10 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru

Cusco is among the hottest cities in the world to go to, and it’s straightforward to see why. There are such a lot of actions and issues to expertise that it’s onerous to do all the things in a single journey. Peru is dwelling to a number of the most stunning folks, landscapes, and historical past within the Western Hemisphere. 

There’s nothing higher than exploring all the things this nation gives, occurring a shocking hike, and enjoyable afterward with a contemporary pisco bitter. I’ve traveled all through Peru for just a few months, and Cusco is one in all my favourite locations.  So, seize a espresso, sit again, and loosen up as I’m going over the very best issues to do in Cusco! 

The Finest Issues to Do in Cusco

Is Cusco Value Visiting?

Peru is the land of journey, and Cusco is among the greatest spots for this in your complete nation. It additionally was the capital of the Incan Empire and has a whole lot of historical past. For this reason it’s the nation’s hottest place to go to, and it could possibly typically really feel like a vacationer lure. However visiting Machu Picchu alone is effectively well worth the journey right here. Learn extra: 42 Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World

In case you like to see historical past and mountains and join with the native tradition, then Cusco is a must-add to any itinerary in Peru! 

1. Machu Picchu

I’m positive most individuals, particularly those that like to journey, have heard of the sacred web site of Machu Picchu. It turned a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and was declared one of many Seven New World Wonders in 2007.  Machu Picchu was stated to be a spiritual web site or royal property for Incan leaders. 

A visit to Machu Picchu isn’t the most affordable exercise in Cusco. You first need to get to the city of Aguas Calientes, which is a four-hour journey. 

Cusco is usually used as the bottom when visiting Machu Picchu however you’ll keep in Aguas Calientes for an evening or two. 

It’s all price it while you make it as much as the precise web site and see the sweetness for your self. It’s actually one of the outstanding stuff you’ll ever see. Plan your journey to Machu Picchu with this information: How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

2. Hike to Laguna Humantay

Laguna Humantay is among the most stunning lake hikes within the area and even the nation! It’s a part of the Salkantay Trek, which showcases the fantastic thing about the encircling areas of Cusco. 

You are able to do this hike by yourself, which is able to prevent cash, or you possibly can e book one of many many accessible excursions. 

Doing this hike independently may appear too difficult for some but it surely’s additionally an journey. Right here’s the best way to get to the trailhead independently: 

• Get a Colectivo from Cusco to Mollepata for round 20 soles. These could be discovered on the Mapsme app or ask round to seek out this colectivo
• Take a taxi from Mollepata to Soryapampa. That is the place you’ll start the hike to Laguna Humantay. I counsel downloading Mapsme to make use of offline maps when mountaineering. 
• You’ll pay an entrance price in Mollepata of round 10 soles (costs could have modified barely)

If that is too difficult for you, you possibly can go to the lake with a tour group for round $25-$30 USD. The hike is simple however could be tough for some. Read my complete guide here.

Laguna Humantay sits at round 4200 meters and a few may expertise altitude illness. So, go at your personal tempo! 

• Distance: This hike is round a 2.6-mile loop hike. This varies barely relying on the path you’re taking early on.
• Length: On common it is going to take folks 2 hours to complete. This relies on health stage and time on the laguna.
• Issue: I’d rank this hike as average to tough due to the altitude and elevation achieve.
• Incline: The elevation for this hike is round 1302 ft or 396 meters.
• Mountain climbing Information: A information shouldn’t be wanted for this hike and is definitely accessible by the general public.

3. Discover the Metropolis Heart and Take a Free Strolling Tour

It’s onerous to overlook the town middle of Cusco when visiting. It’ll all the time be full of life; even into the evening, there’s all the time one thing to see and do. 

A free strolling tour is a well-liked exercise for many who wish to expertise the historical past of Cusco whereas being proven it by a neighborhood. You’ll be able to take a look at Free Walking Tours Cusco to e book a time.

