Things to do in Cusco

Activities, attractions and tours

Cusco showing heritage architecture, a house and a ruin
Cusco showing mountains
Cusco showing landscape views and a small town or village
Cusco showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
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Photo provided by PhotoJoy
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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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Plaza de Armas featuring a church or cathedral and a garden

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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Cusco San Pedro Market featuring food and markets as well as a small group of people

3. 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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Sacsayhuaman featuring heritage elements and a ruin as well as an individual child

4. 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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An imposing building constructed with stones from an Inca fortress is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and artwork that spans three centuries.

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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Cusco - Machu Picchu showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

6. San Pedro Church

Behind the modest stucco façade of the San Pedro Church (San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas) is an interior filled with a dazzling display of religious art. With almost every inch covered with canvases, murals and ornamentation, the building has been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
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Cusco featuring a city and street scenes

What to do in Cusco

Popular places to visit

Plaza de Armas featuring a church or cathedral and a garden

Plaza de Armas

Cusco’s busy main square has been the center of public life for centuries. Enjoy its spacious layout, ancient churches and restaurants.

Plaza de Armas
Cusco San Pedro Market featuring food and markets as well as a small group of people

San Pedro Market

Get caught up in the chaos of this intriguing attraction and enjoy a uniquely Andean experience.

San Pedro Market
Sacsayhuaman featuring heritage elements and a ruin as well as an individual child

Sacsayhuaman

The colossal stones of Cusco’s hilltop fortress are a powerful testimony to the ingenuity of Incan construction techniques.

Sacsayhuaman
Cusco Cathedral

Cusco Cathedral

An imposing building constructed with stones from an Inca fortress is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and artwork that spans three centuries.

Cusco Cathedral
Cusco - Machu Picchu showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Coricancha

Discover the remains of an important Incan temple dedicated to the sun, admire its construction and learn about its fascinating history.

Coricancha
Plaza San Blas

Plaza San Blas

Find out about the history of Cusco when you spend time at Plaza San Blas. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Plaza San Blas
Cusco featuring a city and street scenes

San Pedro Church

Step inside “the Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” a richly decorated 17th-century church full of carvings and religious paintings.

San Pedro Church
Twelve Angled Stone

Twelve Angled Stone

Find out about the history of Cusco when you spend time at Twelve Angled Stone. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Twelve Angled Stone
Plaza El Regocijo

Plaza El Regocijo

You can find out about the history of Cusco with a visit to Plaza El Regocijo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Plaza El Regocijo

Areas of Cusco

La Merced Church showing a city

Cusco Historic Center

3/5(1 area review)

A noteworthy feature of Cusco Historic Center is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Convent.

Cusco Historic Center
San Blas showing a city

San Blas

Take a walk through the heart of Cusco’s artisan district, one of the city’s most beguiling and lively areas.

San Blas
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San Cristóbal

While visiting San Cristóbal, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza de las Nazarenas and Plaza Sán Cristobal.

San Cristóbal
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Santa Monica

Santa Monica might not have many top sights, but Real Plaza Cusco and Ttio Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Santa Monica
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Santiago

When in Santiago, you can plan a visit to Plaza de Armas and Ttio Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Santiago
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Primavera

While there might not be top attractions in Primavera, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Plaza de Armas and Cusco Craft Center.

Primavera
Cusco featuring a small town or village and heritage architecture

Chinchero

Photo by Theresa McLaird

Taray

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 vacation 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 neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from downtown, and Primavera, which is roughly 0.80 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cusco with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Cusco.