Cusco is more than a stopover en route to Machu Picchu—it’s a destination in its own right. Between the lively plazas, colorful markets, ancient ruins, and mountain day trips, there are endless things to do in Cusco.

The city is rich in Inca and colonial history and alive with Peruvian energy today.

Top Things to Do in Cusco, Peru

When we planned our Peru itinerary, we quickly realized that Cusco deserved more than a quick overnight. Whether it’s your base for exploring the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain, or a city break on its own this guide covers what to do in Cusco to make the most out of your visit.

For all our tips on things to do when planning and prepping your Peru vacation, see our 2 Week Peru Itinerary.

Before You Go: Quick Tips for Cusco

• Cusco sits over 11,000 ft. Take it slow the first 24–48 hours. Coca tea, lots of water, short walks, and rest. If you’re susceptible to altitude sickness like we are, stay in the lower, Sacred Valley first (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba) and work your way back up to Cusco.
• Tickets: Many attractions are covered by the Boleto Turístico. Keep cash for other admission tickets, taxis, and markets.
• Getting around: Cusco has a walkable center; taxis are ultra affordable so don’t shy away from taking one across down. We had 50/50 luck with Uber.
• Day Trips: Colectivos are busses that take you to nearby towns. If you have the budget, consider hiring a driver or guide service for more efficient and comfortable travel.
• When to visit: Dry season (May to October) comes with sunshine and bigger crowds; rainy season means moody skies and greener photos.

Free Things to do in Cusco

Looking for free (and almost free) things to do in Cusco? There’s plenty to do for under $5 USD.

Plaza de Armas  

Lively at all hours; sit, people-watch, and soak up the colonial architecture and mountains that surround you. We let our kids play hacky sack in the plaza to burn energy.

San Pedro Market

Fresh fruit juices, snacks, souvenirs; plus it is an easy place to practice your Spanish.

We spent almost an hour taking in the sensory overload of this market. We enjoyed all the unfamiliar food items and scents.

Parades & Festivals

On our first day in the city, we asked a shop owner what the parade was for. He looked at us confused, responding in Spanish “That’s not a parade, this happens every day.”

That being said, you have a good chance of happening upon a cultural celebration of some kind. One of the best things to do in Cusco is to catch one of their main festivals:

• January 20 – Adoration of the Kings
• March/April – Semana Santa Easter Week
• May 2-3 – Fiesta de las Cruces
• June 24 – Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
• July 15-17 – Virgen del Camen
• July 28th – Independence Day
• August 1st – Mother Earth Day
• September 8th – Festival of the Virgin of the Nativity
• September 14th – Lord of Huanca
• November 1-2 – All Saints’ Day / All Souls’ Day
• December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• December 24-January 6 – Celebrations start with the Selling of the Saints (loads of shopping stalls setup in the square) through the arrival of the Three Wisemen.

Find the 12-Angled Stone

This wall remains from a central Palace from long ago. In it, tourists marvel over the intricacy of the stones’ exact fit. No mortar needed.

Baby Alpaca Photos

For 1-3 soles, women dress in traditional ware and offer photos with their baby alpaca and sheep. Always ask before taking photos.

Sapantiana Aqueduct

Arches and stonework tucked into a green ravine; we even found a paved soccer court there where our boys hopped into a pickup game with local kids.

Find a Great View

San Cristóbal Church & Cristo Blanco: easy miradors for sunset.

Book a Free Walking Tour

Walking tours are our favorite way to get our bearings in a new city and make a mental list of all the places we want to return to during our stay. Make sure to trip your guide (we suggest $10-20 per person.)

Shopping

San Blas Market

For a smaller market and great lunch, check out San Blas Market.

Plazoleta Regocijo

Real Plaza Mall (rainy-day fallback): groceries, ATMs, a food court if you need a familiar reset.

Real Plaza

Real Plaza is a modern day shopping mall. We recommend heading here on a rainy day.

Churches

Cusco Cathedral

At the Cusco Cathedral you’ll find Baroque façades, gilded altars, and paintings like “Marcos Zapata’s The Last Supper.” This painting mimics Leonardo da Vinci’s, but the meal on the table consist of guinea pig (cuy).

Admission to the church is about $12 USD (40 soles).

Photography is not allowed inside the church.

Church of the Society of Jesus

Less than a block from the Cusco Cathedral is the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus) recognized for its intricate wood alter and dome.