A few of the stuff you’ll see are: 

• Arms sq.
• Cathedral
• The corporate of Jesus
• The final road – Inca Road Loreto
• The coricancha or Temple of the solar
• The Palace of Pachacutec
• Inca Roca Palace
• The 12-angle stone
• The San Blas neighborhood

Do not forget that simply because it’s known as a “free” strolling tour doesn’t make it free. Please tip your guides! 

4. Seize a Beer and Look Over Cusco

One in every of my favourite actions to do wherever, particularly after I first arrive, is to discover a good bar overlooking the town. And it’s no completely different in Cusco. 

What we did was go to a bar after mountaineering as much as Cristo Blanco. There are various to select from, they usually can be stumbled upon. 

Some widespread ones are Ivin Inka Beer and Santo Resto Lounge. You may even get to hangout with a cat! Learn extra about eating in Cusco at 5 Authentic Cusco Restaurants Where you Can Eat Like a Local

5. Take a Tour to Rainbow Mountain

One in every of Cusco’s fastest-growing actions during the last decade is visiting the beautiful Rainbow Mountain. Be warned, there shall be lots of people doing this exercise with a number of tour corporations. 

You’ll attain an elevation of round 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), so be ready! You will need to take a tour to succeed in Rainbow Moutain.

A tour right here prices round $30, which incorporates breakfast and lunch. It’s a full-day tour that may take round 12 hours to finish. Plan your journey to Rainbow Mountain right here: What To Expect When Hiking Rainbow Mountain Peru

Various to Rainbow Mountain – Palcoyo Mountain

In case you’re like me and don’t love massive crowds, particularly throughout a hike, there’s an identical exercise with fewer folks.  Palccoyo is in the identical space as Rainbow Mountain however doesn’t have practically the identical variety of folks mountaineering there. Look into this trek to flee the crowds and see one thing barely completely different! This highly rated tour takes you on a full-day trek to Palcoyo Mountain of colours.

6. Go to the Cristo Blanco Viewpoint

Seeing a brand new metropolis from a beautiful viewpoint is a staple of my itinerary all over the place I’m going. It helps provide you with a perspective of your new vacation spot and can be enjoyable as heck! 

The Cristo Blanco statue is among the best and greatest viewpoints on the town. This massive statue could be seen from afar the nearer you get.  It’s additionally a improbable spot to observe the sundown! After visiting Cristo Blanco, you possibly can stroll down the steps down the road to the East.  Tjere are many bars and hostels with wonderful views of Cusco! Seize a drink and loosen up. 

7. Discover the San Blas District

The San Blas district is barely out of the city middle and has many retailers and eating places! 

Right here you possibly can get pleasure from a whole lot of buying and purchase souvenirs just like the well-known alpaca sweaters and lots of others. 

Take a break whereas having fun with a espresso at one of many cute cafes! There’s a lot to do right here, you may lose monitor of time. 

8. Hike to Salkantay Trek

If you would like a novel journey whereas making an attempt to succeed in Machu Picchu, I extremely counsel mountaineering the Salkantay Trek! 

The Salkantay Trek is a 5 day hike via the mountains with the top purpose of reaching Machu Picchu. It was by far the very best exercise I did in Peru! 

The five-day itinerary will look one thing like this: 

1. You’ll be picked up out of your lodging and pushed to Soryapampa, the place you’ll start your hike to Laguna Humantay. Afterwards, spend the evening right here! 
2. Hike via the Salkantay Cross and spend the evening within the city of Colpapampa
3. Get up and hike via the canyon and low plantations to succeed in the city of Lucmabamba. 
4. Day 4 is all about reaching the city of Aguas Calientes, the bottom of Machu Picchu. Throughout at the present time you’ll attain viewpoints the place you possibly can see Machu Picchu from afar.
5. On the final day, you’ll get up early to go to Machu Picchu earlier than heading again to Cusco. 

