16 Best Things to Do in Cusco
Veröffentlicht am 14. Okt. 2026 · 9 Min. Lesezeit · 16 Aktivitäten
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, sits high in the Peruvian Andes and serves as the cultural heartland of South America. Whether you are arriving after exploring the high-altitude landscapes of Bolivia or incorporating Peru into a broader journey alongside Argentina, Cusco demands several days of deliberate exploration. Cobblestone streets, impressive stone masonry, and vibrant indigenous markets reflect a city where pre-Columbian heritage meets Spanish colonial architecture. This guide outlines sixteen essential things to do in and around Cusco to help you structure an unforgettable itinerary.
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1. Plaza de Armas
The central square of Cusco has served as a gathering place since Inca times, when it was known as Huacaypata. Today, it is flanked by two grand churches—the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus—alongside colonial arcades filled with cafes and shops. Resting on a bench here provides an ideal introduction to the pace of daily life in the historic centre.
Warum hierher reisen?: It is the geographical and historic anchor of the city, perfect for orientation on your first day.
Tipp: Visit early in the morning for quiet photograph opportunities before the tour groups and street vendors arrive.
GeschichteBudget2. Sacsayhuamán Citadel
Perched on a steep hill overlooking Cusco, Sacsayhuamán is an enormous Inca fortress constructed from massive, finely fitted limestone blocks. The scale of the zig-zagging terrace walls is staggering, with some individual stones weighing well over 100 tonnes. Visitors can walk along the defensive ramparts and take in broad views across the rooftops of the city below.
Warum hierher reisen?: It showcases the peak of Inca stone engineering and offers one of the finest vantage points over Cusco.
Tipp: Walk up early in the morning to beat the afternoon heat and avoid the busier tour buses.
GeschichteOutdoor-AktivitätenNatur3. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Qorikancha was the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire, once lined with sheets of solid gold. Following the Spanish conquest, the Convent of Santo Domingo was constructed directly on top of its polished stone foundations. Today, visitors can explore the interior rooms to see how seamless Inca masonry survived powerful earthquakes that damaged the newer colonial structures.
Warum hierher reisen?: It provides the clearest visual example of Spanish colonial architecture built directly atop Inca foundations.
Tipp: Hire an official local guide at the entrance to fully appreciate the complex astronomical layout of the site.
Geschichte4. San Blas Artisans' Quarter
Located just a short uphill walk northeast of the main plaza, San Blas is Cusco's bohemian district. The neighbourhood features steep, narrow cobblestone lanes lined with whitewashed houses, artisan workshops, and independent galleries. It is a peaceful area to wander, browse hand-painted pottery, and stop at small independent coffee bars.
Warum hierher reisen?: It offers a quiet, creative atmosphere away from the bustling thoroughfares of the lower town.
Tipp: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the polished stone steps can be slippery when negotiating the inclines.
ShoppingBudgetGeschichte5. Mercado Central de San Pedro
San Pedro Market is Cusco’s main public market, offering an overwhelming sensory experience of colours, scents, and sounds. Stalls are piled high with native tubers, Andean grains, exotic fruits, local cheeses, and medicinal herbs. The market also features a dedicated section serving hot soups, freshly squeezed juices, and traditional cooked lunches.
Warum hierher reisen?: It provides an authentic glimpse into everyday food culture and local commerce in the high Andes.
Tipp: Keep your personal belongings secure in the central aisles, which can become congested during peak midday hours.
Essen & TrinkenShoppingBudget6. Twelve-Angled Stone (Calle Hatun Rumiyoc)
Set within an Inca wall along Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, this famous stone exemplifies the extraordinary precision of Inca stonemasonry. The block fits so tightly against surrounding stones that not even a sheet of paper can slide between the joints. The wall once formed part of a palace belonging to the Inca ruler Inca Roca.
Warum hierher reisen?: It is one of the most famous examples of mortarless stone masonry in South America.
Tipp: Visit in the early evening when street traffic quiets down and light casting across the stone highlights its angles.
GeschichteBudget7. Cusco Cathedral
Dominating the main square, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo took nearly a century to build using stones salvaged from the nearby site of Sacsayhuamán. Inside, visitors will find an extensive collection of Cusqueña school religious paintings, ornate cedar choir stalls, and a silver-clad main altar. Look out for the famous depiction of the Last Supper featuring a roasted guinea pig.
Warum hierher reisen?: It houses some of the most significant colonial artwork and religious relics in South America.
Tipp: Note that photography is strictly prohibited inside the main sanctuary.
Geschichte8. Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
Standing adjacent to Sacsayhuamán, the Cristo Blanco statue was gifted to Cusco by Arabic-Palestinian refugees in the mid-20th century. The white statue overlooks the entire urban expanse of Cusco stretching out across the valley floor. It is a popular spot for viewing the sunset over the surrounding mountain ridges.
Warum hierher reisen?: It delivers an expansive, panoramic perspective of the entire city without requiring a long hike.
Tipp: Combine your visit with Sacsayhuamán or take a quick taxi up shortly before golden hour.
Outdoor-AktivitätenBudgetNatur9. Q'enqo Archaeological Complex
Located a short distance outside Cusco, Q'enqo is a complex of limestone rock formations carved with channels, stairways, and animal reliefs. At its heart lies a dark subterranean chamber containing a carved stone altar, believed to have been used for mummification rituals and sacrifices. The surrounding pine trees make it a tranquil site to explore on foot.