Admission to the church is about $5 USD (16 soles).

Photography is not allowed inside the church.

Top Sites & Museums

Qoricancha

Spanish convent atop an Inca masterpiece; the stonework alone is a reason to go when deciding what to do in Cusco.

It is important to differentiate the Qoricancha Temple (20 soles to enter) and the Qoricancha Site Museum, which comes with your Boleto Touristico and is a small museum on the lower lawn of the temple.

The temple itself is far more interesting and worth the entrance fee.

I particularly liked the complex inlaid ceiling and seeing Peruvian “flair” on religious paintings. For example, angels are seen with black wings because black animals are considered sacred. Also, you’ll see the Virgin Mary with a gown that mimics the shape of a mountain.

Regional Historical Museum of Cusco

Since this museum was included with our Boleto Touristico we checked it out an were glad we did. Before coming here, we had explored many sites of ruins, but of course, the alters and shelves were all empty so it rounded out our experience to see artifacts from the time period.

ChocoMuseo + Workshop

One of our favorite experiences was learning about cocoa and making our own chocolates as a family. They have multiple workshops at ChocoMuseo but with kids their $15 mini workshop (45 minutes) was perfection.

Honestly, the amount of high quality chocolate we left with was worth the price on its own.

Museo Inka

Marginally better than the Regional Historical Museum of Cusco, I would only choose this one if you’ve already checked out the other for free (with your Tourist card) and are left looking for more Incan artifacts.

Museo Machu Picchu Casa Concha

This museum houses artifacts from the excavation of Machu Picchu.

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

This is a worthwhile perk of the Boleto Touristico Card. Each evening at 7pm at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, you can walk a traditional folk dance and music show.

Beautiful Streets and Plazas

Avenida del Sol

Don’t miss the mural of Cusco’s history along the Avenida del Sol, the main artery of the city.

San Blas Neighborhood

When people ask what to do in Cusco beyond the main square, we point them uphill. The San Blas neighborhood is a treat for your eyes and a workout for the thighs.

While your in San Blas, be sure to:

1. visit the Aqueduct,
2. take a picture of the beautiful white house with flower pots at Calle Siete Borreguitos,
3. drink coffee on the balcony of L’atelier Café Concept looking over the beautiful narrow street,
4. explore San Blas Plaza, its fountain, and San Blas Church,
5. shop for unique, hand made souvenirs.

Cusco’s Local Ruins

If the Inca’s ancient engineering intrigues you, check out these ruins all within 8km of Cusco. You can find a guide to take you around for a pretty affordable day tour, or you can take a taxi to the furthest one (Tambomachay) and explore several on your route back to the center of Cusco. See our walking route below.

Sacsayhuamán

Unarguably the most popular Incan ruins near Cusco, this spot still holds a lot of secrets and a deep significance to Incan/Andean beliefs and history.

Family tip: The natural rock slides here were a massive hit with our kids (we lost count after 20 runs).

Q’enqo

Q’enqo is a smaller but deeply spiritual site, carved directly into the rock and thought to have been a ceremonial center. The underground chamber, with its smooth stone table, is believed to have been used for rituals, possibly including mummification or animal sacrifices.

The winding carved channels and hidden passages are what make this ruin memorable.

Temple of the Moon

This site is often very quiet. Altars carved into the stone were likely used for fertility ceremonies and lunar worship, giving the site a sacred and mysterious atmosphere.

Zona X

The least well known. The highlight is the freedom to wander and experience the site in a more hands-on way, which feels almost like discovering a secret Inca playground. Use your flashlight in the tunnels.

Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara, “Red Fortress,” was a military outpost and resting place along the Inca road system. Its reddish stone walls stand on a strategic hilltop that provided sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The must-see is the lookout itself—climb to the top for panoramic vistas and a sense of why this spot was so important for defense and communication.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay’s name means “resting place” but is known as the “Inca Baths,” a site that honored water as a sacred element. Intricate aqueducts, canals, and stone fountains still flow with crystal-clear mountain spring water, a remarkable feat of Inca engineering.

Sacred Valley Day Trips

Salt Mines, Inca Farming Site, & Weaving Center

This three attraction day trip is a popular tour, we recommend this one.

Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)

More than three thousand pools (each privately owned/operated) make up these interconnected hillside mine. All of them are filled via a small saltwater spring fed from underground.

They’re more photogenic in the dry season (brighter white/pink); in rainy months they look much more brown.