Salkantay Trek Particulars

• Distance: To achieve Machu Picchu, this hike is a 46-mile loop. Simply the Salkantay Cross is 12.3 miles from level to level.
• Length: On common, it is going to take folks 5 days to complete. This relies on health stage and time on the laguna.
• Issue: I’d rank this hike as tough due to the altitude, elevation achieve, and size.
• Incline: The max elevation for the Salkantay trek is 4,630 meters or 15,190 ft.
• Mountain climbing Information: A information shouldn’t be wanted for this hike, however it’s accessible to the general public.

9. Go to Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman or Saqsaywaman, is among the hottest actions in Cusco, and it’s situated instantly inside the town! 

That is an previous Incan archeological web site made of enormous stones. This historic civilization put these stones collectively with out mortar.  

To entry this web site, you’ll have to purchase a ticket, which is expensive however effectively price it! A normal vacationer ticket prices round 130 soles and offers you entry to 16 completely different websites. 

With a lot to see, it’s an awesome worth for such a historic landmark.

10. Discover the Markets and Attempt Road Meals

Cusco is understood for its wonderful markets, just like the San Pedro Market. You should buy fruits, greens, meats, and even completely different souvenirs right here! 

Additionally, you possibly can’t go to Peru with out attempting a few of its native dishes! Attempt an Alpaca burger, or in the event you’re up for it, strive the Guinea Pig! Take a look at Peruvian Food: 20 Traditional Peruvian Dishes You Have to Try

If these choices don’t enchantment to you, there are many different choices at eating places all through the town and close to the town middle. If you wish to lower your expenses on meals, enterprise farther from the town middle for higher costs and a extra genuine contact! Attempt some road meals. It’s scrumptious and low-cost! 

Issues to Know Earlier than Visiting Cusco

The best way to Get from Cusco from Lima

Most individuals will discover attending to Cusco from Lima simple. Essentially the most environment friendly approach is to take a aircraft, however this isn’t the most affordable choice. 

If in case you have time and wish to lower your expenses, taking the bus from Lima to Cusco is a viable choice. Nevertheless, the bus experience is in a single day and 20+ hours lengthy. 

Flights are round $40 USD, however that’s with out a bag. A carry-on bag will practically double this worth, and a checked bag will value much more. 

Here’s what to do if you wish to take the bus:

• In case you don’t wish to go to the bus terminal, you possibly can order your ticket on Redbus. That is the go-to for on-line bus tickets in Peru.
• Julio Ceasar is among the highest-rated bus corporations however they’re all fairly good.
  •  I counsel paying for VIP or first-class tickets. It doesn’t value way more however you’ll be far more snug. I did this for each bus I took in South America that was 5+ hours (if it was accessible)
• Terminal Plaza Norte and La Victoria are two good stations. The web site and/or ticket will inform you which bus terminal it’s essential to go to. 
• Take a taxi/Uber to whichever bus terminal it states

Finest Eating places in Cusco, Peru

How Many Days to Spend in Cusco?

The quantity of days it’s best to spend in Cusco will fluctuate from individual to individual. In case you’re restricted on time, I’d counsel staying for 3 days within the metropolis.

This doesn’t embody your time visiting Machu Picchu or any multi-day trek you wish to take. Take a look at: Top Three Little Known Hiking Day Trips in Cusco, Peru

I’d counsel round per week if time isn’t an enormous deal. There’s a lot to do right here and out of doors of city, together with day journeys. 

Keep in mind, Cusco was one of the vital cities in your complete Western Hemisphere. There are limitless quantities of issues to see and do. 

Remaining Ideas about Cusco

Peru is a magical nation the place journey meets historical past, and Cusco is on the middle of this. There’s a lot to see and do right here that it’s not possible to do all the things in a single journey. Take all the things in because it comes and be current. I like this metropolis a lot that I plan to return someday quickly. There are various extra hikes to go on and adventures available!