Things to Do in Cusco: 7 Must-See Places

What are the top things to do in Cusco? The essentials are visiting Machu Picchu, exploring Sacsayhuaman and the Qorikancha, strolling around the Plaza de Armas, touring the Sacred Valley, eating at San Pedro Market and, once you are acclimatized, hiking Rainbow Mountain. These seven must-sees sum up the Inca and colonial history of the region.

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and today it is a city where Inca walls hold up colonial churches and where the surrounding mountains hide some of the most impressive landscapes in Peru. As local guides, we explain what each place offers and how to plan your visit to make the most of it.

Things to do in Cusco: the 7 must-sees

1. Machu Picchu

The crown jewel, and one of the wonders of the modern world. The Inca citadel, surrounded by green mountains, takes every visitor’s breath away. You can see it from Cusco in a single day on our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour, or more calmly on a two-day trip. Entry tickets are limited, so it is best to book in advance. Our guide to Machu Picchu tickets explains the circuits and how to buy them.

2. Sacsayhuaman

This impressive fortress rises above the city and is famous for its huge, perfectly fitted stone walls. From the top you get panoramic views of Cusco, and every June it is the stage for the reenactment of Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the Sun.

3. The Sacred Valley of the Incas

A journey through picturesque villages and the agricultural terraces the Incas used to grow food. Places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero combine archaeological sites, craft markets and valley scenery. To explore it from Cusco, we recommend our Super Valley / VIP Valley Tour. If you only have half a day, our half-day tour to Maras and Moray is another good option: it costs US$30, with entrance fees paid separately.

4. Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun

This was the most important temple of the empire, and it reveals the power and devotion of the Incas. The Spanish built the convent of Santo Domingo on top of its walls, so today Inca and colonial architecture stand side by side, a blend that sums up the whole history of Cusco.

5. Plaza de Armas

The heart of Cusco, home to the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. Surrounded by wooden balconies and arcades, it is the best starting point for walking around the historic center and its stone streets.

6. San Pedro Market

A lively place to experience local food and culture. Among stalls of fruit, fresh juices, bread, cheese and traditional dishes, you will see how people in Cusco shop and eat every day. It is an ideal stop for your first days, while you get used to the altitude.

7. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Its colored stripes create an almost unreal landscape that has become a must for adventurous travelers. The hike reaches about 5,200 meters (17,060 ft) above sea level, so it is best done after several days in Cusco. Our Rainbow Mountain tour departs from Cusco.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Peru Itinerary 2027: 7 to 10 Days with Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán 2027: Temple of the Sun, Tickets and How to Visit.

To plan your trip, read our guide: Peru Tourist Attractions 2027: The Most Famous Places and How to Visit Them.

How should you plan your visit to Cusco?

Cusco sits at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, so the order of your visits matters. On our tours, we recommend:

1. Start with the city: Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman and San Pedro Market, at a relaxed pace.
2. Continue with the Sacred Valley: it is lower than Cusco and a good way to acclimatize while visiting Inca sites.
3. Visit Machu Picchu once you feel well, with your tickets booked in advance.
4. Leave Rainbow Mountain for last, when your body has adapted to the altitude.

Now that you know what to do in Cusco, the next step is to experience it. Start with our Cusco City Tour to discover the city with a local guide, and contact us to build a tailor-made itinerary with the must-sees that interest you most.