Buy the pink (rosada) salt—it’s the perfect souvenir.

Moray (Inca farming site)

Three terraced “bowls” that functioned like a natural lab. Over several years, Incas shifted plants up or down terraces to acclimate them to new altitudes—basically ancient bio-engineering and one of the most fascinating things to do near Cusco.

Lunch

We had our best lomo saltado of the entire trip at a simple restaurant near Maras, and the chicha morada was hard to beat as well.

Chinchero Weaving Center

We fed alpacas, llamas, and even guinea pigs (our boys were in heaven), then watched a full demo on washing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving alpaca wool. Purchases felt expected: ponchos were 500–650 soles (cash sometimes gets you a better price vs card). We bought a blanket for 150 soles—which honestly made us wonder if it was factory-made—but it’s part of the memory. Small toys/souvenirs were ~2× Cusco or Ollantaytambo prices. If you want to support the artisans, budget for it; otherwise, enjoy the demo and animal time.

Ollantaytambo Area

Ollantaytambo Town & Ruins

Ollantaytambo Town & Ruins is both a living Inca town and a remarkable archaeological site, making it one of the most unique places in the Sacred Valley. The town itself still follows the original Inca street grid, with cobblestone lanes and working canals, while the fortress ruins rise dramatically above.

The must-see here is the series of steep terraces leading up to the Temple of the Sun—climb to the top for sweeping views of the valley and a close look at the precisely cut stone walls.

Pumamarca Ruins

Pumamarca is off-the-beaten-path, but it’s worth the effort for its peaceful setting and well-preserved ruins. Believed to have been a defensive site protecting Ollantaytambo, it features a mix of Inca and pre-Inca construction.

Pisac

Pisac is one of the most spectacular ruin complexes near Cusco, sprawling across a mountaintop with incredible views of the Sacred Valley below. This site combines ceremonial areas, residential zones, and some of the most impressive agricultural terraces in the region.

The market is popular as well, so you can typically find private transportation to take you to both (and wait while you soak it all in).

Nature & Day Hikes from Cusco

Big-ticket things to do from your base in Cusco if you’re up for a long day.

These sites are 3.5-4 hours from Cusco, so the tours take an entire day with a lot of time in a bus.

Rainbow Mountain

You have three main options to see rainbow colored mountains from Cusco:

1. Vinicunca (the classic, highest crowds) – 3.5 hours southeast of Cusco
2. Palccoyo (shorter hike, multiple “rainbow” ridges) – Four hours north of Cusco
3. Pallay Punchu (jagged rainbow peak, far less visited) – Four hours southeast of Cusco

Laguna Humantay

For the length of this tour and an included lunch, we highly recommend booking this with a tour company. Prices are typically just $25-40 per person. Turquoise glacial lake; steep trail but worth it.

Things to do in Cusco with Kids

Here are our favorite spots in Cusco to enjoy with kids:

1. Sacsayhuamán Rock Slide – free, safe (use common sense and go feet first), and addictive.
2. Parque El Bosque – playground, soccer fields of all sizes, basketball/volleyball, and best of all: local kids to play with.
3. Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary – rescued condors, pumas, llamas; an easy half-day that teaches a lot.
4. Mini Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo (45 minutes)– guaranteed smiles and the best kind of “souvenir”
5. Soccer Match at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega – we scored 4 tickets, 3 team shirts, 1 hat, popcorn and spent $65 USD total. The energy is unreal and it’s easily one of the most memorable things to do in Cusco as a family.
   
   Do not buy seats in the cheapest section as it gets the most rowdy.
6. Sapantiana Aqueduct – Kids will enjoy hopping back and forth across the creek and playing at the soccer field atop the hill.
7. Eat Picarones (Peruvian doughnuts)

Where to Eat & Drink

One of the many unbeatable things to do in Cusco, Peru is to check out the culinary scene. It rivaled Lima for us and was significantly less expensive.

• Chull’s – Located near Qoricancha this place is great for Peruvian favorites and craft beer. Get the  chocolate cake with corn ice cream.
• Jack’s Café – An easy walk from the Plaza de Armas, this place has a stellar atmosphere and delicious all day breakfast.
• Ofrenda – The presentation here is amazing. Get the alpaca and stuffed pepper.
• L’atelier Café Concept – Coffee + great view of a charming San Blas street.
• Morena Peruvian Kitchen – located right on the Plaza de Armas, this gourmet restaurant is splurge-worthy.
• Epoca – Just up the hill, we loved Epoca for a perfectly portioned lunch. Their juice concoctions were noteworthy and they have games to play while you wait.

