Cusco was once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Today, it is a vibrant city in South America. Most travelers treat Cusco as a quick stop before visiting Machu Picchu. However, skipping the city itself is a big mistake. Cusco offers rich history, lively food markets, and massive stone ruins.
This guide focuses strictly on activities within Cusco city limits. You will learn about key sights, entry tickets, local food, and practical travel tips.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things to Do Cusco City?
The best things to do in Cusco city include exploring Plaza de Armas, visiting Qorikancha, and walking through San Blas. You should also explore Sacsayhuamán, San Pedro Market, Cusco Cathedral, Cristo Blanco, and the 12-Angled Stone. Joining a food tour and visiting local museums are also top activities.
- Plaza de Armas: The main square in the center of the city.
- Qorikancha: An ancient Inca temple with a Spanish church built on top.
- San Blas: An art district with narrow streets and craft shops.
- Sacsayhuamán: A massive Inca site with giant stone walls.
- San Pedro Market: A busy market for fresh juice and souvenirs.
- Cusco Cathedral: A large church packed with historic paintings.
- Cristo Blanco: A large white statue offering sweeping city views.
- 12-Angled Stone: A famous example of perfect Inca stonework.
- Museums: Collections showing ancient gold and historic art.
- Food Tour: Guided tasting tours of traditional regional dishes.
Summary: Cusco is very walk-friendly. However, the high mountain location can make walking feel tiring on your first day. Start with flat walks in the center before trying uphill sights.
Cusco City at a Glance
Before booking your daily tours, it helps to understand how the city is set up. Cusco sits high in the Andes mountains. It blends native Inca foundations with Spanish colonial buildings.
The old town was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. You can easily walk between most central sights.
| Topic | Quick Answer |
| Elevation | 3,399 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level |
| Ideal Stay | 2 to 3 days |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October (Dry season with clear skies) |
| Currency | Peruvian Sol (PEN) |
| Language | Spanish and Quechua |
| Safety | Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas |
| Walking Difficulty | Moderate to challenging due to steep stone stairs |
Before Exploring Cusco City: Altitude, Tickets & Practical Tips
Planning a smooth trip to Cusco requires a little preparation. Altitude and ticket rules can catch first-time visitors off guard.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Cusco sits high above sea level where the air has less oxygen. Altitude sickness is locally called soroche. It can cause headaches, nausea, and tiredness.
- Rest on Day 1: Take it easy at your hotel for a few hours after landing.
- Drink Water: High elevation dehydrates your body quickly. Drink plenty of water.
- Try Coca Tea: Hot tea made from native coca leaves is a traditional local remedy.
- Eat Light Meals: Digestion slows down at high elevations. Stick to simple soups on your first night.
Do You Need the Boleto Turístico?
The Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC) is an official tourist ticket run by the COSITUC government agency. It gives you entry to major historical sites. You cannot buy single tickets for many of these places.
- Full Ticket: Valid for 10 days. Covers 16 sites in the city and surrounding valleys. Cost is 130 PEN (around $35 USD).
- Partial Ticket (Circuit 2): Valid for 2 days. Covers city museums and local attractions. Cost is 70 PEN (around $19 USD).
| Attraction | Included in Boleto? | Separate Ticket Required? | Free Entry? |
| Sacsayhuamán | Yes | No | No |
| Qorikancha (Temple) | No | Yes (Check current rates) | No |
| Cusco Cathedral | No | Yes (Check current rates) | No |
| San Pedro Market | No | No | Yes |
| Cristo Blanco | No | No | Yes |
| 12-Angled Stone | No | No | Yes |
Getting Around Cusco City
- Walking: Central Cusco is compact and best explored on foot. Wear shoes with good grip for smooth stone paths.
- Taxis: Taxis do not use meters. Always agree on the price before getting into the car. A quick ride across the center costs around 7 to 10 PEN ($2–$3 USD).
- Ride Apps: Uber works in Cusco and offers fixed prices.
- Safety Tip: Keep your bag zipped tight in crowded markets. Emergency help can be reached by dialing 105 for local police.
Best Things to Do in Cusco City
Explore Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the central square of Cusco. In Inca times, this square was used for royal ceremonies. Today, it features wooden balconies, gardens, and colonial arcades.
Sit on a bench to relax, or grab a coffee at a second-floor balcony cafe. Yellow streetlights light up the stone buildings at night.
