The 8 things to do in Cuzco

Visit Cuzco: what are the best things to do and see in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire

Often considered as a mandatory passageway for an ascent of Machu Picchu, most tourists forget to visit Cuzco. Yet, Cuzco is a surprising city in Peru: between its archaeological ruins that relate to the past grandeur of Inca civilization, its hikes in landscapes of postcard with the Cordillera of the Andes as background, its museums with rich collections and its gourmet culinary specialties, there are many things to do in Cuzco.

So to help you make the most of Cuzco, here is our list of 8 things to do in Cuzco to be sure not to miss anything.

1. Discover the Place d’Armes

As in the majority of the major Latin American cities, Place d’Armes is the vibrant heart of Cuzco and the ideal drop point to visit the city. If you visit Cuzco around June 24, it is on this same spot that you may have the chance to attend the famous religious ceremony, Anti Raymi, in honor of the sun. On this place, you will not know how to start so many things to see and photograph, with as background the tops of the Andes.

It is impossible to visit Cuzco without entering the huge baroque cathedral that sits in the centre of the square: a superb building built in the middle of the 17th century on the Inca Wiracocha Palace which will delight art lovers. We enter the Cathedral through another church, the Iglesia del Triunfo, the first Christian church in the city. A little further, the Church of Compañía is another must in the Place d’Armes. Built by the Jesuits, this church was the symbol of Christian supremacy.

2. Meditation at Qoricancha

If you don’t know what to do in Cuzco, direction Qoricancha, the most emblematic temple of the Inca Empire. Dedicated to the sun, the Qoricancha – sometimes written Coricancha or Koricancha – is a sacred temple where, according to archaeologists, more than 4,000 priests worshiped everyday elements of nature. On the other hand, it is also the best example of marriage between Inca culture and Spanish conquistadors.

Richly decorated with precious stones, gold and silver, the Qoricancha was the symbol of the greatness of the Inca people and it was this same wealth that attracted the lust of the Spanish conquerors and led the Incas to their loss, between the looting and torture of the Incas. It is possible to see some authentic walls, with large blocks of perfectly embellished stone, a typical Inca architecture. The visit is possible for 10 soles, about €2.60.

3. Walking in the ruins of Cuzco

Having been the capital of the Inca Empire, it is not surprising to see that there are many archaeological sites and many ruins near Cuzco. For lovers of old stones, there are 4 sites not to be missed in Cuzco: the strength of Puca Pucara, Tambo Machay, Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman.

The advantage is that all these sites are easy to access and are all close to each other, within a perimeter of 8km from Cuzco. Once on the bus, take a look at the mountainous landscapes that are available to you, but also to enjoy a local speciality, the clashlo con queso – giant corn with cheese – at the entrance of the various archaeological sites.

4. Visit the museums of Cuzco

If you don’t know what to do in Cuzco and want to learn more about the past of the city, Cuzco contains very beautiful museums, with incredible collections. Although the city and its region are open-air museums, it would be a shame to pass next to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which presents very beautiful collections of gold objects and works of the colonial era. You will also discover many information about the great civilizations of Peru, often unknown to the Incas: Nazca, Mochica, Huari, Chimu and Chancay.

There are other very interesting museums, such as the Inca Museum, the Regional History Museum, the Religious Art Museum or the Cocoa and Chocolate Museum, for all tastes.

5. Spread in the San Pedro market

Located near the Place des Armes, the San Pedro market is a must-see place to visit in Cuzco. On the program: handmade tapestries, colourful clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables, colourful spices, character meats... For clay and china lovers of good bills, you can get them at a competitive price. This is the ideal place to meet and discuss with the premises.

You can also eat directly in the San Pedro market, as under the central canopy, vendors prepare directly stews, tender pork and beef pieces and local specialities in the area at reasonable prices.

6. Drink a cusqueña

The Cusqueña is in Peru what the Guinness is in Ireland: a national symbol. It is difficult to find it out of Cuzco, although it is also sold in some U.S. cities where the South American community is widely represented.

The Cusqueña comes in 4 varieties: the Golden Lager, the most sold and popular blonde in Cuzco, the Red Lager, a beer for the most demanding palaces with a pretty reddish color, the Dark Lager and wheat beer. Regardless of your preferences, all beers are good so don’t hesitate to sit in the many bars and cafés in Cuzco to enjoy one of them.

7. Amazing in front of Las Salinas and Moray

Moray is a surprising site in the secret valley: in reality, it is a former Inca Agricultural Research Laboratory. There are sumptuous terraces in the form of amphitheatre. Each terrace represents a different climate: the more you get away from the centre, the colder it is. One thing to know: it is impossible to walk on the terraces to better preserve them, so you can only observe them by far.

Close to Moray, there is another interesting place to visit in Cuzco: las Salinas. And yes, it is well saline, with a hundred ponds arranged in floors where the Incas collected salt. Moreover, Peruvians always collect the salt and it is possible to taste it during a visit that will cost you 10 soles (2,60€) per person.

To visit these 2 sites, you can take a collectivo from Cuzco direction Urubamba. By stopping at the intersection for Moray, you will have to find taxis that will take you to these different sites.

8. Gravir the Machu Picchu

Difficult to make the dead on one of the 7 wonders of the World, the famous Machu Picchu. Located at 2,348 m above sea level, the ancient city Inca is one of the beauties of our planet not to miss under any pretext, especially if you are in Cuzco. And to help you take your tickets, these are all ours tips to book your ticket online . And to go further, this is ours. full guide to visit Machu Picchu . An essential guide to help you prepare an ascent that you will not be ready to forget!

How to get to Cuzco?

That's it, you decided to visit Cuzco? To get there, nothing simpler! Alejandro-Velasco-Astete International Airport is the second largest airport in Peru. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses . Located 15-20 km from the city, it is possible in a fast and secure way to reach the center of Cuzco by taxi. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price of your race.

Where to stay in Cuzco?

It is quite easy to find accommodation in Cuzco but you have to be careful because the city is quite large. ♪ neighbourhoods are located on the side of the city centre and Place d’Armes, or near San Blas. You can find a cheap hotel in Cuzco by searching for this Compare hotels .