Planning to visit one of the most popular destinations in America? Find out what to do in Cusco and do not miss the opportunity to get the best experience ever.
For those who are looking for a cultural adventure full of majestic landscapes and historical monuments, Cusco will undoubtedly be the best option. There is no other place so rich in historic and natural resources as this imperial city. Nowadays, lots of people come to theses lands just to reconnect with the past, learn about the Inca’s culture and have a good time.
It is a place full of countless attractions that visitors can enjoy with family and friends. There are so many activities you can do that even a week won’t be enough. Now, since you have a great variety of options, you will have to choose the most outstanding and important ones to make your trip an unforgettable journey.
As aforementioned, there are tons of activities in Cusco that you simply can’t miss, such as Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World that you cannot leave behind while traveling through Peru, make sure to know about the best tours and treks to Machu Picchu and choose the best for you.
Please continue reading and join us to discover what to do in Cusco this 2020 and fully enjoy your visit to this unique destination!
Visit the San Pedro Market (Central Market)
The largest supply center in Cusco city has been operating since 1925, is one of the oldest markets in Cusco. Although at first sight is somewhat chaotic, it is a place full of cultural features that shows a lot of history. Here you can find all kinds of food such as meat, vegetables, fruit, and varied crafts. It’s especially striking a variety of colors, which gives the atmosphere a very exotic air.
The security is less than in the more touristic areas of Cusco, so it is advisable to walk with a little more attention. This market represents the Cusco community both for the products offered and for its traditions. Making it the perfect spot to interact with the locals and learn a little bit more about their lifestyle.
Enjoy Cusco’s gastronomy
There is no other place in Peru where you can find such unique flavors. All mixtures of Andean cuisine are found in one place, Cusco. You can not leave the city without tasting at least one typical dish. Even though you find it quite particular, Cusco gastronomy is one of the most important in the country. So, it’s definitely worth it to try it.
A large variety of potatoes, exotic meat, traditional spices, and way more, is that you can find in Cusco. There is no doubt, you will enjoy trying these flavors and get to know as many ancient meals as you can. You won’t regret it, trust us!
Practice adventure tourism in the Sacred Valley
There is no such thing as knowing a place in a fun and adventurous way. The Sacred Valley is one of the most popular attractions in Cusco but what about exploring its territory in a different way? There are actually lots of outdoor activities that you can do in the Sacred Valley and the one we recommend the most is going on an ATV tour.
You can drive your own ATV and have a fun journey admiring the best scenarios of the Andes. Traveling through these lands with a group of friends will be one of a kind experience indeed. Not only to feel the adrenaline but to know archeological sites and beautiful landscapes on the way.
Visit Chinchero town
There is no way you can miss a visit to Chinchero also know as the “city of the rainbow”. At almost 3200 meters of altitude and 28 kilometers from Cusco city. This small town is surrounded by enormous snow-capped mountains. Chinchero is a perfect example of an Inca city. Its inhabitants still live in Inca buildings, which are preserved almost intact.
What is most remarkable is that people still preserve their traditions like textile and agriculture techniques passed from generation to generation throughout the years. Nowadays, the community has adapted to tourism demands. Making it possible for its visitors to interact with the locals and learn about their vivid culture at the same time. You can also, buy precious souvenirs made out of alpaca wool using Inca’s tools and techniques. Certainly, Chinchero will be a must-visit attraction during your trip to Cusco.
Go to Sacsayhuaman
Just 2 kilometers north of Cuzco is located this a unique Inca fortress. Considered the greatest architectural work of the Incas, it was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The extermination of the Inca nobles took not only their lives but the knowledge of how this fortification was built. Today, it’s still a mystery of how a civilization could have achieved such perfect architecture skills in such a short time.
Also, from here you can have a fabulous natural panoramic view of Cusco City. You can go with a tour operator as they depart from the city every day at any time of the day. Note that you will need the touristic ticket in order to enter the site.
Enjoy the Cusco nightlife
If you are the kind of person who loves having a good time drinking a beer with friends and listening to music at a bar or disco, Cusco will be a great choice. This city attracts every night thousands of tourists from all over the world making it the perfect spot to have a blast.
The Plaza de Armas is the center of a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs where you can enjoy all kinds of music: from electronic to Latin American. Not to mention, the great variety of drinks you can find along with a large number of events held at night. It’s clear that the city becomes the perfect place to party all night long either alone or with friends.
Take unique souvenirs with you
When visiting Cusco, the first thing that will capture our attention is the stunning historical center along with the great number of beautiful souvenirs offered by the locals everywhere. We can guarantee you won’t find such beautiful souvenirs in any other part of the country.
All this handicraft is made by the locals using ancient techniques adding them more value. The use of particular forms and stunning colors make these pieces very attractive, plus, the wool used is one of the most refined in the international markets. Try to buy some clothes or some gifts for your friends or family, they will absolutely love them.
Visit as many museums as you can
Cusco offers you a wide variety of tourist options that you should know to understand the history and cosmovision of this magical place. Thanks to the museums, we can better understand and expand our knowledge about the mythical cultures that once inhabited these lands. Now, since there are lots of museums scattered throughout the city, we have come up with a list of the most curious and important ones.
- Inka museum
- Coca Museum
- Qoricancha Museum
- Pre-Columbian Art Museum
- Santa Catalina Museum
- ChocoMuseo
We hope this post was helpful, do not ever forget that Cusco is a place full of unique attractions waiting to be discovered such as the Rainbow Mountain. If you wish to visit this natural wonder, we have the best tour for you, don’t miss this chance and hop-on to this adventure that will surely blow your mind. Enjoy your visit to the beautiful city of Cusco and try to do as much as you can during this trip.