What to do in Cusco

Activities, attractions and tours

Ancient stone ruins with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and misty peaks.
A mountainous landscape with a prominent peak, lush green valleys, and a river flowing through the valley.
A river flowing through a mountainous area with a bridge, buildings, and a paved walkway.
A historic church with two bell towers and a large central doorway.
A statue with outstretched arms against a sky with clouds.

Things to do

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day.

Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley

฿834
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Full Day Optional Red Valley
Full Day Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Small Group

Full Day Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Small Group

฿711
per adult
Full Day Excursion to Rainbow Mountain Small Group
Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q'enco

Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q'enco

฿502
per adult
Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q'enco
From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Hike + Lunch

From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Hike + Lunch

฿937
per adult
From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Hike + Lunch
Full Day Cusco City Group Tour

City tour in Cusco.

฿469
per adult
City tour in Cusco.
Cusco: #1 Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day Trip with Meals

Cusco: #1 Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day Trip with Meals

฿652
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cusco: #1 Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day Trip with Meals
Full Day Group Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco

Full Day Group Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco

฿711
per adult
Full Day Group Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco
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Top places to visit

1. Plaza de Armas

Head to where the action is at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, a large landscaped square bordered by shops, restaurants and ancient churches. For more than 500 years, the square has been at the heart of city life. Come to the plaza nowadays and you might see festivals, concerts and religious processions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the ornate lampposts and colonial archways and relax with a drink.
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A historic church with two bell towers, surrounded by a park with people and green trees.

2. San Pedro Market

Cusco San Pedro Market is a sprawling, open-air market, with everything from produce and meat to clothing and incense. Popular with locals and visitors, the market is an entertaining destination for shoppers and anyone curious about local culture.
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A market entrance with a sign reading "Bienvenidos a tu Mercado San Pedro".

3. Cusco Cathedral

Standing over Cusco’s main square is Cusco Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance structure built on the site of an Inca palace. Explore the interior, filled with more than 400 canvases, woodcarvings and a silver altar.
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A historic church with two towers, a plaza with people, and mountains in the background.

4. Sacsayhuaman

Venture into the archaeological park just outside Cusco’s city center to explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. This colossal stone fortress and temple sits on a steep hill overlooking the city and attests to the brilliance of Incan engineering. Come to observe traditional Incan ceremonies and to admire how the structure was built, noting the large limestone blocks that lock together without mortar.
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Ancient stone ruins in a dry, hilly landscape with a clear sky.

5. Coricancha

Qorikancha was the most important and elaborate temple of the Inca Empire. Qorikancha means golden courtyard and at the time of the Incas, the walls were covered in solid gold sheets. When the Spanish colonized the area, they demolished and looted parts of the temple and constructed the convent of Santo Domingo on top of it. The convent is still there today. Marvel at the original stonework, walk down corridors and through the chambers of Qorikancha and find clues to its former splendor.
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An arched corridor with a bell tower in the background.

What to do in Cusco

Stay near popular Cusco attractions

A historic church with two bell towers, surrounded by a park with people and green trees.

Plaza de Armas

9.6/10 (4,258 reviews)
This ancient Inca gathering space now showcases colonial architecture with grand cathedrals and wooden balconies. Enjoy Andean cuisine at plaza-side cafés while watching local performers against mountain-backed skies.
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Where to stay in Cusco

Find the best Cusco areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cusco
Learn more about Cusco
A narrow cobblestone street flanked by white buildings with blue shutters and wrought iron balconies.

San Blas

San Blas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like San Blas Church and Plaza San Blas.

A historic cathedral with two bell towers and a large dome.

Cusco Historic Center

Cusco Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Convent, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cusco.

A cityscape with red-tiled roofs, a prominent church, and distant mountains.
Photo by AdventureJ
Open Photo by AdventureJ

San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Sán Cristobal and Museo de Arte Precolombino.

A person climbing a stone wall with a backpack.
Photo by Wicked Walkabout
Open Photo by Wicked Walkabout

Santiago

If you're spending some time in Santiago, Santiago Plaza and "El Molino I" Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Latin tourist looking at the terraces of Pisac, Pisac archaeological complex in Cusco

Santa Monica

While Santa Monica may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cusco worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Cusco.
How do I spend a day in Cusco?
Museo de Historia Natural and Manu Wildlife Peru are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Cusco while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cusco?
Cusco Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Cusco and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cusco?
Three days in Cusco is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests book for three days on average. Cusco Cathedral, Santa Catalina Convent and Museum of Contemporary Art are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Is Cusco a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Cusco is a good place to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Cusco Cathedral and Santa Catalina Convent. Then take a stroll around Santa Ana, located 3 kilometres from downtown, and Primavera, which is roughly 0.80 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cusco with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Cusco with kids.
What to do in Cusco for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Cusco, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara or Calle Marquez.
Are there free things to do in Cusco?
In Cusco, Cerro Huarahuaylla is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Cusco.