Cusco Complete Guide for travelers, (Updated 2025)
The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most beautiful cities in Cusco, is the perfect starting point for visiting Machu Picchu.
This summary covers the best things to do while in Cusco, tours, day trips, safety, where to stay, what to bring in your backpack, when to visit, and how to get there.
Cusco is a city that will captivate you. It is located in the Peruvian Andes at 3,400 meters above sea level.
Cusco still retains its majesty and the original spirit of the Incas, factors that can not be overlooked.
When you walk through the streets of Cusco, you will feel that the Inca civilization’s authenticity and heritage are long gone, but we recommend that you delve deeper and discover that there is more to it than just the streets.
Take your time and get away from the crowds. You will have a great time in Cusco.
Cusco is characterized by its narrow stone alleys and an abandoned square. You will suddenly understand the city’s rhythm when looking for food at the local market.
Take the time to appreciate the city’s genuineness despite its tourist reputation.
The people of Cusco live a simple and traditional life, which we like best here.
The combination of local life, indigenous people, opportunities to take lots of street photos, beautiful scenery, main tourist attractions, beautiful day trips, and the best things to do is why Cusco is the most important destination for travelers worldwide.
Cusco is the starting point for the Machu Picchu tour, making the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.
To make your stay in Cusco pleasant, we have included this travel guide, which provides everything every first-time traveler should know before visiting Cusco.
This guide includes tips on how many days to stay in Cusco, the best time to visit the city, which hostel or hotel to choose, what to pack, and some of the best things to see and do in the city.
How many days should I stay in the city of Cusco?
Cusco is a city where every traveler ends up at least once during their entire trip to Peru, and it is challenging to say the right length of stay.
Suppose the motivation to visit Cusco is to reach Machu Picchu. In that case, we recommend staying at least two days to acclimatize (although Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco, it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness); on these days, you can also visit the Sacred Valley.
You can also stay one day in Cusco and then travel slowly through the Sacred Valley, sleeping in a small village.
From our personal experience, we believe that the longer you can stay in Cusco, the better.
Although many travelers stay longer in Cusco, this shows the city’s richness in sightseeing, architecture, and activities.
There are many things to do and see in Cusco, both within and primarily outside the city limits; staying for several weeks is an excellent experiential option.
If you have the flexibility of days, you may like to do one-—or multi-day Cusco tours (read on to see all these wonders you can experience), and you should get the optimal number of days.
Get to know a little bit of Cusco’s history.
The Cusco area was inhabited by farmers and shepherds more than 3000 years ago, but we know little about this period.
Between 900 and 1200 A.D., the Killke people (pre-Inca people) occupied the place. They built the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, but we call it an Inca ruin since the Incas later rebuilt it.
Many myths surround the arrival of the Inca people, but we know that this era began around 1200 AD.
The Inca Empire generally never developed written language, but it was an exceptional builder and farmer. The Incas used a unique quipu system.
The Inca Empire prospered for four centuries, but it all ended when the Spanish arrived in 1533 and easily defeated the Incas, who knew neither weapons nor modern tactics.
The few survivors died of the diseases that the Spanish brought from Europe.
The Spaniards destroyed historic buildings in Cusco and built their own over the remains. However, earthquakes destroyed many of the Inca buildings. Although the Spanish buildings were damaged, the Inca structures withstood.
Cusco was recognized as a unique architectural and cultural site during modern history and was included in the UNESCO list.
What to do while in Cusco
Although it may seem that many activities are not found within Cusco, you should dedicate at least one day to exploring the town’s narrow streets and discovering the indigenous heart that still beats strongly.
The Historical Center should focus if you don’t have that much time.
If you dedicate more time to it, you can discover lesser-known places.
We have selected the best things to do in Cusco and tips on day trips from the city.
The Main Square of Cusco
The large square is the city’s architectural and cultural center, with a vast green park and a bronze statue of the most famous Inca ruler, Pachacutec.
On one side, you can see the cathedral of Cusco, a symbol of the Spaniard’s conquest.
This square has several buildings surrounding the court, including shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and many travel agencies—an excellent place to spend an afternoon sharing with the locals.
We are sure you will find enough to see in Cusco’s main square during your stay.
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is a great starting point for exploring other, more or less famous, places of interest.
