Things to do in Cusco
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Cusco
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu means "old mountain" in Quechua and is often called the "lost city of the Incas." This mountain citadel, built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, sits on a steep ridge in the Andes at an elevation of approx. 2,400 m, overlooking the rushing Urubamba River valley. Hidden among mountains and clouds, it eluded Spanish colonizers and was abandoned with the empire's fall until its rediscovery in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, led by a local guide. The city is constructed with precisely fitted dry-stone walls that have withstood centuries of weather and earthquakes. Visitors can explore two main areas: the agricultural terraces and the urban sector. The Temple of the Sun's windows align with the summer solstice sunrise, reflecting Inca sun worship; the Temple of the Three Windows, with its massive stonework, and the central plaza formed the religious core. The Intihuatana, a finely carved monolithic stone, is believed to have served astronomical purposes, giving rise to its name meaning "hitching post of the sun." The viewpoint near the Guardian's Hut frames the ruins with the towering Huayna Picchu peak—a classic photo spot—while alpacas often wander into shots on the terraced lawns. Morning mists clearing at sunrise, with sunlight bathing the stone walls, create a magical scene, so early arrival is recommended. Due to the high altitude and strong UV rays, sun protection and warm layers are essential. For the adventurous, hiking the Inca Trail for days and glimpsing the citadel from the Sun Gate remains an unforgettable arrival for many trekkers.Urubamba · 74.8km from Cusco
Qorikancha
Qorikancha was the core building of the Inca Empire's religious system. Its name in Quechua, Coricancha, means "golden enclosure." According to records, the temple walls were once covered with hundreds of gold plates, and the courtyard featured statues of llamas, corn, and human figures cast in gold and silver, dedicated to the sun god Inti, as well as deities of the moon, stars, and lightning. This gold was looted after the Spanish conquest. The temple showcases the exquisite stonework of the Inca—using diorite, andesite, and limestone, the stones were perfectly cut and fitted together without mortar, so tightly that the seams are almost invisible. The design of the walls, which are wide at the base and slope slightly inward, allowed them to withstand multiple major earthquakes, whereas the Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the colonists on the site in the 16th century, was repeatedly destroyed by tremors. Today, the two structures coexist, serving as a vivid testament to the collision between Inca and Spanish colonial cultures. Inside, several original Inca chambers with sloping walls and trapezoidal niches remain, and the attached underground archaeological museum displays mummies, textiles, and ritual artifacts. This is also one of the few Inca sites in Cusco that features detailed explanatory signage.Cusco · 1.6km from downtown
Saqsaywaman
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
Cusco Cathedral
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.Cusco · 2.1km from downtown
Plaza de Armas
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.Cusco · 2.1km from downtown
Twelve Angled Stone
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.Cusco · 2km from downtown
Inka Museum
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
Plaza San Blas
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 · 2km from downtown
Centro Historico de Cusco
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.Cusco · 1.8km from downtown
Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a fertile river valley carved over time by the Urubamba River in the Peruvian Andes, stretching northwest from Cusco toward Machu Picchu. Revered by the Incas as the "sacred river," the valley floor sits at a significantly lower elevation than Cusco, mostly around 2,000 meters, with a mild climate. Since ancient times, it served as the breadbasket of the Inca Empire: terraced fields layered with crops like corn and potatoes sustained the capital, while the Incas traded with tribes in the Amazon lowlands by descending the valley. After the Spanish conquest of Cusco, Inca ruler Manco retreated to Ollantaytambo in the valley, repelling attacks from its mountain fortress, whose massive stone defenses still stand atop the cliffs today. Today, the valley offers a complete Inca journey: Pisac boasts hilltop terraces and a handicraft market below; the town of Ollantaytambo retains its Inca-era street layout; Moray's concentric terraces are believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory; Maras' ancient salt pans, with white pools cascading down the slopes, remain productive and photogenic; and Chinchero is famed for traditional weaving. Many travelers acclimatize to the altitude in the lower valley after arriving in Cusco before taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.Urubamba · 25.5km from Cusco
