Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru

Q'enqo

Q'enqo

Museo Inka

Museo Inka

Convento de Santa Catalina

Convento de Santa Catalina

ChocoMuseo

ChocoMuseo

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Top Places to Visit in Cusco, Peru

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. This vibrant city in the Peruvian Andes is a captivating blend of ancient Inca foundations and colonial Spanish architecture. Explore its rich history, bustling markets, and use it as the perfect base to embark on your unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Plaza de Armas
#1

Plaza de Armas

1-2 hours
Free

Explore the historic Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco, surrounded by colonial arcades, the Cathedral, and the Church of the Company of Jesus. It's a vibrant hub of city life.

Updated June 23, 2025
Sacsayhuaman
#2

Sacsayhuaman

1.5-2.5 hours
Included in Boleto Turístico

Marvel at Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress and ceremonial complex located on a hill overlooking Cusco. Its massive dry-stone walls, fitted with incredible precision, are a testament to Inca engineering.

Updated June 23, 2025
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
#3

Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)

1-1.5 hours
PEN 15 adult

Visit Coricancha, the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god. Explore its sophisticated Inca stonework and the Santo Domingo Convent built on its foundations.

Updated June 23, 2025
San Pedro Market
#4

San Pedro Market

1-2 hours
Free

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local life of San Pedro Market, Cusco's main market. Browse for fresh produce, local foods, textiles, and souvenirs, and try some traditional Peruvian snacks.

Updated June 23, 2025
Q'enqo
#5

Q'enqo

45 minutes-1 hour
Included in Boleto Turístico

Explore Q'enqo, an Inca archaeological site with a large limestone rock carved with intricate passages, altars, and a zigzag channel. It was likely a site for religious ceremonies.

Updated June 23, 2025
Pisac Market and Ruins (Sacred Valley)
#6

Pisac Market and Ruins (Sacred Valley)

4-6 hours (day trip)
Included in Boleto Turístico

Take a day trip to Pisac, visit its vibrant traditional market on market days, and then explore the impressive Inca ruins perched high above the Sacred Valley, offering stunning views.

Updated June 23, 2025
Ollantaytambo
#7

Ollantaytambo

2-3 hours
Included in Boleto Turístico

Explore the well-preserved Inca town and formidable fortress of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Admire its massive terraced agricultural areas and the Temple of the Sun.

Updated June 23, 2025
Machu Picchu
#8

Machu Picchu

Full day (from Cusco)
Starts from approx. $60 USD adult (entrance)

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel. Explore its ancient terraces, temples, and stunning mountain backdrop, a truly awe-inspiring Wonder of the World.

Updated June 23, 2025
Cristo Blanco
#9

Cristo Blanco

30 minutes-1 hour
Free

Visit Cristo Blanco, a large white statue of Christ overlooking Cusco, similar to Rio's Christ the Redeemer. It offers panoramic views of the city and is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Updated June 23, 2025
Museo Inka
#10

Museo Inka

1-1.5 hours
PEN 10 adult

Discover the fascinating history of the Inca civilization at the Museo Inka. Its extensive collection includes ceramics, textiles, and mummies, providing insights into their culture and daily life.

Updated June 23, 2025
Tambomachay
#11

Tambomachay

30-45 minutes
Included in Boleto Turístico

Visit Tambomachay, an Inca archaeological site believed to have been a water temple or a royal spa. Admire its terraced stone structures and intricate water channels.

Updated June 23, 2025
Puka Pukara
#12

Puka Pukara

30 minutes
Included in Boleto Turístico

Explore Puka Pukara, a small Inca military ruin or red fortress, strategically located along the road to Pisac. Its position offers good views of the surrounding landscape.

Updated June 23, 2025
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
#13

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

1-1.5 hours
PEN15 adult

The most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god. Witness the masterful Inca stonework combined with the colonial Santo Domingo Convent built on its foundations.

Updated June 23, 2025
Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)
#14

Museo de Arte Precolombino (MAP)

1-1.5 hours
PEN20 adult

Discover a curated collection of pre-Columbian art from various Peruvian cultures at MAP, housed in a beautiful colonial mansion. It offers a refined experience of ancient aesthetics.

Updated June 23, 2025
Convento de Santa Catalina
#15

Convento de Santa Catalina

1-1.5 hours
PEN10 adult

Step into the serene world of the Convento de Santa Catalina, a former convent dating back to the 17th century. Explore its beautiful courtyards, chapels, and see religious art.

Updated June 23, 2025
Maras Salt Mines
#16

Maras Salt Mines

1-1.5 hours
PEN10 adult

Visit the unique Maras Salt Mines, a fascinating terraced landscape of thousands of salt evaporation ponds used since Inca times. Witness the traditional salt extraction process.

Updated June 23, 2025
Moray Terraces
#17

Moray Terraces

1 hour
Included in Boleto Turístico

Explore the circular Inca terraces of Moray, believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with different microclimates for crops.

Updated June 23, 2025
Museo de la Coca
#18

Museo de la Coca

45 minutes-1 hour
PEN10 adult

Learn about the history and cultural significance of the coca leaf in Peru at the Museo de la Coca. Discover its traditional uses, properties, and role in Andean culture.

Updated June 23, 2025
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco
#19

Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco

1 hour
Free

Discover traditional Andean weaving techniques and admire beautiful textiles at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco. Support local weavers and learn about their craft.

Updated June 23, 2025
ChocoMuseo
#20

ChocoMuseo

1-1.5 hours (museum/shop)
Free to enter (workshops cost extra)

Learn about the history of chocolate, from bean to bar, at ChocoMuseo. Take a chocolate-making workshop, sample different varieties, and buy delicious chocolate products.

Updated June 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Cusco, Peru

Get answers to common questions about visiting Cusco, Peru