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Cost: Free to visit
- Best For: Easy orientation on your first day
Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Qorikancha was the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire. Its inner walls were once covered in heavy sheets of solid gold.
Spanish forces removed the gold and built the Church of Santo Domingo directly on top of the Inca stone foundation. Earthquakes later destroyed parts of the church, but the Inca stonework stood firm. Check official ticket desks for current entry fees before your visit.
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Cost: Check ticket office for current rates
Walk Through San Blas Neighborhood
San Blas is an art district located just a short walk uphill from the main square. This area features narrow alleys, white buildings, and bright blue window frames.
Local artisans have worked here for generations. You will find small art galleries, woodcarving shops, handmade jewelry, and cozy cafes lining the streets.
See the Famous 12-Angled Stone
Located on Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, this stone is a famous example of Inca stonework. The massive stone block fits into the surrounding wall with twelve distinct angles.
Inca masons used no cement to hold it in place. The fit is so tight that you cannot slide a piece of paper between the rocks.
- Time Needed: 10 minutes
- Cost: Free
Explore San Pedro Market
San Pedro Market gives you a close look at local daily life. Built in the early 20th century, this giant hall is packed with stalls selling food, fruit, and crafts.
Visit the juice section for fresh fruit drinks made while you wait. Stick to stalls that serve hot cooked food, and always drink bottled water.
Visit Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuamán is a giant Inca site located on a hill above the city. It is famous for its massive carved rocks. The largest stones weigh over 120 tons.
The site offers great views of the valley below. Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. Entry requires the official Boleto Turístico pass.
Walk to Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
Cristo Blanco is an 8-meter (26-foot) tall white statue of Jesus Christ sitting on Pukamuqu hill. Palestinian refugees gifted the statue to the city in the mid-20th century.
It offers panoramic views across the entire valley. You can take a 10-minute taxi from the center for about 10 PEN ($3 USD).
Visit Cusco Cathedral
Dominating the main square, the Cusco Cathedral took nearly 100 years to build. Builders used stone taken from nearby Inca structures.
Inside, you will find hundreds of historic paintings. Look for the famous Last Supper painting by Quechua artist Marcos Zapata. Instead of traditional food, Jesus and his disciples are shown eating a roasted guinea pig (cuy). Check current ticket prices at the cathedral door.
Explore the Best Museums
Setting aside a morning for museums helps you understand Andean culture before visiting ancient sites.
| Museum | Best For | Time Needed | Ticket Info |
| Inca Museum (Museo Inka) | Ancient mummies, pottery, and gold objects | 1.5 hours | Check ticket office for current rates |
| Pre-Columbian Art Museum (MAP) | Fine stone carvings and a quiet courtyard | 1 hour | Check ticket office for current rates |
| Regional Historical Museum | History inside the home of writer Garcilaso de la Vega | 1 hour | Included in Boleto Turístico |
Take a Walking Tour
A guided walking tour is a great way to learn history on your first day. Local guides share stories about Inca life, Spanish rule, and modern city culture.
Free walking tours leave daily from the main square. Guides work for tips, so leaving 20 to 30 PEN ($5–$8 USD) per person is standard practice.
Join a Peruvian Food Tour
Peru is famous for its food, and Cusco has a unique regional style. Food tours take you past tourist spots into authentic local eateries.
You will sample dishes like chicha morada (sweet purple corn drink) and lomo saltado (beef stir-fry). Guides explain local ingredients like Andean potatoes and native corn.
Take a Cooking Class
A cooking class is a fun hands-on activity for a rainy afternoon. Most classes start with a quick trip to a local market to buy fresh ingredients.
An expert chef guides you through every step. You will learn how to make fresh ceviche and mix a traditional Pisco Sour drink.
- Time Needed: 3 hours
- Skill Level: Easy; suitable for beginners and families
Watch Traditional Music and Dance
You can experience Andean culture through live music and dance performances. The Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo hosts shows featuring local musicians playing panpipes and drums. Dancers perform in colorful native clothing.
- Show Info: Nightly performances (check current schedules)
- Cost: Included with the full Boleto Turístico
Discover Hidden Streets & Small Plazas
Beyond the main attractions, Cusco holds quiet corners that many tourists miss.
- Sapantiana Aqueduct: A stone colonial aqueduct hidden in a green ravine past San Blas.
