10 Activities recommended to do in Cusco

10 Activities recommended to do in Cusco

05/05/2023

10 Tourist Activities recommended to do in Cusco

Tourism in the city of Cusco “Navel of the World”

Cusco is a city that offers a great variety of attractions and tourist activities for all tastes and budgets. From historical and cultural monuments, natural landscapes and adventures, exploring the impressive Inca archaeological remains, to tasting the delicious Peruvian gastronomy, Cusco has something for every traveler.
But there is definitely a lot to see and do in Cusco and its surroundings.
In this article we will present the 10 best tourist activities you can do in Cusco.

1. Visit Machupicchu:

The most famous Inca citadel in the world is without a doubt the main attraction of Cusco and Peru, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Machu Picchu is a magical and mysterious place that will leave you breathless with its beauty and history.
There are many reasons to visit this wonder of the world, Machu Picchu is a testimony to the greatness and mystery of the Inca civilization, which built this stone citadel over 500 years ago. Here you will be able to admire the architecture, astronomy, and engineering of this culture, which adapted to the natural environment with impressive wisdom.
In addition, you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna that surround Machu Picchu, which is part of an ecological reserve. To get to Machu Picchu you can take the train from Ollantaytambo or if you like challenges, you can live a unique experience when you walk the Inca Trail, a hiking route that lasts between 2 and 4 days and that will take you through incredible landscapes until you reach to the sacred city
Or also follow one of its alternatives like Salkantay or Lares. Once in the sanctuary, you can tour its impressive buildings and admire the beauty of its natural environment.
Whichever option you choose, we recommend booking your ticket and transportation in advance, as there is a daily limit on visitors.
Do'nt hesitate anymore! Visiting Machu Picchu is an adventure not to be missed.

Machu Picchu citadel

Inca trail to Machu Picchu

2. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas:

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a fertile and picturesque area, this valley is home to several archaeological sites, traditional towns and dream landscapes, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray.
Some of the places you cannot miss are Pisac, with its craft market and its Inca complex; Ollantaytambo, with its fortress and its colonial village; and Chinchero, with its church and its weavers, all these places show the architecture, engineering and the worldview of this ancient culture.
In addition, in the Sacred Valley you can appreciate the rural life of the Andean inhabitants, their traditions and their crafts.
Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas is an unforgettable and unique experience. You can also enjoy typical gastronomy, handicrafts and adventure activities such as hiking, rafting or cycling. This visit is a way of enriching your spirit and knowledge, and of admiring one of the wonders of the world.
A good way to get to know the Sacred Valley is to take a one-day tour from Cusco that includes transportation, a guide, and lunch.

Ollantaytambo

Pisac Handicraft Market

3. Know and explore the city and the historical center of Cusco:

The ancient capital of the Inca empire preserves its charm and its cultural richness in its streets, squares, churches and museums, it is a fascinating mixture of the old and the modern, where traces of the Inca past coexist with Spanish colonial buildings and cosmopolitan life current.
Do not forget to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun or Coricancha, the Santo Domingo Convent, the Inka Museum, the San Blas neighborhood, the San Pedro Market and nearby archaeological centers such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, PucaPucara and Tambomachay.
Cusco is a city that will captivate you with its history, culture, and magic. Do not wait any longer and come discover it for yourself. I assure you you won't regret it!