Experiences you can't miss in Cusco
Featured Day tours in Cusco
View all Day tours
FromRs 6,152.25
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 10,766.39
FromRs 3,691.36
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 9,689.75
Featured Outdoor experiences in Cusco
View all Outdoor experiences
4.7/5
· 15 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 27,408.15
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 48,448.74
Featured Cultural experiences in Cusco
View all Cultural experiences
4.9/5
· 127 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
26 consecutive positive reviews
FromRs 15,780.45
5.0/5
· 15 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 21,871.15
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromRs 1,980.38Rs 2,475.48
4.9/5
· 113 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.3% of travelers recommend
FromRs 15,780.45
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromRs 2,168.76
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRs 11,873.31Rs 12,498.23
FromRs 26,732.82
4.4/5
· 7 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 3,599.05
Featured City sightseeing in Cusco
View all City sightseeing
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 19,291.72
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromRs 19,751.05
Free things to do in Cusco
Plaza de Armas
Cusco · 2.1km from downtownTwelve Angled Stone
Cusco · 2km from downtownPlaza San Blas
Cusco · 2km from downtown
Saint Francis Square
Cusco · 2.1km from downtown
Chocolate Museum
Cusco · 2.2km from downtown
Action Valley
Cusco · 7.4km from downtown
Traditional Textile Center of Cusco
Cusco · 1.5km from downtown
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo · 44.2km from Cusco
Museo Maximo Laura
Cusco · 1.9km from downtown
Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu
Urubamba · 74.9km from Cusco
More ways to travel from Cusco
Private Tours in Cusco
View More Private Tours in Cusco
Group Tours in Cusco
View More Group Tours in Cusco
What travellers say about Cusco
shanghaiboyu27 August 2025
5.0
Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
DEAR张小球16 May 2020
5.0
The Temple of the Sun has a history of about five hundred years. It is a large-scale building. The architecture inside the temple is very gorgeous. The large area seems a little empty, but the exquisite architecture is worth a careful visit.
Qorikancha
泰宁根吴承恩29 April 2020
5.0
On the way to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman is a must-go place. It is also a place with a very long history of Inca civilization. The architecture is also very spectacular and has been well preserved to this day.
Saqsaywaman
东张西望望东西10 April 2020
5.0
Cusco Cathedral is the most famous building in Cusco. It is located in the Plaza de Armas. This cathedral has a long history and has existed since the Spanish colonial period. Locals will party in the square outside the cathedral during festivals.
Cusco Cathedral
_TS***1s3 March 2020
5.0
piękne miejsce.... jedno z niewielu miast w Peru, które mi sie spodobało. Plaza jest w centrum miasta, napić sie wspaniałej kawy albo zjeść coś w pięknych plenerach.
Plaza de Armas
hiluoling14 October 2020
3.0
I found that you can see some very simple but very shocking buildings here. These buildings are made of huge stones piled up tightly together, which is quite good considering the technology at that time.
Twelve Angled Stone
Lavender and Sun27 December 2020
5.0
The park was originally a storage site for a textile raw material company, with textile equipment pits, fire pools, stone slabs, lightning rods and other industrial elements. The park takes "intelligence" as its theme, making full use of industrial relics, respecting the original historical features, highlighting the characteristics of the creative industry, and combining plant landscaping space to form a new cultural highlight in the park's green space.
Plaza San Blas
pan***he28 February 2020
4.0
You can charter a car or take a taxi to visit several scenic spots in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. We took a taxi and went to the farthest Tambomachy first. It also has stone walls and springs, but it has fewer people. After we saw it, there were no more taxis, so we took a bus at the door to the second scenic spot, Pucapucara. There is a high platform-like place where you can lie on the grass and bask in the sun, and then walk to the third scenic spot, Qenko. The third scenic spot has the most people, and there are also groups coming here, and there are caves inside. After we saw it, there were taxis at the door, but because it was not far from the city of Cusco, we walked down and happened to pass through a forest, which was quite quiet.
Sacred Valley
