Ultimate Cusco Travel Guide: What to do in Cusco?
Looking for all the things to do in Cusco to best plan and prepare for your trip? Find here in this section the ultimate travel guide to the capital city of the Incas.
What to Do in Cusco?
Beyond excursions to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, there are plenty of attractions and fun experiences to enjoy during your stay in Cusco. From ancient Inca ruins and local markets to coffee shops, street food, museums, and cultural activities, the city offers some of the best things to do in Peru.
Whether you are spending a day in Cusco before a full day tour or planning the best day trips from Cusco, there is always something to explore around Cusco. Visit places like Pisac and Cristo Blanco for incredible views of Cusco, join a guided tour, take a Peruvian cooking class, or relax with a traditional Pisco Sour after sightseeing.
Located high in the Andes, Cusco’s elevation can cause altitude sickness for some travelers, so many visitors choose to stay in Cusco for a few days before starting hikes or longer excursions.
Local Cuisine in Cusco
One of the best things about any trip to Cusco is discovering the incredible local cuisine. As the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco combines traditional Andean flavors with modern international influences, making it one of the top attractions for food lovers visiting Peru. Whether you are exploring downtown Cusco, taking Sacred Valley tours, or preparing for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, trying the local food is an essential part of experiencing What to Do in Cusco.
Traditional Food to Eat in Cusco
Peruvian cuisine is famous worldwide, and Cusco offers some of the best places in Peru to experience authentic dishes. Local specialties include alpaca steak, roasted cuy (guinea pig), trout, soups, and fresh street food sold throughout the city. Peru’s national dish, ceviche, can also be found in many restaurants in Cusco, especially near the Plaza de Armas.
The city is full of small eateries, bakeries, cafés, and local food stalls where both locals and tourists gather daily. Around the city and outside of Cusco, you will also find traditional markets serving freshly prepared meals for affordable prices, often for less than 10 soles. Exploring local gastronomy is one of the most authentic ways to enjoy What to Do in Cusco.
| Popular Food in Cusco | Description |
|---|---|
| Ceviche | Fresh fish cured in lime juice |
| Cuy | Traditional roasted guinea pig |
| Alpaca | Lean Andean meat specialty |
| Chicharrón | Crispy fried pork dish |
| Empanadas | Baked pastries with fillings |
| Pisco Sour | Peru’s most famous cocktail |
Coffee, Chocolate & Cafés
Cusco is also famous for its coffee and chocolate culture. Because cacao and coffee are produced near the Peruvian Amazon, the city has an incredible selection of cafés and chocolate shops. One of my favorite things to do in Cusco is visiting artisan coffee shops near the Plaza de Armas and San Blas while enjoying the best views over the city.
You can also visit places like ChocoMuseo or join chocolate workshops and cooking experiences during your full day in Cusco. Many cafés in downtown Cusco offer locally sourced coffee, desserts, and cozy spaces perfect for relaxing after exploring ruins around Cusco or returning from a day trip.
What to Do in Cusco: Markets & Shopping
Visiting a market in Cusco is one of the best things to see during your Peru trip. San Pedro Market is one of the most famous markets in the city and a perfect place to experience local life, traditional food, handmade crafts, and fresh products from the Andes.
Cusco tourist markets are also great for shopping for alpaca clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and textiles. Near the Plaza de Armas and around the city, you can find artisan stores selling handmade products connected to the history of Cusco and the traditions of the Inca Empire. Shopping in local markets is another excellent option for travelers searching for What to Do in Cusco beyond the main tourist attractions.
Museums, Churches & Inca History
Cusco sits at the center of the Inca world and is home to some of the most important historical buildings in Peru. Visiting museums in Cusco and colonial churches is one of the top things for travelers interested in the history of Cusco and the transformation of the city after the Spanish conquest.
The Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas, is one of the top attractions in the city and contains impressive colonial artwork and religious artifacts. Many visitors also choose to visit Cusco Cathedral as part of a free walking tour or guided city experience.
| Top Historical Attractions | Location |
|---|---|
| Cusco Cathedral | Plaza de Armas |
| Qorikancha | Downtown Cusco |
| Planetarium Cusco | Outside of Cusco |
| Sacsayhuamán | Hills above the city |
| San Pedro Market | Historic Center |
Qorikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire and remains one of the best things to see in Cusco today. The Planetarium Cusco experience is also highly recommended for travelers wanting to learn more about Inca astronomy and Andean traditions.
Day Trips & Tours Around Cusco
Cusco day trips are another reason why travelers come to Cusco from all over the world. From one day trip adventures to full day trips, there are endless things to do around the region. Popular excursions include Sacred Valley tours, Rainbow Mountain, and trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco. If you are still deciding What to Do in Cusco, these excursions should definitely be part of your itinerary.
Many Sacred Valley tours include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and local markets, while adventure travelers often continue toward the Inca Trail or a trip to Machu Picchu. If you only have a full day in Cusco, taking a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to explore the top Cusco attractions efficiently.
City Tours in Cusco
There are countless tours available in Cusco, ranging from short city visits to full day excursions around the Andes and Sacred Valley. Whether you are interested in local history, Inca ruins, markets, or cultural experiences, there is a tour option for every type of traveler. To make things easier, most tours can be divided into three main categories.
| Tour Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| City Tour | Explore downtown Cusco, the Cusco Cathedral, local markets, and nearby archaeological sites. | Half day |
| Archaeological Tour | Visit important Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. | 4–6 hours |
| Excursion Tour | Extended tours to destinations like Moray, Ollantaytambo, and the Sacred Valley. | Full day |
City Tours
City tours are perfect for travelers wanting to discover the history of Cusco and explore the heart of the former capital of the Inca Empire. These tours usually include the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, San Pedro Market, and one or two archaeological attractions around the city.
Archaeological Tours
Archaeological tours focus on the most important ruins around Cusco and are one of the best things to do for visitors interested in Inca culture and history. Most guided tours include Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and other impressive sites located just outside downtown Cusco.
Excursion Tours
Excursion tours are ideal for travelers looking for full day trips outside of Cusco. Many Sacred Valley tours include Pisac, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and local villages, while other excursions connect travelers to Machu Picchu from Cusco or nearby adventure destinations.
Hikes Around Cusco
For travelers wanting outdoor adventures without traveling too far, there are several scenic hikes around Cusco that can easily be done as day treks. Most starting points are accessible by taxi from the city center. Hiking is another popular activity for travelers researching What to Do in Cusco beyond the city center.
Devil’s Balcony
Devil’s Balcony is one of the hidden gems outside of Cusco. This scenic hike follows a river through caves and rock formations before reaching a beautiful lookout point with incredible views of the Andes. The route is approximately 3.1 miles round trip and takes around 3 hours.
Temple of the Monkey & Temple of the Moon
Located near Qenqo, these lesser-known archaeological sites offer a quieter alternative to the more popular ruins in Cusco. Visitors can take a taxi to the entrance of Qenqo and follow the marked hiking trails toward the Temple of the Monkey and the Temple of the Moon, two fascinating spiritual sites connected to ancient Inca traditions.
