Best Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
Cusco is one of my favorite places. It is so much more than a base to visit Machu Picchu. Located in the Andes Mountains, the town has a mystical feel about it. The beautiful colonial buildings and cobbled streets are breathtaking with the mountains serving as a backdrop. Cusco has a rich Incan history and is the home to museums, archaeological sites, fabulous cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.
Cusco is a safe city, with an exception of some petty crimes, theft, and pickpocketing that can be common in destinations with mass tourism. I took a solo trip to Peru in 2010 in which I lived with a family in Huancayo and volunteered at a local school. Following my volunteer project, I rode the nail-biting night bus back to Lima and flew to Cusco for my Inca Trail adventure! I stayed in Cusco for two days before the trek and I was able to acclimate to the elevation and spend some time in this beautiful city. Though I take safety precautions everywhere I visit, I never felt unsafe traveling alone in Cusco.
Getting to Cusco
The best way to reach Cusco is by air through Lima. You can not fly directly into Cusco from international destinations. You must enter through Lima. You can also travel by bus if you have the time – up to 30 hours! I’m sure the views along the way are amazing.
Best Time to Go
Cusco has mild temperatures year-round, with highs in the 60s most days. June – August is the winter season and also the dry season. This is a popular time to visit because there is not a lot of rain. It is also the busy season, so avoid this time if you’re not up for hoards of tourists. September – November is Spring. It’s also a nice time to visit because it is still relatively dry and the tourist numbers have dropped some. December – February is summer and has the most rainfall with the weather being the most unpredictable. Avoid traveling to Cusco in February, if you plan to hike the Inca Trail. The trail is closed every February for maintenance. The fall season, March-May also has mild temperatures and everything is in bloom!
Things to Do
Visit the Plaza De Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco and the heart of the city. Surrounding this lively Square, you’ll find two cathedrals, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Grab a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, or coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the plaza and people watch any time of day. Centered in the plaza are lovely gardens and a fountain. It’s a must to visit in the morning and evening for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.
Wander around the San Blas Neighborhood
This bohemian neighborhood of steep cobbled streets is loaded with charm. You’ll find artisan shops and galleries, restaurants and coffee shops. It is fun to just wander and get lost.
Shop at the San Pedro Market
Visiting the bustling San Pedro Market is a must when you visit Cusco. It’s only about a 10 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. The market is a feast for your senses. You’ll find fresh produce and local cuisine as-well-as vendors selling crafts. There is a nice variety of hats, throws clothing made from alpaca and llama wool. You will also find souvenirs, jewelry and colorful scarves.
Admire the Convent of Santo Domingo and Qorikancha
The convent was built in 1610 atop the ruins of Qorikancha (also spelled Coricancha), the most important Incan temple of the sun, possibly the most sacred and important building of the Incan empire. You are able to tour both the Convent of Santo Domingo and the ruins of Qorikancha, 7 days a week.
Visit Museums
Cusco is steeped in history. There are so many great museums to see in Cusco, it’s hard to list them all. Here are just a few!
Museo de la Coca
This small museum is free of charge and all about Peru’s most famous plant and its use in Peruvian culture. Peruvians have been cultivating this plant for thousands of years and it serves many purposes, from helping with altitude sickness to alleviating many ailments. The best way to use Coca leaves in Peru is through tea or chewing it. Yes, Cocaine is cultivated from Coca but chewing the leaves or drinking Coca tea will not get you high.
Museo Inka
Museo Inka, aka Inca Museum, is conveniently located near Plaza De Armas. This beautiful, historical building is filled with Incan art, ceramics archaeological remains, and artifacts. It is considered one of the most important and historical cultural centers in Cusco. Definitely worth a visit! Admission is 10 Soles (about $3 U.S. dollars).
Museum of Contemporary Art
This contemporary museum occupies two floors of Cusco Town Hall. It has large collections of art from renowned local artists Edilberto Mérida, Antonio Olave and Hilario Mendívil.
Take a day trip
There are many sites that can be arranged and completed in an easy day trip from Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain more formally known as Montaña de Siete Colores, sits at 17,100 feet above sea level. It can be reached via a 2 hour drive from Cusco. The seven colored stripes are due to its mineralogical composition.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Tours can be arranged to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley), including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray Salt Mines.
Lake Humantay: Hike Lake Humantay and experience the beautiful lakes, sacred Incan valleys, and mountains with views of a glacier.
Visit Machu Picchu
Chances are, if you are traveling to Cusco for the first time, you have plans to visit Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu can be reached by train or by trekking the Inca Trail. To learn more about trekking the Inca Trail, click here.
Where to Stay in Cusco
Cusco has a large variety of hotels at different price points. Hotels in Cusco allow trekkers to leave their luggage in a secure location at the hotel while hiking the 4 day Inca Trail. Also, many hotels have oxygen to help guests having difficulty acclimating to the high altitude.
Luxury
Palacio Nazarenas This high-end all-suite hotel is convenient to Cusco Cathedral and is set in a former convent.
JW Marriott El Convento Located in the central historic district, it has chic rooms, a courtyard, and is built around Incan ruins.
Moderate
Novetel Cusco This charming upscale hotel is set in a colonial-style building on a cobbled street.
Antigua Casona San Blas Set in historic Cusco on a cobblestone alley and is close to everything.
Budget
Amaru Hostel I stayed at Amaru in 2010. It is perfectly located in the San Blas neighborhood and only two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It has loads of charm, a lovely garden courtyard, and a complimentary breakfast. No complaints here!
I hope you have found this post helpful in planning your Cusco adventure!