4. Take a gastronomic tour of the city and enjoy Peruvian cuisine:

Peruvian cuisine is one of the most varied and renowned in the world, and in Cusco you can taste some of its most typical and delicious dishes. A gastronomic tour of the city of Cusco is an excellent way to learn about and enjoy the rich and varied Peruvian cuisine, which combines the flavors and ingredients of the Andes with the influences of other cultures. In this article we give you some suggestions for taking a gastronomic tour of Cusco and discovering its typical dishes, markets and restaurants.
The first thing you should do is visit the San Pedro market, the largest and most famous in Cusco, where you can find a great variety of local products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, cheeses, and breads. Here you can appreciate the diversity and quality of the food that is grown and produced in the Cusco region, following the traditions of Inca agriculture.
In addition, you can taste some typical snacks, such as choclo con queso (corn cooked with fresh cheese), anticucho (beef heart skewer), emollient (herbal hot drink) or fruit juice.
After touring the market, you can go to one of the restaurants that offer gastronomic tours in Cusco, where you can learn to prepare and try some traditional dishes of Peruvian cuisine. For example, you can learn how to make ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon and chili), lomo saltado (sautéed meat with onion, tomato, and French fries), causa rellena (cold potato pie with tuna or chicken filling) or the ají de gallina (spicy cream of frayed chicken). You can also taste some typical drinks, such as the pisco sour (cocktail made of pisco, lemon and egg white) or the chicha morada (sweet drink made of purple corn).
Finally, you can't stop trying some traditional desserts from Cusco, such as suspiro a la limeña (sweet cream covered with meringue), arroz con leche (rice cooked with milk and cinnamon) or picarón (fried fritter made of pumpkin dough and sweet potato). These desserts are a delight for the palate and a sample of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cuisine.
As you can see, a gastronomic tour of Cusco is a unique and unforgettable experience that will allow you to get to know and enjoy the culinary richness of Peru. Do not hesitate to book your gastronomic tour in Cusco and prepare to delight your senses with the flavors and aromas of this wonderful city.

5. Tour the most important Museums and learn about the Inca and pre-Inca culture:

If you want to know more about the cultural and historical richness and art of Cusco, a good option is to visit its museums. There are museums for all tastes and ages, from those that display the legacy of pre-Columbian civilizations to those that display contemporary art and local traditions.
Here we introduce you to some of the main museums in Cusco that you can include in your itinerary.

• Inca Museum or Admiral's Palace: Here more than 40 thousand archaeological pieces that belonged to the Inca culture and other pre-Inca cultures are exhibited.
• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Here you can appreciate more than 400 pieces of ceramic, metal, wood and textiles that represent the art of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru, such as the Chavín, Paracas, Mochica, Nazca, Wari, Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca.
• Contemporary Art Museum: Here, works by Cusco and Peruvian artists are exhibited that reflect the diversity and richness of national art.
• Museo de Arte Religioso or Palacio Arzobispal: Here you can admire paintings, sculptures, altarpieces and religious objects that show the influence of European art and syncretism.
• Inca Museum or Admiral's Palace: Here more than 40 thousand archaeological pieces that belonged to the Inca culture and other pre-Inca cultures are exhibited.
• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: Here you can appreciate more than 400 pieces of ceramics, metal, wood and textiles that represent the art of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru, such as the Chavín, Paracas, Mochica, Nazca, Wari, Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca.
• Contemporary Art Museum: Here, works by Cusco and Peruvian artists are exhibited that reflect the diversity and richness of national art.
• Religious Art Museum or Archbishop's Palace: Here you can admire paintings, sculptures, altarpieces, and religious objects that show the influence of European art and syncretism with Andean art.
• Regional Museum of History and House of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega: Here you can see the writer's personal objects, as well as paintings, documents and furniture that tell the story of Cusco from the Inca period to the republic.
• Natural History Museum: Here you can see more than 5,000 specimens of flora and fauna from Peru, as well as fossils, rocks and minerals.
• The Planetarium of Cusco: The museum known as the Planetarium of Cusco is a cultural and educational attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the astronomy of the Incas and observe the night sky of the south.
• The ChocoMuseo: It is a museum dedicated to cacao and chocolate in the city of Cusco. In this museum you can learn about the history, cultivation, and production of chocolate from organic Peruvian cocoa beans.

These are just some of the museums you can visit in Cusco to learn more about its past and present, each with its own charm and value. There are also other free or specialized museums that you can explore if you have more time or interest, such as the Museo del Café, the Museo del Pisco, the Museo Maximo Laura or the Museo de Vida Monástica.
We invite you to discover them and enjoy the cultural richness of Cusco, we recommend that you visit the ones that interest you the most and that you enjoy the cultural experience they offer you.

