Things to do in Sol Naciente

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Rômulo Lucena
Photo by Rômulo Lucena
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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

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

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

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

What to do in Sol Naciente

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
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
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 - 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
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 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
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
Cusco showing heritage architecture, a house and a ruin

Cusco

Frequently asked questions

Is Sol Naciente worth visiting?
Sol Naciente has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Sol Naciente?
After you've checked off major attractions like Museo de Historia Natural, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food options in Sol Naciente.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sol Naciente?
Spend the day at Cusco Cathedral and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Sol Naciente.
Is three days enough to stay in Sol Naciente?
You'll have all the time you need to visit Cusco Cathedral, Santa Catalina Convent and other popular attractions in the area when you book a three-day break in Sol Naciente.
Is Sol Naciente a walkable neighborhood?
If walking is your favorite way to explore, Sol Naciente is ideal. You can get to top attractions like Cusco Cathedral and Santa Catalina Convent on foot. At 5 kilometers from the center, the popular neighborhood of Santa Ana is also close enough for a good stroll. The same goes for Primavera, roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Sol Naciente with kids?
Planning what to do in Sol Naciente with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Sol Naciente for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Sol Naciente, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara.
Are there free things to do in Sol Naciente?
Near Sol Naciente, Plaza de Armas is a top spot for anyone who wants to enjoy the area without spending a cent. Also, check out the green spaces and other nearby neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for their tips. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Sol Naciente.