and economic importance of cacao in the Andean regions.

One of the main attractions of ChocoMuseo is the “Bean to Bar” workshop, a live experience where, in approximately two hours, you can learn to:

• Select and roast cacao beans.
• Grind and refine cacao paste.
• Customize chocolate bars with ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
• Prepare cacao based beverages.

Immerse yourself in this experience that teaches you about chocolate.

Location: Garcilaso Street 210, near the Inka Museum.
Useful tip: book your “Bean to Bar” workshop in advance.

Flavors of Cusco: Local Culinary Delights

Traditional Dishes

Cusco offers rich gastronomy with dishes like:

• Baked guinea pig: it’s one of the most representative dishes of Cusco cuisine. The guinea pig is seasoned with different spices, then baked in the oven and accompanied with golden potatoes.
• Chiri Uchu: it’s a dish widely consumed in June. It’s made with roasted guinea pig, boiled chicken, charqui (dried meat), cheese, toasted corn, fish roe, seaweed (cochayuyo), and rocoto pepper.
• Cusco adobo: a traditional broth prepared with pork marinated in chicha de jora, ají panca, garlic, and local spices.
• Quinoa soup: it’s a nutritious and comforting preparation, ideal for cold days in Cusco.

You can’t miss trying two of Cusco’s most traditional dishes.

Pisco Sour

It was created in Lima in the 1920s by Victor Vaughen Morris, using Peruvian pisco, lemon juice, and sugar. Over time, Peruvian bartenders perfected the drink by adding egg white and angostura bitters.

The Pisco Sour is not only a drink but also an emblem of Peruvian culture. Its recognition as National Cultural Heritage in 2007 highlights its value in the country’s gastronomic identity.

Tasting a Pisco Sour is immersing yourself in history.

Vegetarian Options

The city of Cusco has adopted many contemporary dietary preferences. Today, there are many restaurants offering vegetarian options, such as:

• Green Point Restaurants: located in the picturesque San Blas neighborhood.
• Vida Vegan Bistro: situated near the Belmond Monasterio Hotel.
• El Encuentro: it’s an economical option offering vegetarian menus.
• Organika: specializes in organic and sustainable food, using fresh products.

Adventure in Cusco: Must Do Excursions

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Visit this unique geological formation in the world.

Also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain, it’s a geological formation located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Its altitude borders 16,404 feet (5,000 m.a.s.l.). The colored stripes, caused by minerals, create red, green, yellow, and purple tones.

The difficulty of this place is due to the altitude and terrain, so it’s recommended that you acclimatize beforehand to avoid altitude sickness and fully enjoy your experience. The ideal months to visit are from May to September, as you can better appreciate the colors.

Humantay Lake

It’s a glacial lake with turquoise waters, located at 13,779 feet (4,200 m.a.s.l.), at the foothills of the mountain range. The difficulty is moderate to high due to altitude and the steep path. Ideally you should bring appropriate clothing and, if you wish, you can rent horses to minimize fatigue.

This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace of nature

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a region that extends along the Vilcanota River. It had great relevance for Inca civilization, as its climate is favorable and it has agricultural lands. The archaeological sites you’ll find are:

• Pisac
• Ollantaytambo
• Moray
• Chinchero

Practical Tips: Plan Your Stay

Acclimatization

Altitude sickness affects the body when oxygen decreases at high elevations. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. These symptoms can appear between 6 and 24 hours after your arrival at altitude.

To combat altitude sickness, it’s advisable that you drink between 2 and 3 liters of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and consume light meals. Some Andean infusions, like muña tea and mate de coca, are very useful for relieving symptoms. In some cases, you can carry oxygen as a supplementary element.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from May to September, offers clear skies and is ideal for you to enjoy outdoor activities. However, it’s also the busiest time.

Local Transportation

More than 10,000 taxis operate in Cusco, most without meters. It’s common to agree on the fare before starting the trip. You can also board buses and combis on various routes. In the case of agencies like Transporte Turístico Cusco, they offer personalized services with modern vehicles and experienced drivers.

Exploring what to do in Cusco is much more than visiting a city: it’s entering the living history of Peru, enjoying its culture, and connecting with the majesty of the Andes. Make your trip unforgettable with Waman Adventures, a certified local operator with years of experience and thousands of satisfied travelers. Contact us and let us plan the perfect adventure for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Cusco