For a sweet treat, try picarones (Peruvian doughnuts). We loved Picarones Ruinas—crispy, hot, with honey syrup that demands a second order.

Drinks and Nightlife

• We didn’t find a Pisco we didn’t love. An alternative to the Pisco Sour is the lighter Pisco Chilcano which skips the foamy egg white and includes ginger ale.
• The best drinks are enjoyed on balconies overlooking a plaza.
• Cusquena is brewed in Cusco. Make sure to try at leat one lager!
• We personally preferred craft beers from Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado (based in the Sacred Valley.
• For Night Life you can easily follow the music. There are a handful of salsa spots and backpacker bars around the plaza—dip in and dance a little. The night life was alluring for sure, but alas, we were in the city with kids this trip.
• You may also enjoy a group tour on a pub crawl, which basically guarantees some new friends.
  

Wellness Massages

Yes, you’ll see signs for 20-sole massages everywhere.

Instead, we tried Yantra Spa and Rumi Spa which were more expensive, but still far cheaper than home, and oh so relaxing after all those steps and stone terraces.

Where to Stay in Cusco

We highly recommend staying in the heart of Cusco. These are located centrally, near the main plaza.

Hostal El Peregrino – Great breakfast, affordable stay and low cost laundry service, adjacent to the central Plaza de Armas.

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco – Splurge worthy luxury stay in this historic Marriott property. Breakfast included. Spa onsite.

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel – Repurposed historic mansion, unique stay, convenient location!

Cooper Hotel Boutique – Great for couples.

Sample Itineraries

What to do in Cusco – 1 DAY

1. Plaza de Armas
2. Cusco Cathedral
3. Sascayhuaman
4. Qoricancha
5. San Pedro Market
6. Wander San Blas
7. Dinner at Jacks, Morena, or Ofrenda

What to do in Cusco – 2 DAYS

1. Day 1 See above.
2. Day 2: Sacred Valley Day Trip to Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Weaving Center

What to do in Cusco – 3 DAYS

1. Day 1 See above, but save Sascayhuaman for Day 3
2. Day 2 See above
3. Day 3
   • Tambomachay
   • Puka Pukara
   • Q’enqo
   • Sacsayhuamán
   • Evening dance show at Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

4–5 days (Add Multi Day Trip or Long Day Trips)

1. After exploring the best of Cusco with days 1-3 above, consider adding a longer day trip or a multi day adventure to Machu Picchu.
2. Options for Day 4-5
   • Machu Picchu with an overnight in Aguas Calientes
   • Humantay Lake
   • Rainbow Mountain

Packing & Prep (Short & Useful)

• Layers (warm days, chilly nights), rain shell, hat, sunscreen, scarf.
  
• Good footwear for cobblestones + light hiking.
  
• Daypack with water, snacks, tissues, and small bills.
  
• Altitude meds if your doctor recommends; otherwise hydrate and pace yourself.
  
• Extra space for salt, textiles, and coffee you’ll inevitably bring home.
  

FAQs About Visiting Cusco

Is Cusco or Cuzco correct?

Both appear, but Cusco is the standard you’ll see most often.

Is Cusco good for budget travelers?

Yes—there are tons of free things to do in Cusco, affordable lunches (menus del día), colectivo buses, and competitively priced hostels.

How many days do I need in Cusco?
At least 2–3 days to enjoy the city and nearby ruins; 4–5 if you want to explore Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Can I visit Machu Picchu in a day from Cusco?
Yes, it’s a long day (very early train, late return), but people do pull it off. We highly recommend one night in Aguas Calientes where you can catch the bus or trail to Machu Picchu the next morning.

Do I need the Boleto Turístico?
If you’re doing multiple ruins/museums, yes—it saves time and money.

What to do in Cusco at night?
Rooftop sunset, dinner at Morena/Ofrenda, then folk dance show or a low-key pisco bar. With kids, try Planetarium Cusco.

Final Thoughts on the Top Things to do in Cusco

The blend of ancient Inca ruins, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking Andean scenery makes every day feel like an adventure.

Pin this post for future trip planning.

Catherine – Savvy Family Travel

My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.

I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.

I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!

Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”

Get in Touch via Instagram

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.