- Calle Siete Culebras: A quiet alley named “Street of Seven Snakes” featuring small stone snake carvings.
- Plaza de las Nazarenas: A calm square surrounded by historic stone buildings and luxury hotels.
- San Cristóbal Church: A hilltop church offering quiet views of the city center.
- Temple of the Moon: An ancient Inca rock shrine located on a quiet path just beyond Sacsayhuamán.
Free Things to Do in Cusco City
Exploring Cusco on a budget is easy. Many of the top sights cost nothing at all.
| Activity | Cost | Time Needed | Best Time |
| Plaza de Armas Stroll | Free | 1 hour | Evening |
| San Blas Walk | Free | 1.5 hours | Morning |
| Cristo Blanco Viewpoint | Free | 1 hour | Late Afternoon |
| San Pedro Market Visit | Free | 1 hour | Morning |
| 12-Angled Stone Photo | Free | 10 minutes | Early Morning |
| Sapantiana Aqueduct Walk | Free | 45 minutes | Midday |
Best Things to Do by Traveler Type
- Families: Visit the ChocoMuseo for a hands-on chocolate workshop. Use taxis for uphill trips to keep kids from tiring out.
- Solo Travelers: Join a free walking tour on your first day to meet people and learn your way around.
- Couples: Stroll the quiet alleys of San Blas and book an evening cooking class together.
- Budget Backpackers: Stick to self-guided walks and eat set lunch menus (menú del día) at local markets for 10 to 15 PEN.
- Luxury Travelers: Stay in restored colonial hotels and book private historical tours.
- Food Lovers: Take a market cooking class and sample street food like anticuchos (beef heart skewers).
- History Lovers: Spend extra time at the Inca Museum and Qorikancha.
- Photographers: Shoot early morning light along Calle Hatun Rumiyoc before crowds arrive.
Best Things to Do by Time Available
If You Have Half a Day
If you only have a few hours, follow our self-guided walking route below. It covers central landmarks on foot without requiring steep uphill climbs.
One Day in Cusco
Start your morning at Plaza de Armas and visit the Cusco Cathedral. Walk down Avenida del Sol to explore Qorikancha. In the afternoon, head up to San Blas for coffee. Take a ten-minute taxi ride to Cristo Blanco before sunset.
Two Days in Cusco
- Day 1: Explore flat central sights including Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and San Pedro Market.
- Day 2: Visit Sacsayhuamán in the morning. Spend the afternoon at the Inca Museum and watch an evening dance performance at Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo.
Three Days in Cusco
- Day 1: Rest, adapt to the altitude, and stroll through the city center.
- Day 2: Visit Sacsayhuamán and Cristo Blanco in the morning. Take a Peruvian cooking class in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, shop at San Pedro Market, and take an evening street food tour.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Main square & Cathedral | Qorikancha temple | Dinner overlooking the square |
| Day 2 | Sacsayhuamán ruins | San Blas art district | Cultural dance show |
| Day 3 | Pre-Columbian Art Museum | Cooking class or food tour | Sunset viewpoint visit |
Easy Self-Guided Walking Route Through Cusco City
This simple loop connects major central sights. You can follow this route easily on your phone.
Plaza de Armas ➔ Cusco Cathedral ➔ 12-Angled Stone ➔ San Blas ➔ Qorikancha ➔ San Pedro Market
- Plaza de Armas: Start at the central fountain in the main square.
- Cusco Cathedral: Walk to the north side of the square to see the main facade.
- 12-Angled Stone: Head east down Calle Triunfo onto Calle Hatun Rumiyoc.
- San Blas: Follow the path slightly uphill into the art district.
- Qorikancha: Walk downhill toward Avenida del Sol to see the ancient temple walls.
- San Pedro Market: Head west down Calle Santa Clara to reach the market hall.
- Total Distance: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles)
- Walking Time: 2 hours at a relaxed pace
What to Eat While Exploring Cusco
Cusco has a rich food culture based on potatoes, corn, and Andean spices.
- Lomo Saltado: Strips of beef fried with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and french fries.
- Alpaca Steak: A lean, tender red meat that tastes similar to beef.
- Cuy (Roasted Guinea Pig): A traditional Andean meal reserved for special events.
- Chicha Morada: A sweet drink made from purple corn, fruit, and cinnamon.