Inka museum Cusco

Planetarium - Cusco

6. Go on an excursion to the Mountain of 7 Colors or Vinicunca:

The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is a unique geological formation that displays a range of incredible colors due to erosion and mineralization of the soil. It is located about 100 km south of Cusco and at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, this mountain presents a range of colors that is due to the presence of different minerals, making it one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Cusco and therefore one of the most impressive and fascinating destinations that this city has. To get to Vinicunca you have to walk for about 3 hours from the town of Cusipata or take a four-wheel drive tour from Pitumarca.
Visiting the mountain of colors is a unique and unforgettable experience that requires good physical and logistical preparation. The tour can be done in one day from Cusco, taking a transport to the town of Pitumarca or Pampa Chiri, where the walk or the ascent by horse to the Vinicunca viewpoint begins. The journey takes between two and three hours, depending on the pace and acclimatization of each person.
Along the way, you can appreciate the beauty of the Andean landscape, with its snow-capped peaks, lagoons, valleys and peasant communities. You can also see the typical flora and fauna of the area, such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and condors. The mountain of colors offers a visual spectacle like no other, with its bands of pink, white, red, green, brown and mustard yellow, which contrast with the blue sky.
The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain is between April and October, when there is less rain and the weather is more favorable. It is recommended to bring warm, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water and snacks. It is also advisable to drink coca tea or soroche pills, and avoid alcohol or heavy meals before the trip.
The rainbow mountain or Vinicunca is a magical and surprising place, which deserves to be known and respected by all visitors. It is a sample of the natural and cultural wealth of Cusco, which invites you to enjoy and care for our country's heritage.

Vinicunca Mountain or Rainbown Mountain

7.Enjoy the hot springs of Lares or Cocalmayo:

After a day of walking or exploring, there is nothing better than relaxing in a natural pool of warm water. Lares and Cocalmayo are two options for taking a therapeutic bath surrounded by nature and tranquility.
The hot springs of Lares and Cocalmayo are two unmissable destinations for travelers looking to relax and enjoy the benefits of medicinal waters in the natural environment of Cusco. These waters come from subterranean sources of volcanic origin and have therapeutic properties for the skin, muscles and the nervous system.
The hot springs of Lares are located in the district of the same name, about a four-hour drive from Cusco. The place has four swimming pools of different temperatures, surrounded by vegetation and mountains. It is an ideal place to combine with a hike through the Lares valley or a visit to Machu Picchu, since they can be accessed from the Inca trail or from the train.
The Cocalmayo hot springs are located in the Santa Teresa district, about a three-hour drive from Cusco. The place has three large swimming pools, with crystalline turquoise waters that contrast with the green of the landscape. It is a perfect place to relax after an adventure through the jungle or the mountains, since they can be reached from the hydroelectric or from the town of Aguas Calientes.
Both destinations offer a unique experience of connection with nature and Andean culture, as well as an opportunity to recuperate energy and health. Therefore, if you visit Cusco and want to enjoy the hot springs of Lares and Cocalmayo, we recommend you book a tour in advance and bring comfortable clothing, a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen.

Hot Springs of Cocalmayo - Cusco

8. Admire the Humantay Lake:

This lagoon is another of the most beautiful natural attractions in Cusco, since it has an intense turquoise color that contrasts with the white of the Humantay mountain.
The Humantay lagoon is a natural wonder that is located in Cusco, near the SalKantay snow-capped mountain. It is an ideal destination for nature and hiking lovers, as it offers a spectacular landscape of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains and snow.
To visit the Humantay lagoon you need to have a good acclimatization to Cusco, since it is located at 4200 meters above sea level. The tour starts in Mollepata, where you take a taxi to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. The journey takes about an hour and a half and has a moderate degree of difficulty. Arriving at the lagoon you can appreciate its beauty and participate in an Andean ritual in honor of Pachamama, Mother Earth. You can also camp near the lagoon and enjoy the sunset and the sunrise. In addition, you can taste the typical cuisine of the area, such as patasca, chumos stew or chicha de jora.
The most recommendable thing is also to take a TOUR that includes transportation and a guide. The Humantay Lagoon is a magical and sacred place that is worth visiting if you travel to Cusco.

