Cusco Peru Travel Guide: Inca Power, Colonial Beauty & Sacred Valleys
Perched at 3,400 meters in the Andes, Cusco Peru is not just a destination—it’s a living museum. Once the mighty capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco blends perfect stone engineering, Spanish baroque churches, colorful markets, and powerful spiritual energy. Cobblestone streets reveal ancient walls, while mountain views remind you why this city was believed to be the navel of the world.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cusco Peru, ideal for travelers spending 3–5 days acclimatizing before venturing to Machu Picchu.
Why Cusco Feels Magical
- Former capital of the Inca Empire
- Built in the shape of a puma (sacred animal)
- Spanish churches sit directly on Inca foundations
- Gateway to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Walkable historic center
Amazing Fact: Many Inca walls in Cusco Peru have survived massive earthquakes without mortar—while colonial buildings above them collapsed.
Cusco Peru Plaza de Armas: The Soul of the City
The Plaza de Armas is the cultural and social heart of Cusco Peru.
What Makes It Special
- Surrounded by colonial arcades and cafés
- Built on the former Inca ceremonial square
- Lively day and night with parades and music
Top Sights Around the Plaza
- Cusco Cathedral: Gold altars, colonial art, and Andean symbolism
- Iglesia de la Compañía: Lavish interiors rivaling the cathedral
- Inca stone foundations visible beneath walls
Local Tip: Visit early morning for photos, return at night when churches glow under lights.
Read also: Best Things To Do in La Paz, Bolivia: Cable Cars, Witches’ Market, Cholita Wrestling & Day Trips
Cusco Peru Inca Sites You Can’t Miss
Cusco Peru is one of the few cities where Inca ruins are woven directly into daily life.
Must-See Inca Landmarks
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Once covered in gold, now part Inca, part Spanish convent
- Sacsayhuamán: Massive fortress with stones heavier than modern trucks
- Q’enqo: Ritual site with carved channels and stone altars
- Tambomachay: Sacred water temple showing Inca hydraulic genius
- Puca Pucara: Military outpost guarding ancient city entrances
Amazing Fact: Some stones at Sacsayhuamán weigh over 200 tons and were moved without wheels or iron tools.
Cusco Peru Colonial Churches & Museums
Spanish rule reshaped Cusco—but couldn’t erase its Inca soul.
Best Cultural Stops
- Museo Inka: Mummies, gold artifacts, and Inca history
- Museo Machu Picchu (Casa Concha): Artifacts recovered from Machu Picchu
- La Merced Church: Home to one of the world’s largest silver monstrances
- Religious Art Museum: Baroque paintings blending Christian and Andean beliefs
Hidden Insight: Many colonial paintings secretly include Inca symbols as quiet resistance.
Cusco Peru Markets & Local Life
Markets reveal Cusco Peru beyond postcards.
San Pedro Market
- Fresh fruit juices and Andean superfoods
- Local cheese, herbs, and bread
- Budget-friendly meals
San Blas Artisan Area
- Handmade textiles and pottery
- Bohemian cafés and workshops
- Street musicians and sunset views
Amazing Fact: Peru grows over 3,000 varieties of potatoes, many sold in Cusco markets.
Hidden Inca Wonders Inside Cusco
These small details often surprise first-time visitors.
- Hatun Rumiyoc Street: Famous 12-angle stone
- Inca alleys behind San Blas: Perfectly fitted walls
- Ancient doorways: Designed to resist earthquakes
Photography Tip: Early morning light highlights stone textures beautifully.
Cusco Peru Day Trips That Wow Travelers
Cusco is the perfect base for dramatic landscapes.
Top Day Trips
- Sacred Valley: Pisac terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress
- Maras Salt Mines: Thousands of white salt pools
- Moray: Circular Inca agricultural laboratory
- Rainbow Mountain: Natural mineral colors at high altitude
- Humantay Lake: Turquoise glacial lagoon
Amazing Fact: Moray terraces may have been used to test crops at different climates—an ancient science lab.
Suggested 3-Day Cusco Peru Itinerary
Day 1: City & Culture
- Plaza de Armas walk
- Qorikancha
- Cathedral visit
- San Pedro Market lunch
- San Blas evening stroll
2nd Day: Inca Engineering
- Sacsayhuamán circuit
- Q’enqo & Tambomachay
- Museo Inka
- Planetarium night show
Day 3: Sacred Valley Adventure
- Pisac ruins and market
- Ollantaytambo fortress
- Return to Cusco for dinner
Where to Stay in Cusco
- Budget: Hostels near Plaza or San Blas
- Mid-Range: Boutique hotels with Inca walls
- Luxury: Converted monasteries with oxygen-enriched rooms
Stay central to reduce walking at altitude.
Essential Tips
- Take Day 1 slow to adjust to altitude
- Drink coca or herbal tea
- Carry layers—weather changes fast
- Buy Boleto Turístico for site access
- Book Machu Picchu tickets early
Amazing Facts
- The city was shaped like a puma
- Inca roads connected over 40,000 km across South America
- Some Inca stones fit so tightly a blade can’t pass between
- Earthquakes strengthened Inca walls but damaged Spanish ones
FAQs
Three to five days is ideal.
Yes, especially in the historic center.
Some travelers feel it—rest and hydration help a lot.
Yes, the historic core is very walkable.