- Rocoto Relleno: Spicy peppers stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, and melted cheese.
Things Worth Booking in Advance
A few tours sell out during peak summer months (June through August).
- Cooking Classes: Small cooking schools limit class sizes. Book 2 to 3 days ahead.
- Food Tours: Evening tasting tours fill up quickly. Book before arriving.
- Specialty Tours: Book Planetarium Cusco visits early because shuttle seats are limited.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting After Exploring Cusco City
Once your body adapts to the mountain elevation, you can take day trips outside the city limits.
- Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo): A lower valley located one hour away featuring large ruins and markets.
- Rainbow Mountain: A high-altitude day hike up to 5,200 meters (17,000 feet). Skip this if you still feel effects from the elevation.
- Machu Picchu: The famous Inca city reached by train or multi-day hiking trails.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
Avoid these common planning errors during your trip:
- Doing too much on Day 1: Pushing yourself too soon can trigger altitude sickness.
- Buying the wrong ticket: A partial ticket limits your entries. Buy the 10-day Boleto Turístico if staying multiple days.
- Rushing to Machu Picchu: Skipping city stays deprives you of essential altitude adjustment time.
- Carrying large cash notes: Small vendors cannot make change for 100 PEN bills. Carry small notes (10 and 20 PEN).
Sample Budget for Exploring Cusco City
Cusco caters well to all travel styles and budgets.
| Budget Level | Estimated Daily Cost | What It Covers |
| Budget | $30 – $50 USD (110–185 PEN) | Hostel beds, market meals, free walking tours |
| Mid-Range | $80 – $160 USD (300–600 PEN) | 3-star hotel, sit-down dinners, entry passes, cooking class |
| Luxury | $250+ USD (925+ PEN) | Historic 5-star hotel, private guides, fine dining restaurants |
Sample Daily Breakdown (Mid-Range)
- Food: 90 PEN ($24 USD) for market breakfast, set lunch, and sit-down dinner.
- Transport: 20 PEN ($5 USD) for short taxi rides.
- Entry Fees: 35 PEN ($9 USD) averaged across multi-day passes.
- Coffee & Snacks: 20 PEN ($5 USD) for coca tea or pastry.
Final Thoughts
Cusco is much more than a quick stop on the way to Machu Picchu. It is a city filled with history, great food, and historic architecture.
Take it easy on your first day, drink coca tea, and enjoy a slow walk through the center. Giving yourself time to adjust to the elevation will make your trip through Peru far more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Cusco city?
The best things to do in Cusco city include exploring Plaza de Armas, visiting Qorikancha, browsing San Pedro Market, and walking through San Blas. You should also see Sacsayhuamán, visit local museums, and try regional food.
Is one day enough in Cusco?
One day in Cusco is enough to see central sights like Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha. However, it is not enough time to acclimate to the high altitude or explore nearby ruins without rushing.
How many days should I stay in Cusco?
You should stay in Cusco for two to three days. This gives your body time to adjust to the high elevation before hiking or traveling to Machu Picchu.
What is free to do in Cusco?
Free activities include strolling around Plaza de Armas, exploring San Blas, viewing the 12-Angled Stone, browsing San Pedro Market, and walking to the Sapantiana Aqueduct.
Is Cusco safe for tourists?
Yes, Cusco is generally safe for tourists. The historic center has a strong police presence. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets like San Pedro.
Is the Boleto Turístico worth buying?
Yes, the Boleto Turístico is worth buying if you plan to visit major sites like Sacsayhuamán or regional museums. You cannot buy single tickets for many of these locations.
Can I walk around Cusco?
Yes, you can easily walk around central Cusco. However, steep stone stairs and thin air can tire you out quickly, so wear comfortable shoes and take breaks.
What should I do before visiting Machu Picchu?
Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to the high mountain air. Buy your entry passes and train tickets months in advance.
What are the best viewpoints in Cusco?
The best viewpoints in Cusco are Cristo Blanco, San Cristóbal Church, and second-floor balcony cafes overlooking Plaza de Armas.
What food should I try in Cusco?
Try lomo saltado (beef stir-fry), roasted alpaca steak, chicha morada (purple corn drink), and fresh fruit juice at San Pedro Market.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. We do our best to keep the information accurate, but travel details, prices, and rules may change. Some images may be AI-generated for illustration only. All copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property belong to their respective owners.