Warum hierher reisen?: It reveals the more mysterious, ceremonial aspect of Inca religious belief and stone carving.
Tipp: Bring a small torch or use your phone light to safely inspect the carved interiors of the cave altar.
GeschichteOutdoor-Aktivitäten10. Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
Housed in a tranquil colonial mansion in Plaza Nazarenas, MAP showcases a curated collection of pre-Columbian artefacts spanning thousands of years. The exhibits include exquisite gold work, ceramics, wood carvings, and textiles from cultures such as the Nasca, Moche, Chimú, and Inca. Clear explanations provide deep historical context without overwhelming visitors.
Warum hierher reisen?: It is widely considered Cusco’s best-curated museum for pre-Inca and Inca craftsmanship.
Tipp: The on-site courtyard cafe is an excellent, quiet spot for a afternoon tea or light lunch.
GeschichteLuxus11. Tambomachay and Puka Pukara
These two neighbouring ruins sit high above the city along the highway to the Sacred Valley. Tambomachay consists of fine stone masonry with aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls cascading over stone terraces, likely serving as a water temple or royal bath. Just across the road, Puka Pukara (the Red Fortress) offers fortified walls and storage rooms built into the hillside.
Warum hierher reisen?: They highlight the sophistication of Inca hydraulic engineering in a beautiful countryside setting.
Tipp: Take a local public bus or taxi to Tambomachay, then walk downhill back towards Cusco stopping at Q'enqo along the way.
GeschichteOutdoor-AktivitätenNatur12. Museo Inka
Managed by the National University of San Antonio Abad, Museo Inka contains an extensive repository of archaeological remains. Exhibits cover pre-Inca cultures, the rise of the Inca Empire, European contact, and modern indigenous traditions. Highlights include mummies preserved in traditional funeral bundles and a collection of painted wooden ceremonial drinking vessels.
Warum hierher reisen?: It houses the largest collection of authentic Inca artefacts and mummies within Cusco proper.
Tipp: Allow at least two hours to move through the numerous display rooms at a comfortable pace.
GeschichteBudget13. San Cristóbal Church Plaza
Perched on a steep hillside above the historic centre, the Church of San Cristóbal sits on a wide plaza built atop an Inca platform. The area provides unobstructed views across the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and down into the Plaza de Armas. It is less crowded than other viewpoints, offering a quiet bench to take in the panorama.
Warum hierher reisen?: It provides one of the clearest photogenic perspectives over the town square with fewer tourists.
Tipp: Ascend via Calle Suecia for a scenic, albeit steep, walk up from the main plaza.
Outdoor-AktivitätenBudget14. Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class
Participating in a local culinary workshop gives insight into Peru's renowned gastronomy. Most sessions begin with a guided walk through a market to select local ingredients such as native potatoes, yellow ají peppers, and fresh herbs. Afterwards, chefs guide participants through preparing classic dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, or quinotto.
Warum hierher reisen?: It is an interactive way to learn about the country's rich agricultural diversity and culinary heritage.
Tipp: Book a morning class so that your prepared dishes serve as your full lunch.
Essen & Trinken15. Terraces of Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Located within easy reach of Cusco, these two sites showcase unique Andean agricultural and industrial techniques. Moray consists of dramatic circular stone terraces that created distinct microclimates used by the Inca as an agricultural research lab. Nearby Maras features thousands of pale salt pans fed by a salty thermal spring, harvested by local families for generations.
Warum hierher reisen?: They offer an impressive contrast of ancient landscape engineering and traditional salt harvesting.
Tipp: Book a half-day private vehicle or group tour to easily cover both locations in a single morning.
Outdoor-AktivitätenGeschichteNatur16. Mercado de San Blas
Smaller and quieter than San Pedro, the San Blas Market caters to residents of the upper district. It is a fantastic place to sit down for an affordable vegetarian menu del día, a bowl of soup, or a fresh fruit smoothie made to order. The compact layout makes it easy to browse regional produce without navigating large crowds.
Warum hierher reisen?: It offers a laid-back, community-focused market experience right in the artisan quarter.
Tipp: Head here around 1:00 PM to take advantage of the fresh, inexpensive lunch menus.
Essen & TrinkenBudgetShopping
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How many days should I spend in Cusco?
Plan to spend at least three to four days in Cusco before trekking or visiting Machu Picchu. This timeline allows your body to acclimatise to the high elevation (3,400 metres) while giving you enough time to explore the historic centre, nearby ruins, and local markets at a comfortable pace.
How do I get around Cusco?
The historic core of Cusco is compact and best explored on foot, though the steep cobblestone streets require comfortable footwear. For sites located on the hillsides above town or slightly further out, local taxis are widely available, affordable, and easy to flag down.
What is the best way to handle the high altitude in Cusco?
Take things very easy on your arrival day by resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol or heavy meals. Drinking coca tea (a traditional Andean remedy) and allowing 24 to 48 hours of low activity helps your body adjust comfortably to the altitude.
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico)?
The Boleto Turístico is an official unified ticket that grants access to most major archaeological sites and museums in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, and Moray. You can purchase full or partial circuit tickets at designated site entrances across the city.
When is the best time of year to visit Cusco?
The dry season from May to October brings clear blue skies and dry conditions, making it ideal for walking and outdoor activities. However, winter nights (June to August) can drop near freezing, so bringing warm layers is essential.
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