Humantay Lake

9. See the most beautiful sunrise in the world at Tres Cruces de Oro:

This lookout offers a privileged view of the optical phenomenon known as "the spectacle of the sun." It is a play of light and color that occurs when the sun rises from behind the mountains and is reflected in the clouds.
Tres Cruces de Oro is located in the Manu National Park, in the region of Cusco, Peru. From this place you can see one of the most spectacular phenomena of nature: the Andean dawn. This consists of the appearance of three luminous crosses on the horizon, which are formed by the refraction of solar rays in the layers of hot and cold air. These crosses change color and shape as the sun rises, creating a unique and unforgettable show.
Visiting Tres Cruces de Oro is an experience that is worth living at least once in a lifetime. You can not only enjoy the Andean dawn, but also the biodiversity and culture of the area. The Manu National Park is one of the most important natural reserves in the world, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna species, many of them endemic and endangered. In addition, in the surroundings you can meet the native communities that preserve their traditions and ancestral customs.
To visit Tres Cruces de Oro you need a special permit from the National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP), since it is a restricted and protected zone. It is also recommended to hire a local guide who knows the way and the weather conditions. The best time to go is between May and August, when the sky is clearer and there is less chance of rain. You must get up very early, since dawn occurs between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning. It is recommended to bring warm clothes, water, food and a camera to capture this wonderful moment.

Sunrise at the Tres Cruces de Oro Lookout

10. Defy the height in the Putucusi Mountain:

This mountain faces Machu Picchu and offers a panoramic view of the Inca sanctuary. To go up to Putucusi, you have to overcome a series of vertical stairs and steep sections that require a lot of strength and courage. It is only recommended for people who are in good physical condition and without vertigo.
If you are a lover of nature and adventure, you cannot miss visiting it. It is one of the highest and most challenging peaks in the area, which offers spectacular views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Machu Picchu citadel.
To reach the top of Putucusi, which means "happy mountain" in Quechua, you have to overcome a route of about 3 kilometers that includes wooden stairs, hanging walkways, steep paths and slippery rocks. The ascent can last between one and two hours, depending on one's pace and physical condition. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, appropriate shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view that encompasses the Urubamba River, the surrounding mountains and the imposing Machu Picchu. You can also see the typical flora and fauna of the area, such as orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, and condors. Also, you can feel the mystical energy emanating from this sacred place for the ancient Incas.
Putucusi Mountain is an ideal option for travelers who are looking for a different and exciting experience in Cusco. It is a way of connecting with nature, history and culture of this wonderful region. Of course, we must bear in mind that this is a demanding activity and not suitable for people with vertigo or heart problems. It is also necessary to respect the safety and conservation regulations of the place.
If you dare to visit Putucusi Mountain, you will not regret it. It is an adventure that will leave you breathless and unforgettable memories.

Putucusi Mountain Ascenti

Curious Tourist Information about the city of Cusco

• The city of Cusco, in Quechua "Qosqo", means "navel of the world", and it was the capital of the Inca Empire.
• The city of Cusco boasts impressive Spanish colonial architecture, mixed with Inca architecture, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
• The stone of the twelve angles, located in a wall in the San Blas neighborhood, is one of the most famous Inca structures in the city and is known for its precision and detail in carving.
• The Temple of the Sun, also known as the Coricancha, was the holiest place in the Inca Empire and was completely covered in gold. Today, only some walls and foundation remain.
• The neighborhood of San Blas is known as the neighborhood of artisans and has workshops and shops selling leather products, ceramics, textiles and jewelry.
• The city of Cusco is the starting point to visit the world-famous Machu Picchu citadel, which is one of the wonders of the modern world and is located about 80 km northwest of the city.

In our article we show you just some of the many tourist activities that Cusco offers you.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tourist destination that offers you culture, nature, adventure and fun, then you cannot miss visiting the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire and one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Cusco has a lot to offer and guarantees you an unforgettable experience.
Don't wait any longer and book your trip to this wonderful city. We assure you that you won't regret it!