10 Best sites to Visit in Cusco

From places of art and culture to nature and high mountains. From Andean constellations to delicious local foods, this list of 10 things to do in Cusco, handpicked by locals, will ensure you have a complete experience. For this reason, in collaboration with the experts at Inka Time Tours (Cusqueños residents), we bring you a small article about the best tourist places in Cusco if you visit the capital and do not miss anything of this beautiful city.

MACHU PICCHU

One of the new seven wonders of the world. Visiting the incredible Inca citadel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. La Inca City is intact to this day. To get there, you can follow the ancient Inca pilgrimage route, the Inca Trail.

However, if you prefer a more luxurious tour with more amenities, you can take the many scenic trains to Machu Picchu. Whatever you decide, both options allow you to enjoy the magical Inca citadel.

THE SAN BLAS NEIGHBORHOOD

The San Blas neighborhood of Cusco should be on your must-see list. Located on a hill behind the Cathedral of Cusco, this unique spot is a popular tourist destination for both local tourists and newly arrived foreigners, where one can relax, dine, and enjoy a cold beer. Known as the neighborhood of local artists, this area features a small square surrounded by restaurants and bars frequented by foreigners eager to experience local life in Cusco.

There will be many vegetarian restaurants, art workshops, souvenir shops, bars, and more, not to mention the viewpoint that offers an impressive view of the historic center of Cusco, located behind the main square of San Blas. Years ago, this was a meeting place for local youth.

The most striking feature of Plaza San Blas is the church. It’s pretty plain from the outside. But inside, you’ll find one of Cusco’s top attractions: the intricately designed Baroque wooden pulpit. There are many myths about its creation, and there are audio guides that tell you more about some of them. If you’re looking for places to visit in Cusco, San Blas is a must-see!

THE TEMPLE OF THE CORICANCHA

From the square, walk along Avenida Sol in a north-south direction, and you will arrive at the Coricancha complex, also known as the Santo Domingo Convent. It was the most important temple of the Inca Empire: the House of the Sun. All the walls were once covered with a thin slab of solid gold, while the entrances and niches present heavy golden statues.

When the Spanish arrived in Cusco in 1533, they marveled at the gold covering the walls of the temple. Of course, they dismantled it, used its stone to build the city’s cathedral, and constructed the current Monastery of Santo Domingo on its foundations. Fortunately, today you will find that the foundations of the Incas have remained unchanged… In short, admiring its architecture is one of Cusco’s best free activities to offer its visitors.

THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

If you know that China has the only rainbow mountain in the world, then you are wrong; Cusco has its peak too! Due to climate change and global warming, the snow that covers the mountain has melted, revealing a colorful scene before the eyes of the people of Pitumarcan.

More specifically, Rainbow Mountain is a mineral-rich mountain with a variety of colors, similar to a zebra, ranging from orange to green, located on Cerro Vinincunca at 2,500 m above sea level, in the Pitumarca District region, Province of Canchis, Department of Cusco. (Yes, the division also includes Machu Picchu) 100 km southeast of Cusco.

To get there, you have to take a bus from Cusco to Pitumarca (3 hours of travel), then start a walk of about 3 hours, and finally arrive at the incredible Monte de Colores. We recommend this tour through a company; you won’t regret it!

STREET 5 OF THE SEVEN SHEEP

This picturesque alley is the most instagrammable street in Cusco. It is five blocks north of the main square in Cusco and is very walkable. The path is decorated with beautiful flower pots hanging on the white walls on both sides. Well-lacquered balconies and doors complement this enchanting setting. The street goes from the end of Pumacurco Street to the end of Choquechaca Street (Sapaantiana Aqueduct) and connects them.

In colonial times, many women traveled down the Pumacurco road to the Sapantiana Aqueduct (near the Choquechaca River) to wash rags and baskets, along with their flocks of sheep, which they later took to graze. Over time, the inhabitants of Cusco identified this alley as “Borreguitos” (The Lambs). Many years later, due to its proximity to other streets, it was renamed “Siete Borreguitos” (Seven Lambs), earning it the nickname “Seven,” while not forgetting the most important hotels in Cusco, such as the Marriott, Hilton, Monasterio, or the nearby Nazarena Palace. This road will be a mandatory stop on your trip to Cusco.

AQUEDUCT OF SAPANTIANA

For many years, visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas has been one of the best things to do in Cusco. Located 73 kilometers from the city, the area is considered sacred because the Incas found their fertile land for agriculture, a wonderfully warm climate, and crystalline rivers like El Vilcanota. In addition, the Sacred Valley comprises five main Inca attractions: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, and Moray.

QOSQO NATIVE ART CENTER

Now they have a constant flow of search and rescue dances, typical of others that the Incas left for the towns of the city and the Andes. The cultural group presents a theatrical show every night, featuring 20 indigenous dances from Cusco and the Andes. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts 1.5 hours in the private theater; visitors can enjoy the dancers’ music, dance, and costumes. Without a doubt, this is a must on your trip to Cusco. The value of the entrance ticket is included in the city’s General Tourist Card. Coincidentally, it costs $37, is valid for ten days, and can be purchased at the City of Cusco offices located at Avenida el Sol Nº 103.

HUMANTAY LAKE

At 4,200 meters above sea level, the Humantay lagoon is another natural jewel that climate change and global warming have revealed to the world. The lagoon froze entirely in the 1980s, but it gradually thawed to become the current lagoon. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the natural beauty of the snow in which it was born. It is located on Cerro Humantay, a small snow-capped peak at the foot of the famous Cerro Salkantay. This lagoon is located near the first camp of Soraypampa (beginning of the Salkantay trek) in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco—exactly 123 kilometers from the ancient Inca capital. To get there, you must take the transport from Cusco to Mollepata (3 hours), then return to Soraypampa by vehicle (50 minutes), and finally begin the trip to Humantay (1 hour). Again, we recommend you take advantage of this experience through a travel agency.

As you will see, there is much to do in Cusco, much of which is available for free. There are no excuses for not enjoying this magical city, full of history and culture. We hope that together with Inka Time Tours, we have been of help to you. Don’t forget that there is much more to do in the beautiful Imperial City. These are just a few examples that both local and foreign tourists have in common. For more information about our various city tours, please don’t hesitate to contact our qualified advisors. Our team of skilled advisors will be happy to help you.