The fortress of Qoricancha
When the Spaniards arrived in Peru, they tried to overthrow the Inca Empire, and one way to do so was to destroy its architecture. This history happened in Cusco and the north of Peru, such as Chan Chan, one of the most important cities.
The Qoricancha was the most crucial construction of Cusco, known as the Temple of the Sun; it did say that the roof was covered with gold. The Spaniards melted down the gold and built their church of Santo Domingo over the remains.
Who can write the name of this enclosure in different ways, both as “Coricancha” and “Qoricancha” (also often written Koricancha or Qoricancha)? The church of Santo Domingo is one building with two separate entrances.
The entrance fee to this tourist site is S/.20 (USD 6.00), while access to the Church of Santo Domingo is S/.10. (USD 3.00)
Even if you are satisfied with seeing this Inca site from the outside, this stop on your Cusco itinerary is worth it.
There is a garden near this place, where you can sit and contemplate the history. We have always liked to imagine what life would have been like before the Spaniards arrived.
The San Pedro Market
This market still maintains its charm, and we consider it one of Cusco’s cheapest things to do. In addition to traditional vendors, many tourists are looking to take souvenirs back to their respective countries.
The San Pedro Market is genuinely unique. Despite its popularity and the size of the city, it still has its soul (and its smell).
Whether you want fresh meat, fruits, or vegetables, purchase an Alpaca wool sweater as a souvenir, or grab a quick bite, the Mercado de San Pedro has it all.
This is the place to be if you like to prepare your food; here, you can find everything from vegetables to rare spices.
You will also be surprised that you can buy perfectly ripe watermelons or tasty grapes in Cusco—and lots and lots of fruit.
The traditional neighborhood of San Blas
From the Plaza de Armas, steep cobblestone streets lead to the Plaza de San Blas, also known as the artisans’ quarter, for its craft stores, cafes, and galleries.
It’s fun to stroll around San Blas, as who can find many hidden gems here?
Some of Cusco’s best coffee shops are in San Blas, so you can start your morning here every day and find your favorite spot.
San Blas is also interesting for its architecture, so take a camera in hand and explore its narrow streets. In this neighborhood, you can also find good hotels and hostels.
The good news is that San Blas is easily accessible from the Centro Historico.
The enigmatic twelve-angle stone
The Hatunrumiyoc street of Cusco, where the famous twelve-angle stone is located, is the most outstanding example of how the Incas were experts in working with stones.
You can get there quickly by asking the locals close to the Plaza de Armas.
The street is flanked by a stone wall where you can admire the rigor of the Inca builders.
It is known that the Incas could cut huge stones that fit together with precision and without mortar.
These structures and walls survived numerous earthquakes, contrasting Spanish and modern buildings.
The cathedrals and churches of Cusco
Cusco has many cathedrals and small churches, so take the time to discover one or two outside the city’s historic center.
Dozens of churches and cathedrals are within walking distance, and you will undoubtedly find several on your way back to your hotel.
The most famous is the Cathedral of Cusco, in the Plaza de Armas, but other gems, such as the Church of San Francisco or San Cristobal, are also worth a quick visit.
These churches and cathedrals are usually built in European architectural style on the foundations of ancient Inca churches, giving the city a unique look.
Local museums in Cusco
To get to know Cusco, you must know the “Boleto Turístico.” This ticket has many variations and includes entrance fees to some of the city’s main attractions and the area.
The partial ticket includes the leading museums of Cusco (and, of course, the integral access also includes them).
This ticket does not include all attractive museums, so you must pay for most of the entrance fees separately.
If you want to see the Chocolate Museum, the Textile Museum, or the Coca Museum, ensure you have cash.
Visiting the museums is an excellent way to learn more about Cusco’s history and the events that define the lives of local people today.
The Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman
UNESCO lists this Inca site as being near the city of Cusco. You can reach it from the center of the town through a stone staircase; it should not take more than 45 minutes, although you can also go by public transport.
The Incas rebuilt Sacsayhuaman, considered one of the best examples of the Inca civilization’s building skills.
This Inca site is simply a must-see. You can admire what remains; the views are out of this world.
If you have more time, you can take public transport from Cusco and explore nearby ruins, such as Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
